A leaking tap spindle is one of the most common household plumbing problems in New Zealand, and the good news is that most homeowners can fix it themselves without replacing the entire tap. The repair usually involves replacing a worn jumper valve washer, O-ring, or packing — all inexpensive parts available at your local hardware store.
Understanding Why a Tap Spindle Leaks
The spindle is the shaft inside the tap body that you turn to control water flow. Over time, the rubber components that seal the spindle wear out, causing water to weep around the handle or drip from the spout even when the tap is fully closed. The two most common culprits are:
- Jumper valve washer — a small rubber disc at the base of the spindle that presses against the tap seat to stop flow. When it wears flat or cracks, the tap drips from the spout.
- O-ring or packing — seals around the spindle body itself. When these fail, water leaks up around the spindle or out from under the handle.
Identifying which is leaking helps you buy the right parts before you start.
Tools and Parts You'll Need
- Adjustable spanner or tap spanner
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Shifting pliers (with jaw protectors or a cloth to protect chrome)
- Replacement jumper valve washer (check the size — common sizes are 12 mm and 15 mm)
- Replacement O-rings (bring the old one to the store to match the size)
- PTFE tape (plumber's tape)
- Tap packing (graphite or rubber, if your tap uses it)
- Silicone grease
You'll find these parts at Bunnings or Mitre 10. Older NZ homes may have non-standard tap fittings, so it pays to remove the old parts first and take them in-store to match.
Step-by-Step: Fixing the Spindle
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the isolation valve under the sink or basin, or turn off the water at the toby (main stopcock) — usually near the boundary or water meter. Open the tap to release any remaining pressure and drain the line.
2. Remove the Tap Handle
Prise off the decorative cap on top of the handle (usually a small plastic disc marked H or C). Undo the screw underneath, then lift the handle off. If it's stiff, gently wiggle it — avoid forcing it.
3. Remove the Headgear (Spindle Assembly)
Use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the headgear nut — the large hexagonal nut that holds the spindle in the tap body. Turn anticlockwise. Once loose, lift the entire spindle assembly out.
4. Replace the Jumper Valve Washer
At the bottom of the spindle you'll find the jumper valve and washer. The washer is held by a small brass nut — undo it, remove the old washer, and fit the new one. Make sure it sits flat and is the correct diameter. Refit the nut firmly but don't overtighten.
5. Replace the O-Ring or Packing
Inspect the spindle body for O-rings (rubber rings seated in grooves). Roll them off and replace with matching new ones lightly coated in silicone grease. If your tap uses graphite packing (common in older NZ taps), remove the old packing from the gland nut and wind new packing clockwise around the spindle before reassembling.
6. Check the Tap Seat
While the spindle is out, shine a torch into the tap body and inspect the tap seat — the brass ring the washer presses against. If it looks pitted or grooved, a worn seat can cause ongoing leaks even with a new washer. A tap reseating tool (available at hardware stores) can resurface it, or a plumber can do this quickly.
7. Reassemble and Test
Refit the spindle assembly, tighten the headgear nut firmly (don't overtighten — you can crack older fittings), reattach the handle, and slowly turn the water back on. Check for leaks around the spindle and at the spout. A small amount of PTFE tape on the headgear thread can help if there's any weeping at the nut.
Is This DIY Work Legal in New Zealand?
Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) rules, homeowners are permitted to carry out minor maintenance on their own home's plumbing, including replacing tap washers, O-rings and packing. This is not considered restricted building work or licensed plumbing work, provided you are not altering pipework, installing new fittings, or working on sanitary drainage.
However, if the job involves cutting or joining pipes, installing new valves, or working on a rental property, a licensed plumber must be used. Always check with the PGDB if you're unsure of the boundaries.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed plumber if:
- The tap seat is badly damaged and reseating doesn't fix it
- The tap body itself is cracked or corroded
- You can't isolate the water supply (faulty toby valve)
- Water is leaking from the pipework behind the wall
- You're a landlord — rental properties must meet Healthy Homes Standards and plumbing work should be done by a licensed tradesperson
- You're simply not confident — a small job done wrong can cause water damage
A qualified local plumber can usually fix a tap spindle in under an hour. Find a licensed plumber near you on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board — licensing and homeowner work
- MBIE Building Performance — what work requires consent
- Tenancy Services — Healthy Homes Standards
- WorkSafe NZ — working safely around water and utilities
- Bunnings NZ — plumbing parts and tap washers
- Mitre 10 NZ — plumbing supplies