A constantly dripping tap is one of those small annoyances that can waste a surprising amount of water over time — and add up on your water bill. The good news is that replacing a tap washer is one of the few plumbing jobs a New Zealand homeowner can legally do themselves, and it requires only basic tools and a little patience.
Is This Legal for a Homeowner to Do?
In New Zealand, most plumbing work is restricted work that must be carried out by a licensed plumber registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). However, replacing a tap washer on an existing tap is generally considered routine maintenance that a homeowner can do on their own property. You are not permitted to alter pipework, move fittings, or carry out any work that requires a compliance certificate. If you're unsure whether your job goes beyond a simple washer swap, check with the PGDB or hire a professional.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Before you start, gather everything so you're not hunting around mid-job with the water off:
- Adjustable spanner or shifting spanner
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Replacement tap washers (a mixed pack covers most sizes — available at Bunnings or Mitre 10)
- O-rings (grab a few while you're there — they often need replacing at the same time)
- Plumber's grease (silicone-based)
- Cloth or towel to protect chrome finishes and catch drips
- Bucket for residual water
Washer packs are inexpensive — as a guide, expect to pay a few dollars for a mixed pack. It's worth buying a variety so you have spares on hand.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
This is the most important step. Locate the isolating valve under the sink or basin — it's usually a small valve on the supply pipe that you can turn with a flathead screwdriver. If there's no isolating valve, you'll need to turn off the toby (water meter stopcock) at the boundary of your property. Once off, open the tap fully to release any pressure and drain residual water into your bucket.
Step 2: Remove the Tap Handle
Pop off the decorative cap on top of the tap handle (usually a small plastic disc marked H or C). Underneath you'll find a screw — remove it and lift the handle off. Some handles are stiff; a gentle wiggle usually frees them. Avoid forcing with a screwdriver as you can crack older ceramic handles.
Step 3: Unscrew the Headgear
With the handle off, you'll see the headgear (the main body of the tap mechanism). Use your adjustable spanner to unscrew it anti-clockwise. Wrap the jaws with a cloth first to avoid scratching chrome. Once removed, you'll see the jumper valve at the bottom — this holds the washer.
Step 4: Replace the Washer
The washer is a small rubber disc held in place by a brass nut or simply pressed onto a peg. Remove the old washer — it will likely be flattened, cracked, or hardened with age. Compare it to your replacement washers and select the correct size. Press or screw the new washer firmly into place. While you're here, inspect the O-ring on the headgear and replace it if it looks worn — this prevents leaks around the base of the tap.
Apply a small amount of plumber's grease to the O-ring and the threads before reassembly.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
Screw the headgear back in clockwise — firm but not overtightened, as this can damage the seat. Reattach the handle and replace the screw and cap. Slowly turn the water supply back on and check for leaks around the headgear. Turn the tap on and off a couple of times, then leave it in the closed position and watch for drips. Job done!
Common Problems and What They Mean
| Symptom | Likely Cause | DIY Fix? |
|---|---|---|
| Tap still drips after new washer | Damaged tap seat | Seat can sometimes be re-ground — otherwise call a plumber |
| Leak around headgear base | Worn O-ring | Yes — replace O-ring |
| Handle hard to turn | Worn or dry thread | Apply plumber's grease |
| Water leaks from body of tap | Cracked tap body | No — replace tap (restricted work) |
When to Call a Professional
Some situations go beyond a simple washer replacement and require a licensed plumber. Call a professional if:
- The tap seat is damaged (pitted or grooved) and re-grinding doesn't solve the drip
- You need to replace the entire tap — connecting to existing pipework is restricted work
- There is corrosion or damage to the supply pipes
- You're working on a rental property — landlords must ensure all plumbing work meets the Healthy Homes Standards and is completed to a compliant standard
- You simply aren't confident — there's no shame in calling a pro!
You can find a qualified local plumber on tradedirectory.co.nz to get the job done right.
A Note on Older NZ Homes
Many New Zealand homes — particularly those built before the 1990s — have older style pillar taps with traditional rubber washers, which are straightforward to service. Newer ceramic disc taps work differently; they use a ceramic cartridge rather than a rubber washer. If your tap has a quarter-turn action, it likely has a ceramic disc. Replacing a ceramic cartridge follows a similar process but requires the correct cartridge for your tap brand. BRANZ has useful guidance on maintaining older NZ homes.