Water leaking around the base of my mixer tap
A puddle around the base of the kitchen or bathroom mixer, or water sitting on the bench that you can't explain, is a common problem with an easy-to-miss risk: some of that water may also be running down into the cupboard underneath, where it swells the cabinet and rots the floor. Here's what causes a mixer to leak at the base, and whether it's a repair or a replacement.
Common causes
Worn O-rings in the spout
Mixers with a swivel spout have rubber O-rings where the spout meets the body. When they wear, water seeps out around the base every time the tap runs.
Worn cartridge
The ceramic cartridge inside the mixer controls flow and temperature. A worn or cracked cartridge can leak from under the handle and down the body.
Loose mounting or failed seal
If the tap has worked loose, or the seal under its base has perished, water on the bench runs under the tap and into the cupboard.
Leaking flexi hose underneath
Sometimes the leak you see is actually below the bench. A worn flexi hose or connection drips in the cupboard. See flexi hoses.
Quick checks
- Dry the base, then run the tap. If water appears at the base only while it's running, it's probably the spout O-rings or the cartridge.
- Check under the sink with a torch for drips on the hoses, connections or cupboard floor.
- Wiggle the tap gently. If it moves, the mounting has come loose.
- If you need to stop the water, turn off the small valves under the sink. See our water shut-off guide.
Repair or replace?
Good-quality mixers can usually be repaired with new O-rings or a new cartridge, as long as parts are available. Cheaper or older mixers often can't be repaired economically, and a new mixer is the better option. We'll tell you which makes sense and give you a fixed price before any work starts. We carry common cartridges and can source parts for most brands.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
High mains pressure in parts of Matraville, Botany and Pagewood wears out cartridges and O-rings faster, and grit from older pipes scores the ceramic discs. If mixers in your home keep failing, it's worth checking the pressure too. See pressure limiting valves.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Why is my mixer tap leaking at the base?
Usually worn O-rings in a swivel spout, a worn cartridge, or a failed seal under the tap. Sometimes the real leak is a hose under the sink.
Can a mixer tap be repaired or does it need replacing?
Many can be repaired with new O-rings or a cartridge. Cheaper or older mixers are often better replaced.
Is a small leak at the base of a tap urgent?
It's worth fixing soon, because water can run into the cupboard below and damage the cabinet and floor without you seeing it.
Why do my mixer taps keep wearing out?
High water pressure and grit in the water are common reasons. A pressure test and a pressure limiting valve can help.
Related help: taps and toilets, dripping taps guide, flexi hoses and leak detection. Local pages: taps and toilets Matraville, taps and toilets Maroubra, taps and toilets Botany and taps and toilets Pagewood.