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Leaking Tap Repairs Wellington

Kitchen & Bathroom Tap Repairs

Maxey Plumbing repairs and replaces leaking taps across Wellington City, the Hutt Valley and Porirua, from kitchen mixers to shower valves and outdoor taps. Our vans carry common washers, cartridges and tapware, so most leaks are fixed on the first visit.

Signs Your Tap Needs Attention

A dripping tap might seem minor, but it can waste thousands of litres a year and quietly damage benchtops, vanities and cabinetry. Watch for:

  • Water dripping from the spout after it's turned off

  • Water pooling around the base of the tap

  • A handle that's stiff, loose or needs extra force to shut off

  • Damp or swollen cabinetry under the sink or vanity

  • Water or a whistling noise when the tap is turned on

  • A higher water bill with no obvious reason

Already having us out for a leaking tap? We can take care of the rest of your kitchen plumbing in the same visit

Young woman talking by mobile phone advising how to unclog a sink drain with plumber
Traditional mid-century and earlier hillside homes make a residential pattern on city hillside in Wellington New Zealand.

What Causes a Tap to Leak?

  • Worn washers and O-rings: Older-style taps use rubber washers that harden and crack over time.

  • Worn ceramic cartridges: Modern mixers use cartridges that wear out with daily use, causing drips or poor temperature control.

  • High water pressure: Many Wellington homes on mains pressure put extra strain on tap internals, which shortens their life.

  • Loose or corroded connections: Leaks under the sink often come from flexible hoses or fittings rather than the tap itself.

  • Grit and debris: Sediment in the water supply can damage seals and stop taps closing fully.

Kitchen Plumbing in Wellington

Already having us out for a leaking tap? We can take care of the rest of your kitchen plumbing in the same visit:

  • Kitchen mixer and tap installation

  • Sink installation and replacement

  • Dishwasher connections

  • Fridge water lines for ice makers and filtered water

  • Under-sink water filters

  • Leaking waste pipes and traps under the sink

  • Blocked kitchen sinks

  • Hot water system health check

As Wellington's Authorised Rheem Service Centre, we can also check your hot water cylinder, looking at the relief valve, tempering valve, pressure and any signs of corrosion or leaks. If it's due for a repair or replacement, we'll give you an upfront quote on the spot, with no obligation. It's an easy way to catch a problem before you're left with a cold shower.

Areas We Serve

    

Area

Coverage

Central Wellington: Wellington CBD, Te Aro

Same day / Next Day

Western suburbs: Kelburn, Karori, Wadestown, Wilton

Same day/ Next Day

Southern suburbs: Island Bay, Newtown, Berhampore, Brooklyn

Same day/ Next Day

Eastern suburbs: Miramar, Seatoun, Strathmore Park, Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay, Hataitai

Same day/ Next Day

Lower Hutt: Petone, Lower Hutt Central, Naenae, Stokes Valley, Wainuiomata

Same day/ Next Day

Upper Hutt: Upper Hutt Central, Silverstream, Trentham

Same day/ Next Day

Porirua: Porirua Central, Titahi Bay, Cannons Creek, Whitby, Paremata, Plimmerton

Same day/ Next Day

 
* Calls received before midday are usually seen same day.
* Most urgent cylinder replacements can be installed next business day.

Can’t see your suburb listed? Give us a call on 04 390 0135. We likely have a van in your area and can get a specialist to your door quickly.

To Repair or Replace?

Not every leaking tap needs replacing. We'll tell you honestly which makes more sense.

  1. Repair if the tap is in good condition and parts are available. A new washer or cartridge is often a quick, low-cost fix.

  2. Replace if the tap is old, corroded, leaking from the body, or parts are no longer made for it. Upgrading to a quality mixer is often cheaper over time than repeated repairs.

Why Wellington Homeowners Call Maxey First

We've been fixing taps across the Wellington region for more than 20 years, which means we've seen most of what this city's pipework can throw at us, from root-choked clay pipe in a Kelburn villa to storm debris blocking a gully trap in Porirua after a southerly.

Every plumber is a registered Master Plumber, and every job is backed by the Master Plumbers Guarantee. Pricing is agreed before we start, not adjusted afterwards.

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does a dripping tap waste?

A steady drip can waste thousands of litres a year. As well as the water, a dripping hot tap means you're paying to heat water that goes straight down the drain.

Can I fix a leaking tap myself?

Changing a washer on an older tap can be a DIY job if you're confident and can isolate the water. Modern mixers are harder because the cartridges are brand-specific, and getting it wrong can cause a bigger leak. If you're unsure, it's usually quicker and cheaper to call a plumber.

My hot tap is dripping. Is that a hot water cylinder problem?

Usually not. It's normally the tap itself. But if water is also dripping from a pipe outside the house or near your cylinder, that can be a cylinder valve issue.

Why does my tap keep leaking after it's been fixed?

Repeat leaks often point to high water pressure or a worn tap body. We'll check your pressure and, if needed, recommend a pressure-limiting valve or a replacement tap so it doesn't keep happening.

Do you do kitchen plumbing for renovations?

Yes. We handle disconnections, relocations and reconnections for sinks, taps, dishwashers and fridge water lines, and work around your kitchen installer's schedule.

Get Your Leaking Tap Fixed

Stop the drip before it costs you more. Call or request a quote online and we'll get a plumber to you.