Almost all of us have dealt with a leaking tap at least once in our lifetime. Whether it’s the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry, these leaks can sometimes be a quick fix, but in most cases, you’ll need to call in a professional.

So, why should you call in a plumber rather than fixing it yourself? If you’re unable to stop it by tightening the tap handle, we’re here to explain the many reasons why it’s best to leave it to the pros. As one of Australia’s leading emergency plumbing companies, we’ve seen our fair share of leaks and know just how important it is to get them properly resolved.

Why Leaking Taps Require Your Attention

It’s easy to pass off a leaking tap as a minor issue. After all, it’s only a minor inconvenience, right? Unfortunately, the reality is that even a minor leak can mask a major underlying problem. With that in mind, let’s explore why leaking taps require your full attention.

1. The Hidden Cost of Water Waste

That constant drip might not seem like a big deal at first, but it adds up fast. A tap that leaks once per second can waste over 12,000 litres of water per year. That’s enough to fill a small swimming pool, and most importantly, enough to add a noticeable bump to your water bill. In cities with high water rates, that’s money quite literally going down the drain.

Whether you’re trying to cut household costs or just do your bit for the environment, it all boils down to this: allowing a leak to continue is the wrong move.

2. Water Damage Builds Up Silently

It’s not just about the water that goes down the sink. Leaking taps allow moisture to build up in places you don’t see, such as inside cabinetry, behind walls, or under flooring. Over time, this moisture has the potential to damage wood, weaken plaster, and even affect the structure of your home.

Unfortunately, you might not even notice this until it’s too late, and at that point, you’re looking at extensive repairs that go well beyond plumbing. Think about it like this. What starts as a simple drip can and often will end up as a full-scale renovation.

3. Leaks Attract Mould and Mildew

Moisture is the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, especially in enclosed spaces like underneath the sink. Once it takes hold, mould is likely to spread quickly and become quite tough to remove. This isn’t all. It also creates musty odours and can even pose health risks, especially to anyone prone to asthma and allergies.

A leaking tap might not scream “health hazard,” but that’s exactly what it can become if left unresolved. The good news is that fixing the leak is your first line of defence.

4. The Real Problem Is Often Hidden

It’s easy to assume the leak is coming from a worn washer or a loose handle. But plumbing problems are rarely that straightforward. From old valves to high water pressure and internal corrosion, a visible drip might actually be a symptom of something deeper.

Much like taking medicine for a common cold, DIY fixes can mask the symptom temporarily, but not address the underlying cause. A licensed plumber knows how to investigate the entire system, then use cutting-edge equipment to spot issues that aren’t immediately obvious.

5. Leaks Can Affect Your Home’s Value

If you’re thinking of either leasing or selling your home, visible leaks or water damage are factors that can instantly turn buyers or tenants away. This is because they tend to raise red flags about how well the property has been maintained, as well as pose the potential for future costs.

Even small signs of water damage or dampness can lower your home’s appeal. Tackling leaks early, therefore, is a smart way to protect your investment and avoid questions later on.

Don’t let a simple leak turn into something seriously stressful. Give us a call and we’ll be right there to lend a helping hand! Whether you need plumbers in Bundaberg, Bendigo, or a major city, rest assured that PlumbCall has your back.

5 Reasons Why You Should Call a Licensed Plumber

So, now that you understand why not to ignore the issue, here’s why we always recommend getting it checked out by a licensed plumber. As our motto says, the best approach is to “do what you do best, and we’ll handle the rest.”

1. You Might Make It Worse

It’s tempting to reach for the toolbox and try fixing it yourself. But unless you’ve got plumbing experience, there’s a good chance you’ll make things worse.

One common mistake is overtightening, which can lead to cracked fittings. Replacing the wrong part is another DIY misstep that only causes leaks to get worse. Sometimes, you’ll fix something minor, but simultaneously create other problems down the line.

Professional plumbers bring more than just tools — they bring knowledge. They know how to identify the real issue, test the water pressure, and check for hidden damage. Trying to guess your way through the fix usually ends in frustration, extra costs, and sometimes damage that’s far more serious than the original leak.

2. It’ll Cost You More If You Wait

A lot of people ignore small leaks, thinking they’ll get around to fixing them when they have time. But those delays often turn an easy repair into a more expensive problem.

Water can corrode metal fittings, damage seals, and even warp timber over time. A small leak may even leave you with a damaged cabinet, or cause flooring to lift. If and when the leak travels into walls or under tiles, the repair bill jumps fast.

What started as a $150 job could end up costing thousands, particularly if you wait too long. Calling a plumber early is the smart move, not just the safe one.

Dealing with a leaking tap? Who you gonna call? Let PlumbCall come to your rescue. With plumbers available across Australia, we’ll be right there to resolve the issue in no time. Call 1300 669 111 or book right here online.

3. A Serious Waste of Water

Been wanting to reduce your quarterly water bill? It’s hard to believe, but a leaking tap can waste tens of thousands of litres of water each year. That slow, steady drip is easy to ignore, but it adds up quickly.

In places like South Australia, where water rates are among the highest in the country, that leak is more than a nuisance. It’s costly. Water is, of course, a precious resource. It’s fair to say that in this sense, allowing a leak to go unchecked isn’t just bad for your wallet, it’s bad for the environment.

A plumber with the right knowledge, equipment, and experience can fix the problem properly, stop the wastage, and help you avoid ongoing spikes in your water bill.

4. Health Risks You Might Not See

When water escapes into cabinets or wall cavities, it creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew. This damage isn’t always visible straight away, and it can develop for weeks or months before any signs begin to appear.

Mould spores create an unsanitary environment that’s quite bad for respiratory issues and allergic reactions, especially so for kids, the elderly, and people who suffer from asthma. On top of that, stagnant water in hidden spaces tends to attract pests and bacteria. A qualified plumber doesn’t just stop the leak. They also check surrounding areas for hidden moisture to prevent further complications.

5. Legal and Rental Requirements

If you own your home, you’re responsible for keeping the plumbing in safe working condition. That means using licensed tradespeople to carry out repairs. In some states, DIY plumbing repairs can void warranties, affect insurance claims, or even leave you liable for further damage.

And if you’re renting, it’s even more straightforward. Tenants aren’t allowed to carry out plumbing work themselves. That includes something as simple as trying to fix a tap. If something goes wrong, you could be in breach of your lease or lose part of your bond.

Landlords also have responsibilities. If a tenant reports a leak, it’s your job to get a licensed plumber to fix it, not to put it off or patch it up.

Get on the Front Foot and Contact PlumbCall Today

At PlumbCall, we’ve seen every kind of leak in the book, all the way from minor kitchen drips to hidden laundry disasters. We’ve also seen what happens when small problems are ignored or fixed poorly.

Luckily, we have licensed plumbers available 24/7 for homes, businesses, and rental properties across Australia. Whether you’re dealing with an annoying drip or a full plumbing emergency, we’ve got the tools, training, and experience to fix it fast and properly.

Our services come with all of the following benefits

1. 100% Money Back Guarantee
2. Guaranteed Speed
3. Locally Owned & Operated
4. 24hr Immediate Response

So if you’ve got a leaking tap, don’t wait for it to get worse. Get on top of it now and save yourself the hassle later.

Contact PlumbCall today and speak with your local team to get your leak sorted by a licensed pro.