How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Tap (Step by Step for SA Homes)
24 May 2026 · Plumbers On Duty
Quick answer
Most modern kitchen mixer taps leak because of a worn ceramic cartridge (R80–R250) or a perished O-ring at the spout swivel (R20). Both are 30-minute DIY fixes. If the leak is from the wall behind the tap or under the sink, call a plumber.
Identify the leak first
| Where it leaks | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| From the spout when off | Worn cartridge | Replace cartridge |
| Around the base of the spout when swivelling | Perished O-ring | Replace O-ring |
| From the lever when on | Cartridge or top seal | Replace cartridge |
| From under the sink while running | Loose supply nut | Tighten or replace washer |
| From under the sink always | Drip from cartridge body | Replace cartridge or whole tap |
| From the wall behind the tap | Pipe leak | Call a plumber |
Fixing a leaky cartridge mixer tap
Tools
- Adjustable spanner
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Allen key set (for hidden grub screws)
- New cartridge (take the old one with you to the hardware shop)
- Plumber's grease (optional, helps installation)
Steps
- Turn off the water — most kitchens have isolation valves under the sink (small flat-bladed valves on the hot and cold supply pipes). Turn both 90° clockwise. If there aren't any, turn off the main.
- Open the tap to drain remaining pressure.
- Remove the lever. Usually a hidden grub screw on the side or front, sometimes under a hot/cold cap that pops off.
- Unscrew the chrome cap (the dome under the lever) — by hand or with a spanner using a cloth to protect the chrome.
- Lift out the old cartridge. Note its orientation (the tabs go in specific slots).
- Take it to a plumbing merchant and find an exact match. Cartridges are NOT universal — there are dozens of variations even within one brand.
- Drop the new cartridge in in the same orientation, with a smear of plumber's grease on the top seal.
- Reassemble in reverse, hand-tight on the chrome cap with a final quarter-turn with the spanner.
- Turn the water back on slowly at the isolation valves.
- Test — open the tap, check for leaks at the spout, base and underneath.
Fixing a swivel-spout O-ring leak
If water drips from where the spout meets the body when you swivel it:
- Turn off the water
- Most spouts lift straight out after removing a small grub screw at the back
- You'll see one or two black rubber O-rings on the spout shaft
- Roll them off, take to a plumbing merchant, get exact replacements
- Smear with plumber's grease, roll back on, refit spout
When to replace the whole tap instead
- Cartridge is unobtainable (older imported brands often)
- Tap body is heavily corroded
- The chrome plating is flaking
- You've already replaced the cartridge once and it's leaking again within a year
- The tap is older than 10 years
A new mid-range kitchen mixer tap runs R450–R1,400 at Builders. Plumber fitting cost: R450–R900.
When to call a plumber
- Leak from under the sink that isn't a loose supply nut
- Water visible on the floor of the cupboard
- Mould or smell under the sink (long-term hidden leak)
- Water staining on the wall behind the tap
- You can't shut off the water