Common tap leaks include drips from the spout outlet, leaks at a swivel-spout joint, around the handle or spindle, at the tap base, through the tap body, and at supply connections under the sink. Identify the type by noting where water first appears and whether it occurs while the tap is off, running or being moved.
Identify the leak by location
- Spout-outlet drip: A drip that continues after the tap is turned off usually points to an internal sealing fault.
- Spout-joint leak: Water appears where a swivel spout meets the tap body, often while the tap is running or the spout is moved.
- Handle or spindle leak: A leak around the handle or spindle commonly appears while the tap is open.
- Tap-base leak: Water gathers where the tap meets the sink or benchtop. Learn why water gathers at the tap base after ruling out splashing, wet hands or water tracking back from the spout.
- Tap-body leak: Water emerges through a visible crack, split or corroded section of the tap.
- Under-sink connection leak: Moisture forms on a supply hose, pipe, isolation valve or connection beneath the fixture. It may wet cabinetry before becoming visible elsewhere.
The first visible drip is not always the source because water can track along the tap, hose, pipe or underside of the benchtop. The leak location also does not confirm which internal component has failed.
Check where water first appears
Dry the tap, sink, benchtop and cabinet, then observe the fixture while it is off and briefly while running.
- Hold dry tissue against each visible joint or connection.
- Note the first place that becomes wet, above or below the sink.
- Check whether moisture appears while the tap is off, running or the spout is moving.
- Rule out splashing and water tracking from another surface.
Do not dismantle fittings or concealed plumbing. If water is flowing continuously or entering cabinetry, check when a dripping tap becomes a flood risk, then turn off an accessible isolation valve or the property’s main water supply only if you can do so safely. Do not access shared, restricted or unsafe infrastructure.
If the leak is concealed, cannot be safely isolated or is causing damage, contact our licensed leaking tap plumbers for assessment.