How Much Water Does a Leaking Tap Waste?
A leaking tap might seem harmless, but those tiny drips can add up to shocking amounts of wasted water — and higher bills.
Even a slow drip can waste up to 20 litres per day. Over a year, that’s more than 12,000 litres down the drain. And if you have a running tap or a leaking toilet, the water loss could fill a small swimming pool in just a few months.
Fixing leaks quickly is one of the easiest ways to save water and reduce your bills.
Common Causes of a Leaking Tap
Leaking taps happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:
Worn-out washers – rubber washers break down and stop sealing properly.
Damaged valves – prevent the tap from shutting off completely.
Corroded pipes – rust or mineral deposits can create leaks around fittings.
Loose fittings – poorly tightened taps or connectors allow water to seep through.
High water pressure – accelerates wear and forces leaks through weak spots.
Identifying the cause early means less water waste, fewer plumbing issues, and lower bills.
How Much Water Does a Leaking Tap Waste?
1 slow dripping tap → up to 20 litres a day (~12,000 litres a year).
Multiple dripping taps → thousands of litres wasted every month.
Leaking toilet cistern → hundreds of litres per day, silently wasted.
💡 That wasted water isn’t just bad for the environment — it’s costing you money.
The Financial Impact of Leaks
A single dripping tap can add hundreds of dollars a year to your water bills.
Leaking toilets are even worse — one faulty cistern can waste hundreds of litres daily, often without you noticing.
🔍 Quick tip: Check your water meter. If it’s moving while all taps are off, you’ve got a hidden leak.
How to Measure Water Waste from a Tap
Want to know exactly how much water you’re losing? Try these methods:
Measuring cup test – Catch drips for 10 minutes, then multiply.
Water meter check – Look for movement when taps are off.
Online drip calculator – Convert drips per minute into litres.
Compare water bills – Spikes often signal leaks.
Leaking Toilets: The Silent Water Waster
A leaking toilet wastes far more water than a tap. Warning signs include:
Constant trickling noises
The bowl refilling when not flushed
Higher-than-usual water bills
💧 Try this: Add food colouring to the cistern. If colour appears in the bowl without flushing, your toilet is leaking.
Why Call a Licensed Plumber?
DIY tap fixes might help temporarily, but only a licensed plumber can:
Properly inspect taps, pipes, and valves
Detect hidden leaks before they cause damage
Provide long-term repairs that save money and water
Ensure all work complies with plumbing regulations
How to Prevent Leaks
Check taps, toilets, and pipes regularly
Replace washers and valves at first sign of wear
Install water-efficient fittings
Monitor your water meter for unusual usage
Fix leaks immediately — don’t delay
Preventative maintenance keeps your plumbing efficient, saves water, and protects your property.
The Bottom Line: Stop the Drips
A leaking tap may look minor, but it can waste thousands of litres of water each year. Ignoring leaks means higher bills, wasted water, and possible plumbing damage.
💧 Fixing leaks quickly is a simple way to save water, save money, and protect your home.
📞 If you’ve got a leaking tap or toilet, call Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance on 0448 535 629. Our licensed Melbourne plumbers provide fast, reliable leak repairs — available 24/7.