Tap Washer Replacement / Minor Service SWMS

Tap washer replacement covers the repair of dripping and leaking taps by replacing the washer, jumper valve or spindle seal — a common, routine plumbing maintenance task that stops the leak and conserves water. While it is among the simplest plumbing tasks, it still carries the hazards of working on the water supply, the water release when the tap is dismantled, the manual handling and restricted access at the fixture, and the occasional difficulty of a seized tap. This document is written on the basis that tap repairs are carried out by a competent plumber, with the water supply isolated and the repair completed so the tap does not leak.

Tap washer replacement is routine plumbing maintenance carried out in connection with the relevant parts of AS/NZS 3500, with the water supply isolated and the tapware repaired so it does not leak. The work involves isolating the supply, dismantling the tap, replacing the washer or seal, and reassembling and testing the tap. This document coordinates the isolation, water-release and reassembly controls so the tap is repaired without an uncontrolled water release.

Hazards identified

9 hazards covered, sorted by priority.

Control measures

Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.

1. 1Administrative: isolate the water supply to the tap before the repair, and confirm the isolation so the tap is not opened under pressure.
2. 2Engineering: dismantle the tap, replace the washer, jumper valve or spindle seal, and reassemble the tap in connection with AS/NZS 3500 so it does not leak.
3. 3Administrative: where the tap is a hot tap, manage the hot water and scalding hazard, allowing hot water to clear and controlling the release.
4. 4Engineering: where a tap component is seized or corroded, use the correct technique and tools to free it without forcing or damaging the fixture.
5. 5Engineering: use correct manual-handling technique in the restricted fixture position, and manage the wet work area against slips.
6. 6Administrative: confirm correct reassembly without cross-connection, and test the tap for leaks and correct operation before completion.
7. 7Engineering: protect the fixture, basin and surrounds against damage during the repair.
8. 8Administrative: ensure the work is carried out and certified by an appropriately licensed plumber under the relevant state or territory plumbing licensing scheme, with the backflow, testing or other endorsement required and a compliance or test certificate issued where required.
9. 9Administrative: all workers must hold a valid White Card (General Construction Induction Training, CPCCWHS1001) where the work is construction work, with the plumbing competencies and any backflow, confined space or testing endorsements required for the work.
10. 10Administrative: conduct a pre-start toolbox talk covering the day's work, identified hazards, isolations, required PPE and emergency procedures, and record attendance in the consultation section.
11. 11Administrative: consult workers and any health and safety representatives on the work and its risks, record the consultation, and keep this document available at the workplace.
12. 12PPE: eye protection to AS/NZS 1337.1, hearing protection where required, gloves appropriate to the task, and Class I or Class II safety footwear with protective toecap to AS/NZS 2210.3.
13. 13Administrative: review and update this SWMS whenever the work scope changes, after any incident or near miss, when a worker or health and safety representative raises a concern, when new hazards are identified, or at minimum every 12 months.

Applicable Codes of Practice

Worked example

A plumber is engaged to repair a dripping tap at a property by replacing the washer. The water supply to the tap is isolated and the isolation confirmed so the tap is not opened under pressure. The tap is dismantled, the washer and jumper valve replaced, and the tap reassembled in connection with AS/NZS 3500 so it does not leak. Because one of the taps is a hot tap, the hot water and scalding hazard is managed, allowing hot water to clear and controlling the release. A seized spindle is freed with the correct technique and tools without forcing or damaging the fixture. Correct technique is used in the restricted position, and the wet work area managed against slips. The tap is reassembled correctly without cross-connection and tested for leaks and correct operation before completion, and the fixture and surrounds protected against damage. The plumber confirms the tap is repaired and retains the records.

Related legislation

• Model Work Health and Safety Act — primary duty of care; the duty to consult workers; the reckless-conduct offence; and notifiable-incident provisions, as enacted in each jurisdiction.
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations — Section 291 high risk construction work and the SWMS preparation and review duties, and the confined space provisions where applicable, as enacted in each jurisdiction.
• The relevant plumbing and drainage standards AS/NZS 3500 (Parts 0–5), AS/NZS 1547 for on-site wastewater, the AS 4032 and AS 1357 valve standards, AS/NZS 2845.3 for backflow field testing, and AS 1851 for fire-system service, are called up by the state and territory plumbing and building safety legislation, together with the requirements of the relevant network utility.
• Plumbing work is licensed under each state and territory's plumbing licensing scheme, with backflow and testing accreditation required for that work, and compliance or test certification required for notifiable work; electrical work is carried out by a licensed electrician.
• Victoria operates under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, with the high risk construction work and confined space provisions applying in place of the model instruments.

Frequently asked questions