Hawthorn East Kitchen Upgrade Solves Persistent Tap Leak
When a Leaking Tap Becomes More Than a Nuisance
A dripping tap may seem minor, but for one homeowner in Hawthorn East, it quickly became a daily frustration. What started as a slow drip near the kitchen sink raised bigger concerns about water damage, wasted water, and the safety of the existing plumbing behind the walls.
With a kitchen renovation underway, including a new sink and cabinetry, this was the perfect opportunity to call a trusted plumber Hawthorn East and resolve the problem properly rather than apply another temporary fix.
Assessing the Plumbing Before the Upgrade
This was more than a simple tap replacement. Removing the old sink and cabinet revealed ageing galvanised pipes, outdated waste lines, and potential issues with electrical bonding. The client wanted reassurance that the work would meet current safety standards and avoid future leaks or compliance problems.
O’Shea Plumbing approached the job with careful planning and professionalism. A thorough inspection was carried out to evaluate the leaking tap, pipework condition, and the layout of the new cabinetry. For added safety, a licensed Melbourne electrician checked the electrical bonding on the galvanised pipes, ensuring the installation would be fully compliant and future-proof.

Preparing the Kitchen Cabinet and Plumbing
Once the groundwork was complete, the team began the upgrade:
- Cabinet preparation: Holes were drilled precisely to accommodate the existing water points and waste, ensuring a clean and functional layout. New timbers were installed for proper cabinet support, preventing future movement that could cause leaks.
- Waste pipe replacement: The old galvanised waste pipe was removed and responsibly disposed of. Modern PVC piping was installed, improving drainage, reducing blockages, and lowering the risk of leaks and odours.
- Water lines and isolation valves: Hot and cold-water lines were rerouted neatly inside the cabinet. New isolation valves were added, allowing the client to easily shut off water to the mixer for maintenance, preventing potential damage or stress later.
Finally, the client-supplied sink and mixer were installed with careful alignment, sealing, and finishing to the highest standard.
Testing and Ensuring Long-Term Reliability
All work was rigorously tested before completion. Water pressure, drainage, and connections were checked to ensure there were no leaks and that everything functioned as intended.
The result was a fully transformed kitchen sink area: the leak was gone, the plumbing modernised, and the homeowner gained peace of mind knowing the installation was safe, compliant, and built to last.

Why Professional Water Leak Detection Matters
Leaking taps can be a symptom of larger underlying plumbing issues, especially in older homes. Early water leak detection and professional repairs help avoid:
- Ongoing maintenance headaches
- Water damage to cabinetry and floors
- Higher water bills and wasted resources
- Emergency plumbing problems
By addressing the problem properly the first time, the client avoided unnecessary costs and invested in a long-lasting solution.
Trusted Plumbing Services in Hawthorn East
This project demonstrates why homeowners in Hawthorn East and surrounding suburbs rely on O’Shea Plumbing. Whether it’s water leak detection, blocked drains Melbourne properties often experience, or major plumbing upgrades, the team delivers safe, reliable, and compliant solutions.
For urgent issues or planned renovations, O’Shea Plumbing also provides emergency plumber Melbourne services, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and expert advice to ensure your home’s plumbing is fully optimised.
Contact O’Shea Plumbing today on (03) 9888 2887 to schedule an inspection or discuss your plumbing needs and enjoy reliable solutions that last.

