QA

Question: How To Replace A Ceramic Tap Washer

How do you take apart a ceramic tap cartridge?

Why does my ceramic tap drip?

Ceramic disc taps feature a cartridge within the tap that contain a pair of ceramic discs. If you do experience dripping this is usually caused by a scratched ceramic disc. In order to rectify the leak you must replace the entire cartridge as follows.

Can you repair a ceramic tap?

Ceramic tap cartridge repair or replacement. Before conducting this process, please check with your local plumber (or get in touch with our expert team here) that you have acquired the correct replacement ceramic disc catridge. To repair or replace a ceramic disc cartridge you will need: New ceramic tap cartridge.

Can you replace standard tap valve with ceramic?

Answer. Yes, it is straight forward to change a ceramic cartridge and full fitting instructions will be provided with your purchase.

How long do ceramic tap valves last?

How Long Do Ceramic Disc Cartridges Last? A lifetime. But it depends on the hardness of your water (contact your water provider), and the quality of the tap itself. A cheap tap, even with ceramic discs, is going to wear down over time.

Are ceramic disc taps any good?

Plumbing connections for ceramic disc are no different to other taps, and with that comes all the ease of a quarter-turn technology, and a more durable, longer lasting tap without those annoying leaks. From a long-term maintenance point of view, ceramic disc taps are much better than normal taps.

Why does my tap drip after I turn it off?

The faucet valve (working parts) is housed in the handle and controls the on/off, volume, and temperature control. Over time, a faucet valve can lose its ability to make a water-tight seal, so water will drip out even in the off position.

DO quarter turn taps have washers?

Instead of the washer used in the old type taps, there are two ceramic discs held down over the water supply pipe. The quarter turn is normally ‘handed’ when a pair are purchased – i.e. one tap turns clockwise to open, while the other tap turns anticlockwise.

Are all tap valves the same?

In the UK 95% of taps are either BSP 1/2″ (Basin size) or 3/4″ (Bath size). The BSP “British Pipe Standard ” doesn’t refer to any physical dimension, which is very confusing and is why we display all the dimensions in mm.

Is there a difference between hot and cold ceramic tap valves?

The Hot and Cold valves are the same, but open in different directions, so please select the valve you need according to how your taps work. If you have a two lever tap, the hot side has a valve and the cold side has a diverter.

Are hot and cold ceramic tap valves the same?

In other words both the Hot and Cold valves are the same but open in mirror directions so please select the valve you require according to how your taps work. If you have a two lever ‘filterflow’ or ‘aquifier’ tap then the hot side has a valve and the cold side has a diverter cartridge for the cold and filtered cold.

Can I change a tap washer without turning the water off?

There should be an isolation valve underneath the tap which can be used to turn off the water to that particular sink or, if you don’t have one of these, turn off the water at the mains. If you’re changing the tap washer on the hot water tap then you will need to turn off the boiler and immersion heater too.

How do you lubricate a tap?

Apply the silicone lubricant to the faucet’s O-rings, valve stem and other moving parts. Remove the faucet’s retaining nut, which may be located above the spout, if you need to apply lubricant to the base.

How long should a tap valve last?

Given the ever-improving quality of taps, modern tap designs can be expected to last between 15 and 20 years typically.

Do ceramic disc taps wear out?

Ceramic disc taps are designed to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, in hard water areas they do not and it is as well to know how they operate and how to service them. It is very rare for the ceramic discs to wear out and the need to replace them is even rarer.

How long should a kitchen mixer tap last?

Mixer taps generally last for 5-10 years and they only have a 1 year warranty. So if the tap is over 1 year old, expect to replace it for a new one.

What is the best type of tap washer?

Nylon tap washers are a popular option for sealing tap valves closed. Due to their properties, nylon spacer washers provide a reliable seal on most types of tap. Typically, nylon sealing washers are chosen for offering: High strength.

What is a ceramic disc faucet?

Ceramic Disc Valve. The newest type of faucet valve is the ceramic disc valve. This innovative valve design incorporates two rotating discs made from ceramic. The discs contain channels that align when rotated, which allows water to flow and control over temperature settings.

How long do tap spindles last?

‘ Tap washers can last a long time, but sometimes they can only last 12 months or less. You know your tap washers need replacing when the taps are turned off and the faucet still drips. Or if the water won’t turn off – which is a sign that the tap washer has been completely stripped and no longer seals on the tap seat.

Why is shut off valve leaking?

Since cut-off (shut-off) valves are rarely used, the washer inside the valve can become hard or covered with mineral deposits over time. When you close the valve then open it again, the washer on the valve stem may not seat properly, causing it to leak around the valve stem nut.

How do you descale a shower valve?

Remove handle and trim piece from the front of the valve body. With channel lock pliers, unthread the cartridge and remove from the valve body. Soak the cartridge in white vinegar for an hour. Remove and rinse thoroughly with water.

How do you remove limescale from a mixer tap?

If the limescale is very hard, you should give the aerator a thorough clean. Many BLANCO mixer taps allow you to simply unscrew the small nozzle anti-clockwise. You can then steep the jet regulator in vinegar water or citric acid overnight.