Everyone has experienced a leaking tap in their home at some point in their life. It's one of those very annoying issues that many tend to put off fixing until it's too late. However, if leaks are ignored for long enough, it has the potential to wreak havoc on your home and finances.
Replacing the ceramic cartridge is the most effective way to repair a leaking mixer tap. It's actually a very simple DIY job that anybody can complete, regardless of experience, and the sooner you start, the less water and money you'll waste down the drain.
Mixer taps are a popular choice of tapware in Australian bathrooms, kitchens and laundries because of their functionality and stylish design.Traditionally, Australian homes featured a 3-piece tap set that consisted of separate hot and cold taps and a spout.
Dodgers Tap|ceramic Cartridge Mixing Valve 35mm/40mm For Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets
Contemporary mixer taps have a more streamlined and modern design, allowing users to control the temperature and flow of water with a single handle.
The majority of 3-piece tapware contains an internal rubber seal or washer. Over time, this washer can deteriorate and cause leakages. Rather than a washer, most modern mixer tapware utilises a higher-quality and longer-lasting ceramic cartridge.
A ceramic mixer tap cartridge is a cylindrical component located at the centre of the tap and is responsible for regulating water flow and temperature. It consists of a pair of discs that sit atop one another - the bottom disc remains fixed while the upper disc rotates when the handle is operated.
Mm Diameter Mixer Tap Cartridge
When the handle is turned ‘on’, the upper disc moves, permitting water to flow through the mixer. When the handle is returned to its ‘off’ position, the ceramic disc blocks the water flow. Whilst mixer cartridges are far more advanced and durable than washers, they can still be prone to cracks and scratches which can cause leaks.
There are a few different reasons as to why a mixer tap may leak, but the most common culprit is a worn-out or damaged mixer cartridge.
When this happens, the seals inside the cartridge start to break down, which allows water to escape. Other causes of leakage may include a corroded or blocked valve, faulty installation or a loose connection.
Mm / 35 Mm / 40 Mm Ceramic Cartridge Taps Mixer With Low Torque Accessories Spindle Free Rotation Flat Base For Sink Shower Hot And Cold Mixing Valve
Generally, mixer tap cartridges should last anywhere from five to ten years. However, this will depend on how often the tap is used and also the water hardness in your area.
Replacing a mixer tap cartridge is a relatively simple task, but it's important that you read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. In most cases, you'll need to purchase a replacement mixer cartridge from your original tap supplier before you can begin.
If you are looking to replace a cartridge for a Sink Warehouse mixer tap, contact our support team on 1300 301 000 today.
A Guide To Mixer Tap Cartridge Replacement: Restoring Functionality To Your Faucet By Tap Cartridges
Please note: Any plumbing tasks that are beyond replacing cartridges should be left to the professionals. Before carrying out any other plumbing work, check with your state’s plumbing regulations. Performing unlicensed plumbing work is against the law and you will not be covered by insurance.
The first step to repairing a leaking mixer tap is to ensure that the water supply to your mixer tap has been turned off.
Turn off the water supply to your mixer tap by turning the isolation valves located on the supply pipes below your sink counter-clockwise.
How To Replace A Sink Mixer Cartridge / Service A Kitchen Tap
Your first real challenge when fixing a leaking mixer tap is locating and removing the plastic cap that conceals the grub screw.
On most taps, this cap is the hot/cold indicator button found on your mixer handle. This will expose the screw that holds your mixer tap cartridge in place.
You can sometimes lift the cap off by using your nails, but if you are struggling, you can use a Stanley knife to carefully lift the button and a small flat-head screwdriver to finish prying it out.
How To Replace A Mixer Cartridge
Once the cap has been removed from your mixer handle, look for a grub screw in the hole beneath. This screw is what joins your mixer handle to the base of your mixer tap.
Use your Allen key to undo the grub screw until you can lift the handle off the cartridge spindle. Grub screws can vary in size, but a 2.0mm or 2.5mm Allen key usually does the trick. Take care to not lose any pieces — it'll be much tougher to put everything back together correctly if things are missing!
Sometimes the mixer handle may get stuck to the base due to a build-up of calcium carbonate, also known as limescale. If you're having trouble removing your mixer handle because of limescale, soak it in a 50/50 water/vinegar solution for about 20 minutes and try again.
Mm Flat Generic Ceramic Disc Sink Basin Mixer Tap Cartridge D40p 20
You can now move on to removing the chrome dress ring. Since there are no flat sides on this ring, you will have to remove it by hand or by using a strap wrench.
After removing the dress ring, you'll find a brass retaining nut. Use your spanner to unscrew and remove the brass retaining nut to find your mixer tap cartridge.
Once you have access to the mixer tap cartridge, gently remove and replace it with a new one of the exact same model.
Kerox K35b 35mm Mixer Tap Cartridge Replacement
Once the new cartridge has been fitted, reassemble your mixer tap by re-screwing the brass retaining nut and chrome dress ring, re-tighten the grub screw with an Allen key, then reactivate your water supply at either your stop or isolation valve.
Established in 1994, The Sink Warehouse has become one of the most popular Australian retail outlets for bathroom, kitchen and laundry products due to our unwavering commitment to quality and service.
The Sink Warehouse provide our valued customers with an extensive selection of high-quality products from the most popular brands, available at the very best possible prices.
Caple Newark Mixer Tap Cartridge
We have several locations across Australia and can ship our products anywhere nationwide. To fix a tap, all you need is a bit of elbow grease and the right tools. However, if you require further assistance in replacing a Sink Warehouse mixer tap cartridge, contact your local store on 1300 301 000 today!
Don't Let expensive shipping costs get you down!! If you feel the shipping costs are too steep Call us at 1300 301 000 for a personalised quote today!!The majority of taps are sold with ceramic disc cartridges or valves these days . I have discussed the topic of Ceramic Disc Valves previously for anyone that is unfamiliar with them. These do need maintenance sometimes to fix issues such as:
1. The cause of dripping taps is debris or limescale getting into the valve and causing the seal on the O-ring or the discs to fail. It is always recommended that filters are put in place before the tap to prevent debris getting in and that the lines are flushed before the tap is installed.
Caroma Dorf Ceramic Disc Mixer Tap Cartridge 35mm
2. This issue is similar to the last where debris gets into the valve and blocks the inlet or outlet flows. Limescale can also be the cause, especially in hard water areas.
3. Again this is related to debris coming into the tap or limescale. Debris causes the ceramic discs to get clogged up and prevents the smooth operation of the handle.
4. Cartridges can be broken if excessive force is used and this prevents normal operation. This can happen if one of the other symptoms (1 – 3) is present and the valve is forced in an effort to try and get it to stop dripping etc.
Unusual Tap Fitting For Cartridge Replacement
We recommend you always use a plumber for these jobs if you do not think it is something you feel comfortable with. It is quite straight forward though and should take in the region of 20 to 30 mins.
1. Stop the water flow to the tap using the isolating valves usually located under the sink. You complete this by turning them both clockwise until the water stops. Check the tap to make sure no water is still coming through after you have done this.
2. Remove the decorative cover on top of the tap handle. You can use your nail to do this or a blade being careful not to damage the surface finish.
Mixer Tap Cartridge Replacement Help
3. Using an Allen Key remove the small grub screw that holds the handle on by turning anti clockwise. The handle should pull free when the grub screw is loose.
5. Now remove the retaining nut using a spanner by turning anti clockwise. The nut will then come free of the tap.
7. Now that we have the cartridge out it is a good idea to clean the inside of the chamber with soapy water and a cloth to remove any debris or limescale build up. You can grease the O rings here with a non corrosive grease if necessary and also grease the retaining nut if necessary.
How To Replace Your Tap Valve In Your Kitchen Or Bathroom
8. You can now begin replacing the cartridge. Make sure that the two cartridge lugs match the mating holes in the tap mixing chamber above. You will feel it click into place and the top of the cartridge will be flat. Do not screw the retaining nut back in on a cartridge that is not seated correctly. If you do, then you will damage the cartridge and also cross
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