Change cartridge or washer?

[k2k]

Hello, had this tap about 2 years and its started leaking. I seem to remember something about ceramic washers and itll never leak(!). Do I have to change the whole cartridge or does it actually have a washer that can be changed?
thanks.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Those will most likely be washers. 1/4 turn ceramic taps, do not have washers, nothing is replaceable in them.

 

[k2k]

so, do i need a whole new tap set?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

so, do i need a whole new tap set?

Isolate the water supply, disassemble the tap, to see what washer you need. Any plumbers merchant will be able to supply the washers you need.

 

[oldbuffer]

1. If the taps turn only 90 degrees from fully open to fully closed they are 1/4 turn taps and will require new cartridges.
2. If they require several turns to go from open to closed, they are traditional "screw down" taps and will only require new washer. Washer size is almost certainly 3/4", but note this is the name of the size, not an actual measurement.
3. If it only leaks when either or both taps are open, the leak may be coming from the spout, where it joins the body of the tap. The spot will be sealed into the body with one or more O rings. Spout usually removable by undoing screw or Allen grub screw at rear of spout, near tap body.
4. If it leaks all the time, even with the taps shut, it will be one or both taps leaking.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

2. If they require several turns to go from open to closed, they are traditional "screw down" taps and will only require new washer. Washer size is almost certainly 3/4", but note this is the name of the size, not an actual measurement.

A possible temporary fix for these, is to simply take the washer off, and install it facing the opposite way - presenting the opposite face.

 

[k2k]

Thanks, they are 1/4 turn so 2 new cartridges looks like the way forward

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Thanks, they are 1/4 turn so 2 new cartridges looks like the way forward

They can only be turned 1/4 turn?

If so, - They suffer build up of limescale, which causes them to weep. Try taking them out and soaking them overnight in limescale remover, or lemon juice, to dissolve the scale, before replacing them.