How to replace a ceramic tap cartridge
How to replace a ceramic tap cartridge

A ceramic disc/valve is a washer mechanism. Ceramic cartridges are like ceramic discs but are designed specifically for single monobloc taps. A single unit featuring one or two handles, with a Monobloc mixer, hot and cold water is mixed in the tap before coming out the spout. This means they are a safe option and perfect for those that want to avoid scalding and other such accidents.
Knowing how to replace a ceramic tap cartridge and fix the drip is a great skill to have. Not only will you be able to quickly resolve the problem, but you will also save yourself the cost of paying someone else to do it.

What is a ceramic tap cartridge?

Traditional taps have a watertight tap washer. It is the washer’s job to direct water towards the seat of the faucet and out the spout. Without a working washer, water will likely leak out through the body of the tap.
Ceramic cartridges replace traditional rubber washers in more modern taps. They are composed of two ceramic discs with holes through them, placed one on top of the other. The upper disc moves with the handle of the tap, while the lower one remains fixed. Depending on their alignment, the ceramic valve either allows water to flow through the tap or stops this flow. When the ceramic valve is closed, the seal should be completely watertight.

Benefits of a ceramic tap cartridge

While traditional washers are inexpensive, over time they do get worn and stop working. The result is usually a leaky tap.
Taps with ceramic discs require less maintenance. So, if you want to reduce the chances of dripping faucets, it is worth investing in newer, more modern fixtures to improve long-term durability.

Do taps with ceramic valves need maintenance?

Ceramic tap cartridges are exceptionally durable, and they should last a lifetime. But from time-to-time, problems do arise, particularly in hard water areas where they are more likely to degrade. Common problems include:
• Dripping/leaking taps
• Reduced flow rate (or complete blocks)
• Stiff (or failed) operation
Luckily, changing a ceramic cartridge is relatively easy.

Does your tap have a ceramic valve?

The first thing to figure out is whether your tap has a ceramic disc or a washer. Today, most modern fixtures are washerless. Ceramic tap cartridges might be made of brass, chrome, zinc or plastic.
It is easy to see if a tap has a ceramic valve once it is dismantled, but it is best to check with a qualified plumber/installer if you are in any doubt.

Does your ceramic cartridge need replacing or cleaning?

It might be possible to fix a faulty ceramic tap cartridge with a descale and clean. But if the disc is scratched, worn or otherwise damaged, it will need to be replaced. To clean a ceramic valve, you might need:

• A suitable screwdriver
• An Allen key
• An adjustable spanner
• Pliers
• A spare toothbrush
• Vinegar
• A bowl
• A clean cloth
• A towel

To clean the ceramic cartridge, you should:

• Turn your water off at the mains or find the supply to the faulty tap. The latter is done via an isolation valve underneath the tap.
• Turn off the heat supply (boiler/immersion) to that tap.
• Plug the sink to ensure you don’t lose any parts down the drain and place a towel in the sink bowl to protect it from any knocks, scrapes or drops.
• Mix some warm water and a little vinegar in your bowl.
• Remove the decorative cap from the tap.
• Unscrew the tap handle (some models may need a screwdriver while others require an Allen key)
• Use the spanner to remove the nut on the base of the tap.
• Carefully remove the ceramic cartridge (you should be able to do this by hand, but you might need pliers if it is stuck).
• Check the valve to ensure it is in good condition. If it is damaged, it will need replacing.
• If it needs cleaning, soak the ceramic cartridge in the water and vinegar to remove any limescale. This should take around 10 minutes, but you can soak for a few hours if necessary.
• Gently clean the valve and inside the tap with the toothbrush to get rid of any limescale. Wipe the tap and cartridge with a clean cloth and make sure there is no remaining muck.
• Once you are happy that everything is clean, put the cartridge back together, turn your water back on, and test that there are no leaks.

If the tap is still faulty, you might need to replace the ceramic cartridge or call a plumber.

What do you need to replace a faulty ceramic disc cartridge?

To replace a faulty/worn ceramic disc cartridge you need:
• Your replacement ceramic tap cartridge
• A suitable screwdriver
• An adjustable spanner
• An Allen key
• Pliers
• A towel
• A clean cloth

How to replace a ceramic disc cartridge

PREPARATION IS ESSENTIAL 

To ensure you do not flood your kitchen or bathroom, the first thing you need to do is turn your water off. You can turn your water off at the mains (the stopcock) or find the supply to the faulty tap. The latter is done via an isolation valve underneath the tap in question. You must also turn off the heat supply (boiler/immersion) to the tap.
Before you dismantle the tap, we would also recommend plugging the sink to ensure you don’t lose any parts down the drain. Place a towel in the sink bowl to protect it from any knocks, scrapes or drops.

DISMANTLE YOUR TAP

Now you have completed the preparation, you can dismantle the faulty tap.
Remove the decorative tap cap and unscrew the handle with the screwdriver (some models may need an Allen key instead). Once the handles are removed, use the spanner to remove the nut on the base of the tap.

Carefully remove the ceramic cartridge (you should be able to do this by hand, but you might need pliers if it is stuck).

REPLACE THE VALVE

Once you have removed the valve, clean the inside of the chamber to remove any debris or limescale. You can use soap and water to do this.
Replace the cartridge with a new one of the same size. It won’t fit unless it aligns properly. If done correctly you will feel it click into place and the top of the cartridge will be flat.
Gently tighten the retaining nut (if you are too tight, you will damage the cartridge).

REASSEMBLE YOUR TAP & FINISH UP

Reassemble the tap so that it fits the same way it did before.
Finally, put the water and the heater back on, tidy up the sink, and check to ensure the drip has stopped.

TOP TIP: When dismantling a tap, always lay the components out in the order you removed them to make re-assembly easy.