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.
What is a Mixer Tap?
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.
Contemporary mixer taps have a more streamlined and modern design, allowing users to control the temperature and flow of water with a single handle.
What is a Mixer Tap Cartridge?
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.
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.
What Causes a Mixer Tap to Leak?
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.
How Long Do Mixer Tap Cartridges Last?
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.
The Sink Warehouse offers a 10-year cartridge replacement warranty on all of our mixer taps.
How to Change a Mixer Tap Cartridge
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.
Checklist
In order to replace a mixer tap cartridge, you will need:
- A replacement cartridge (if you are unsure as to what cartridge you require, consult your tap manufacturer)
- An Allen key
- A small, flat-blade screwdriver
- A Stanley knife
- An adjustable spanner
- And a strap wrench
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.
| 1. Turn Off Your Water SupplyThe 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. If you can't find your isolation valves, turn off the main valve at your water meter. |
| 2. Remove Plastic Cap/CoverYour 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. If you're not careful you may damage the cap, but replacements can be found easily at most plumbing and hardware stores. |
| 3. Use an Allen Key to Remove the Grub Screw & HandleOnce 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. |
| 4. Remove Chrome Dress Ring & Retaining NutYou 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. If you're concerned about marring your tap's finish, use an aged cloth between your tools and the mixer. |
| 5. Replace the Mixer Tap CartridgeOnce you have access to the mixer tap cartridge, gently remove and replace it with a new one of the exact same model. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines and that the mixer tap cartridge’s locator pins match up. |
| 6. Reassemble the Mixer & Turn On Water SupplyOnce 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. We recommend that you keep towels in place in case there are any leakages. If you've tested your mixer tap and are satisfied with the result, you’re finished! |
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Contact The Sink Warehouse - Australia's Bathroom, Kitchen & Laundry Tap Specialists
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.
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!
9th Mar 2022 The Sink Warehouse
FAQs
How to Change a Mixer Tap Cartridge? ›
These parts are not standard between manufacturers either so you will need to check the sizes carefully to ensure they are exactly the same. This is also sometimes the only option for customers with very unusual or rare sized tap valves.
Are all mixer tap cartridges the same? ›These parts are not standard between manufacturers either so you will need to check the sizes carefully to ensure they are exactly the same. This is also sometimes the only option for customers with very unusual or rare sized tap valves.
Is mixer tap cartridge flat or raised? ›The only difference between the two is that the raised tap cartridge is taller. These cartridges are the generic repair cartridges the store carries, however, if you want a genuine Mondella ceramic cartridge it will need to be ordered at the special orders desk.
How do I know if my tap cartridge needs replacing? ›The most common signs that your valve or cartridge might need replacing is intermittent dripping or a constant leak, even when the tap is fully shut. You may want to remove and clean the valve/cartridge of any limescale to see if that sorts the problem. If not, then try replacing it with a new tap valve/cartridge.
How do I know what size mixer tap cartridge I need? ›If you measure across the bottom of the cartridge and the measurement is around 24mm, then it is a 3/4 inch cartridge. If the measurement is more like 18mmm, then it is a 1/2 inch cartridge. Once you know this, select the 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch filter on the tap-cartridges page.
Are mixer tap cartridges a standard size? ›The following are the most common ceramic disk cartridge sizes: 25mm, 35mm, 40mm. All cartridges are operated by either single lever or by joystick.
Can you change a mixer tap yourself? ›Replacing a kitchen tap is a fairly simple job to complete – you just need to have patience, a manual, and the right tools. Make sure you are extra careful when tightening, well, anything – over-tightening a single nut can lead to damage.
Why do mixer tap cartridges fail? ›Why do mixer tap cartridges fail? Mixer tap cartridges fail by leaking. Mixer tap cartridges use ceramic discs to control the water flow and these can sometimes get full of limescale and dirt which can cause them to leak. When this happens you will need to replace the mixer tap cartridge.
How long does a mixer tap cartridge last? ›Generally, mixer tap cartridges should last anywhere from five to ten years.
What is the most common tap cartridge size? ›Replacement tap valve size
The most common conventions for domestic taps nowadays are 1/2" and 3/4" BSP. Don't concern yourself too much with these sizes and units.
How tight should a faucet cartridge be? ›
Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut; it should be just tight enough to stop leaking around the stem. If too tight, the handle will be hard to turn; if too loose, it will allow water to leak out around the stem.
What is the difference between tap and mixer tap? ›A mixer tap – quite simply – combines hot and cold water together through one spout, and the user alters the temperature by either one or two controls. This is different to other taps where you may have two separate taps each with their own spout for separate hot and cold water.
Are kitchen faucet cartridges universal? ›There are manual, metering, and self-closing cartridges, depending upon your faucet type. Lots of cartridges are interchangeable, but not all, so be sure to confirm recommendations.
Are most faucet cartridges the same? ›Today, most brands have their own specifications and parts. Now there is variance in stems (cartridges), valves, and splines. Because of this, you will need to know how to identify the brand of your faucet before you can fix it. Knowing what you're working with makes it easier to disassemble and fix.
Are all mixer tap valves the same size? ›The most common size is 20 teeth but the valves can have 18, 24 or 28 so it is really important to check this otherwise your handles won't fit!