How to Repair or Replace a Quarter Turn Ceramic Disk Tap Valve

In today's video I will be showing you how to repair or replace a quarter turn ceramic disk tap valve.
You can buy me a coffee here www.buymeacoff... or become a monthly member to unlock Discord forum membership, exclusive content and automatic entry into my FREE Monthly Giveaway. Thank you SO SO much!!
You can now access my 🛠Charlie DIYte Amazon Tool Store here www.amazon.co.... - where you'll find all my tried, tested and much loved DIY tools arranged into handy categories.
TODAY'S TOOLKIT
Adjustable Spanner geni.us/kjDL (Amazon)
Wrench geni.us/0nAH (Amazon)
Long nosed pliers (not essential but I needed them to remove the cap from the tap handle
For the replacement ceramic disk valves I recommend you go to ebay
Replacement ceramic disk taps bit.ly/2WmuXk8
or geni.us/7OAKGP (Amazon) which has an easy options menu for you to select the right valve *
or this universal valve geni.us/xcGc (Amazon) which fits most UK double handles kitchen and bathroom basin taps (but better if you can identify the exact value you need, by removing the existing one, and checking the dimensions and spline teeth number, by comparing against the different options) *
Silicone grease for lubricating your existing ceramic disks with bit.ly/2IZkipG £5.49
Vaseline - some people use this instead to lubricate the ceramic disks but it's not advisable because, being petroleum based it will rot any rubber o rings.
These are the taps featured in my video bit.ly/2QQtgIb £39.95
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I'll be running through the 4 steps, from
1) Removing the existing valve
2) What to look out for when buying your new valve
3) Installing your new valve; and
4) How to clean and/or repair your existing disk tap valve
I'll be setting out in detail the pitfalls to avoid when choosing your replacement disk tap valves, and where to get them from.
I recommend you buy your replacement valves from ebay because the ebay sellers have a sophisticated platform complete with dimensions, spline teeth numbers that helps you identify exactly which disk valve you require - whereas with websites like Screwfix you only have a picture to rely on.
If you decide to repair rather than replace your disk valves, you want to take them apart by removing the circlip as shown in the video. Clean the "o" rings in soapy water, and if you live in a hard water area, you may need to place the rest of the disk valve including the ceramic plates in a descaler.
Then check that the disks themselves aren't scratched. If they are, you'll need to buy new valves. If they are not scratched, then lubricate them with silicone grease or vaseline. Then reassemble and reinstall the disk valves to see if the dripping has stopped.
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LET'S CONNECT!
Charlie DIYte
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[@blackbeautifulandsmart2849]

Tbh this was one of the best “ how to do” video I’ve watched. It was thorough and I loved the way you sign posted your viewers to where to purchase the valves from. Well done and thank you.

[@sharonthwaites408]

This is brilliant: I've yawned through so many tedious 'how to' videos whose presenters could learn something from your snappy, concise and friendly style: thank you.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks so much Sharon 😉

[@rmower3428]

As per usual, a quality video. Not just replacing, but a repair too. Keep up the Great work Mr

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks, really appreciate the comment 👊

[@jameswarn9024]

Charlie - great informative video thank you, one tiny point I would mention - Vaseline is oil based and while will work well on the ceramic discs it will damage or dissolve anything rubber like the coloured seal, washer or an o ring so always use a silicone based lubricant like the one you used

[@xiv7477]

Thanks for the heads up. I used Vaseline to fix my tap - it's worked so far but I'll wipe it down and replace it with some silicone grease 👍

[@micjamberlin]

Thanks Charlie, I also bought a valve which didn't fit the proprietary tap, but using your advice, I simply swapped out the ceramic components which seem standard size. Working so far!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Glad to hear that. You were lucky as the inner workings can vary from one make to another. 👍

[@moley212008]

Hey, I've watched some KZbin videos in my time but your presentation was first class. Thanks.

[@roseymec2694]

Slightly drip turned into steady stream in very old Armitage Shanks bathroom sink hot water tap. Started taking it apart using my DYI skills, but quickly realized that I hadn’t a clue what to do with what I saw. Your clearly presented video gave me new knowledge and a dripless tap. Many thanks from this transplanted Florida gal who has subscribed and recommended you to others!

[@TatyanaValdaBelindaHill]

This is so helpful and clear. You are a great teacher!... It's great that you also include all the extra information (just in case). So many how-to videos and articles (on any given subject) frustratingly assume an intermediate, or even expert, level of information is already known by the viewer. People who already know what they are doing aren't the ones watching/reading how-to do stuff. You are one of the few who seem to realise this concept. Thank you so much. xx

[@SharonClifford-y4m]

Just successfully repaired the ceramic gland valve and it's thanks to your video, used vaseline to lubricate it, used a bit of bicarbonate of soda and warm water to gently remove any lime scale, so far no drip. So tired of replacing taps due to this issue. Thank you so much😊

[@williamgraymuir6678]

Incredibly useful about sizing - however having had exactly the same problem, I took your advice at the end of the video to take it apart, which is very easy. It appeared to have got slightly misaligned so it didn't close properly, and worked again perfectly the moment I put it together again. I certainly wouldn't have tried without watching this. Brilliant.😀😀

[@CharlieDIYte]

Ah, great work. Also a little pot of that silicone grease would be useful to keep the discs lubricated.

[@tracyknight6794]

From a dripping tap 18 months ago, to a now, constant steady stream, watching your vids has given me the know how to fix this myself. Thank you! I now have a drip-free kitchen tap :)

[@datsunruss]

I know it was done a while ago Charlie but I keep watching this whenever I have taps to do. Standing the test of time - good vid. 👍

[@Paul-Townsend]

Many Thanks. I'd tried soaking the ceramic discs to decalcify before and never ever been successful. HOWEVER this time I then 'polished' them on paper, as per one on the comments below, and then applied some vaseline (a tub with a best before Sept 1999). It worked! No more dripping tap. A great video from you again.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Paul. One of the things I'm truly humbled by (apart from good people like yourselves taking the time to comment) is the fact that people are so willing to share their wisdom below each video. Great work on fixing the valve. One thing - it's worth getting yourself some silicone grease (I got a little pot on eBay) just for the jobs where it comes into contact with "o" rings and the like, because Vaseline rots rubber, being petroleum based. You should be fine though with the tap valve - nice work on the repair 👍

[@Fraser365]

Thank you so much. Very thorough explanation. I was all set to go and get new valves but I managed to sort the problem just by dismantling and cleaning. I am completely handless when it comes to DIY so am feeling very pleased with managing to sort this myself and it’s all thanks to your video. Just gained yourself a new subscriber. Thanks again!!

[@johnfozard1296]

Well done Charlie. All of the many videos that I have watched of yours have been accurate and informative with easy to understand language. I appreciate all the effort and best use of cameras etc to best explain what you are doing and how it should be done. Seriously impressive work. Keep it going. John.

[@jasonburch1089]

Thank you for taking the valve apart down to the component level. I took mine apart and since I could not see any real damage I cleaned the surfaces of the valve (where you talk about possibly adding a lubricant). I Did not add any lube, just reassembled, and the leak has stopped. Thanks again for the detailed video.

[@susankelly5585]

Thanks so much for the clear instructions! For £2, I bought a small tin of silicone, took apart my single spout tap, greased the discs, no more drip! Easy peasy! x

[@miguel0900]

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[@miguel0900]

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[@brokencloudyking]

You are an absolute legend. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. Thank YOU for taking the time to comment 👍🏻

[@user-wr3ip9if6n]

Sorted! I took my cartridge apart about 5 times. Tried rebuilding it without / with grease, silicone, petroleum jelly - all combinations. In the end I "polished." the disc mating surfaces on a plain piece of A4 paper on a flat surface. It took 1 minute per disc face and worked perfectly. No more dripping every few seconds, lovely!

[@pasqualeparente9776]

Thank you for you input, I will try this when I am in a bind. I usually don’t bother because many companies advertise these fixtures as guaranteed for life , so I call them and have them shipped out if there is no hurry or pick them up at their warehouse. WHY PAY??? Last and most important comment I wish to make is that when I buy new fixtures from a supplier in Montreal Canada I buy the ones with the rubber end like in the old days... Why many of you may ask??? It is simple economics a washer costs 20 cents at the most and I can carry many different washers in a pill bottle. Meanwhile you spent how much to repair your leaking faucet. ACTION speak louder than words! I have boycotted the new product imagine I throw away a small washer instead of a whole cartridge. Washers have been around for the longest time and I believe they will be there for a lot longer...

[@martinwhiting4294]

polishing the disc mating surfaces on plain piece of A4 paper was the solution for me. Thank you.

[@LeTuVis]

​@@martinwhiting4294 You polished those ceramics just on paper? Or using something else?

[@willjenkynsvoices8288]

Excellent advice. I thought that I would need to replace the cartridge but after a long trawl on line it would appear that my tap is a bit of an oddity and a replacement wasn’t as available as I hoped, so I followed your advice at the end of this video, took the existing cartridge apart, cleaned the discs, added some silicon grease, reassembled and, wow🤩 no more drips. I think the leak was down to the hard water deposits, so in further I will try this quick cheap fix, rather that buying cartridges that I don’t need. Thanks very much!

[@madjack-bv6dv]

I had two leaking taps an hour ago. Found this video. The advice to dismantle the cartridges and lubricate them is genius. It took me ten minutes per tap. Thank you very much.

[@CharlieDIYte]

So glad you found it useful.. Thanks for getting in touch 👊

[@petermcintyreA1]

Why the need to change anything, with these thoughtful nuggets of advice, that will in most circumstances, solve your problem & save you money. Keep up the good work👍

[@suemount6042]

Feeling self satisfied took cartridge apart sorted it put it back no drip and saved money thanks Charlie got my diy mojo back looking forward to learning more from you

[@CharlieDIYte]

That is fantastic. Nice work Sue, and thanks for tuning in to the Channel. Any DIY queries just drop me an email.

[@gavinnicholl7900]

Charlie to the rescue again. The tip to wrap masking tape around the valve collar to let you use a pair of grips to loosen it was brilliant! Thanks Charlie!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks for the comment Gavin. Really pleased you found it useful 👍

[@billyoung30]

I only searched because when I tried to remove my cartridge myself it wouldn't move with a normal pressure, and I was worried it might be reverse thread. But after clicking my way throught the important bits of your video I have now: a) vaselined my existing ceramic valve and stopped my tap from dripping b) worked out that I have a 32 spline threadless 51mm, which will really help me when I do have to change it, as most online are 20 spline. And all in about 15 minutes. Thanks for all the useful info, you've saved me a load of hassle. Quality Youtubing!

[@davemorris4603]

Thanks for this. Because of your clear explanation of sizes etc managed to get exactly the right part from Screwfix for a fiver. No more leaks or drips. Brilliant

[@frankmanigrasso8350]

Thanks for posting this. I just fixed a leaking tap by using some silicon grease and it worked. I'd have put the fix at the beginning of the video as it is a far cheaper option than new valves. Only need to buy replacement valves if the grease doesn't work. And it's really easy to do, as you have shown on the video. Wish I'd seen this two years ago, I spent a fortune on new valves, when I could have just applied grease to the ones in place.

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. Personally I've never had much luck with repairing them - could be the water pressure I used to have before I fitted a PRV. 👍

[@colinstewart1696]

Just followed Charlie's instruction on how to cure a dripping tap, excellent instruction ,very clear saved me money as I followed it to the end and dismantled the ceramic tap lubricated it and put it back together..NO more drips Perfect !

[@CharlieDIYte]

Great news Colin and thanks for taking the time to comment?

[@jonniejam-shovel6405]

A good video with plenty of common sense advice. I've changed a few of these cartridges in my time and I will add a few points which have helped me. This type of cartridge is not happy with high water pressure, turn your pressure down and you will find the cartridge will last longer. Hard water scale is also a problem, and may cause these to seize up. I've successfully freed my taps off with wd40, and liquid vasaline which you can dribble onto the top of the bare spline and work on and off. Also the slotted screw shut off valves under the sink, can also seize keep an eye on them too. Better still I've fitted the 'lever arm' type for isolating the taps. Holding onto the tap while unscrewing the cartridge is very important too. Get another pair of hands to help you out if need be. All in all a good film. 👍Cheers.

[@Padraigp]

Nice yes i have hard hard hard hard water. 😂 im just going to attempt this now with only my two hands but i have a vice grips so hopefull that will be my third hand.

[@Padraigp]

Why do they make screw heads so damn soft and screw drivers too. Good lord. All the things in my grandads house are so easy to fix eith hand tools and everything in my modenr house is a nightmare! The edwardians had some sense!

[@allanapel123]

Excellent video, Charlie, really straightforward and well-paced particularly as DIYers don't do this kind of job every day. My burning thought from the start was 'how can you be sure to get the right replacement?'. Your Ebay advice is spot-on. It reminds me of my dad's Renault 16 back in the 80's when his mechanic had hammered in a new driveshaft unaware that it had a different spline count with the resulting breakdown soon after.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Allan. Yes I can see why you thought of that. 😉

[@Puychaud]

Thank you so much - that advice at the end about dry ceramics fixed a dripping tap for me with just a touch of grease.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Good work and thanks for the comment 👍

[@Crusoe89]

Thank you so much for this! Your excellent advice allowed me to choose the correct valve first time and replace the existing one, which was completely shot and leaking. Lots of handy tips that encouraged me to try it at all - I'm terrified of plumbing! Totally makes up for the plumber that left me in the lurch with this job. What a gem.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Ah, that's great news, well done you 👏👏 I bet you felt epic after fixing this. That's the power of DIY! Now you can start thinking of the next project!

[@xiv7477]

Thanks for the upload. Just fixed a leaky mixer tap with ceramic valves, without needing to replace the cartridge. I took the cartridge apart, and used fine grit sandpaper to carefully remove the limescale from the various parts, then smeared them all in vaseline (thanks for the tip!), put everything back together and VOILA no more leaking tap : )

[@JohnDoe-cj4gn]

5 years after this video has been posted.. it's saved me $100 , more in wasted water and weeks of waiting. Salut sir! This is what KZbin is for!

[@CharlieDIYte]

That's wonderful news. So glad you found it useful and thanks for letting me know 👌

[@PersonalPariah]

Incredibly helpful tutorial, especially the repair portion. Thanks!

[@mattjones2588]

Excellent! have finally fixed my dripping tap. My local independent plumbing supplier (who are three minutes walk away) were very good at selecting a replacement. The old one was very tight, so gave up with the adjustable and borrowed a ring spanner (to stop the tap from turning I used the metal pipe from my vacuum cleaner!)

[@CharlieDIYte]

Great bit of improv there, Matt👍

[@mattjones2588]

@@CharlieDIYte Got a case of tennis elbow so had to find a way which didn't stress my left arm too much!

[@chrisbroadhurst3604]

This has got to be the BEST and most useful video I have ever watched on utube. Only thing missing is how to take apart a 10 year old bunged up tap - that is really hard work - a thousand thanks for taking the time to record and share this video

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're very welcome Chris - chuffed you found it useful. Thanks so much for that - can't tell you how valuable comments like yours are for keeping this crazy thing going 👊👌 For really bunged up taps use a socket wrench if you can.

[@NikkiandAndieSlater]

What an excellent clearly thought out presentation.

[@snowdog100]

I was looking at new taps for CAD$200 because the cold water tap could barely be moved.. Then I watch this video, removed the cartridge and lubricated it and now it is all fixed! Thanks so much!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Amazing! Great work, thanks for letting me know 👊

[@elavips982]

Brilliant video. Not only with information about replacing cartridge, but also how to repair them. I've a bathtub tap I'm gonna try. You got a subscribe and a like. You deserve that!

[@zafmahmood5654]

Recently I had to do what Charlie is showing in his video.I did exactly what he did to remove the valve and I took it to a well known plumbers shop in Farnborough Hants.I took the old valve so I could show it to the guy behind the counter.His response was that they are expensive and come in pairs.Fifty eight pounds (I have the receipt) was charged for these two valves.Talk about day light robbery when I found that they are under 7 pounds each from a firm in Hastings.My advice shop around.

[@nickbower2443]

I went to City Plumbing in Wrecelsham Farnham where they could not have been more helpful. They had a special gauge for the splines and measuring the valve and about 30types of cartridge. When they still could not find it they identified the tap from a photo I had and phoned the manufacturer to get the part number

[@peterhurst]

Very simple clean and repair of my cartridge thanks - saved me real search trying to find a spare and between £10 and £20 to replace

[@robbell2691]

Excellent explanations all the way. I would agree with the person who suggested placing the greasing option at the start of the video as it is clearly the easy first option in every case. Thanks again.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. Interestingly it's always been a bit hit and miss for me although that might have changed now the pressure has been limited to 3 bar. We had over 7 bar before and the disc valves couldn't cope with it

[@andrewgraham2411]

Another brilliantly detailed and informative video. Can’t thank you enough

[@qkcam45]

Thank you Charlie !! This is a water saver!! I was so glad to find your video showing how to take apart the cartridge and put it back together .!! mine had fallen apart By accident and I wasn’t sure which way the discs went together. Lifesaver!! And no more drip

[@CharlieDIYte]

Ah well done, and thanks for letting me know 👊

[@davidheath5282]

Your tip about the ebay site was perfection. Found out what type my cartridge is and then ordered a pair. Also when they arrive, I will add some vaseline to the ceramic interface. Thanks so much!!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Just not vaseline as it rots rubber being oil based. Go on eBay and get yourself a little pot of plumbers silicone. You shouldn't need it on the new valves though.

[@ronvalente65]

I'm glad I watched your video, I watched another video before and the plumber recommended not taking the very fiddly valve apart, he recommended just replacing the the whole valve from Amazon! I just dismantled the valve ( easy peasy) cleaned and lubricated the ceramic parts, job done cost me nothing! thanks again.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Good work, Ron!

[@suegardner5726]

Thanks for doing this video, Charlie along with so many others. I have learned so much from you over the last 4 years. Back then I didn't even know how to use a power drill! My kitchen tap has been driving me nuts gradually during this time and I'm so pleased to have now found out how to fix it. I can do this...!I've just got to find the right replacement cartridge 😬 Ebay, here I come!

[@jamesgarretts7912]

To Charlie: I've just joined today! Thanks for the 'hints and tips' for taps - however a great 'hint and tip' is for using masking tape to prevent scratching of fittings - simple yet brilliant! Many thanks!

[@filiposnibbor]

Charlie, you are thinking man!s DIY guru. Great advice. Keep it up.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Cheers Gerry! 👍👍

[@jeffjeffjeff2]

Excellent video. My 3 way kitchen tap was weeping and I removed the cartridge and took it to the local plumbers merchants and they matched it to a set they had......all good up to this point. They then wanted £43 for a pair of valves. At which point I went to Toolstation next door and got a set which admittedly the spline length is slightly shorter than my original set but they turn the tap perfectly fine for the princely sum of £5.68

[@gordonsinclair9603]

Excellent video 10/10 for me. No BS everything was so well explained it was simple took 10 minutes to stop the dripping tap. Thanks

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Gordon, I appreciate that! So chuffed to hear it helped you fix your tap 👍

[@gordonsinclair9603]

There is a tap on the Market sold by Cooke and Lewis called Estatoah sold by many National DIY companies which we purchased from, sadly before reading any reviews, it leaked within months. We then read reviews and It has so many bad reviews about leaking that, had we have read reviews first we would never have purchased it despite the long warranty. We were gobsmacked to see how good your advice was and how quick and easy it was to repair the tap, we did consider replacing the tap but tried your advice first, problem solved, leaking stopped completely. Saved me a fortune. Thanks a great video.

[@katylinfield5827]

That was really helpful. I bought the wrong kind - not enough teeth on the spindle - who knew it could be so complicated, but I have cleaned up and re-greased the old discs and the tap is better, good enough until I can get the right cartridges to replace them. Very clear instructions that have saved me 100 odd quid for a plumber!

[@CharlieDIYte]

That's great to hear Katy. Thanks for the comment!!

[@TheCraftBoxElsecar]

Brilliant! My husband still doesn't believe that I have fixed the dripping tap.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Great work, and thanks for the comment!!

[@cliveawilson]

Thank you so much for all of this. Including how to clean and grease an existing valve (with Vaseline). Just solved my dropping tap completely! Awesome and good use of the world’s resources! 👍🏻

[@MrMIJO44]

Brilliant video! Exactly what I needed and going into amazing detail. Took apart my taps, descaler them and now they're good as new! Thanks!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Great work with the descaling. 👍 Really glad to hear you found it useful and thanks for letting me know.

[@alievans7988]

This was such a helpful and thorough video. Really appreciate all the steps and all the thought put into it. I don't really do DIY vids but watched it with my fella before he fixed my tap 🙏🏻 and it was actually interesting to me 😂 thank you x

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Ali, really appreciate that and am chuffed you found it useful. 🙏

[@alanrichards4947]

Excellent video. Told me everything I need to know for servicing my taps. I think you might find that the colour-coding (red and blue) is not for hot or cold but refers to the direction of opening, i.e. clockwise or anticlockwise.

[@guinevere1974]

This is such a helpful video, lots of great tips, thank you. Particularly helpful for me was the advice for the hot water tap if you can't find the valve to turn it off - I don't have an isolation valve (old house) but the suggestion to turn off mains water and drain hot water tank is perfect 👌

[@guillaume8437]

Thanks for this cool video. It helped me remove the valve and have a look at it. Apart from obvious oxydation of the collar and threads, it appeared OK. I couldn't find a 30 spline teeths 1/4turn 1/2" 72mm valve on the internet so I tried a small cheat : I just added a rubber washer below so that it added pressure on the red "washer" of the valve. It stopped leaking! Thanks again.👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

Great work. Yes I think it's the decline in the washer below that makes it leak. You could also try a bit of plumbers silicone on the ceramic.

[@alancraigie7951]

Just found your video on taps, great information, very much obliged for your insight. 👍👍👍

[@mariamarsh6022]

Great tutorial. I’m quite a practical lady and so used this as a reference to understand how to take apart my one year old mono block taps hot and cold water cartridges as I was not going to pay a plumber £100 to come out and do it for me.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Great work Maria, and thanks for the comment!

[@Griddy66]

Brilliantly explained & clearly shown especially the detail about the cassette. Thanks Charlie just what I needed...VBW

[@britishpatriot812]

Thanks this was very helpful. I tried to order new valve cartridges but there are so many types, dozens if not hundreds, I ordered the wrong ones. In the meantime, while I had them disassembled I greased the surfaces of the old discs with Vaseline and replaced. It worked a treat. My tip is if the cartridges a recessed into the tap, in my case a modern monoblock mixer no spanner will work. I had to use a socket. It’s obvious now, but it took me a while to figure it out.

[@CharlieDIYte]

A friend of mine took his cartridge down to his local plumbing shop and they had a box of them. I think that's the safest option, rather than buying online.

[@melissajayneroberts2490]

Really helpful, thought I was doing it wrong but the valve was on super tight but your video was so informative I just knew I had to force it a little. 👍👍👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

Great work Melissa. Glad you found it useful and thanks for the comment. 🙏

[@richardemerson8075]

Excellent info and clear presentation as always - thanks!

[@hsn3333]

Really well presented (as well as extremely informative), thank you

[@markramsay6399]

Excellent resource ! I hate DIY but feel more comfortable having a go at this now. !

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Mark and best of luck with the repair. 👊

[@MrTowton1461]

By far the best explanation and demonstration of tap valve repair. Thank you. I've subscribed.

[@MalcolmJames-sg3zg]

Great handy video Charlie. Thanks keep em coming

[@halo-haloUK]

Awesome in depth video. Thanks for the step by step breakdown. I haven't a clue with plumbing and this helped a treat. Many thanks for this!

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. Did you fix the tap?

[@TheCaincj]

Brilliant video, thanks, very clear and comprehensive.

[@julieh326]

Very informative, I can add to my brother's knowledge. Names of parts learned and yes sourcing is tricky. Nice plumber merchants did make us feel happier even though we didn't get parts yet, just the Dad stores. Yes even my friend who has taken a cartridge/valve apart with his plumber father couldn't explain it all as well. Thanks.

[@rewind12354]

I always go into a plumbing store, two old men work there and they always get me the right part.

[@darkestserenity6775]

So glad I found this vid , my kitchen mixer tap is driving me nuts and I knew nothing about these cartridges

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. 👍

[@garydilkes5074]

Great video, I would just like to add how I fixed the problem. I removed the cartridge as shown in your video. I then removed the silicone seal and fitted a 15mm fibre washer onto it and then pushed the seal back into the cartridge. I fitted everything back together and the leak was cured. I appreciate that this might not work for everyone , but for just a few pence it’s worth a try.

[@CharlieDIYte]

I like your thinking Gary. A bit of plumbers silicone grease on the ceramic discs might also be good. 👍

[@SteveMonk1956]

Invaluable information Charlie, very much appreciated, thank you.

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome Steve. Thanks for the comment. 👊

[@MissPennyhapenny]

Excellent video Charlie. I replaced both the cartridges on my bathroom basin taps a couple of years ago but recently the hot tap began to drip plus we began to get the ships foghorn noise starting up when we used any tap and when pulling the toilet flush! 🧐🙉 It was like the Titanic! So today, after a couple of days of turning the dripping tap on and off at the isolator every time we needed it, I decided to have a look inside to check which washer/valves I needed. Then I looked on KZbin and found your excellent video. A little smear of vasiline (no silicone grease in the house and having a new bathroom next year🤞, so not worried about it affecting rubber parts!) between the ceramic discs and voila-problem solved!! A big thank you kiss and a new subscriber!! 👌😍😘

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment Penny, and for subscribing! I too had that pipe knocking, in my case it was caused by the downstairs cistern. Since I upgraded it to a dual flush and Viva Skylo fill valve (instead of the old ball valve) the pipes haven't knocked once. Weird eh?! Great work fixing your valve. Funnily enough I've tried that a couple of times and I only seemed to make the drip worse. Maybe using plumbers silicone rather than vaseline was the issue. Thanks again 👍

[@gillholmes7865]

Really useful, easy-to-understand video. I saved £££ by not calling out a plumber. Couldn't repair the valve so ended up buying a new valve on eBay which sorted the problem straightaway, thanks, Charlie!

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're very welcome Gill! Great work - satisfying, isn't it when you fix it, and you wouldn't get that satisfaction paying a plumber 👍

[@leodis55]

I really dislike plumbing , however your video at this point in time has saved me money and time . Big thanks !

[@CharlieDIYte]

So glad to hear that - great work 👊

[@johndn9238]

Very good, well explained, thank you. I had misplaced the make and model of our tap and despite hours of searching (inc e-bay) hadn't found the right size replacement. Thankfully I eventually found the original tap info and got the part number in seconds! The moral is, keep the data sheet somewhere safe!

[@simonwilliams5667]

Was sceptical about trying the Vaseline,but thought I’d give it a go as I was desperate while waiting for the new valves to be delivered.Got to say it did the trick!! Not a single drop is now coming out the tap…..Thank you for sharing this video👌🏻

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome Simon. Longer term get some plumbers silicone, because vaseline being oil based will rot any rubber components. It does work great though as you say.

[@manutius77]

Incredibly helpful. You mentioned that you can change the direction of opening. Any tips how to do this?

[@markw.61]

Glad to have discovered you in my feed mate. Subscribed for sure! Clear, concise (many waffle undeterminably) and informative. Thanks.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Mark, really appreciate that, mate. Great to have you on board 👊

[@alexaskew70]

Thanks for this. After buying a few tap glands of the wrong size, after watching this video disassembled the hot water gland and placed in vinegar (we live in a hard water area). Reassembled it and the leak is gone. Does make the case for adding a water softener to your supply though.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Good work Alex. Funnily enough I've never managed to refurbish one of our valves, possibly because the water pressure is so high. Worth getting a little pot of plumbers silicone and just add a little smear to the ceramic disks. 👍🏻

[@cmoylan]

Brilliant! Wish I had found this video before buying a replacement stem from a plumbing supply store for way too much money. But now I know.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks, glad you found it useful.

[@deldelaf]

I wish all how to videos were as good as this. I feel confident to have a go myself now. thanks

[@allanlennox8633]

Great advice Vaseline tip worked - dripping tap sorted 👍 Thanks Charlie

[@beingrimm]

That vaseline may destroy your rubber gaskets in some time. Better clean it off and use some silicone gel (preferably food grade).

[@G4VRX]

Really good video Charlie .It takes alot to impress me...and I'm impressed. WELL DONE ! Thankyou. What was shrouded in mystery isn't any more. Tomorrow , I will disassemble , photograph measure and re-grease, examine and replace. If still leaks, then order the correct cartridge and live a little longer with the pesky drip and pipe vibration for just the delivery time...Gritty bits in the supply after water board repairs in the road are what can damage the ceramic disks, in the ideal world we would all filter our supplies immediately after the main stop cock. As regards your repair dilema in some cases I guess the "O" rings could be replaced too as they may have lost elasticity and could be responsible for certain types of leaking , like around the collar and tap stem. Next I need to set you onto combi boiler repairs, gas tumble dryer repairs and X5 BMW exhaust gas valve re-circulation repairs ! You should tackle flat pannel TVs too, as they are modular and all too often its just a blown power supply board ! Regards

[@CharlieDIYte]

Love that comment, thanks! I've got various videos in the pipeline from dish washer repairs, to draining down the central heating at the weekend to install a MagnaClean unit. But your comment about flat panel TVs is very interesting! It's just finding the time to edit and upload. Watch this space!

[@finallevel29]

Great video Chas. Do love the way you present! All the very best.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks mate - appreciate that!

[@peterk75a]

Great advice and guidance. Finding a replacement for these can be a nightmare, (been there). Thanks very much.

[@1233pooh]

Thank you, you helped me fix my tap with no issues! :)

[@Jo-AnneFord]

Looked high and low for a video on how to take apart my cartridge and what to look for to see if I could repair it myself. A replacement cartridge for my kitchen sink is $50.00...I have not tried this repair yet because I need to buy the silicone grease and soak and clean all the parts first, like you recommended!!! Thank you soooo much, I hope my discs are not scratched.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Good luck with the repair and thanks for the comment 👊

[@Jo-AnneFord]

@@CharlieDIYte It actually fixed my faucet drip. I love that you took that time to show everyone what to do. So many of the plumbers just want to have you replace it. Saved me $50.00 minus the silicone grease of $4.00 or so…and it was easy…I am a capable woman at home repairs and had no problems following your instructions. I have hard water in the desert and figure that is part of the problem. Keep up the good information for everyone that needs it.

[@freefilms10000]

at last, found a video which is relevant to ceramic tap valves, thanks.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Glad you found it useful 👊

[@waterbourne9282]

Thanks for the video, good to know how those ceramic ones work. My experience is that vaseline goes hardish and doesn't lube after time. I have used the likes of CRC Lanocote lanoline grease for the last 30 years in tap threads and found it to be the most resilient while retaining its lubricating function.

[@tatavenugopal3082]

Excellent, Explanation very clear, there r so many sizes on cylinders, we have to take our old one to get/buy correct one☺ more over with dimensions of valve/cylinder presentation superb, keep it up👍

[@robertretired]

Great video. I live in Australia and your video is the best I've seen. Thanks again.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Hi Robert, you're very welcome and I'm humbled that my video has found you in Australia! Many thanks for the comment. Without the comments section I'd have no motivation as I'd be doing these videos in a complete vacuum, but it's reliant on good folk like you, in turn, to have the motivation to take the time to comment 👍 Good luck with the repair - I hope you find the right valve at Amazon, ebay or you're local plumbing merchant.

[@elpuma70]

This was so incredibly helpful -- thank you Charlie!

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@davelinkson1]

I had a look at my friends dripping tap, and it was a similar valve to your's yours, once I had got the water off from main stop cock, I found the isolation valves to be seized up, so could hardly move them, the house being of 1985 vintage then haven't done bad. Anyway, I took apart the valves and found a bit of rust, more than the hot side, the ceramic disc surfaces looked to be in a reasonable condition, so a clean and silicone grease including a clean & grease of spindle the reassembled. But the tap still dripped although not as much as closed the the stop cock slightly to eliminate terrible water hammer noise. Anyway, considering the probable age of the mixer tap and problems that could well be encountered getting the correct replacement valve we think a new tap and isolation valves are in order. A job for the New year. Thanks for the video, a great help. Happy Christmas!

[@CharlieDIYte]

I think that's very wise to replace the whole tap. Yes I've tried to grease the ceramic discs and it hasn't stopped the dripping although a lot of people have commented on here to say they've done it successfully.

[@davelinkson1]

@@CharlieDIYte Hi, I'm now wondering if it's the tiny washer on the bottom of the spindle which can also be a cause of dripping, as there's a guy on here who has had a positive result when replacing a broken washer, he made a replacement washer from a plastic credit card!

[@tonygreen9033]

Super video, Charlie. Extremely helpful.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks for the comment, Tony. Really glad you found it useful.