How to Replace a Ceramic Cartridge 💧 Dripping Tap Fix

[@barkershill]

Having to fix a kitchen tap for the first time and just watched about six vids on the subject . This is by far the best!

[@maljohnson2660]

Watched this video then took the taps apart and took the cartridge down to Screwfix. They matched it - bought a pair for £4.50. Went home and fitted them. Job done. Took ten minutes. Plumber quoted £110 to do it! Thanks!

[@robinstokes5179]

As a maintenance guy my main peeve with these cartridge valves is the complete lack of standardised fitting, the end result being the whole valve is chucked away, even if it was (in theory) repairable. A lot worse for he planet than a little worn out rubber washer. The number of different sizes is huge. It's often not just the overall height you need to know, let alone the number & diameter of splines. There are different heights / depths where they screw into the tap body & if that's too short the silicone seal doesn't seal properly. If the valve is too tall, you can't screw the valve into place fully without causing the tap to bind. As you point out, over time the silicone seals get compressed anyway, loosening the overall ceramic assembly & I've found this to be a very common cause of drips. In theory the seals are available as spares but... there's a whole load of different sizes of these as well & I have rarely found one to fit the valve I'm repairing.

[@brianlopez8855]

Some of these "designers" need to have their heads dunked in the WC pan to wake them up once in a while.

[@greenwarrior8971]

Thank you so much for this informative video. Fixed my dripping tap and im happy and proud of myself. Grandma 62 ❤😂🎉

[@SkillBuilder]

Great job!

[@jazzman1626]

Excellent. I have the exact same tap in my kitchen! The last time we had a dripping tap, it was a washer. This is the first time I’ve had one with a cartridge. Update: Our cold water was dripping, so I got a new cartridge and got a plumber to instal it and since the old one was very tight indeed, I’m glad I did. Trouble is, the cold tap still drips. I did find a strange way of stopping the drips though. If I run the hot tap until it’s too hot to touch for half a minute, then turn it off, the cold tap stops dripping! I think there’s a certain amount of heat expansion that stops the leak. Weird but it works! I’m thinking of getting an old style washer tap fitted in place of the cartridge tap. The tap and the rest of the kitchen is only three years old. In all the time I grew up, I can’t remember having taps needing as much as a washer replaced let alone an expensive part compared with a rubber washer replaced.

[@realworldriding2601]

Roger - you are worshipped in this household - not a complicated job, but: "Fill the kettle" and "put the plug in" are priceless tips from the Top- thank you so much!! PS stripped and refitted an entire bathroom following some of your other videos 🥇

[@SkillBuilder]

The idea of anyone worshipping me makes me uncomfortable but thanks for the support. I am glad you were able to fit a bathroom from our videos, that is why we make them. So many people are let down by professionals that it makes perfect sense to do what you can. KZbin is great for learning new skills.

[@tomw588]

Skill Builder is always my first port of call for DIY jobs. Thank you for sharing your skills, Roger.

[@apeterwarren2061]

Short and sweet, completely to the point. Quality advice in a quality video. Very helpful. Thank you. Sept 21.

[@julesnfriends]

All videos should be exactly like this! Thank you for posting.

[@jonnobleuk]

The spanner on spanner 🔧 trick to loosen it is genius! It felt like it was never coming off before. Cheers

[@malcolmjames7388]

I love your videos,I used to listen to you every Saturday on LBC when people phoned in with there DIY problems.Years ago. Great help for the People who do DIY. It's nice to see your still helping them thanks. Keep them coming..

[@TheWorkingMumsLifeCoach]

Thank you so much for this video. It gave me the confidence to have a go. No more leaky tap!

[@topfuelteddy]

Ceramic cartridge's are a crap invention, old rubber washers far better,pence to replace not 15 quid a time , can't even find the correct one for my tap .

[@SteveHuntley-m1i]

Thanks for this excellent instructive video. Watched it last night and successfully did the deed today!

[@SkillBuilder]

Glad it helped!

[@darrencampbell5629]

Checked a few other vids out before giving my leaky tap a bash this one knocked them all out the park. 👍🏻

[@hklovejoy]

Thank you - this is beautifully explained. I just wanted to understand more about WHY our tap is dripping, and what a cartridge looked like! We'll still have to get a plumber as neither my husband nor I have the right tools - or strength - but now I know what they're talking about! Happy days.

[@SpiritintheSky.]

It's worth considering getting some basic tools, very cheap if second-hand. They'll quickly pay for themselves, given how expensive tradesmen can be. And, of course, there's the delay in getting the work done, and the inconvenience to you. Do it yourself and it's cheap and quick.

[@katbairwell]

Just the info we need to deal with our new-build sink. Excellent tip about filling the kettle - always have enough water for a brew! Cheers Roger!

[@mandymcchow]

Thank you for your video, i just fixed mine following your instructions, it made my day!

[@noodlemaz]

Going to try this! Not sure what brand the tap is but it's a German kitchen so hopefully applies. Only thing I'd recommend/request is editing the subtitles as the auto generated ones haven't done too well! Thank you :)

[@subbedtodeath2051]

I managed to undo the cartridge in my tap using a 17mm deep socket (couldn’t get an adjustable spinner in) , worked a treat 👍

[@Nellsmum22]

Excellent. We followed your instructions exactly, even filled the kettle, & now have dripless taps. When I write 'we' I was just the assistant!

[@SkillBuilder]

Glad it helped!

[@baboo36]

Hey Roger. Thanks mate. Perfect. I made the mistake of using the mole grips and snapped the end off! Then I spotted the hex and everything was easy after that!

[@RobE8888]

Thanks very much for this video, annoying “fancy” dripping tap (that the previous owner of our house installed so I didn’t quite know what it was) correctly identified on the website you suggested and fixed for £30 (both sides) DIY saved me a lot of cash as I thought we might need a new tap fitting! Thanks again 👍

[@joe2mercs]

You need to take care not to over-tighten cartridge retaining nuts. I had a combined hot/cold on/off bathroom sink tap that was rapidly dripping. The cartridge was plastic and the side wall that retained the end rubber ‘o’ ring seal had broken. During its assembly the retaining nut had been over tightened squeezing the rubber seal so hard that it had burst the plastic. Fortunately the weakness in this particular design had been addressed and the replacement cartridge had a much thicker thicker side wall. My advice is to apply a smear of silicone grease to mating surfaces and to only firmly snug up the retaining nuts. The result is that the ‘o’ rings retain some elasticity and the ceramic parts glide effortlessly whilst being completely water tight.

[@fampc2660]

Thank You! I work in a hardware store. I find customers make 2 trips because they don't know if the valve closes clockwise or counterclockwise. The wholesale distributors don't help this situation by labeling it Hot or Cold. The cartridge should be labeled CW or CCW.

[@elleg9222]

Fantastic video! I happen to have the same Franke tap too, I took out the cartridge, gave it a clean and put it back in and no more drippy tap

[@raoufelgawly1599]

Thanks Roger, you answered every single question I had , very knowledgeable thanks

[@EileenTocher]

Great video thank you. How do you get a cartridge off if it is totally stuck please?

[@bing1577]

Thanks for the short lesson. ..well worth the watch. ..my leaking taps are now sorted by a complete novice...

[@mathsangler]

Thanks, Roger. As always, really helpful.

[@MarkJT1000]

Hey I liked that. Several good tips in there and great importance placed upon being able to make a cup of tea. Subscribed.

[@charlesforeman9438]

My ceramic taps are only 2 years old. Had to get them replaced under guarantee as they wouldn't stop dripping. Now out of guarantee, a second pair are dripping as well. It always seems to be the cold, probably because that has more use. A plumber told me these are his biggest call-out jobs, and to never buy ceramic taps and he sticks with taps with rubber washers in future

[@danl5592]

That ceramic valve was expensive £15 . I never replace them , can get a nice new mixer tap for around £35 , they are very cheap if you know where to go (not B&Q😅)

[@davidboddy2640]

But they look good !

[@keithcoker5261]

Great, very helpful. On my unit cartridge was seized in housing. Using longer leverage or spanner and hammer wasn't working and seemed like might cause damage. Solution was impact driver, work a treat.

[@michaeltb1358]

Good idea. So far i have not managed to remove old cartridge.

[@emma8821]

So cool. thank you very much. Mind you, I had a thought that it may not be as easy in real life, it rarely is. Sure enough, my tap wouldn't come off after opening the grub screw, turns out there was also some glue or something, second hurdle was the cartridge was so corroded, it would not budge and I was worried about damaging the tap with too much force, but after some WD40 and a bit of help, it opened. Thanks to your video, the tap is no longer leaking and I am one very happy bunny :D

[@tomsmith2496]

Thanks for a great video. I read that it's a good idea to use silicone grease when replacing the valve. Would you agree and if so, where should it be applied?

[@arronthompson3265]

Thanks mate really helpful tutorial, and at my age 56 I don't have the qualifications, owning your own house I need to have a little knowledge of how things work, if it's not hooking up the TV aerial cables properly or painting or fixing things round the house it's something else, tc and thanks again 😊

[@mgomez8864]

Great video . I have a tap which is dripping in the cold water side and I am not sure what screw driver or if an Alan key will do the trick . I can only see a little hole after I took out the button covering it . I use a mirror and a torch to but I cannot make what tool to use to take the handle tap out ??? Any one suggestion will be much appreciated!! Thank you

[@WarfareJournal]

I only needed to take the cartridge out and put it back in again and it seems to have stopped the drip. Not sure what that's about, I didn't see any debris in there. Pretty happy to save some dosh though! Thanks for the video

[@argon3329]

Thanks Rodger all sorted now because of this vid. 💯👏👍

[@markbellingham4536]

What a lovely 😊 man always helpful god bless you and your family 👍👍

[@SkillBuilder]

Thanks so much

[@waynesparrow2015]

Thank you for taking time to make these videos

[@yclare1]

Hi Roger do you know if you can just buy the red or blue gaskets at the top as I only bought the cartridges a couple of years ago.. great video. ❤

[@charleswillcock3235]

Brilliant video - a perfect explanation.

[@shriramvenu]

excellent video! very nicely explained so that anyone could do it!

[@dominicmeehan8322]

Love these videos. I wish I had the balls to try some DIY!!

[@dave22240]

Hi Roger, very good video, thanks! I like you am replacing my hot cartridge after doing the cold some months ago. I get my cartridges off eBay and mine are VR01's. The problem I am getting is that the tap is too stiff for use after replacement of the cartridges, have you come across this problem before? I'm guessing the part is very very slightly the wrong size? What do you think, Thanks Dave.

[@SpiritintheSky.]

As always another of your very helpful videos. In my case, everything went according to plan, of course, but what if they hadn't for some reason? Your videos are generally intended, I believe, for people with little experience. So what would an inexperienced person do if, for example, something did not come undone or needed some form of modification? Perhaps you could make one or two videos on resolving the unexpected? I'm sure you've had plenty of experience yourself in your long professional life!

[@SpiritintheSky.]

PS I should have mentioned that the inline valve did not stop the water flow entirely. (The valve for the other tap did, I noticed.)

[@brianingram1834]

Very good. Well described along with additional trouble-shooting.

[@lennykelly9952]

Great video Roger,could you tell your viewers or do a video on the Grohe Ambi dual lever C spout kitchen taps,it’s really only to get the tap heads off to get at the cartridge there’s no Allen key head or set grub screws there’s an Allen key for the spout though thanks if you get a chance.

[@taichimeteorman]

Excellent video! Thank you 🙂

[@garymckenzie4521]

Thank you Roger that's very interesting and helpful

[@kannansundararajan4262]

very informative video. Thanks Roger. Like the way you mention tips and tricks. Noted your pressure tip. Looking forward to your other videos. Thanks & take Care.

[@myke.h2913]

Hi Roger I have a similar issue the problem is the cartridge is locked into place by limescale how can I remove the limescale? to get the cartridge out.

[@SkillBuilder]

Of the problem is that when taps are assembled the body is wound in too tight. Back in the day plumbers used to undo them before they fitted them but that is long gone. I am afraid you need a box spanner. You can buy a whole set from Toolstation for around £8.00, it is the best way of not chewing the brass up.

[@myke.h2913]

@@SkillBuilder Thanks for your reply hopefully a box will do the trick otherwise well we both know how that will work out, My Regards Myke.

[@safrazisap7325]

Excellent demo 👍👌

[@zeebo100]

Thank you for the video, I have a similar tap, and wasn't sure how to dissemble. Also loved the cup of tea touch haha..

[@jackflash8756]

One subtle but important thing I would like to ask. Before you insert the new cartridge should it be in the closed 'stop point' position' ?

[@tonyroach3840]

Legend! Tip: Toughest part was getting the old cartridge out. Get the big spanners out like Rodger did.Don't foget to dig the old washer out. Then get the kettle on 😂

[@ukmidnighter]

Thank you for this video. Gave it a go and it worked great. The video gave me the confidence to have a go.

[@nicolebourcierphotographer]

Surely you can just take out your washer and then you will know what cartridge needs replacing? i.e. hot or cold, by the colour of cartridge? Thanks for this video as got to try this job next and your videos have helped me every time so far

[@danwatkins6303]

Thanks Roger for making this vid. Also, liked the use of the wrench on wrench technique - Brilliant!! Lastly, Thank you that the Chinese-torture is over...

[@paulmalone1208]

Great video only the best 🎉

[@ssstenning]

We've got a Frankie kitchen mixer tap had it 7-8 years I've had to replace the cartridges 3 times, absolute rubbish! Easy enough job to do for home DIY though.

[@jackmullett9198]

Very clear, well explained 😎

[@HighWealder]

Was going to replace the ceramic cartridges in my in-laws bathroom basin, but turned out to be very ancient. So replaced the washers and ground the seat.

[@davidjones6489]

Hi Roger...excellent video, thank you. Just a question about getting the old leaky cartridge out, please. My Reginox mixer tap is fitted to the top of a CERAMIC sink. The old cartridge is in very tightly so even a long socket and a ratchet handle just won't shift the old cartridge and I fear if I apply too much pressure, I will crack the sink top. Any suggestions how I can free the old cartridge (hitting the ratchet handle with a hammer doesn't seem a good idea!) If I can't loosen it, I guess I'll have to remove the mixer unit completely and work on it (remove the old cartridge) off the sink? Thanks if you can offer any suggestions.

[@SH-sf7qe]

Great video! Could I ask a question..our kitchen mixer tap is a similar design to the one in this video, but seems to be leaking from the very base (ie where the chrome sits on the countertop) and not just from the base of the spout. Do you think this can be fixed by replacing the o-rings and/or the tap cartridges, or should I be looking for something else? Many thanks in advance!

[@mattydare]

Late for the bus but thanks. Informative vid on a subject I'm just about to address for a friend (5min job 💩). I would have flushed the line before installing the new cartridge especially if you found debris?

[@richardcrisp6166]

Hi Roger currently trying to change cartridge but it’s really stuck I’m trying not to round off the edges as it’s a brass cartridge any tips on how I am able to remove this before I damage the cartridge?

[@SkillBuilder]

Box spanner from Toolstation they can be hard to undo.

[@Mr4thetruth]

Lots of good tips in this video, thank you. 👍

[@rudolfr178]

Thanks for the video ( from the Netherlands Europe) was helpful to understand. I always tried with force to close the tap. But now I know that even simple taps can have a Caramic cartridge. using force won't help. All 3 taps in the shower room do have this problem. probably dirt in the water system. The kitchen tab (old leather ring system >40year old) does not have this problem. thanks

[@eazyrat]

Thanks. If there's a slight build up of water ever time the faucet is opened then it stops os that the cartridge?

[@SkillBuilder]

Where is the build up of water?

[@eazyrat]

@@SkillBuilder sorry I didnt explain that well. The build up is in the tap which is released when you open it. Its only small but its a bit off water. Only on the hot.

[@eazyrat]

@@SkillBuilder thanks for the reply and the channel!

[@simonstones1918]

Hi roger, recently started working on Repairs and been changing a lot of basin and sink taps. What’s the best taps wrench kit to make all this easier? Had a pig of a job trying to get the nut off a kitchen monobloc tap in the week...🙄

[@SkillBuilder]

It was never an easy job to change taps and we used to use a claw wrench and do it by feel. The fact that they were often put in with linseed oil putty made it even harder. Now most monobloc taps have a single nut on a stud to hold the horseshoe plate in place. A nice set of box spanners £8 from tool station is all you need for modern taps.

[@simonstones1918]

Skill Builder I’ve been using those smaller box spanner’s but they’re still difficult to get up there on a kitchen sink 😩 just wondered if you’ve tried any of these sets going about.

[@louisemccarron69]

Great video however the inner of my tap is different (Caple robo dual control) and I can’t work out how to get to the cartridge!! Any suggestions?

[@rajivvashm6046]

thanks Roger.. lovely short video; I enjoy watching the SB videos on my office breaks... (sad , I know..either that or an Airbus take off and land....keep 'em coming buddy)

[@davidhorne123]

Great video. FYI, there’s no way I could have removed the cartridge from my tap with a spanner or pliers - but a socket set unscrewed it quite easily. 👍

[@joelonsdale]

My grub screw is damaged: the 2mm allen key just spins, 2.5mm won't go in! Any ideas? Sorted the hot, but can't get the cold out!

[@SkillBuilder]

The only way is to drill it out.

[@joelonsdale]

@@SkillBuilder I'll have to take the tap off the sink then, was hoping to avoid any actual hard work! Nice one...

[@jfreeman007]

Thank you. Most helpful.

[@desislavarusekova9394]

We got a very similar model of yours kitchen mixer, however it’s redicilous tight and no matter which side we try doesn’t unscrew. How do we unscrew these ceramic valves? Does it say which way somewhere just in case if is different than yours?

[@SkillBuilder]

You need to get some box spanners from Toolstation. You can buy a whole set for £9.00

[@rokhsana7291]

I have the same tap, but I can't take the lever off after removing the grub scew! Any ideas as to how I can get if off, thanks

[@TC-uq1rc]

I had the same problem and I've done the same job often with no problems, however eventually I had to cut the top off. No obvious reason for it being stuck on. It was wobbly but wouldn't give in!

[@richardhorner7723]

Really enlightening. I’m going in!

[@SkillBuilder]

Good luck

[@rogercantwell3622]

Tip: most cartridges can be taken apart and assembled for left- or right-handed opening, so you can use a spare "hot" one on the cold side, and vice-versa.

[@benchippy8039]

Any chance you could knock up a video on soil venting? The more I read into it the more complicated it seems but now I’m wondering if it’s just acedemic plumber types trying to complicate the trade. Would love to see some more technical videos

[@RameshPatel-ph3ie]

Thanks the price of cartridge in India is 320 rupees and pleased to have your tips

[@davidcavaliere1525]

I’m sure you could reduce pressure, if you turn the stop valve/ mains inlet ?

[@SkillBuilder]

you can't. That is a myth. Turning down a stopcock reduces flow rate but not startic pressure. Page 1 of the plumbing manual.

[@davidcavaliere1525]

@@SkillBuilder well your the plumber haha I’m just a builder . Enjoying all your videos by the way and robins 👍👍

[@lindaroland3355]

Very helpful. I am going to have a go … for the first time!

[@cranford1947]

had the same problem with mine,used half inch fibber washer behind the cartridge,worked a treat.

[@cranford1947]

@M3RCY correct

[@cthgbs6267]

Sir, what's the tool that you use to remove the cartridge?

[@davidwest2880]

great advice.. fill the kettle incase you need a cup of tea!

[@melclo3641]

Hi, I need some help, if I send you a photo of my taps, can you tell me how to get the top off, as the lever on the ot tap is turning the wrong way, I hope you can help, I have anxiety, and it is really having an effect on me, I can send a photo, I did look at facebook, but I couldn't find where to post, Thanks.

[@SkillBuilder]

send the pictures to www.skill-builder.uk/send

[@martindye]

Looking for a tool like a abd tap splitter but for kitchen taps. If I used enough force on my tap it will chew up the sink when the tap bends. Your sink is much more sturdy.

[@ivarrtheboneless9104]

Roger, went to the local plumber with my cartridge. He got out s box of cartridges but none were my size. Is there any way that I can repair the washer on the cartridge?

[@syedaziz203]

Just fix my tap. Thank you for your video sir.

[@kewalsingh8197]

Realy impressed with ur info 👏👌👍

[@SkillBuilder]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@deanmarshall1270]

Cheers. It helped to save me money. I did't tell the wife I was fixing it. She ask how much I had to pay to get it fixed. I think I'll keep the money 😁 secret.

[@terrifictyplosion]

Nice and quick repair thanks

[@Rose-fb3qo]

Thank you. That was excellent!!!

[@jayturner90]

Do you need to turn off the hot water if just working on the cold side? I have a hot water tank, so stopcock doesn't stop the water and can't find the valve for the tank!

[@chrissanders55]

I had the same as you. Dripping tap but when I removed the cartridge, it was in good condition with just the washer squashed down. Washer seems to be the cause not the cartridge. Have you looked at a way of replacing this?

[@SkillBuilder]

Yes I have done loads of them. It should have been mentioned but maybe that is the next version of this video

[@chrissanders55]

@@SkillBuilder Assume it's a design flaw of the product. Did you just tuck a small washer in that repliactes the one that's squashed down? Don't suppose you have a link to them?

[@paullockwood7219]

Cheers Roger!

[@vistron888]

That will more than likely be an aftermarket cartridge because Franke are unlikely to do it for £15. Have you seen the prices for Villeroy & Boch ones? I have quarter turns in my house which I installed in 1996. They are not even branded but I believe were made in Italy. Never had a single drip. Worked sweet all the time. Now that I've said that they'll probably leak :-)

[@MrFelixU]

Thanks mate, job done, double set of ceramic "glands" for £3.18 from a popular hardware superstore. Let's see how long they last.

[@David-bl1bt]

Would you mind sharing what "popular hardware superstore" you got them from?

[@MrFelixU]

@@David-bl1bt Wickes

[@SkillBuilder]

That is a bargain. I didn't know they had them

[@David-bl1bt]

@@MrFelixU thanks for the info