Ceramic cartridges lifespan??

[macka09]

Hi folks.

I replaced a cartridge about 18months ago for somebody and it’s failed again. Are they really only designed to last a couple of years?

It’s in a catering kitchen so gets lots of use but I’m surprised it’s gone so quick.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Is it the hots ?

 

[macka09]

Is it the hots ?

Sorry for the delay.

Yes it was the hot actually??

 

[Chuck]

Should last many years.

The hot cartridge in my own kitchen tap failed after about 35 years because the brass body had developed a crack (probably due to corrosion / dezincification) but the ceramic discs were still in as-new condition.

I think that it's critical that the cartridge body is the correct length. Slightly too long and when it's screwed into the fitting the sealing ring will push the discs together with too much force. When new they often have some silicone on them so will work fine (maybe feel a bit stiff) but the discs will wear/bind prematurely.

 

[macka09]

Should last many years.

The hot cartridge in my own kitchen tap failed after about 35 years because the brass body had developed a crack (probably due to corrosion / dezincification) but the ceramic discs were still in as-new condition.

I think that it's critical that the cartridge body is the correct length. Slightly too long and when it's screwed into the fitting the sealing ring will push the discs together with too much force. When new they often have some silicone on them so will work fine (maybe feel a bit stiff) but the discs will wear/bind prematurely.

Unfortunately there’s no markings on the tap or cartridges so I had to go with the closest possible. The first time I changed it was last June and it’s failed already.
I did ask the merchant what the warranty period was and his reply was “ I don’t think they have a warranty”.
???

 

[Chuck]

Unfortunately there’s no markings on the tap or cartridges so I had to go with the closest possible.

Okay, if the cause of failure was incorrect length. You need to decide if it failed because the cartridge body is (a) too short or (b) too long. If it's (a) the tap will be dripping will operate freely and be otherwise okay. If (b) there will be significant resistance when you try to open/close the tap. If you inspect it the thin sections of brass next to the slots may have been distorted.

If you remove the outer seal O'ring and then screw the cartridge in by hand you should be able to feel the point when the compression washer that forms the inner seal touches down and you can see how much it will be compressed by gauging the gap left where you removed the O'ring.

Trouble with this sort of fiddling around is that it is time-consuming and can end up costing more than replacing the tap with a branded one that you can get the correct spares for first time.

 

[macka09]

Okay, if the cause of failure was incorrect length. You need to decide if it failed because the cartridge body is (a) too short or (b) too long. If it's (a) the tap will be dripping will operate freely and be otherwise okay. If (b) there will be significant resistance when you try to open/close the tap. If you inspect it the thin sections of brass next to the slots may have been distorted.

If you remove the outer seal O'ring and then screw the cartridge in by hand you should be able to feel the point when the compression washer that forms the inner seal touches down and you can see how much it will be compressed by gauging the gap left where you removed the O'ring.

Trouble with this sort of fiddling around is that it is time-consuming and can end up costing more than replacing the tap with a branded one that you can get the correct spares for first time.

Thanks for the advice it’s much appreciated.

The replacement cartridge is identical in length which is why I was surprised the cartridge only lasted 18mths.

 

[Chuck]

The replacement cartridge is identical in length which is why I was surprised the cartridge only lasted 18mths.

Oh, okay, I misunderstood what you meant by 'closest possible'. How long did the previous cartridge last?

Take a careful look at the failed cartridge to see if it gives any clues as to why it failed. For example, if the tap is operated by a long lever maybe it's been subjected to excessive torque damaging the end-stops.

 

[macka09]

Oh, okay, I misunderstood what you meant by 'closest possible'. How long did the previous cartridge last?

Take a careful look at the failed cartridge to see if it gives any clues as to why it failed. For example, if the tap is operated by a long lever maybe it's been subjected to excessive torque damaging the end-stops.

The last cartridge was only 18 months.

I can see gaps on the discs though.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I find very hot water wears them faster also think of the use it’s a lot more than a domestic house