Dripping tap ceramic disk cartridge.

[Matt0029]

Do many of you try getting a new ceramic disk cartridge for a dripping tap. Or just fit a new tap. I know getting a new cartridge unless a recognised make like bristan etc can be hard to impossible. What are your thoughts on this?

 

[townfanjon]

Screwfix do some cheapo ones , I stock those and if they dont fit , its a new tap

 

[Matt0029]

Cheap ones that may fit a few types of taps?

 

[townfanjon]

Cheap ones that may fit a few types of taps?

Yep , I think they are marked flomaster , or something like that, I think about £7 ish each.

 

[Matt0029]

Thanks do you measure the spindle on it to determine I there the same size

 

[Matt0029]

I see it's the spline length and number of teeth to look out for. What do they class as the spline on these?

 

[Best]

I see it's the spline length and number of teeth to look out for. What do they class as the spline on these?

Splines are classed as the ridged parts, but not bloody easy to count! Which spline do you start with - and then how can you be sure where to end?
Personally I buy Screwfix ceramic works as they are very reasonable cost for the pair and do fit some taps. B&Q also do a few different sets.
I just take the tap head off and see if some of my stock works fit it

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Depends cheap tap I just change the tap but branded one then I might change the cartridge

 

[Welder]

That's why I invented what I did Matt

Differences in cartridges are:
- opening direction (clockwise or anti)
- dia of spindle (splined bit - 7.5, 7.6, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0mm)
- number of splines range from (15-56)
- splined length (5-12mm)
- height of spindle (22-120mm)
- whether it's threaded for a shroud (yes or no)
- depth of seat (inside depth of tap 1/2" from 21 - 26mm, 3/4" 20 - 27mm)

There are more, but calculate the above & it works out at around 1,000,000 permutations. Reality tho is around 2000 so far found for 1/2"...

 

[Paul Cockhill]

I usually replace the tap, unless it is a good quality tap then I look around for a cartidge. I have always found Tap Magician really good
The Tap Magician .They also sell a Spline Gauge which is useful is you fix alot of taps like me

 

[Welder]

Tap Magician do indeed do a wide range of Chinese options.
Just be aware tho none are WRAS (or equiv) approved so installer shoulders complete legal responsibility when installing as clearly breaching water regs.
Law says it's not illegal to supply - only to fit