Ceramic disc tap cartridge

[JohnW]

My kitchen tap has started leaking when fully open from the rotating part. Can this be repaired or is a new cartridge the only cure?

Thanks

John

[Bob Minchin]

If you are careful you can take the cartridge apart and fit a new O ring on the shaft. I've bought cartridges recently for other reasons from the tap magician from about £4 via ebay. Far dearer from their website for some reason? No commercial connection just satisfied customer etc

[Andrew]

Hot or Cold ?.

The former is usually connect to the incoming mains, while the latter will come from your hot tank or combi.

They do wear I'm afraid, and if your mains water supply was disrupted then some crud may have caused the problem. It's unlikely to be the 'O' ring or it would leak all the time.

If they last more than 15 years, you are lucky.

Be very aware that there are different makes so don't rush into B&Q and buy their junk. Find a specialist plumbing supplier, and take the old one with you. If it is the cold tap then your stop c*ck under the sink will shut the water, but if is the hot tap then you will have the delight of shutting off the gate valve next to the hot tank - and this may have jammed.