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How To Fix A Dripping Tap (Ceramic Disc)

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  • 900kbps

How To Fix A Dripping Tap (Ceramic Disc)

This video is specifically designed by VideoJug to show you to how to fix a ceramic disc dripping tap. Showing you how to replace and clean a cartridge, VideoJug shows you all you need to know to fix that dripping tap. This video is specifically designed by VideoJug to show you to how to fix a ceramic disc dripping tap. Showing you how to replace and clean a cartridge, VideoJug shows you all you need to know to fix that dripping tap.

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Turn off the water supply

Before you begin, make sure you turn off the water supply to the tap you are working on. This may mean turning off the water at the mains tap for your house. This is usually located under or near your kitchen sink. If working on a hot tap you may need to locate the hot water tank and turn off the supply from there.

Now check that the water is off by turning on your tap. Very little water should come out. When you are sure that the mains are off, turn the tap fully on to drain it of any excess water.

Put in the plug. This will stop you losing anything down the plug-hole whilst you are dismantling the tap.

Step 3: Remove the cap

Using a knife with a thin blade, gently prize off the cap. The screw should now be easily visible

Step 4: Remove the head gear

Place the knife and cap to one side. Pick up your cross-headed screwdriver and start unscrewing the headgear off the cartridge.

Once unscrewed, prize the headgear off with your fingers and place to one side.

Step 5: Inspect the rubber seal

You will need to inspect the rubber seal on the bottom of the cartridge to check for damage or wear. If it seems worn or damaged, you should replace it as it may be causing the drip.

Step 6: Remove and inspect the cartridge

Use the wrench or a suitably sized spanner to unscrew the cartridge by turning it anticlockwise. Now inspect it for any wear and tear, or obvious damage. If the cartridge is dirty, clean off any debris as this alone could be the cause of the problem.

Step 7: Choose the correct cartridge

If the disc is obviously cracked then you will need to replace it with a new cartridge. Make sure that the new cartridge is the same type as the old one, and that you don't confuse hot and cold.

Step 8: Reassemble

Once you have determined and corrected the problem, simply go back over yourself step by step to reassemble your ceramic-disc tap.

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Tips & Comments
  2. letsgolunch

    I too have a ceramic disc (oras donson) tap leak x2. the first one is a bathroom vanity tap which drips when you turn it fully off (1/4 turn) but stops dripping if you turn it on just a touch. The second leak is the shower tap which just drips. I have pulled both apart several times and cleaned etc but have only managed to reduce the frequency of drip on shower tap whereas the basin tap remains the same! The video is great but could perhaps show the actual discs and what to look for.

  3. Heland

    Excellent vid and advice, I have had a dripping tap for a couple of months and it was doing my head in!! Tried B&Q and Wickes for part but no joy. Local plumbing merchant came to resuce. Saved any call out fees for a plumber and did it myself and I am a complete novice. Thanks once again. Useful comments below too!!

  4. carl682

    Brilliant vid, saved a packet, took tap to bits found abit of fitting in the ceramic bit hence drip, cleaned and put back together, no drips!!!!!!! Thanks

  5. netlarfs

    Thanks to the authors of this vid, I fixed a mixer tap myself for less than £20 quid, replacing both ceramic cartridges.

  6. Anonymous

    Tried lunns selection, but our cartridge could not be identified. Have tried local suppliers, but although similar, no correct cartridge could be matched.

  7. Anonymous

    What a super video, saved me a bill of £75.00 callout charge and £60.00 + for new cartridges (I ordered them myself). Just one missing tip: always wear rubber gloves or barrier cream for plumbing jobs, sharp edges and constant wet work left me with very sore fingers.

  8. Anonymous

    Like others, finding the right cartridge is the problem - trawling round the merchants while the water is turned off at home. Tap has been dripping for 4 months and is now a stream but I refuse to buy new tap.

  9. Anonymous

    Fixed the tap!!! The ceramic disc cartridge was faulty. I got a replacement from B&Q (they only did one type, which was the one i needed!). The video gives you enough of an idea to try and fix it yourself VideoJug Rules!!!

  10. Anonymous

    Always run off a small bowl of water first so that you have some water to wash any gunge off the fittings!