How to change a tap cartridge

The thought of dismantling your tap might seem a bit daunting, but if it’s dripping, that’s a lot of wasted water (and money) going down the drain. One way to fix this would be to remove the tap handles and replace their main functional part, the tap cartridge. This is also known as a valve, gland, or ceramic disc. It’s an easy job that can make a huge difference to both your water bills and your sanity, so let’s take a look at how to carry out a tap cartridge replacement.

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A dripping, stiff, or inconsistent tap is often caused by a worn ceramic cartridge, which can usually be cleaned or easily replaced instead of changing the whole tap.
Before changing your cartridge, identify and order the correct replacement cartridge using the tap’s make and model before starting.
Replacing a tap cartridge is a simple DIY job: turn off the water, remove the handle and old cartridge, clean the housing, fit the new cartridge, and reassemble.

When should you replace a tap cartridge?

It might be time to replace your ceramic tap cartridge if the spout is constantly dripping or giving you a weak water flow.

Another sign that the cartridge is past its peak is if the handle is getting a bit stiff or if the temperature is inconsistent.

Sometimes these problems may be caused by the inside of the tap housing being unclean, which can be a result of limescale build up. Before replacing the cartridge, check to see if cleaning your tap can fix the issues instead. Then you may not even have to buy new parts.

To learn more, read our expert tips on removing limescale from taps.

How to order the right tap cartridges

Most taps will have their make and model engraved into either the front or back. You can use this to pick out the right-sized cartridges.

If you’re replacing both, make sure to order a cold and a hot cartridge. If you’re just replacing one, make sure to order the right one. You may be able to tell from the colour of the rubber washer – red for hot, blue for cold.

Replacing the cartridge for a mixer tap (where both hot and cold are controlled with one lever) follows the same process, but again, make sure to get the right mixer tap cartridge for the job.

How to replace a tap cartridge

Flathead screwdriver
Screwdriver or hex key to match your tap’s screws
Replacement tap cartridge
Adjustable wrench

Underneath the sink, you should be able to find an isolation valve. Turn this off to switch off the water supply. You’ll also need to open up the tap to release any pressure or water that’s already in the system. This will prevent you from getting soaked when you dismantle the tap.

Most tap levers or handles will be secured with a screw, but this may not be immediately visible. Look for a cap that can be detached and prise this off with the end of a flathead screwdriver. Your screw should be underneath. You can then unscrew this with a screwdriver or hex key to remove the tap handle.

Top tip: It’s a good idea to keep the plug in your plughole so that any screws or caps don’t end up falling down the pipes after they’ve been removed.

The tap cartridge will likely be held in place by a brass bush which will need removing first. Hold the main body of the tap for stability and use your adjustable wrench to loosen and remove this brass brush. The cartridge can then be lifted out.

Top tip: Place a soft cloth between the wrench and cartridge to prevent scratches and damage. You may also want to put a towel underneath as you do this, as some last drips of water may flow out of the hole you’ve just created.

Remove as much debris and limescale as you can from the cartridge slot as this may be what’s causing any leaks or drips. You can scrape off stubborn bits of limescale with your flathead screwdriver or apply vinegar to allow it to dissolve.

Screw in the new cartridge, making sure everything aligns properly and that it’s placed in the ‘open’ position. Use your adjustable wrench to tighten it as much as possible to prevent leaks. Again, make sure to hold the base of the tap for added stability.

Align the handle to the tap again, making sure it’s in the ‘open’ position. Secure it back into place with the same screw, tightening it as much as possible with a screwdriver or hex key. Place the cap back over the screw, turn on the water supply, and test the tap.

If your tap is dripping, leaking, weak or gives you inconsistent temperatures, you don’t necessarily need to replace the whole thing. The mechanism inside the tap, the ceramic tap cartridge, may just be worn and need replacing.

This is a really simple job to do yourself. All you need to do is detach the handle, unscrew the nut, and take the old one out, replacing it with a new one. Then your tap should be working as new.

If you’ve noticed that only the washer is damaged, that might be all that needs replacing. Check out our guide on how to change a tap washer to find out how it’s done.

FAQs

This job doesn’t necessarily require a plumber, just some basic DIY knowhow, a few common tools, and about 15 minutes of your time. Just make sure to turn the water off before you start working!

Dripping from your tap is usually a result of a worn washer or a faulty or worn ceramic disc cartridge. All you need to do to stop the dripping is replace either of these faulty parts. If that doesn’t fix it, clean the inside of the tap housing, and if that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the whole tap or call in a plumber.

Yes, if your tap uses a ceramic disc cartridge, this can still be replaced by installing a cartridge of the same size and type. We provide more details on how to do this in our guide on how to fix a leaking tap.

Technically, you don’t need to turn the water off to replace a tap washer but switching it off is advised as this prevents water from seeping out when you remove the cartridge.

Your tap may keep dripping if the valve seat is worn, if the O-ring needs replacing, or if the tap cartridge wasn’t installed correctly.

A mixer tap cartridge can be changed in the exact same way as your standard hot or cold cartridge. Just remove the tap handle, take out the cartridge, replace it with a new one, and reassemble the tap.