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DISCLAIMER - IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ


This article is provided for information purposes only. You should only attempt any procedures explained here if you are competent to perform the task and have the appropriate tools and materials, including any relevant safety equipment.

Readers acting upon this article do so at their own risk and no responsibility is accepted by the author or publisher for any loss or damage incurred by following the article or failing to follow it.

If in doubt always consult a properly qualified tradesperson or other competent person.

WHAT IS A CERAMIC TAP CARTRIDGE?


A ceramic tap cartridge is a device in a modern tap (especially mixer taps) that controls the flow of water.

In modern mixer taps it may also control the mixing of hot and cold water in the body of the tap.

HOW DO CERAMIC TAP CARTRIDGES WORK?


A ceramic tap cartridge consists of a valve body holding two discs, each with holes through the middle.

In the closed position the holes on the two discs are in different positions and this prevents water flowing through the tap.

As the handwheel or mixer control arm of the tap is turned the ceramic discs rotate and the holes align with each other, allowing water to flow through the tap.

In the case of mixer taps with a single combination cartridge, opening the tap also adjusts the mixture of hot and cold water to provide the desired water temperature at the tap outlet.

To maintain a seal and shut off the water supply ceramic cartridges rely on a very smooth surface between the ceramic faces of the valve.

These smooth faces can become roughened if grit in the water supply gets trapped between the disc faces and grinds scratches into them.

For this reason, when fitting a tap with ceramic cartridges the installer should make sure that the supply pipe is flushed thoroughly before fitting the tap and preferably also install a line strainer as well to help prevent grit reaching the cartridge in day-to-day use.

Tap manufacturers can usually supply replacement cartridges. There are also general purpose cartridges available which may fit a tap if a manufacturer's own brand is no longer available.
A typical ceramic tap cartridge

CERAMIC MIXER TAP CARTRIDGE

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