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Home to the TML tap cartridge.

When your quarter or Half turn ceramic tap starts to drip it is probably time to replace the complete ceramic disc tap cartridge. Professional plumbers will usually advise you to replace the tap because replacing the valve is time consuming given the difficulties in identifying the correct part and procuring it from plumbers merchants. Also the original manufacturers replacement tap gland, if it can be identified and if it is still available, can cost up to £60 each.

How to replace a mixer tap valve / cartridge?
Replacing a cartridge is easy and you can do this yourself without the need of a plumber. We have lots of videos to guide you through this process.
You will need the correct sized spanner (usually 17mm or 14mm) or an adjustable spanner and either an allen key (2 or 2.5mm) or a crosshead screwdriver. Along with one of our TML Tap Cartridges.
Click here to see our 'How to replace your tap valve' guide and videos.

What is the cause of my dripping mixer tap and how can I fix it?
1. FAILED CARTRIDGE The most common reason for a dripping ceramic cartridge is failed components inside the cartridge. Replacing the cartridge is going to cure most dripping taps. We can help you identify the correct size for your tap.
2. CARTRIDGE SERVICING If your cartridge has ceramic washers (ceramic disc quarter turn) the cartridge might just need servicing. If you have had plumbing work done in the house or have turned off the main cock, this can dislodge debris and grit and upset the cartridge. Dismantle the cartridge by removing the circlip and internal discs. Service the cartridge by soaking in vinegar and re lubricating the ceramic discs inside.
3. TAP SEATING If your tap is quite old you should check that your drip is not caused by a seating problem. This is the area underneath the tap valve, this part of the tap block must be in very good condition so that the tap valve can form a water tight seal. Limescale and corrosion can also build up on the tap seating.
4. BLOCKED AERATOR . A blocked aerator on the end of the spout can stop the spout from clearing and drip slowly through the aerator appearing like a drip. Remove the aerator from the end of the spout and clean this out. You may need to replace the aerator - we sell a range of these.
5. O RINGS If your tap is leaking at the base of the spout (the neck) this is caused by worn out o'rings inside the spout.

Should I replace the complete cartridge or can I replace the spare parts?
We always recommend replacing the complete tap cartridge in the first instance. However it is sometimes possible to renovate and repair your old tap valve by replacing the ceramic discs, gaskets and o'rings. These parts are not standard between manufacturers either so you will need to check the sizes carefully to ensure they are exactly the same. This is also sometimes the only option for customers with very unusual or rare sized tap valves. You could also first try to dismantle your old tap valve and cleaning the parts by soaking in vinegar.

How can I identify which size of cartridge to order?
We sell the largest range of quarter turn and Half turn ceramic tap valves available anywhere in the world and can usually provide a replacement to match your leaking innard for your bathroom / kitchen / filter / drinking water / bidet tap. We even have an extensive range of long stem valves for showers (shower flow cartridge / on off valve).
1. If you know the model of your tap we can usually identify the cartridge that way.
2. If not then we will need you to remove the cartridge to check the dimensions. Once you have removed the cartridge you need to count the teeth on the spline and measure the cartridge as per this diagram below.

How do I determine the thread size?
Once you have removed the ceramic tap cartridge you will need to identify the thread size. In the UK 95% of taps are either BSP 1/2" (Basin size) or 3/4" (Bath size). The BSP "British Pipe Standard " doesn't refer to any physical dimension, which is very confusing and is why we display all the dimensions in mm. Our 1/2" valves measure 18mm diameter across the bottom and 20.9mm across the thread, whereas the 3/4" measure 24mm across the bottom and 26.4mm across the thread. We also have a range of Metric 20mm, 28mm, 34mm and plug in / push fit valves.

How Many teeth are there on the spline? (This is the stem of the valve)
The next thing to check is the number of teeth on the spline (this is the top part of the valve which connects into the handle). You can determine the number of teeth and also the correct spline diameter by using The Tap Magician spline gauge. It can be tricky to count the teeth by eye. Without our spline gauge we find the easiest way to count them is to take a photo looking down the stem of the valve and then to count them from the photograph. You will also need to check the diameter of the spline. Most of our valves are 7.6mm dia which is by far the most common diameter size, and fits onto the most common tap handle hole size of 8mm. However, some valves do have a narrower or wider spline diamater. We do sell a small number of valves with a wider and narrower diamater. Some tap handle manufacturers utilize a plastic adaptor / turret tap head carrier for the handle to fit onto the spline. You will need to keep any plastic spline adaptor and fit this on to the new tap cartridge. If you have broken yours then you will either need to repair it, or use resin putty to mould yourself a new adaptor piece. You can also use this solution if your valve has a wider than normal spline diamater. Please see here for further instructions on doing this How do I make my own handle adaptor piece.

Matching up the dimensions
When you know the number of teeth you can click on the relevant heading along the top of our website

When you click on the relevant heading, you will then see various options. 1/2" with threaded collar, 1/2" without threaded collar, 3/4" with threaded collar, 3/4" without threaded collar. The threaded collar is section "G" on our drawings. The threaded collar is only needed if your tap has a decorative shroud which screws on to this thread.

Can't see your size listed?
If you cannot see your size listed in our charts, or are unsure about which option to go for please email us at sales@tapmagician.co.uk with your full set of dimensions, and the number of teeth on the spline and we can assist you further. We always respond to emails rapidly

My tap is leaking at the joint of the body of the tap and the spout
If your tap is leaking at this point on the tap then you might need to replace your spout O-rings. We sell spout O ring repair kits for many taps. To check if we have the correct o'ring repair kit for your tap please Select your tap here.