If you have just installed a tap and it has begun to leak this is normally due to the ceramic cartridge valve holding nut as the nut can become loose during transit.
Due to the hard water in most parts of UK, and around the world, taps are mostly designed and fitted with ceramic cartridge vales. These are now made in a way that they are easy to replace and service, this is why it may have become loose during transit.
It is important not to over tighten the nut because if the holding nut is over tightened it can cause damage to the ceramic cartridge valve.
Tightening the ceramic cartridge valve back in place is a relatively simple DIY task and does not normally require a plumber. Please follow the steps below:
- Unscrew the lever or if you have a hot/cold symbol remove the symbol
- Unscrew the grub screw located behind the lever or the hot/cold symbol
- Remove the body of the lever from the tap
- Some models have a chrome cover that covers part of the brass holding nut, this cover will need to be unscrewed also
- You will now see a brass holding nut that holds the ceramic valve in place. You will now need to tighten this screw.
- Then, you will need to put it all back together, making sure the valve is firmly tightened by the brass holding nut but NOT overtightened.
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