Hi, I have a kitchen tap to swap for an elderly person I am tempted to fit a ceramic disc tap so 1/4 turn like the tap that is in at the moment but has started to drip about 8 years old. Is this tap any good. http://www.screwfix.com/p/swirl-ceramic-disc-mono-mixer-kitchen-tap-chrome/10724 I am just worried about it starting to drip and the struggling to find a cartridge for it. Or should it last a fair while?
Yes,and I've fitted taps that are £200 + and they all do the same job and last no longer than the cheap ones.
It is unless you go to tapmagician. Might be worth buying 2 or 3 identical cheap taps and keeping the spares somewhere safe.
There are around 3 different sizes of cartridge insert that I've seen. Once you find the right ones (not difficult - you'll find them advertised with their basic measurements) they cost only around a £enner a pair, and shouldn't be a problem to fit.
Its not the disc section that is different it is the splined shaft that can be different lengths and have a different set up. once youve installed the tap make a not go the manufacturer and the model. That way you can get the correct cartridge if you should ever need it.
Apparently swirl spares are hard to come by? Also the flexi ends that connect to the hot and cold pipework are 1/2 female. What do I need to connect this to copper a service valve or a 15mm compression to 1/2 male?
If they are elderly, would you not be better with something like this: http://www.screwfix.com/p/bristan-cinnamon-mono-mixer-kitchen-tap-chrome/6959d Easier to use I would think
I think many elderly, with less than perfect use of their hands, will find that kind of tap hard to juggle - I know whenever I come across one I have to spend precious seconds working out which way does what... But this might be preferable to the original; longer handles = more control: http://www.screwfix.com/p/h-and-c-commercial-lever-mono-mixer-kitchen-sink-tap-chrome/62312 ?
Thanks the thing putting me off ceramic disc taps from screwfix is non of the swirl ones have available spare parts. So if it starts dripping its a new tap. Just like the tap that is in at the moment.
I really wouldn't worry too much about that. For a start, it's going to last at least another 5 years before it starts to drip, and then there is every chance you'll be able to get replacement cartridges. If you are that concerned, why not even remove one prior to fitting and take a photo along with some measurements - have a look on line and find the one that's the same - then bookmark it!
What area of the country is this in, or more to the point is it in a hard water area, if so ceramic discs might not be best, I fitted some to my bath, within 6 months the cold was dripping, I do live in a very hard water area and have to constantly change tap washer, but at least that is easy, changing ceramics isn't so easy.
Would you expect a cheap ceramic disc tap like http://www.screwfix.com/p/swirl-ceramic-disc-mono-mixer-kitchen-tap-chrome/10724 to last at least 5 years then. Chippie 244 around 70.
Asking how long a tap is going to last is a bit like asking how long a car is going to run for. No one can give a definitive answer as a lot will depend upon several factors. IE: Hard or soft water, usage etc. Just get one and fit it. If it fails fit another one to replace the one thats replacing the present one.