Mixer tap lever cartridge faulty ??

Hi guys,

I took my mixer tap apart today as it has been leaking from under the handle for a while. I was expecting to see the rubber seal damaged but it is fine.

I took it down to B & Q and the plumber said it will probably be the lever cartridge itself as the seal is fine.

As I wasn't able to get a new part over the counter, I have put the old one back in until I get a new one. What I have now found is the leak is now nowhere near as bad as what it was, just a small dribble. I have tightened the lock ring up as tight as it can go so I am thinking that the lockring was not tight enough, but now the tap squeaks as I turn it and there is a good bit more resistance when lifting and turning the handle.

So at the moment, I am stumped as to what it can be as it is still dribbling, anybody got any ideas? Can these cartridges become faulty and leak?

I had a look online for replacement cartridges and can see a few different types with difference sizes i.e 35mm and 40mm.

I have attached a couple of pictures for you to see the existing part from my tap.



Thanks.

Ross

 

Can anybody help ?