leaking taps - how to get apart?

Birdseye

Birdseye

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boat has two of the typical boat mixer taps - the sort that have a swivelling spout. They are similar to SMD613 Marine one handled shower mixer pull out head with tap/shower switch though no doubt the boatbuilder used a cheaper source / brand.

After maybe 18 months without use ( water tank empty - I was racing the boat) both taps leak badly. Likely dried out fibre washers. Question is how to get the taps apart - I can see no screws holding them together above the surface they are mounted into but I cant believe that they have to be completely removed just for a washer replace.
 
Is there a screw under the red/blue coloured dot in the handle (that holds the handle in place).

Once the screw is undone and the handle is then lifted off, you may find a complete 'ceramic cartridge' underneath which can be replaced..

It's likely not just a simple washer like you would find in older/standard taps.

The type of cartridge is shown lower down the page in the link you posted.

20250601_084628.jpg
 
Martin_J said:
Is there a screw under the red/blue coloured dot in the handle (that holds the handle in place).

Once the screw is undone and the handle is then lifted off, you may find a complete 'ceramic cartridge' underneath which can be replaced..

It's likely not just a simple washer like you would find in older/standard taps.

The type of cartridge is shown lower down the page in the link you posted.

View attachment 194134
Click to expand...
Very good advice here. If not under the indicies you may find it under the lever when you lift it up. Definitely a disc type cartridge.
 
not convinced about the ceramic. I should have mentioned that the boat is from 2005 so maybe before that sort of technology got to the boatbuilding industry. In any case how would 18 months or so of no water through a ceramic tap cause it to leak?

had a thorough look over the whole surface and there definitely is no screw. havent tried removing the tiny coloured hot / cold button yet
 
Birdseye said:
not convinced about the ceramic. I should have mentioned that the boat is from 2005 so maybe before that sort of technology got to the boatbuilding industry. In any case how would 18 months or so of no water through a ceramic tap cause it to leak?

had a thorough look over the whole surface and there definitely is no screw. havent tried removing the tiny coloured hot / cold button yet
Click to expand...
90% sure that a screw will be under the blue or red 'button'. The normally prise out using the tip of a sharp knife.

If I'm incorrect it is the other 10% ............................
 
As with many boat parts, they are common in caravans. A trip your local caravan/motorhome showroom will get them off the shelf.
 
 
Birdseye said:
not convinced about the ceramic. I should have mentioned that the boat is from 2005 so maybe before that sort of technology got to the boatbuilding industry. In any case how would 18 months or so of no water through a ceramic tap cause it to leak?
Click to expand...
I learned about these new ceramic cartridges trying to repair a leaking tap on my boat, which was launched around 1994.

In my case the taps had a non-standard number of splines / teeth, so it was a PITA finding the correct cartridge (and they were more expensive). The leak persisted once I replaced them, and I think it's coming from the where the tap swivels (similar design to this) - it'll be much more challenging to fix.
 
That swivel part usually releases with a screw at the back.. Then it should be just a replacement o-ring that's needed.

The water isn't under pressure at that point...

As you say, there's a number of different size cartridges.. Careful measurement needed.
 
KompetentKrew said:
I learned about these new ceramic cartridges trying to repair a leaking tap on my boat, which was launched around 1994.

In my case the taps had a non-standard number of splines / teeth, so it was a PITA finding the correct cartridge (and they were more expensive). The leak persisted once I replaced them, and I think it's coming from the where the tap swivels (similar design to this) - it'll be much more challenging to fix.
Click to expand...
That rings a bell because the galley tap has been loose at the base for some time and well before the leak developed. I have put off tightening it because I would need a half starved 5 year old to get in the right location , with the flexibility of a snake and the strength of a gorilla to do the job.
 
 
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