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Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @alwyntn. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about replacing taps.
It is generally possible to replace an older style tap with a quarter or half-turn ceramic disc tap without changing the plumbing, as long as the new tap is compatible with the existing tap hole size and depth. When selecting your new taps, make sure to choose a tap set that has a similarly sized length of spindles. It can be best to take your existing spindles into the store with you to assist in matching them up. Typically, new ceramic disc taps are designed to be a straight swap for older styles, and I'd suggest something along the lines of the Mondella Resonance Ceramic Disc Wall Top Assembly Tap Set.
It is recommended to consult with a plumbing professional or refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance on how to install and adjust the new taps properly.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Hi @Cedes,
The most common reason for a new ceramic disc tap not to shut off is that the depth of the spindle was not adjusted properly to meet the seat. I did this myself the first time I installed them, as I presumed that screwing them straight in out of the box would work. It generally doesn't.
There is a nut flange on the spindle, which you must unscrew first. Once you've removed it, the inner spindle is screwed into the wall. The nut flange is then re-installed on the spindle and screwed down to lock it in position. If you don't remove the nut flange first, it makes contact first and prevents the spindle from screwing down to meet the seat, which is how it seals the water. I've added an image below showing the nut flange that needs to be removed before installing the spindle.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
No, I'm suggesting that the spindle body can't be screwed in far enough as the nut flange hasn't been removed @Cedes. It's the nut flange that governs the spindle depth.
There is a possibility that your spindle doesn't come apart. Could you please share an image of it with us and link us to the product if it's from our range?
There are these Kinetic 28mm Ceramic Disc Spindle Extenders, but I would only consider using them once we've determined that your tap body does not come apart. Even with them, you still need to adjust the depth of the spindle with the nut flange.
Sometimes, you need to grip the two locations I've marked below with pliers to undo the sections.
Mitchell
The issue in this case is that the O-ring on the bottom of the spindle is not making contact with the seat in the wall @Cedes. The water then bypasses the valve within the spindle and causes the tap to be continuously on. You need to set the correct depth on the spindle by backing off the nut on the body, which allows the spindle to be screwed further into the wall, making contact with the seat. Ceramic disc spindles are static and don't move in and out like the older valve-type spindles; this is why you need to set the correct depth for them.
If your spindle does not have a nut and threaded section on the body that can be backed off, you can try the extenders. As mentioned, if you can let me know what product you are using or even take a picture of the spindle, I can provide more tailored advice.
Mitchell
