Washerless Taps?

[Prawns]

I found some wet carpet inside my built in wardrobe the other week, theres a shower on the other side of the wall so I jumped right in and cut a couple good size inspection holes to check things out as you do (eek lol)
I fixed the leak issue and left the bottom inspection hole unrepaired so i can recheck on water leaks in a couple weeks  

I got to chatting to a stranger today about leaks and tapware in general while fishing today though, and he mentioned he has taps that dont need washers? (his are half turn ceramic taps apparently)

Where can i get these magical taps? hahahha. Im forever replacing tap washers due my son turning into the hulk when he turns the taps off. Can i just unbolt my current tap handles and replace with the magic ones? he wasnt sure how they worked and neither am I lols (but if i need a access hole for retrofitting or somthing I probably already got one lols)

PS my laundry is coming along as well The powerpoint with powerboard looked terrible i ended up running the power cord inside the shelving and mounting the powerboard to the underside of the shelf lol

probably should of run the stud finder first lolx2 inspection points donebit of scrap wood, screwed to wall to help with remounting gyprock piecemy bog throwing technique needs alot of workpretty much ready for paint, few small touchup bits I'll fix once I close up the bottom hole

[MitchellMc · Accepted solution]

Great work fixing the leak and repairing the plaster @Prawns.

I believe they were likely referring to ceramic disc spindles. Instead of a rubber valve, they have a ceramic disc that allows water to flow. You'll find them in both quarter and half turn options. You could either retrofit your current handles with new spindles or replace everything with a new tap set. Unlike the older rubber valve type, there is no need to crank down on the handle to stop the water flow.

If you've ever removed a tap spindle to change the valve washer, it's the same process when installing the new ceramic spindle. Simply remove the current spindle and replace it. This is all done from inside the shower, so you are free to patch up your hole when ready.

Please let us know if you need further assistance or have questions.

Mitchell

[Prawns]

Cheers Mitchell    
Yep Ive pulled out tap spindles before so that sounds like a nice easy upgrade    Appreciate the advice and weblinks cheers mate  

[redracer01]

Hello @Prawns 

Science or magic?  Does anyone know the history of the ceramic tap valve? 

Cheers,

Red

[barbarbar]

My tap was leaking so I opened her up and found this . Looks really similar to the ceramic disc basin spindle, but not quite. Any ideas what I've got in the photo? Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @barbarbar 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's marvellous to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your laundry tapware.

The tapware installed in your laundry is called a washing machine conversion set. It allows you to attach your washing machine hoses to the hot and cold controller of the laundry tub. It uses a custom washer set and is only available at plumbing specialist stores. However, should the washers prove elusive, I suggest having a look at the Shaw & Mason Universal Washing Machine Conversion Kit. It does exactly the same function.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric