Change the cartridge from the faucet
For taps in the hygiene and food sectors, it has become common practice to purify the water using filter cartridges. Depending on the properties or contamination of the water used, the cartridge must be changed after a certain period of time.
Is there a cartridge built into my faucet?
The question can be easily answered if you look at the design of the faucet. Since a cartridge requires a certain volume, the faucet must be significantly thicker at the base or the entire structure (see Fig. Picture). If, on the other hand, the tap has a slim shape over its entire length, there is definitely no cartridge installed. Even if you want to be sure that you are using perfect water, a faucet with a cartridge is recommended. Even an accident in the water supply can lead to contamination, which can then have a negative impact on your health.
This is how you get to the cartridge
Before starting the operation, you must not forget to turn off the water pressure.
- To turn off the water pressure, you must close the corner valves under the basin. If there are no star knobs for turning, you will have to unscrew the caps and close the valves with a screwdriver. This happens clockwise.
- To expose the cartridge, the top part of the tap must be dismantled. Depending on the design, look around the circumference for a small cover that can be clipped off or a hole in which a screw head is visible. In many cases it is an Allen screw at the back, or it can be found on the head of the faucet under the temperature symbol. It is loosened with a rod-like hex key of the appropriate size.
- Now open the tap, then turn the screw to the left until it starts to wobble.
- The top of the faucet can then be removed. If the seat turns out to be very tight, spray it with a descaling agent.
For the experienced, ambitious DIY enthusiast, repairing a faucet is one of the tasks...
How to change the cartridge
Once the top part has been removed, you will see another screw connection, which is usually made of brass.
- Loosen the screw connection by turning it to the left. To protect the material, do not use a pipe wrench with teeth. A tool with smooth jaws is more suitable if the appropriate wrench is not at hand.
- The cartridge is located under this screw connection and can now be removed by hand.
- Make sure that the new cartridge clicks into the recesses before screwing it back on.
- The top part is now put on in the reverse order.
- Finally, turn the two angle valves on the inlet back on to check the tightness after the operation.
How much does a new cartridge cost?
The industry has agreed to standardize the size of the cartridges. All cartridges on offer therefore fit into every single-lever mixer. The material costs for this are between €4 and €5 by mail order, plus shipping costs. Since you can do the necessary work yourself, you can get perfectly running water very cheaply.
Replacing a faucet cartridge is not difficult and can be done yourself. This saves you money and replacing the cartridge only costs the material.