Tap Ceramic Disc Cartridge
When a traditional tap develops a drip, the ceramic bath tap cartridge has worn. Unlike rubber washer taps, a ceramic tap cartridge cannot be repacked. The disc assembly replaces as a unit. We stock bath tap cartridges, basin and kitchen tap cartridges in 1/2" and 3/4" sizes, 1/4 turn and 1/2 turn types, for Bristan, Armitage Shanks, Ideal Standard, Burlington and more. Bespoke valves made to measure are also available for taps not covered by standard stock.
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Bristan 1/4 Turn 1/2" Pair for EC SNK C 3770R
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Ceramic Disc Cartridges and Tap Valves for Bath, Basin and Kitchen Taps
Replacement ceramic tap cartridges in 1/2" and 3/4" sizes for traditional hot-and-cold pillar taps and ceramic valve taps.
Ceramic disc cartridges control water flow in traditional taps with separate hot and cold handles. When the ceramic discs inside crack or wear, the tap drips even when fully closed. A bath tap ceramic cartridge replacement or cold tap cartridge swap restores the tap without a full replacement. These cartridges are distinct from monoblock mixer tap cartridges. If your tap has a single lever rather than two separate handles, you need the mixer tap section instead. We stock 1/2" and 3/4" ceramic disc cartridges in both 1/4 turn and 1/2 turn types, covering basin taps, bath taps and kitchen taps. Brands we supply include Bristan, Ideal Standard, Armitage Shanks, Burlington, Villeroy and Boch, Dornbracht and much more. For taps with non-standard valve geometry, bespoke valves made to measure are available within this section.
Identifying Your Ceramic Disc Cartridge: Turn Type, Size and Common Names
Which turn type you have, what size you need, and what different names for this part mean.
1/4 Turn Cartridge
The handle rotates 90 degrees from fully closed to fully open. Quarter-turn taps open and close with a short, positive action. They are the most common type in modern ceramic valve taps.
How to identify
Turn your tap handle from closed to fully open. If it stops after a quarter rotation, you have a 1/4 turn cartridge. Look in the 1/4 Turn Valves sub-categories within this section.
1/2 Turn Cartridge
The handle rotates 180 degrees from closed to open. Half-turn cartridges are common in older ceramic valve taps and in some basin pillar taps. The action feels softer than a quarter-turn tap.
How to identify
Turn your tap handle from closed to fully open. If it travels through a half rotation before stopping, you have a 1/2 turn cartridge. Look in the 1/2 Turn Valves sub-category within this section.
This part is described differently depending on the tap manufacturer, the retailer and the trade. The table below explains what each name refers to so you can be confident you are looking at the right product.
Questions About Ceramic Disc Cartridges
Turn type, sizing, replacement and brand identification guidance.
What is the difference between a 1/4 turn and a 1/2 turn ceramic disc cartridge?
The difference is how far the handle rotates between closed and fully open. A 1/4 turn cartridge opens in 90 degrees (a short, positive action). A 1/2 turn cartridge requires a 180-degree rotation. The two types are not interchangeable: a 1/4 turn cartridge will not fit a valve seat designed for a 1/2 turn, and vice versa. Turn your tap handle from closed to fully open and count the rotation before ordering. For a full overview of the different cartridge types used in UK taps, the BSP guide to tap cartridge types covers all main variants.
Are ceramic tap cartridges a standard size, or do I need to match the original?
Ceramic disc cartridges are sized by stem diameter, most commonly 1/2" for basin and kitchen taps and 3/4" for bath taps. Within each size, the stem length and spline count can vary between manufacturers. The safest approach is to remove the existing cartridge and match it directly. Measure the overall length, check the stem diameter and note whether it is clockwise or anti-clockwise closing. If you have the tap model name or the part number stamped on the cartridge body, search by that first.
Can you replace the ceramic discs inside a tap cartridge, or does the whole cartridge need replacing?
In most cases the whole cartridge needs replacing. The ceramic discs inside a standard tap cartridge are bonded into the assembly and are not sold separately. Some older or bespoke cartridges do allow disc replacement, but sourcing individual discs to the correct diameter and surface finish is difficult. Replacing the full cartridge is faster, more reliable and in most cases no more expensive than attempting a disc-only repair. If you have a non-standard cartridge, contact us with the tap model and we can advise.
Do I need to buy hot and cold ceramic disc cartridges separately or as a pair?
It depends on the tap. Many branded ceramic disc cartridges are sold as matched pairs. One hot (anti-clockwise closing) and one cold (clockwise closing). This is because the closing direction is mirrored between the two handles. If you only need one side, check the product listing for individual hot or cold options. For Ideal Standard, Sottini and Armitage Shanks models, cartridges are commonly sold in pairs. For Bristan and Burlington models, individual hot and cold cartridges are often available separately. If you are unsure, email us the tap model and we will confirm.
Do you stock ceramic disc cartridges for specific brands like Bristan or Armitage Shanks?
Yes. Brand-specific ceramic disc cartridges are stocked for Bristan, Armitage Shanks, Ideal Standard, Sottini, Burlington, Villeroy and Boch and Dornbracht among others. Search by brand name and model within the sub-categories on this page. For Bristan taps, the model name is usually printed on the tap body or in the original installation guide. For Armitage Shanks and Ideal Standard models, the part number is typically stamped on the cartridge body itself. If the cartridge has no visible markings, remove it, note the closing direction and stem size, and contact us with a photo.
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