Who makes good Ceramic-Disc Taps?..

[Batpig]

Dear Gentry,


Another item that I am sniffing out for the Flat is a new set of Taps. I will most probably opt for some 3/4-Turn (or Full-Turn if there is such a thing) Ceramic-Disc units. If I’m getting the correct gist of previous threads on the subject, I will merely need to buy the new Tap Bodies, and swap them for the current conventional washer-style bodies in the existing combinations in the walls and basin.


A couple of fairly simple questions beg:

1. Does the quality of the remaining seat in the existing combination have an impact on the performance of the intended new Ceramic-Disc bodies (ie. How the heck does the new Ceramic-Disc Cartridge seal off the old seat?) I have read some previous threads on re-seating, and will happily "retire" my current hand-powered seat-reamer in favour of the drill-powered Hydroseal unit if seat quality is an issue.
2. I would greatly appreciate any opinions on which Ceramic-Disc tap manufacturer offers the best combination of quality, value-for-money, and a good history of parts-availability? Not looking for anything too fancy, just something solid and reliable at the right price (and don’t worry - I won’t be tempted to go for a Ceramic-Disc Mixer!)

Many Thanks,
Batpig.

[zelig]

Dear Gentry,


A couple of fairly simple questions beg:
[*]Does the quality of the remaining seat in the existing combination have an impact on the performance of the intended new Ceramic-Disc bodies (ie. How the heck does the new Ceramic-Disc Cartridge seal off the old seat?) I have read some previous threads on re-seating, and will happily "retire" my current hand-powered seat-reamer in favour of the drill-powered Hydroseal unit if seat quality is an issue.

Theres a rubber seal on the bottom of the cd cartridge that seals onto the old seat so it may need reseating if damaged . Have a feel of it and a look with a torch.
I use the hydroseal reseater with the tungsten tip (which is hard to get) Otherwise the monument hand ones are good or the "lionel Bell reseater" if you can find it.

[*]I would greatly appreciate any opinions on which Ceramic-Disc tap manufacturer offers the best combination of quality, value-for-money, and a good history of parts-availability? Not looking for anything too fancy, just something solid and reliable at the right price (and don’t worry - I won’t be tempted to go for a Ceramic-Disc Mixer!)

Many Thanks,
Batpig.

Go for the Dorf ones then. You can walk into most suppliers for replacements.

[Batpig]

Dear zelig,

I went into a showroom at one of the not-too-far-away Plumbing Suppliers last week, and while the token Bimbo on deck in the showroom (typically) didn't have a clue about which units were 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 turn, and at what prices each type started, she was nonetheless fortunately able to show me a unit out of a box, and I did indeed see the rubber seal of which you talk, and the penny thus dropped for me.

I've been to a few more showrooms in the last couple of days and I'll tell you what - there doesn't seem to be much available out there in the way of 3/4 turn units. Most seem to be 1/4 turn, with all the inherent lack of adjustability, water-wastage, and wreckability that would surely go with such limited amounts of travel between full-on and full-off.

I am therefore starting to swing back around to good old-fashioned Jumper-Valve taps again. If I do go this way, however, I will be installing new screw-in stainless-steel Hydroseal seats, along with Hydroseal O-Ring washers. And I'll buy the Hydroseal reamer to boot because reaming by hand is a real bugger (but not the tungsten cutter that you've got, lest I massacre what remains of the seats courtesy of drill power). I've seen a nice set of Ram-brand Easy-Clean style taps, with tamper-proof handles (so that the usual "buttons-coming-loose" problem wont happen all the time), so I just might end up going this way. Still haven't fully decided though...

Many thanks for replying.
Batpig.