Dripping mixer tap (ceramic type)

debbie42

I'm going to have to fix this soon as it's starting to annoy me!

The tap is a Blanco mixer tap (quarter turn ceramic) like this one:
http://www.biasco.com/index.php?mprodid=6075SS&prevrefine=

The hot side has a very wobbly tap head which I've tried to tighten up with a screwdriver, but it keeps loosening. It drips from that side. I'm fairly sure it's that side anyway, as it's hard to fully tighten off (the wobbly tap doesn't help, but it still drips after tap tightening).

I've read about ceramic cartridges, though haven't found any instructions on dismantling these taps. I've only ever done the normal washer types before (and never a mixer).

I did read on one forum that maybe cleaning limescale buildup may be the answer, before replacing the cartridge. Does anyone know if this is a reasonable thing to do, and, if so, how to do it?

The kitchen is around 6 years old, and does (thankfully!) have cutoff valves going to the tap.

brownbake

You can replace the ceramic bit - google it - there are videos on there. Alternatively you could replace the whole tap quite cheaply for one with a 5 year guarantee.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bristan-Tapmate-Galaxy-Mono-Sink-Mixer-Steel-Finish_W0QQitemZ110305707724QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110305707724&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1296|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

We have this tap and it is stunning, ceramic 5 year guarantee - however you need quite high pressure i.e a combi boiler.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bristan-Cruise-Monobloc-Sink-Mixer-Chrome-CR-SNK-C_W0QQitemZ110292903555QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110292903555&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1296|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318