Replacement monobloc basin mixer

[Richard99]

Hi all,

I have a dripping Ideal Standard Neostrahl monobloc basin mixer tap in the en-suite. It has probably been there since the house was built in 1983. I have replaced the washers (I had to cut down 3/8 in. washers to fit) to no avail, and my tap reseater is too large for the tap.

So I've been looking at putting in a replacement tap. I like the look of the single-lever ceramic cartridge taps, but most seem to be rated at a minimum 0.3 bar. I have a gravity-fed system, with a head of 2.5m, so wouldn't quite meet this.

Is there a reason why a single-lever tap would require a higher minimum pressure than a dual-lever tap?

Could I get away with using a 0.3 bar tap?

Hope you can help

 

[townfanjon]

Richard quite simply you will struggle mate, ceramic disc taps are pretty pants on gravity

 

[AWheating]

in laymans terms single lever mixers have small internal bores so water does not flow through them as well. most mixer that have two levers tend to be better on low pressure because they are basically two normal taps joined in/at the spout end.

if you have gravity hot water you need a tap thats rated at min 0.1bar to give you a decent flow, especially upstairs taps.

 

[Richard99]

Thanks guys, I'll stick to looking at dual-lever taps min 0.1 bar. Do you think that the "own brand" taps sold by places like Wickes, B&Q and Homebase are any good, or should I stick to known brands such as Ideal Standard?

 

[Paulus]

The trouble with the taps from B&Q and Wickes etc is that you will be lucky to get spare cartridges etc in the future.

I always recommend Bristan but that is personal choice as they have a great customer service dept. and spares are easy to order on-line.

 

[Aquablu]

The trouble with the taps from B&Q and Wickes etc is that you will be lucky to get spare cartridges etc in the future.

I always recommend Bristan but that is personal choice as they have a great customer service dept. and spares are easy to order on-line.

Seconded, bristan are great!