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Author:
Rocket Gal (Non-US)
The cold water tap on my 2-handle kitchen island faucet won't turn.
I've removed the cartridge (ceramic disc type) and I'm wondering if it can be taken apart
and lubricated and put back in. Or does a ceramic cartridge have to be wholly replaced?
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Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
I have never seen one totally seized, usually they get harder to turn. Soaking in vinegar is supposed to help though it has never worked for me, I have always ended up replacing them. I have never dismantled a ceramic cartridge apart.
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Author:
m & m (MD)
Ceramic cartridges are 'unitized' and non-repairable.
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Author:
Rocket Gal (Non-US)
Thanks. Looks like I need to take the cartridge to a plumbing supply specialty shop and see if they can provide a new one. Just getting the thing unscrewed was an accomplishment; it was really in there to stay ... 
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
You can try just tapping it repeatedly on the countertop. If it suddenly seized, there may simply be debris that lodged in the cartridge.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
I agree...... ceramic cartridges are not repairable and should be replace. However, you can soak the cartridge in white vinegar ...overnite and clean it with a toothbrush and rinse. You can also use forced air to clear it.
Best Wishes
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Author:
Rocket Gal (Non-US)
Someone at the plumbing supply store tapped it forcefully and it came apart. He had the discs out of it too; applied silicone grease to lube it. It's back in the tap and it's working. I'm watching it carefully to see if it leaks, but so far so good.
It's good to have it back working again ... the plumbing supply people really know their stuff. My next project is to replace the leaking ABS under my double kitchen sink.
Thanks for your replies.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Depending on the actual location of the leak, slip joint washers and tailpiece washers are commonly the culprit. They break and lose their sealing ability. Start there if it is a mystery.
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Author:
Rocket Gal (Non-US)
Knock wood ... it's not leaking and I've been watching it like a hawk! Today I removed the faucet and lubricated the 2 O-rings so it swivels really easily now. It's truly like new again ....
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Author:
Rocket Gal (Non-US)
Thanks, KCRoto, it's leaking at the fitting trap adapter ( I think that's what it's called). It is the part that attaches to the drain basket stem (or tail?) and it's cracked at the thread.
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