How to replace garden tap with a ceramic disc tap?

[wendy001]

Hi,

I want to replace my old garden tap with a ceramic disc garden tap. Do the following fix-a-tap taps use ceramic discs?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/fix-a-tap-19mm-3-4-lead-free-brass-quarter-turn-tap-n-snap-garden-tap_p0...

https://www.bunnings.com.au/fix-a-tap-13mm-1-2-lead-free-brass-quarter-turn-tap-n-snap-garden-tap_p0...

I can also see this one using ceramic disc:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/brasshards-1-4-turn-t-head-mi-hose-tap-15mm-rough-brass-lead-free_p05702...

However, they all have different sizes. How do I know if my old garden tap is 13mm, 15mm or 19mm? I live in Brisbane and my house is around 18 years old.

Thanks

[JacobZ]

Hi @wendy001,

The first two taps do not use a spindle in the same way as the third does, so they will not have replaceable ceramic discs.

The measurements refer to the diameter of the thread used to attach the taps to the pipe.

If you are looking for a ceramic disc tap, I'd suggest purchasing the Brasshards 1/4 Turn T-Head MI Hose Tap 15mm Rough Brass Lead Free and using Brass Threaded Fittings to adapt to the correct size.

If you can remove the existing tap and measure the thread on it, I would be happy to recommend parts that will allow you to adapt to the correct size. Make sure you turn off the water at the water meter before removing the tap.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob

[wendy001]

Hi @JacobZ,

Thanks for your advice. I do not know how to remove the tap, and do not wish to try to remove the tap just in case I damage something because the tap has been there for 18 years. I live in Brisbane. Is there a way to measure it without removing the tap? I attached the tap photos here.

For https://www.bunnings.com.au/products/bathroom-plumbing/plumbing/pipe-fittings/brass-threaded-fitting... could you explain how to choose them? What happens if the measurement is 15mm, matching the https://www.bunnings.com.au/brasshards-1-4-turn-t-head-mi-hose-tap-15mm-rough-brass-lead-free_p05702... Which one do I choose if the measurement is 19 mm? I am going to use Bunnings' Garden Tap Installation Service, will the service be able to choose an adapter for me?

Thanks,

Wendy

[JacobZ]

Hi @wendy001,

It is going to be either 15mm or 20mm. 

You can estimate the diameter by measuring across the hexagonal section here.

If it is around 17-18mm, then there is a good chance it is 15mm; if it is more like 22-23mm, then it is probably 20mm.

If you use the Garden Tap Installation service and your plumber requires extra parts, then they will charge you for them on the day.

If you buy both a Brasshards 1/4 Turn 15mm Tap and a Brasshards 1/4 Turn 20mm Tap, and then a 20mm Male / Female Threaded Adaptor and a 15mm Male / Female Threaded Adaptor, then all possibilities should be covered, and any unused parts could be returned with your receipt.

Let me know what you think if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[wendy001]

Hi @JacobZ ,

Thanks so much for the advice. I will do as instructed.

Regards,

Wendy

[wendy001]

Hi all,

Here is the update. I bought https://www.bunnings.com.au/kinetic-15mm-brass-female-garden-tap_p0499619?srsltid=AfmBOoo4GxnXvz8g8q... in the end because the tap needed is a female 15mm one. It was hard to find a female garden tap at Bunnings. There are loads of male garden taps, but only few female garden taps. 

[EricL]

Hello @wendy001 

Thank you very much for the update. It's good to hear that you found a compatible garden tap. 

Eric