The old spindle taps with washers were dead simple—if it dripped, you knew exactly what to do.
This is exactly what I’ve found since moving in last year. The mixer in our kitchen needed a replacement cartridge, and I spent hours just figuring out which one to order. With the old tap in the laundry, it was a 10-minute job and a $2 washer. Mixers look nice but I’m not convinced they’re worth the extra hassle unless there’s a specific need.
Honestly, I hear this a lot—those old spindle taps were just so much easier to deal with. Swap out a washer, done and dusted. Now, with mixers, you’ve got to figure out the exact cartridge model, and half the time the manufacturer’s changed the design since last year. It’s like they’re actively trying to make it harder for us.
I get why people like mixers—they do look good and can be handy if you’ve got accessibility needs or want one-handed operation. But from a maintenance point of view? They’re a bit of a pain. I’ve had clients who ended up replacing the whole mixer because tracking down the right cartridge was more hassle than it was worth.
That said, once you’ve sorted out which cartridge your mixer uses, it does get easier next time around. Maybe keep the box or jot down the part number somewhere safe for future reference... saves a lot of head-scratching later. Still, can’t beat the satisfaction of fixing something with nothing but a $2 washer and a spanner.
Still, can’t beat the satisfaction of fixing something with nothing but a $2 washer and a spanner.
That’s the bit I miss, honestly. There’s something about getting a leaky tap sorted in under ten minutes with just basic tools and no plastic packaging to toss out. Mixers do look sleek, but the cartridge hunt is a pain—plus, I’m always a bit skeptical about the waste. All those old cartridges end up in landfill, and half the time they’re mostly plastic.
If anyone’s stuck with a mixer that’s dripping, here’s what’s worked for me (after a few headaches):
1. Take a photo of the cartridge *before* you pull it out—saves confusion at the hardware store.
2. Keep the receipt and packaging in a drawer. Sounds obvious, but I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to guess the model because I tossed the box.
3. If you’re replacing it, check if your local recycling centre takes old cartridges. Some do, but it’s hit and miss.
Honestly, I’d still pick an old spindle tap for sheer simplicity... but I guess we’re stuck with mixers for now.
Honestly, I’d still pick an old spindle tap for sheer simplicity... but I guess we’re stuck with mixers for now.
Couldn’t agree more about the spindle taps—give me a washer and a spanner over cartridge roulette any day. The number of times I’ve stood in the plumbing aisle, squinting at a blurry phone photo of a cartridge, is getting embarrassing. One extra tip: if you’re unlucky enough to have a “designer” mixer, brace yourself—sometimes only the original manufacturer has the right part, and they price it like it’s made of gold. At least with spindles, you know what you’re in for...