Franke Tap Problems (Minerva, Rolux — Cartridge and Ceramic Disc Faults)
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Post a job — we'll find you an engineer →Franke taps are often supplied as part of a Franke sink package. The tap warranty may be voided if work is carried out by anyone other than a Franke-approved service agent during the warranty period. Check your warranty status before proceeding.
Franke kitchen taps are solid, mid-range fixtures found in thousands of UK homes, but like all ceramic disc cartridges, they eventually wear out or develop faults. You'll typically notice the problem when the tap becomes stiff, won't shut off properly, drips persistently, or the handle feels loose. The good news is that most Franke faults are cartridge-related and completely fixable at home without calling an engineer — though it's worth checking your warranty first, as some retailers void cover if you do the work yourself. This guide walks you through identifying which Franke model you have, sourcing the correct replacement cartridge, and swapping it out in about 20 minutes. If your tap is still under warranty or you're uncomfortable working on isolating valves, a Gas Safe registered plumber can handle this quickly and affordably.
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Franke is a Swiss brand with a strong presence in UK kitchen retail — their taps are sold through John Lewis, Wickes, Tap Warehouse, and kitchen specialists. The Franke Minerva is a popular kitchen mixer; the Rolux and Kubus are also frequently installed. All use ceramic disc cartridges, but the cartridge size, fixing method, and part number vary significantly between models. The Franke UK website (franke.com/gb/en) has a spares section, and Franke UK customer service (01254 694944) can confirm the correct part number from your tap's model number (usually found on a label on the underside of the spout or on the product box).
Shut off the water at the under-sink isolation valves. Open the tap to release pressure. On Franke single-lever kitchen taps, look for a decorative cap on the top of the handle — this is usually a push-fit disc or a screw-fit collar. Remove it to expose the handle fixing screw (Allen key, 2.5mm–4mm depending on model). Remove the screw and lift the handle. On two-handle Franke taps (such as the Kubus), each handle has its own cartridge and the procedure is identical for both.
With the handle removed, the cartridge retaining nut or clip is visible. On Franke Minerva taps, this is typically a large plastic hex nut that unscrews anticlockwise. Some Franke models use a circlip — look for a spring-steel ring in a groove around the cartridge, which must be removed with circlip pliers before the cartridge will withdraw. Note the orientation of the cartridge (the index position of any flats or pegs) before removal.
Pull the old cartridge out — if it is seized, apply penetrating spray around the base and wait five minutes before trying again. Avoid using excessive force, as the tap body can be damaged. Measure the old cartridge (overall length and diameter) and photograph it before ordering a replacement. Franke cartridges are available from frankespares.com, Tap Warehouse, or a local plumbers' merchant. On the Minerva, the standard cartridge is a 40mm ceramic disc unit. On the Rolux it is often a 35mm variant.
Lubricate the O-rings on the new cartridge with silicone grease. Insert the cartridge in the correct orientation, ensure it seats fully, then refit the retaining nut or circlip. If using a nut, tighten to hand-tight plus a quarter turn — overtightening will crack the plastic cartridge body. Refit the handle and screw, then the cap. Restore water slowly and test.
A common Franke-specific issue is a drip from the base of the spout rather than the spout outlet — this indicates a failed O-ring on the swivel spout body rather than a cartridge fault. The spout sits on a brass body with one or two rubber O-rings. To replace these, unscrew the spout retaining nut at the base (anticlockwise), pull the spout upward, and replace the O-rings with the correct size (measure the old ones or order a Franke O-ring kit). This is a five-minute job once the water is off and is often overlooked as a source of slow leaks under the sink.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Franke tap needs a new cartridge?
Common signs include the handle becoming stiff or difficult to move, the tap dripping from the spout even when fully closed, or hot and cold water mixing incorrectly. The cartridge is the valve inside — when ceramic discs wear or scale builds up, these symptoms appear. If the tap was working fine yesterday and today it's suddenly sluggish, the cartridge is almost certainly the culprit.
Can I replace a Franke tap cartridge myself, or do I need a plumber?
Most homeowners can do this themselves if you're comfortable turning off water isolators and using basic tools like an Allen key and adjustable spanner. The job typically takes 20–30 minutes and costs £20–60 for the cartridge. However, if your tap is under warranty, check the terms first — some retailers require a Franke-approved engineer to maintain cover.
Where do I buy a replacement Franke cartridge?
Franke cartridges are available directly from frankespares.com, Tap Warehouse, and most independent plumbers' merchants. You'll need your tap's model number (look on the underside of the spout or original box) — call Franke UK customer service on 01254 694944 if you're unsure, and they'll confirm the exact part number and availability.
What if water is leaking from under my Franke sink, not from the spout?
This is often not the cartridge but a worn O-ring on the swivel spout body itself — a much simpler and cheaper fix than replacing the cartridge. You'll see water pooling around the base of the tap rather than dripping from the outlet; replacing the O-rings takes about five minutes and costs just a few pounds for a kit from your plumbers' merchant.
Do all Franke kitchen taps use the same cartridge?
No — Franke makes several models (Minerva, Rolux, Kubus) and whilst they all use ceramic disc cartridges, the size, fixing method, and part number vary. The Minerva typically uses a 40mm cartridge whilst the Rolux uses 35mm; always identify your exact model before ordering to avoid wasting time and money on the wrong part.
My Franke cartridge is stuck and won't come out — what should I do?
Apply penetrating spray (like WD-40) around the base of the cartridge and leave it for five minutes to loosen mineral deposits or corrosion. Then try gently wiggling it side to side as you pull — never force it hard, as you can crack the plastic tap body or damage the brass seat inside. If it's still stuck after two attempts, stop and call a plumber rather than risk damage.