How do I know if I have a Franke Eiger tap?
The Franke Eiger, Varenna and Valais taps look almost identical, but they do not use the same internal valves. Before ordering replacement parts, it is important to check your tap carefully to make sure you have the correct model.
Franke Eiger
The Franke Eiger uses 28-spline valves. You can identify an Eiger tap by the H and C markings on the top of the lever handles. We stock replacement valves specifically for the Franke Eiger tap.
Franke Varenna
The newer Franke Varenna taps can be identified by the H and C markings on the side of the lever handles. Please note that some older Varenna taps were made by a different manufacturer and require different valves, which we do not supply.
Franke Valais
The Franke Valais uses 20-spline valves. These taps can be identified by the red and blue indicator dots on the valve covers next to the handles. We do not stock replacement valves for the Franke Valais tap.
Please check these identifying features before ordering to avoid purchasing the wrong replacement part.
My Franke Eiger tap is leaking from the base of the spout. What do I need to replace?
If your Franke Eiger tap is leaking where the spout meets the main body of the tap, the most common cause is worn or damaged O-rings (seals).
In most cases, replacing the O-rings will restore a watertight seal. If the spout itself has become damaged, cracked, or has developed a pinhole, the complete spout will need to be replaced.
How do I remove the Franke Eiger spout and replace the O-rings?
1. Locate the grub screw at the rear of the tap body.
2. Using the correct size Allen key (usually 2.5 mm), loosen and remove the grub screw.
3. Pull the spout vertically upwards to remove it from the tap body.
4. Replace the worn O-rings with new ones.
5. Apply a small amount of silicone grease to the new O-rings before refitting the spout to help protect the seal.
6. Reinsert the spout and tighten the grub screw.
My Franke Eiger tap is dripping from the top of the spout when turned off. What is the problem?
A dripping spout is normally caused by a worn or damaged ceramic valve (cartridge). Replacing the faulty valve will usually stop the drip and restore normal operation.
It is often recommended to replace both valves at the same time, as they are typically the same age and wear at a similar rate.
My Franke Eiger tap is leaking around the handle. What needs replacing?
Water leaking from beneath the handle or around the top of the tap body is usually a sign that the ceramic valve has failed.
Replacing the valve is the recommended repair.
How do I remove the Franke Eiger lever handle?
1. Locate the small grub screw underneath the handle.
2. Remove it using a 2mm Allen key.
3. Slide the handle off the valve spindle.
4. Unscrew the decorative shroud or cover.
5. Remove the valve using a suitable spanner.
What tools do I need to replace the valve?
Most Franke Eiger taps require:
- A suitable 2mm Allen key for the handle grub screw.
- A 17 mm spanner or adjustable spanner to remove the valve.
- Silicone grease (recommended when replacing seals).
My old valve came out with the brass bush attached. What should I do?
On older Franke taps, the brass bush can sometimes come out attached to the old valve. In many cases, it can be separated and reused with the new replacement valve.
To remove the old valve from the bush:
- Apply penetrating oil (such as WD-40) to the valve threads and allow it to soak for several minutes.
- Hold the brass bush securely using a cloth and adjustable spanner or a soft-jawed vice.
- Carefully unscrew the valve anti-clockwise.
- Clean the bush thoroughly before refitting it into the tap.
- Install the new valve into the bush.
Avoid using excessive force, as this may damage the bush. If the bush cannot be separated from the old valve, it may need replacing. Replacement bushes are available individually or as part of selected valve kits. There is one bush per valve.
Should I replace one valve or both?
If one valve has failed due to normal wear, the other is often not far behind.
Replacing both hot and cold valves together can save time and help avoid another repair shortly afterwards.
How do I know whether it's the hot or cold valve that needs replacing?
It isn't always obvious which valve has failed. Even if the tap seems to be dripping from the hot side, the problem could actually be the cold valve, and vice versa.
The easiest way to find out is to turn off one water supply at a time:
- Turn off the hot water supply and see if the dripping stops. If it does, you'll need a new hot valve.
- If it still drips, turn the hot water back on, then turn off the cold water supply. If the dripping stops, you'll need a new cold valve.
If you can't turn the hot and cold supplies off separately, or you're still unsure which valve is causing the problem, we recommend replacing both valves together. They're usually the same age, so replacing both at the same time can save you having to do the job again later.
