Frequently asked questions about CLAGE taps – warranty, spare parts, sealing ring replacement

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CLAGE taps and everything you need to know about warranty, spare parts and seal replacement

Over the years of working with customers who have purchased CLAGE taps, we keep getting the same circle of questions. Not because the taps are bad – quite the opposite. But because it's a premium product, people naturally wonder what happens if something stops working, how long the manufacturer guarantees the quality, where to find spare parts and whether they can replace a seal themselves. This article is an attempt to answer all these questions at once, comprehensively and without unnecessary wrapping.

If you are looking for information on choosing a tap or on installation, you can also read other topics in our Knowledge Centre – for example, How to choose a CLAGE tap – what to pay attention to or Installation of CLAGE taps – step by step. Here we focus exclusively on warranty service, availability of spare parts and practical seal replacement.

CLAGE tap warranty – what it exactly covers and what it doesn't

CLAGE is a German company with a long tradition in the production of plumbing and heating systems. Their taps – like other products of this brand – are manufactured according to strict German standards and undergo outgoing quality control. The warranty provided by the manufacturer reflects this.

The standard warranty period for CLAGE taps is 2 years according to the Slovak Civil Code, which is the legal minimum for consumers. In practice, however, CLAGE offers an extended warranty in its business terms for many product lines – depending on the specific series, it may be 3 to 5 years for mechanical parts and surface treatments. It is therefore essential to check the warranty conditions of the specific model at the time of purchase and to keep the purchase receipt.

What the warranty covers

Manufacturing material defects (cracks in the body of the tap that are not caused by mechanical damage)
Cartridge faults due to manufacturing defect (not wear and tear)
Surface treatment defects – peeling of the chrome layer, corrosion that is not caused by aggressive water or inappropriate cleaning agents
Incorrect thread connections or casting from production
Non-functional seals supplied as part of a new tap

What the warranty does not cover

Wear and tear of seals and cartridges during normal use (this is consumable material)
Damage caused by aggressive water (high chlorine content, acidic or alkaline pH outside the norm)
Mechanical damage due to incorrect installation or hard contact (impact, falling objects)
Water scale and deposits – this is a water issue, not a tap issue
Damage caused by inappropriate cleaning agents (aggressive acids, solvents)
Repairs carried out by unqualified persons or the use of non-original spare parts

This last point is important: if you have your tap repaired by someone who uses a generic cartridge or unsuitable seals, the manufacturer has the right to refuse warranty for anything that follows. From practice, we know that this is where most disputes arise. The customer has their tap "repaired" by a neighbor who installs a cartridge from a hobby market, and when another fault appears in half a year, they want to claim warranty.

How to properly claim a warranty claim

The procedure for a warranty claim for CLAGE taps purchased via atria.sk in the CLAGE category is standard, but has a few practical specifics that are worth knowing in advance.

First – documentation. Before contacting the seller, prepare:

Purchase receipt (invoice or cash register receipt)
Type label or model number – usually on the body of the tap or in the warranty certificate
Photo documentation of the defect (video is best if it's about dripping or non-functional control)
Description of the circumstances in which the defect occurred

Second – don't take pliers right away. Before physically disassembling the tap, consult with the service. Some defects (e.g. dripping around the lever) look dramatic, but can be solved by replacing a small seal. If you disassemble the tap without consultation and it turns out to be a consumable part, not a manufacturing defect, you may lose your warranty rights.

From practice: we have seen claims where the customer claimed a "broken tap" – and during the inspection it turned out that the problem was in the connecting hose, not in the tap itself. These hoses are not part of the tap warranty and their replacement is a matter of 10 minutes.

Spare parts for CLAGE taps – what is available and where

One of the advantages of premium brands is the availability of spare parts. CLAGE has relatively good availability of service components, which is why it pays to pay for the brand when buying. A cheap unknown tap will be cheap exactly until it is time to change the cartridge – and you will find out that such a thing simply does not exist for that model.

Most commonly requested spare parts

Cartridges (ceramic cartridge): This is the heart of a single-lever tap. The ceramic cartridge regulates the mix of hot and cold water and lasts 5–15 years with normal use. The lifespan depends on the quality of the water, the frequency of use and whether it is turned smoothly (not jerkily). For CLAGE taps, original replacement cartridges are available. Dimensions are defined by diameter – most commonly 35 mm or 40 mm. Always check the diameter of the cartridge in your model before ordering, as even within one brand there is no single universal size.

O-rings and seals: Rubber O-rings are consumable material and their replacement is the most common service task. They are available either as individual pieces (you need to know the exact diameter and profile) or as service kits for specific product lines.

Siphon adapters and drains: If you have a tap with a pop-up drain system (control of the sink plug directly from the tap), these mechanisms also have service parts – cables, plugs, springs.

Cartridges and aerators: A cartridge (a screen with air intake at the outlet) is a fully replaceable component. These are usually standard M22×1 or M24×1 threads, so there is no compatibility issue. Cleaning or replacing cartridges is one of the simplest maintenance operations.

Handles and heads: Aesthetic elements – which means if you damage the handle (break it, crack it) and the model is still in production, you can get a replacement part. If the model has been off the market for a long time, the situation may be more complicated.

How to identify the correct replacement part

This is where 80% of the problems customers have when ordering replacement parts lie. It is not enough to know that "I have a CLAGE faucet" – you need to know the exact model. Here is the procedure:

Find the model label – it is either on the body of the faucet (under the handle, on the bottom side), or in the original packaging and warranty card.
Note the full model designation including the surface (e.g., "chrome", "mat black") – sometimes different surfaces are technically different.
For the cartridge, also measure the diameter – when removing the old cartridge, use a caliper: most CLAGE faucets use 35 mm or 40 mm cartridges.
For O-rings, measure the outer diameter, inner diameter, and profile thickness – these three numbers uniquely identify the correct O-ring.

Lifespan of individual parts – when to replace what

A CLAGE faucet is not a monolithic product that either works or doesn't work. It is a set of components with different lifespans. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations and avoid throwing away a faucet that only needs a cheap part for a few euros.

Part	Typical lifespan	Typical failure symptom	DIY replacement?
Cartridge (ceramic)	8–15 years	Dripping from the outlet, stiff handle movement	Yes (with experience)
O-rings / seals	3–8 years	Dripping from the body of the faucet, around the base	Yes (easy)
Aerator	3–5 years (cleaning extends it)	Weak flow, splashing stream	Yes (trivial)
Supply hoses	10–15 years	Visible damage, dripping in the cabinet	Yes
Pop-up mechanism	5–10 years	Plug does not stay or open	Yes (adjusting the cable)
Body of the faucet (casting)	20+ years	Crack (usually from impact or freezing)	No – complete replacement required

If you have a faucet older than 15 years and it has lost its original functionality, it is worth considering whether it is worth investing in replacement parts or whether it is better to replace the entire faucet. Today's CLAGE models are more energy and water efficient – you can read more about it in the topic Eco-friendly and water-saving CLAGE faucets – how to reduce water consumption in the bathroom.

Seal replacement – procedure, tools, and common mistakes

Seals are by far the most frequently replaced part. Anyone who has a faucet older than 5 years and has occasionally noticed dripping is likely to have encountered a sealing issue. The good news is that seal replacement is one of the few repairs that a skilled amateur can handle – of course, provided you are out of warranty, or you are aware of the consequences for the warranty.

Tools you will need

Adjustable wrench or spanner (size depends on the specific faucet)
Flat screwdriver or pick – for removing O-rings
Caliper (for measuring O-rings, if you are buying them separately)
Hose pliers (when replacing the cartridge)
Teflon tape – for threaded connections (NOT for ceramic cartridges)
Silicone lubricant (for lubricating O-rings before installation)
Clean cloth or paper towels

Where seals commonly fail

1. Around the cartridge: Every cartridge is sealed with O-rings on both inlets (hot, cold water) and on the outlet. When these O-rings harden or deform (which can happen with aggressive water or after years of normal stress), water starts to seep around the cartridge and drips from the body of the faucet – sometimes even inside the cabinet under the sink.

2. Around the base of the tap: Here, the seals are between the body of the tap and the sink surface. If you notice dripping exactly at the contact point between the tap and the porcelain, it is likely this base. It may be a rubber seal or a silicone compound used to seal the tap during installation.

3. On the connecting hoses: The hoses are terminated with flat seals. These are exceptionally cheap and easily available, but people often forget to replace them when changing the hoses – and then wonder where the water is coming from.

4. Around the aerator head: Less common, but it does happen. If you observe dripping directly from the outlet nozzle (not from the body of the tap), it may be a damaged seal between the aerator insert and the outlet arm.

Step by step: replacing O-rings around the cartridge

Turn off the water – shut off the shut-off valves under the sink or the main shut-off valve. Open the tap to release pressure.
Remove the lever – usually a screw hidden under a decorative cap on top of the lever. Lift the cap with a flat tool, unscrew, and pull the lever up.
Remove the decorative nut or collar – usually unscrewed by hand or with a light wrench (be careful not to press too hard – you might scratch the surface).
Remove the cartridge – it is secured either by a retaining clip or a securing nut. Remove the clip – you will need it back. Pull the cartridge straight up.
Inspect the O-rings – the O-rings on the cartridge are visible. Check whether they are deformed, hard, or cracked. Also inspect the seats in the tap body.
Replace the O-rings – gently push out the old one with a flat tool (not a knife – you might damage the seat). Before fitting the new one, apply silicone lubricant – never use oil, grease, or vaseline – and press it into the groove with your fingers.
Reassemble in the reverse order – cartridge, retaining clip, collar, lever. Turn the water back on and check for leaks.

The whole process takes an experienced person 20–30 minutes. If you are doing it for the first time, allow about an hour. Don't be afraid – it is one of the simpler repairs in a household. More about the mounting process itself can be found in the topic Installation of CLAGE water tap – step by step.

Original vs. generic spare parts – is it worth saving money?

This is a topic where we often have differing opinions with lay customers. They argue: "A 5-euro cartridge from a hobby store does the same as an original one for 20 euros." In the short term, maybe yes. In the medium term – almost always no.

Why? Cheap replacement cartridges have ceramic discs with lower machining precision. This is expressed in several ways:

Stiff or, on the contrary, too loose lever movement
Shorter lifespan – the ceramic wears out faster, leading to further dripping
Imperfect sealing – slight dripping "from the outlet" right after replacement
Incorrect seating in the tap body, which can cause wear on the seat

Original CLAGE cartridges are precisely dimensioned for a specific tap body. Tolerances are tighter, the ceramic is harder, and the O-rings are made of higher quality rubber. Result: the cartridge will last another 10 years without problems.

From a purely economic point of view: if you have a quality tap worth 100–300 euros, it makes no sense to save 15 euros on the cartridge and risk having to repeat the whole process in a year – or damaging the seat in the tap body, which can only be replaced by replacing the entire tap.

Typical scenarios from practice – what we have resolved for customers

Scenario 1 – "Tap drips, but only in the morning": A customer calls saying that the tap is dripping, but only for the first few minutes after turning on cold water. After a while, it stops. This is a classic case of thermal expansion: the seals are slightly worn, but during the night (when no one uses water and the temperature drops), the rubber shrinks and does not seal perfectly. After heating, it expands and the problem disappears. Solution: replace the O-rings. Material cost: up to 3 euros.

Scenario 2 – "We are claiming the tap because the lever is stiff": After 2 years, a customer claimed the lever was stiff to operate. The service found that it was due to limescale buildup in the cartridge – the customer lived in an area with extremely hard water (over 400 mg/l CaCO₃). The warranty was denied, as limescale is not a manufacturing defect. Recommended solution: installation of a water softener or a softening filter before the tap, or replacement of the cartridge at the customer’s expense.

Scenario 3 – "We bought a cheaper replacement part and now the tap is dripping worse": The customer replaced the cartridge himself, but bought a generic part from an online store. The new cartridge had a 0.3 mm smaller diameter, which looked acceptable at first glance, but in practice caused the O-rings to be overloaded. Result: dripping from the body of the tap worse than before the replacement. Solution: ordering an original cartridge, second replacement.

Scenario 4 – "We replaced the seal and now it is leaking from another place": The customer replaced the O-ring at the cartridge, but did not check the seal on the connecting hose. The new seal at the cartridge focused the pressure on another spot – and revealed a long-standing hidden leak in the hose. Lesson: when performing any repair, check the entire hydraulic system of the tap.

Cleaning vs. replacement – when cleaning is enough and when replacement is necessary

Not every problem requires part replacement. At least aerators and flow restrictors can become clogged with limescale, which looks like a malfunction, but is just a matter of cleaning. It is sufficient to remove the aerator insert (by hand or with a soft cloth), soak it in vinegar or descaling agent for 30 minutes, and then rinse. We recommend doing this preventively every 6–12 months in areas with hard water.

Cartridges can also sometimes be cleaned – if the problem is due to deposits on the ceramic discs. Method: gently rinse under running water and lightly scrub with a soft cloth. Never use abrasive agents or metal objects.

When replacement is necessary:

Visible damage (cracks, broken parts)
Scratches on the ceramic disc (confirmed by visual inspection)
Stiff or jerky lever movement even after cleaning
Persistent dripping after cleaning and lubrication
Rubber seals that are hard, cracked, or flaking

Read more about preventive maintenance and cleaning in the topic Cleaning and maintenance of CLAGE taps – how to extend lifespan and remove limescale.

Service network and where to find help

CLAGE, as a German manufacturer, has service partners throughout Europe. For the Slovak market, service is handled through authorized distributors and service partners. Direct contact with the manufacturer is available via the official CLAGE website, where you can also find technical documentation and service manuals for individual models – these can be very helpful for DIY repairs.

For customers who purchased taps via atria.sk in the CLAGE taps category, the first point of contact is always our customer service, which can assess whether it is a warranty case or regular wear and ensure the appropriate spare parts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the warranty period for CLAGE taps?

The legal warranty period is 2 years from the date of purchase. CLAGE offers an extended warranty of 3–5 years on mechanical parts for many product lines – the exact duration depends on the model and is stated in the attached documentation. The warranty is valid only for normal use, installation by a professional or according to the attached instructions, and in the case of no damage caused by improper handling.

Where can I find original spare parts for CLAGE taps in Slovakia?

Original spare parts (cartridges, O-rings, aerators) are available through authorized CLAGE distributors and sellers in Slovakia. Always verify the exact model designation of your tap before ordering – without this, compatibility of the part cannot be guaranteed. You can contact us via the CLAGE category on atria.sk.

Can I replace the seal in a CLAGE tap myself, or do I need to call a plumber?

Replacing O-rings and aerators is technically feasible for a skilled DIYer with basic tools. Replacing a cartridge is a bit more complex, but still possible. However, you should be aware that any DIY repair during the warranty period may complicate the warranty claim. After the warranty period, DIY repair is fully legitimate – use original parts and follow the correct procedure.

My tap is dripping at the base (near the sink). What is the issue and how to fix it?

Dripping at the base of the tap (where it contacts the sink) is typically due to a damaged or dried-out base seal. This seal is either a rubber gasket or may be a dried-out silicone seal from the original installation. Repair: turn off the water, remove the tap, clean the contact surfaces, replace the base seal or apply new silicone, reattach the tap and tighten it.

What to do if the spare part for my older CLAGE model is sold out or unavailable?

If the model is older and the original part is not available, there are two options: first, contact CLAGE directly through their service department – sometimes they can provide parts for older series. Second, consult an expert on the compatibility of other parts – some cartridges and O-rings are interchangeable across manufacturers. If that does not work, it is realistic to consider replacing the entire tap with a current model.

Why is my CLAGE tap dripping shortly after installation – could it be a manufacturing defect?

If the tap starts dripping in the first weeks to months after installation, it is most often due to improper installation (undertightened nut, missing hose seal, cartridge displacement during installation) or very aggressive water. Genuine manufacturing defects in the cartridge are rare, but they do exist. In such a case, the warranty claim is fully justified – it should be filed as soon as possible with the seller and not attempted to be fixed by yourself.

Conclusion – investing in quality pays off in every repair and maintenance

CLAGE taps are among the products where the warranty policy is fair, spare part availability is above average, and service practice is well documented. This does not mean they are indestructible – but it means that with proper care and timely replacement of worn parts, they can function well for 15–20 years. The key is knowing the difference between warranty and non-warranty defects, being able to identify the correct spare part, and not underestimating the consequences of using unsuitable materials during repairs.

If you are interested in how CLAGE differs from other brands on the market and why a higher initial cost can be justified in the long run, read the topic CLAGE taps vs. other brands – what they differ in and whether it is worth paying more. And if you are dealing with a specific issue with your tap – dripping, weak flow, or other symptoms – visit the topic Common CLAGE tap faults – dripping, weak flow and their solutions, where these situations are analyzed in detail with specific solutions.

Do you have a question about this topic?

Not sure what to do or dealing with a specific situation in your home? Write to us – we are happy to help.