Franke Vesta Tap Dripping? Fix It with the Right Valve, O-Ring or Spout
Updated May 2025 | Original content by Taps and Sinks Online
Having issues with your Franke Vesta tap dripping? This guide will help you identify whether the problem is caused by the valve, spout, or O-ring — and how to fix it.
Before ordering a valve for the Franke Vesta tap, make sure you understand these two essential details:
- The levers open in reverse directions compared to standard taps (see section 1).
- Franke changed the valve design in 2012, and the older and newer valves are not interchangeable (see section 2).
Before starting any repair, make sure to isolate your water supply. For water safety advice, visit the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS).
1. Why the Franke Vesta Tap Levers Work in Reverse
The Franke Vesta looks like a standard two-lever tap, but its levers are mounted at the front — similar to a bridge tap. As a result, the rotation is reversed:
- The cold valve, which opens anticlockwise, fits on the left-hand side (hot water feed).
- The hot valve, which opens clockwise, fits on the right-hand side (cold feed).
This isn’t a plumbing mistake. It’s a design feature. If you’re replacing only one valve, you must match the correct opening direction — otherwise, the lever won’t function properly.
2. Which Valve Fits Your Franke Vesta Tap?
Franke originally fitted the Vesta tap with a two-threaded valve — model 1427R (also known as 4276R). Around 2012, they switched to a one-threaded version — model 3547R.
These valves are not interchangeable. The internal handle design changed, and the newer valve sits differently.
How to Check Which Valve You Have
Use a 2mm Allen key to remove the handle. Then compare your valve with the examples below:
1427R Valve (Older Model)
Two-threaded valve used in older Vesta taps (pre-2012). Supplied with a white or black seal — both thicker than later red seals.
3547R Valve (Newer Model)
One-threaded valve used in Vesta taps manufactured after approx. 2012. Longer neck with base thread only.
Visual Example – Valve in Situ (Handle Removed)
If you’ve removed your tap handle, you can visually compare your exposed valve to the images below to confirm whether it’s the older 1427R or the newer 3547R:
1427R Valve with Handle Removed
This two-threaded valve sits closer to the handle cap and has threads both at the top and base.
3547R Valve with Handle Removed
This one-threaded valve sits deeper in the handle base. It has no upper thread and a longer neck.
Still unsure which one you have? Email a photo of your valve and handle to sales@tapsandsinksonline.co.uk and we’ll confirm it for you.
Need a replacement valve? You can find the correct one in our full range of genuine Franke Vesta Tap Spares.
Is the Tap Dripping from the Base of the Spout?
If water is leaking where the spout meets the tap body, it’s usually due to worn O-rings. You’ll need the 1239R O-Ring Kit.
Vesta Spout with O-Ring Kit
Complete spout includes locking nut, white PTFE O-ring, 2 black seal rings, and swivel aerator.
Pinhole Example
If your spout has a pinhole, O-rings won’t fix it — you’ll need a replacement spout.
Ready to order your O-rings or spout? View all genuine Franke Vesta Tap Spares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the 1427R and 3547R valves interchangeable?
A: No. Franke changed the valve design around 2012. The two-threaded 1427R and the one-threaded 3547R fit differently inside the tap and cannot be swapped.
Q: What happens if I order the wrong valve side?
A: Because the Franke Vesta levers are front-mounted and operate in reverse, it’s common to confuse hot and cold sides. We recommend identifying the valve by opening direction, not tap position.
Q: Can I replace the O-rings if my Vesta tap is leaking from the base?
A: Yes. If the tap is dripping where the spout meets the base, you likely need the 1239R O-Ring Kit. Check for pinholes too — if present, you’ll need to replace the spout.
Disclaimer & Original Content Notice
This guide was written by Taps and Sinks Online based on more than 40 years of experience supplying genuine kitchen tap parts. All content is original and must not be reused or copied without permission. Please link to this post if quoting or referencing.