# Gemini — raw output, 2026-09-14 09:18 (+07), free, "Flash" (default), one message, no follow-ups

Interface Russian; answer in English. Answered in about 20 seconds as formatted text (no images, no video links). Reassembled from the DOM (the page text tool cannot read Gemini's reply container). Chat URL kept open for review.

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Fixing a dripping single-lever mixer tap is a manageable DIY job. The dripping is almost certainly caused by a worn-out ceramic cartridge inside the tap handle.

## Key Terms for the Hardware Shop (Portugal)
When shopping at a Portuguese hardware store (ferraria or loja de bricolage like Leroy Merlin), ask for these items:
- Ceramic cartridge: Cartucho cerâmico para torneira monocomando
- Plumber's silicone grease: Massa de silicone para canalizações (or Graxa de silicone)
- Hex / Allen keys: Chaves Allen
- Adjustable spanner: Chave de bocas ajustável (or Chave inglesa)

## Tools & Materials Needed
- Hex key set (usually 2.5 mm or 3 mm for the handle screw)
- Adjustable spanner (or deep socket set)
- Flathead screwdriver or utility knife
- Replacement cartridge (typically 35 mm or 40 mm diameter; buy after removing the old one to match the exact size and bottom pin layout)
- Silicone grease (to lubricate seals)
- Old towel or cloth (to cover the drain and wrap chrome parts)

## Step-by-Step Fix
1. Locate the shut-off valves (torneiras de segurança) under the basin and turn them clockwise until tight. If there are no under-sink valves, turn off your home's main water supply valve. Turn the tap lever on to drain remaining water and verify the flow has completely stopped. Cover the drain hole with a towel so small screws cannot fall in.
2. Pry off the small hot/cold indicator badge (the blue/red plastic cap) on the front or underside of the lever using a flathead screwdriver. Insert a hex key into the hole behind the badge, unthread the grub screw counterclockwise (you do not need to remove it completely), and pull the lever straight up off the tap body.
3. Unscrew the smooth, dome-shaped collar by hand. If it is stuck, wrap it in a cloth and turn gently with pliers. Beneath the dome is a brass retaining nut holding the cartridge in place. Use your adjustable spanner to loosen and unscrew this retaining nut counterclockwise.
4. Pull the plastic cartridge straight up out of the tap body. Clean out any debris or limescale inside the chamber using a damp cloth. Take this old cartridge to the hardware store to buy an exact matching replacement.
5. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the rubber seals on the bottom of the new cartridge. Align the two small pins on the bottom of the cartridge with the corresponding holes inside the tap housing, pressing it flat. Thread the brass retaining nut back on and tighten it firmly with your spanner (do not overtighten). Screw the decorative dome back on, slide the handle over the stem, tighten the hex screw, and snap the hot/cold badge back in.
6. Slowly reopen your water shut-off valves. Turn the tap on and off several times to check for smooth operation, then leave it off for a few minutes to verify the spout drip is completely gone.

## Stop immediately and call a professional if:
- The under-basin shut-off valves are frozen, seized, or leaking when you try to turn them off.
- The brass retaining nut inside the tap is severely corroded or rounded off, making it impossible to unscrew without damaging the tap casing.
- Water leaks out from the base of the tap body or pipes under the sink after reassembly, indicating internal body corrosion or a damaged supply pipe line.

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First read: the tightest answer of the nine - all six checklist steps in six numbered steps, the towel-over-the-drain tip, 35/40 mm, Allen size, silicone grease named in Portuguese. "Torneiras de segurança" is a usable term for the isolation valves (the more common one is "válvulas de corte"); "ferraria" is a smithy - the shop is a "ferragens". Stop-and-call list has three sensible items but not "the new cartridge did not fix it". Checks in the sheet.