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myTap Replacement Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost to replace a tap is around £100 in labour.
- Most straightforward replacements take around 1 hour, while jobs requiring new supply lines can take up to 3 hours.
- Tap replacement costs for different tap types, including bath taps, kitchen taps, and basin taps.
- How long a tap replacement takes and what's typically involved.
- How to find a local plumber using MyJobQuote.
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How much does it cost for a plumber to change a tap?
Replacing a tap costs around £100 in labour on average. The total cost will depend on what type of tap you choose, the tap's material, the complexity of the installation, and whether new supply lines are needed.
This complete tap replacement cost guide covers everything you need to know — from kitchen taps and bath taps to basin taps — including material costs and labour fees.
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Table of Contents
- How Much Does Tap Replacement Cost?
- Replacement Tap Costs (Supply Only)
- Additional Tap Replacement Costs
- Labour Cost to Replace Tap & Timescales
- Cost to Remove a Tap
- Factors That Impact Tap Replacement Costs
- What's Involved in Installing a New Tap?
- How to Choose a Replacement Tap
- How to Know When a Tap Needs Replacing
- Checklist: How To Find and Hire a Plumber in the UK
- FAQs
How Much Does Tap Replacement Cost?
As a rough guide, replacing a double bath filler tap will cost around £80 in materials and £50 in labour.
Kitchen tap replacement costs around £110 in total for a straight swap, which can vary depending on your water supply, as new lines will push labour costs up to between £50 and £150.
The area of installation can also factor into the price you'll be quoted. For example, fitting a water line for a brand new tap will cost anywhere between £150 and £300.
You'll be surprised just how much of an improvement new taps can make to the décor of a bathroom or kitchen, and it doesn't require a big budget to make it happen.
One of the best things about installing new taps is the variety of options you have at your disposal. From chrome to brass and everything in between, you'll never be short of options when it comes to refurbishment. However, the price of the job can vary based on these factors, as some materials naturally cost more than others.
My kitchen cold tap keeps dripping, do I have to buy certain taps to replace the ones that are dripping?
"No, if you want to replace a kitchen mixer tap you can pick anyone that you fancy. In some cases you can replace the washer in the tap but in my opinion if it’s starting to drip etc you're better off just replacing, as they are not too expensive."
Tap Installation Prices
Most straightforward like-for-like tap replacements take around 1 hour. Jobs that require new supply lines can take up to 3 hours and will cost more in labour.
| Job Description | Material Cost | Labour Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace a Bath Filler Tap | £80 | £50 | £130 |
| Replace a Basin Mono Mixer Tap | £50 | £50 | £100 |
| Replace a Bath Shower Mixer Tap | £60 | £50 | £110 |
| Replace a Pillar Tap | £30 | £50 | £80 |
| Replace a Kitchen Mixer Tap | £60 | £50 | £110 |
| Install a Bath Filler Tap with New Lines | £100 | £50–£150 | £150–£250 |
| Install a Basin Mono Mixer Tap with New Lines | £70 | £50–£150 | £120–£220 |
| Install a Bath Shower Mixer Tap with New Lines | £80 | £50–£150 | £130–£230 |
| Install a Pillar Tap with New Lines | £50 | £50–£150 | £100–£200 |
| Install a Kitchen Mixer Tap with New Lines | £80 | £50–£150 | £130–£230 |
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Replacement Tap Costs (Supply Only)
A great way to save on costs of materials is to shop around for the products yourself.
Some taps are naturally more expensive than others, either due to their complexity or the material they're made from. For example, standard twist-to-open bathroom taps are often made from cheaper materials, making them more affordable than a stainless-steel basin mixer tap that incorporates ceramic technologies.
| Tap | Price |
|---|---|
| Bath Filler Tap | £80 |
| Basin Mono Mixer Tap | £50 |
| Bath Shower Mixer Tap | £60 |
| Pillar Tap | £30 |
| Kitchen Mixer Tap | £60 |
| Garden Tap | £10 |
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Additional Tap Replacement Costs
Some additional costs could be necessary during the installation or replacement of a tap. When the plumber replaces a tap for you, they may notice that the drain system and pipes are significantly clogged and either require unblocking now or will do in the near future.
Drain unclogging costs £100, and it's a good idea to get this work done while the tap is removed, as ignoring it could require more work further on down the line involving removing the new tap anyway.
Another added cost to consider is a new kitchen sink installation. If you've been considering replacing your kitchen sink or even moving the sink to a different area of the kitchen, you may want to get this work done at the same time, as it will be quite a lot cheaper getting it done all at once than it will be to do it in two parts.
Typically, new kitchen sink installation costs around £275 depending on the material chosen and the complexity of the installation.
The hot and cold water taps in my WC are the opposite way round to the bathroom and kitchen taps. Can these be easily swapped around, and how much is it likely to cost me?
"It's a straightforward job, it shouldn't cost any more than £75, including any parts needed."
Labour Cost to Replace Tap & Timescales
So, how much do plumbers charge to change a tap?
- Straightforward like-for-like tap replacement — £50 (1 hour of work if the existing supply lines and isolation valves are already in place)
- New supply lines or isolation valves needed — £50 to £150 (up to 3 hours of work)
- Hourly rates vary by location — The national average hourly rate for a plumber is around £50 per hour. In major cities like London and Manchester, expect to pay above the national average, but in smaller towns, you may find rates closer to the lower end of the range.
Before hiring a plumber, make sure you're completely clear on what is included in the quoted price. A straightforward tap replacement should take around an hour, but unforeseen issues — such as seized pipes or corroded fittings — can add time and cost.
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Cost to Remove a Tap
You can quite easily remove a tap yourself if you're comfortable with shutting the water off at the mains and can use essential tools adequately.
However, you will want to get a professional in if you need the water lines disconnected permanently, while still using water in other areas of your home.
A plumber will probably charge you £55 for an hour's work to remove the tap and isolate the lines. As for the tap itself, it it's still working then someone else may benefit from it second hand, alternatively check with your local recycling centre to see if they accept mixed metals.
Factors That Impact Tap Replacement Costs
- Type of Tap — The type of tap you want will affect the overall price. Tap materials range from budget-friendly pillar taps to pricier monobloc or boiling water options.
- Labour Costs — Labour costs are one of the biggest factors affecting the total cost of tap replacement, and labour fees will be higher in areas such as London and the South East due to plumbers charging more to cover higher living expenses.
- Tap Installation Location — Installation location is another factor that affects the overall price, as a plumber installing a tap on an island kitchen worktop, for example, will need to run plumbing under the floor, which adds complexity and cost.
- Water Supply — Whether you need new water supply lines or isolation valves fitted will add to the total cost, as the plumber will need to connect these before tap installation can begin.
Do boiling water and filter taps take up a lot of space under the sink?
"You need space for the tank and water filter. I’d say around a quart of a standard kitchen unit will be filled up."
What's Involved in Installing a New Tap?
The plumber you hire will be well-versed in installing and replacing taps, ensuring the job is completed to a completely safe and professional standard. As such, there are far more benefits from hiring a professional than saving yourself £50 by attempting the task yourself.
If you were to make any mistakes yourself, damage caused to your water system could result in creating leaks or flooding, which can potentially require costly repairwork. However, if you hire a fully qualified plumber, they should be covered in the event of any unexpected issues — providing they have public liability insurance.
Likewise with any trade job, it is widely recommended to seek quotes from more than one plumber. With MyJobQuote, you can find plumbers local to your area, without any further obligation to hire.
Let's break down the process of installing a new tap:
Before the Job Starts
- Preparing the Area — The plumber will bring all the necessary tools and materials, including a plastic drop sheet to protect the floor, a bucket to catch water, and any other tools required for the job.
- Shutting Off the Water — The first step is to turn off the water supply at the mains to ensure a safe and dry installation.
During the Job
- Removing the Old Tap — The plumber will disconnect the hot and cold water lines, remove the mounting nuts, and taking out the old tap. The area will then be cleaned to ensure a secure and tight seal for the new tap.
- Preparing the New Tap — As part of the installing process, new taps are prepped with thread tape and a silicone sealant, in some designs, plumber’s putty or rubber washers are used instead, depending on the type of tap.
- Installing the New Tap — The tap is then aligned and fitted into place, before securing with new nuts from underneath.
- Reconnecting Supply Lines — The water lines will be reattached, the mains turned back on, and the tap fully tested to ensure it's working correctly.
After the Job
- Final Checks — The plumber will inspect the installation to make sure the tap is secure, leak-free, and functioning properly.
- Rubbish Removal — Lastly, any waste or rubbish is removed from the premises.
How to Choose a Replacement Tap
Pillar Tap Cost
Pillar taps are your standard hot and cold taps, with a separate tap for each. They're found both in kitchens and bathrooms and are available in a variety of materials and styles.
Pillar taps are one of the most affordable options, with the taps themselves costing around £30 to supply. A like-for-like replacement typically costs around £80 in total, including labour.
Mixer Tap Cost
These taps are very similar to pillar taps, but instead of 2 individual taps, there are 2 different handles controlling the hot and cold water through a single outlet. They're a common choice for both kitchens and bathrooms, and are often used on bathtubs.
A mixer tap costs around £60 to supply. Replacing a bath shower mixer tap costs around £110 in total, while a kitchen mixer tap replacement comes to a similar price.
Monobloc Tap Cost
These taps have become more common in recent years. Instead of a simple twist or turn handle, a monobloc tap has a single lever that controls the water flow by lifting up and down and the temperature by moving side to side.
A basin mono mixer tap costs around £50 to supply, with a full replacement — including labour — coming to around £100 in total.
Boiling Water Taps
As well as the tap itself, boiling water tap installation also involves an additional boiler-like unit to heat the water to boiling point. These are a more expensive investment than standard taps, costing anywhere between £300 and £600 for the unit alone. Installation takes longer than a standard tap swap, so budget for additional labour costs of around £100 to £150 when hiring a plumber.
Garden Tap Cost
Outdoor taps are made from strong, sturdy materials and provide cold water only. They have a simple twist handle to control the water flow and are usually mounted on an external wall.
A garden tap costs around £10 to £30 to supply. A full installation — including running new pipework — typically costs between £120 and £200 in total.
I have two sets of taps in my bathroom (sink and bathtub) and would like to replace both of them with new mixer taps. Are there any major changes that I will need to take into account beyond the piping of the hot and cold water to the single tap?
"It’s a pretty simple process to change both. However, you need to take into account that your sink doesn’t already have a mixer tap I’m assuming it has a separate hot and cold. Which would mean you have to change the sink to one with just the single central hole for a mixer tap."
How to Know When a Tap Needs Replacing
There are some clear signs that you may need your tap repairing or replacing, but the key is to sort the problems as soon as they appear to avoid the cost of an emergency plumber.
- Dripping Tap — A dripping tap can waste up to 30 litres of water a day, adding up to thousands of wasted litres a year. If you're on a water meter, this could be costing you £14 per year, and up to £100 a year if your hot water tap is dripping. It could be a faulty washer or a fixing, but in the worst case, you may need a replacement tap before the leaking becomes far worse.
- Seized Handle — Hard-to-turn handles can be straightforward to fix with some lubricant, but more often than not, the handle will seize as a result of damage to the tap, meaning you'll need to replace it before it snaps or breaks permanently. A seized handle can also indicate a problem with your stopcock.
- Hammering — A loud hammering noise when you turn your tap on can be a sign of a variety of issues, from faulty fixings to water pressure problems. It's best to get a qualified plumber out to review this, as it can cause considerable problems in the internal water system.
- Noisy Taps — Any strange noises coming from your taps are usually a bad sign. A noisy tap is generally a sign that the tap has broken or is on the verge of breaking, meaning you will probably need a replacement.
- Damaged Handles — In some instances, you may not need to replace the whole unit and can simply purchase replacement handles instead. This can be the more cost-effective option if the handles have become loose, cracked, or broken, or if you notice corrosion, rust, or if they've become difficult to turn.
My toilet sounds like a fog horn when you flush it, the kitchen and bathroom taps make a noise when you turn them on, and there is a groaning noise coming from somewhere in the pipes in the bathroom. What's the problem?
"More than likely would be water hammer, could indicate pressure regulator pipes not clipped at correct intervals etc."
Checklist: How To Find and Hire a Plumber in the UK
When it comes to hiring a plumber in the UK, there are some key points to consider before paying for someone to work in your home:
- Are they fully qualified and accredited? Make sure the plumber is registered with a recognised trade body, such as WaterSafe or CIPHE, to ensure they meet industry standards.
- Do they have the correct insurance? Check they carry public liability insurance (and professional indemnity if applicable) which will help protect you from any potential issues during the job.
- Do they have experience with your type of work? Ideally, hire someone who has completed similar plumbing jobs in the past, whether it’s taps, showers, or larger installations.
- Can they provide references or examples? Ask for before-and-after photos or details of previous jobs to verify the quality of their work.
- Have you received multiple quotes? With the help of MyJobQuote find plumbers local to your area, ask for more than one quote and ensure they provide a detailed summary of costs for the job required.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check online platforms including MyJobQuote for feedback from previous customers. Good reviews are a strong indicator of reliability and workmanship.
FAQs
Do You Need a Plumber to Replace a Tap?
A like-for-like tap replacement can be done by a confident DIYer if they're comfortable isolating the water supply and using basic tools. However, if new supply lines need to be run, or if the existing pipework is corroded or seized, it's best to hire a qualified plumber to avoid the risk of leaks or water damage.
How Do You Change Bath Taps?
If your bathtub is fixed to a wall on the tap side, it will have a panel that you can remove to access the underside of the tap, where the nuts and supply lines are located. Once you have access, follow the same step-by-step process described above — turning off the water, removing the old tap, fitting the new one, and reconnecting the lines — then replace the panel once the job is complete.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Install a New Tap?
As a general rule, you don't need planning permission to replace or install a new tap, whether inside or outside your home. However, if your property is a listed building or located within a conservation area, it's worth checking with your local planning authority before carrying out any work that isn't like-for-like.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Tap Cartridge?
If your tap is dripping, it may only need a new cartridge rather than a full replacement. A tap cartridge itself costs between £5 and £30, and a plumber will typically charge around £55 per hour to fit it, with most jobs taking 30 minutes to 1 hour.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Stopcock?
Stopcock replacements cost around £200, making them a worthwhile investment if your water supply is affected by corrosion, limescale build-up, or a potential leak.
