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myTap Replacement Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost to replace taps is around £100.
- The job will take approximately 1 to 3 hours to complete.
- A breakdown of tap repair costs for different tap types, including bath, kitchen, and garden taps.
- A step-by-step guide explaining how to change a tap, and whether you can replace taps yourself.
- How to save money on your tap replacement project by finding cheap taps and sourcing your supplies yourself.
- How to find and hire 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 on average. Although this price will depend on what type of tap you choose, the tap's material, the complexity of the installation, and other factors.
This complete tap repair cost guide covers everything included in replacing taps - from sink taps, bath taps, and even garden taps - including material costs and labour fees.
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£100
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?
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.
As a rough guide, replacing a double bath filler tap will cost around £80 in materials and £50 in labour. However, labour fees will be higher in areas such as London and the South East due to plumbers charging more to cover higher living expenses.
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.
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
| Job Description | Duration | Material Cost | Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install a Bath Filler Tap with New Lines | 1 – 3 Hours | £100 | £50 – £150 |
| Install a Basin Mono Mixer Tap with New Lines | 1 – 3 Hours | £70 | £50 – £150 |
| Install a Bath Shower Mixer Tap with New Lines | 1 – 3 Hours | £80 | £50 – £150 |
| Install a Pillar Tap with New Lines | 1 – 3 Hours | £50 | £50 – £150 |
| Install a Kitchen Mixer Tap with New Lines | 1 – 3 Hours | £80 | £50 – £150 |
| Install a Garden Tap with New Lines | 1 – 3 Hours | £30 | £50 – £150 |
| Replace a Bath Filler Tap | 1 Hour | £80 | £50 |
| Replace a Basin Mono Mixer Tap | 1 Hour | £50 | £50 |
| Replace a Bath Shower Mixer Tap | 1 Hour | £60 | £50 |
| Replace a Pillar Tap | 1 Hour | £30 | £50 |
| Install a Kitchen Mixer Tap | 1 Hour | £60 | £50 |
| Install a Garden Tap | 1 Hour | £10 | £50 |
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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
Plumbers across the UK charge an average of £55 per hour, but this can fluctuate depending on whereabouts you live. For example, major cities like London and Manchester will be higher based on the cost of living in the region, so expect to pay over the national average here.
However, in smaller towns and villages, you may be able to find a plumber who's a bit cheaper. So realistically, taking into account regional variants, you can pay anywhere between £40 to £100.
Before hiring a plumber after they have provided a quote for you, make sure you're completely clear on what is included in the price and what you can expect them to do.
A straightforward tap replacement should only take around an hour, but don't be surprised if unforeseen delays or obstacles appear. It's almost impossible to determine the state of the drainage system until a plumber can get their hands on it and remove the existing tap.
So, the time required all depends on whether there is a requirement for additional work.
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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
The two main cost-affecting factors will be the type of tap you want and the plumber's rates. For the materials, look around at some showrooms or peruse the options available online and think about what type of tap you want in your kitchen.
As we mentioned earlier, you'll probably get a better deal on the taps if you shop for them yourself, as you're more likely to spot a deal on a tap that suits your preferences.
For the labour aspect of the job, speak to a few different plumbers and firms, and find one that suits your budget and that you feel comfortable with.
If you pick the cheapest tradesman, it may not turn out to be the best option, but we'll delve into how to choose the right person for the job towards the end of this article.
Another pricing factor to consider is where you want the plumber to install your tap. The popularity of island kitchen worktops, for example, requires plumbing to a section in the centre of the kitchen, so the plumbing can only go under the floor. If you want your tap installed in a unique spot like this one, the complexity of the job can impact the overall price.
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.
Mixer Tap Cost
These taps are very similar to pillar taps, but instead of two individual taps, there are two different handles controlling the hot and cold water, but only one outlet. Again, these are found in bathrooms and kitchens and are the usual choice for bathtubs.
Monobloc Tap Cost
These taps have become more prevalent in recent years. Instead of a simple twist or turn handle, it has a free handle that controls the amount of water flow by lifting up and down, and the temperature by going side to side.
Boiling Water Taps
As well as the tap itself, this type of 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. Installation can also take longer, so you should also budget for the additional labour costs when hiring a plumber.
Garden Tap Cost
These are more industrial-looking taps, made from strong, sturdy materials and providing only cold water.
They have a simple twist handle to control the flow of water and can often be found sticking out of the wall aligning with your kitchen, although some have theirs installed in other places.
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.
From dripping taps to tight handles, we're going to explore some of the common signs:
Dripping Tap
We've all been guilty of ignoring that dripping tap - but have you ever stopped to wonder how much does a dripping tap costs you?
A dripping tap can waste up to 30 litres of water a day, which adds up to thousands of wasted litres a year. If you're on a water meter in the UK, this could be costing you £14 per year, and up to £100 a year if your hot water tap is dripping.
As annoying as it is, it just doesn't seem like enough of an issue to do anything about - however, not only is this costing you money in hundreds of litres of wasted water, but it's a sign that something in your tap isn't quite right.
It could just be a faulty washer or fixing, but in the worst case, you may need a replacement tap before the leaking becomes far worse and harder to deal with.
So, how much does it cost to fix a dripping tap? It'll take a plumber between 30 minutes to 2 hours to find the fault with your dripping tap and fix it, costing around £55 per hour. The most common solution is to replace part of the tap, with the cost to replace a tap cartridge just £5 to £30.
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. This means you're going to need to replace it before it snaps or breaks permanently.
Seized handles can also be a tell-tale sign that something is wrong with your stopcock if its stiff or hard to turn. Stopcock replacements cost around £200, making them a worthwhile investment to safeguard against corrosion, limescale build-up, and potential leaking pipes in the future.
Hammering
You may have experienced a loud hammering noise when you turn your tap on that sounds like your tap may be about to explode into the ceiling. This can be a sign of a variety of issues, from faulty fixings to water pressure problems.
Either way, it's best to get a qualified plumber out to review this, as it can cause considerable problems in the internal water system.
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."
Noisy Taps
As a general rule, any strange noises emanating from your taps is usually a bad sign, so it's best to get the noises checked before long-term damage is done. Usually, a noisy tap is a sign that the tap has broken or is on the verge of breaking. Either way, you will probably need a replacement.
Damaged Handles
In some instances, you may not need to replace the whole unit, in which case you can simply purchase replacement handles instead. This can be the more cost-effective option if the handles have become loose, cracked or broken. Likewise if you start to notice corrosion, rust or they've become difficult to turn.
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
How Do You Remove Limescale from Your Taps?
There are plenty of solutions you can buy from supermarkets or DIY stores that will remove limescale, both chemical and natural. However, a basic homemade remover can be effective by covering the limescale with baking soda before scrubbing with a lemon, and then using a damp cloth to wipe clean. Although this may not be suitable for areas with a heavy buildup.
How Do You Change Your Bath Taps?
If your bathtub is fixed to a wall on the tap side, it will have a panel that removes, allowing access to the underneath of the tap, where the nuts and water lines will be. Once you have removed the panel and gained access, just follow the same step-by-step guide in the article and replace the panel once complete.
Do I Need Planning Permission To Install a New Tap?
As a general rule, you don’t need planning permission to install a new tap or replace an existing one, regardless of it’s inside or outside your home. However, if your property is a listed building or located within a conservation area, unless it's like-for-like replacement, you may wish to check with your local planning authority before carrying out any work.
How Do You Fix a Wobbly Tap?
A wobbly tap can be annoying and can potentially cause a leak further down the line, but it's a straightforward fix. Just tighten the nuts underneath the tap to secure it in place, using a wrench or pliers.
Are There Eco-Friendly Taps I Can Install?
Yes, there are taps designed to reduce water usage, such as aerated taps or taps with flow restrictors. These can help save water and reduce bills without needing to upgrade your plumbing system.
