Cost to Replace a Tap in the UK: Typical Prices
What it typically costs to have a kitchen, bathroom or basin tap replaced in the UK, what changes the price and how to avoid extra charges.
Replacing a tap looks like one of the simplest plumbing jobs, and often it is. But the price a plumber quotes can vary because the tap itself is only part of the story. This guide breaks down what you typically pay for labour, which factors add time, and where people unexpectedly overspend.
Typical labour costs
For a like-for-like swap on a straightforward sink or basin, many plumbers quote somewhere around £80 to £180 for labour, depending on region and tap type. London and the South East are typically higher. The tap is usually extra unless you agree the plumber will supply it.
| Tap type | Typical labour (roughly) |
|---|---|
| Basin pair of taps (swap) | Around £70 to £140 |
| Monobloc kitchen mixer | Around £80 to £160 |
| Bath mixer or bath filler | Around £100 to £220 |
| Boiling or filtered water tap | Often more, as extra units are involved |
| Outside tap | Around £70 to £150 |
These are broad figures for guidance, not a quote.
What adds time and cost
A seized or corroded fitting
Old taps can be stuck solid, particularly where hard water has built up. Removing a locked backnut in a cramped space is awkward and can take far longer than the fitting itself.
Isolation valves
If there are no small isolating valves under the sink, the plumber may need to turn the whole supply off at the stopcock, or fit new valves first. Fitting them is a sensible investment, as future repairs become quicker.
Changing the type of tap
Swapping a pair of taps for a single mixer needs different hole sizes, and a sink with only two holes may not suit it. Changing a hole pattern in a ceramic basin is rarely possible. Check what your sink supports before buying.
Flexible tails and fittings
Many modern taps need new flexible hoses or connectors. Reusing old ones is false economy. These are usually inexpensive but should be in the quote.
Access
Narrow cupboards and fitted units slow things down. A plumber may ask for the cupboard to be emptied before arriving.
Buying the tap yourself versus having it supplied
Buying your own gives you control over the style. The risk is a tap that does not fit, or that needs an adaptor, which causes a delay. Some plumbers prefer to supply parts so they can be sure of compatibility. Ask the plumber before you purchase. If you want to try the job yourself instead, read our step-by-step guide to how to replace a tap.
Getting a clear quote
Give the plumber the following when asking for prices:
- A photo of the existing tap and the space beneath it.
- The make-up of the sink (number of holes, material).
- Whether you will supply the new tap.
- Whether you want old taps disposed of.
Then confirm whether the price covers fittings, disposal and VAT. For the bigger picture of rates, see how much a plumber costs.
Is it worth fixing instead of replacing?
If the only problem is a drip, a new washer or cartridge might be cheaper than a new tap. Our guide on how to fix a dripping tap explains how to tell. If the tap is old, corroded or the finish is peeling, replacement tends to make sense.
Worked example: kitchen mixer swap
You buy a new monobloc kitchen mixer and the existing tap is a pair of pillar taps over a two-hole sink. The new tap needs one hole, so the plumber should warn you at quote stage that the sink may not suit it. If the sink already has one hole with a blank, the swap is simple. A typical outcome might be an hour or so of labour at roughly £80 to £160, plus flexible tails if needed and any parts you ask them to supply.
Extras you might see on the bill
| Possible extra | What it covers |
|---|---|
| New flexible tails | Replacing old connectors |
| Isolation valves | Letting you shut off the tap alone later |
| Disposal | Taking away the old tap |
| Parts markup | When the plumber supplies the tap |
| Making good | Sealing around the fixing |
Ask which of these are included before the day, so nothing is a surprise.
A short checklist before the plumber arrives
- Empty the cupboard under the sink and clear the floor.
- Locate the stopcock; see finding and using your stopcock.
- Keep the tap box, instructions and any fitting kit.
- Tell the plumber about any known problems, such as weak pressure or a stiff valve.
Hard water and older homes
In hard-water areas, limescale seizes backnuts and cartridges. Allow extra time. In older homes, the pipework under the sink may be rigid copper with little flexibility, and a replacement tap with short tails can be awkward. This is where an experienced plumber earns the charge.
When replacement is not the answer
If water is leaking from under the sink rather than from the tap, the tap may not be at fault. See leak under the sink to check the real cause first. It is also worth comparing the cost of a new cartridge with a new tap, as explained in fixing a dripping tap.
Frequently asked questions
Does a plumber charge more for a kitchen tap than a bathroom tap?
Not by type alone. Kitchen sinks often have more cramped, cluttered cupboards, which adds time, so the labour can come out slightly higher.
Can a handyman replace a tap?
For a simple swap, many handymen are comfortable doing it. If pipework needs altering, a plumber is the better choice.
Should I replace both taps at once?
If they are the same age and the same style, replacing both together usually looks and works better than mixing old and new.