Costs For a Plumber to Install New Taps

Whether you are looking for a plumber to install a brand new outdoor tap or you need someone to replace a faulty tap on your kitchen sink, it’s important to get an idea of the average costs ahead of time.

There is a lot that can impact the cost for a plumber to install new taps, such as the type of tap and complexity of the job.

Below, we have taken a look at how much you can expect to pay for a plumber to install new taps, including labour cost and materials.

Tap Replacement Costs

When you are replacing a tap, the first cost to think about is the cost of the tap itself. This will vary hugely depending on the type of tap you need, the material it’s made from and the design.

New Tap Costs

Bathroom Taps

Bathroom taps, sometimes referred to as basin taps, are installed on bathroom sinks. They come as a pack of two, one for cold water and one for hot water. These taps can cost anywhere between £10 and £100. The material, design and brand will all influence the cost.

Mixer Taps

You will find mixer taps on kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, showers and baths. These are taps that combine hot water and cold water, with everything coming out of one spout. This enables you to change the temperature of the water to your needs.

The cost of a mixer tap can vary from £20 to £200. Like separate taps, the material, design and brand will influence the cost.

Bath Taps

You can choose to have either basin taps or mixer taps fitted on your bath, and the choice comes down to personal preference. You should expect to spend between £20 and £150 on bath taps, with the material, design and brand all impacting the cost.

Kitchen Taps

Both basin taps and kitchen mixer taps can be fitted on a kitchen sink, depending on your personal preference. They differ from bathroom taps as a lot of kitchen taps have additional features, such as water filters, hot water dispensers and hoses for easy spraying. Depending on the materials and the features, kitchen taps can cost between £30 and £300.

Labour

You will also need to factor in the labour cost of having your old tap removed and replaced, which covers the cost of the plumbing work. This usually includes a call out fee.

The cost of labour can vary hugely, depending on how complex the job is, how long the job will take and your location. For example, you are likely to pay more if you are in London. You are also likely to spend more on a reputable, experienced and recommended plumber.

Regardless of whether you need someone to replace your bath taps or to replace a mixer tap, you should expect to pay somewhere between £100 and £250, plus the cost of materials, with an average cost of around £175. The cost of replacement taps will be more if there are isolation valves.

Possible Additional Costs

Before hiring a plumber to install or replace taps, consider the possible additional costs that could arise. For example, plumbers will charge more if there are no isolation valves, or if the water supply is hard to access.

Factors That Influence the Cost

When you are researching “how much does it cost for a plumber to change a tap in the UK”, there are a few things that you should take into consideration. It doesn’t matter if you are having a hot water tap installed or your bathroom taps replaced, there are a number of factors that will influence the cost.

Accessibility

The location of the taps and pipes will affect the average cost of tap installation. This is because hard to reach taps and complex accessibility will require a longer installation, and a plumber’s cost will reflect this.

When you contact a plumber, one of the first things they will do is ask where the taps and water supply are located. Though bathroom taps are usually relatively easy to install, kitchen taps can be more complex, especially if the plumbing needs to be reworked.

Location

As is the case with the majority of home improvement and repair projects, your location will impact the cost of having new taps installed. Plumbing costs tend to be higher in London, with other major cities only slightly behind.

Plus, if you choose a plumber that is not local to you, you might find that they charge you more. This is because they will need to factor travel costs and commuting into the quote. It’s usually cheaper to hire a local tradesperson.

Materials

Plumbers have to factor the price of materials into the overall cost of tap installation, and the materials needed could hugely influence the cost. Though materials such as plumbing connections and sealant tend to be a set price, there are other materials that can impact the cost.

For example, the cost for a plumber to install new taps will be cheaper if you choose more affordable taps. If you have already bought the taps, let the plumber know so they can make sure their quote reflects that.

Costs to Install an Outdoor Tap

Outdoor taps are installed outside of a residential property, close to a garden or garage. They allow you to water plants, wash cars and fill buckets without having to continually go back and forth inside.

It’s hard to give an exact cost for the cost of installing an outdoor tap, as there are a lot of factors that influence the cost. To buy an outside tap yourself, it can cost anywhere between £10 and £50, depending on the material of the tap and the design.

If you want a professional plumber to install an outdoor tap, you will need to pay for the tap, materials and labour cost. This can vary anywhere from £120 to £200, with the average cost being £160 plus VAT.

The Process of Installing a New Tap

1. The first stage of installing a new tap is to hire a plumber, which a quick search of “how much does it cost for a plumber to change a tap UK” will help you with. You will need to let the plumber know what type of tap you want installed, if you need them to source the materials and how accessible the area is.
2. When the plumber arrives to install a new tap, they will arrive with all of the necessary tools. This could include plastic sheets to prevent spillages, a bucket to collect any leaking water and professional plumbing equipment.
3. Before they start any work, they will need to shut the water off at the mains. They will then disconnect both of the water lines, one for the cold water and another for the hot water.
4. Once the water has been successfully disconnected, the plumber will remove the mounting nuts from the old tap, which will allow them to remove the old tap completely.
5. One thing that a professional plumber will do, which a lot of people attempting DIY forget about, is cleaning the tap. A plumber will clean the entire area to ensure the new tap has a tight and secure seal. Otherwise, there’s a high chance of the tap leaking.
6. Using sealant, in the form of seal tape and silicone, the plumber will then get the area ready for the new tap. The new tap can then be lined up and installed, and secured from below using nuts.
7. With the new tap in place, the hot water and cold water lines can be reattached, and the water supply can be turned back on. The plumber will check that the tap works perfectly, before marking the job as complete.

Can I Install a Tap Myself?

Though it might be tempting to tackle tap installation yourself, it’s not always a straightforward and simple DIY project. In fact, installing a new tap can be complex and risky, especially if you don’t have the right knowledge or tools. You could end up doing more harm than good by causing a leak or damaging your pipes. This is why it’s always best to hire a professional plumber, someone with experience of all forms of tap replacement.

If you have the skill and equipment needed to install a tap yourself, you could attempt to do the job yourself. This is something that a lot of people consider, usually as a way to reduce the cost of hiring a plumber. There is nothing wrong with doing so, but you do need to have the right experience and a certain level of expertise. If the installation is complicated, enlist the help of a professional.

DIY Vs Professional Repair

Installing or repairing a tap is a common household task, and it’s one that can be done either as a DIY project or by hiring a professional plumber. There are pros and cons to both of these approaches. Whether you choose a DIY repair or a professional repair will depend on your skill level, the complexity of the installation and whether you have the time to dedicate to the project.

The Pros and Cons of DIY Tap Repair

Cost Savings

One of the biggest advantages of DIY tap installation or repair is that it can be a more affordable option. You won’t need to pay for labour, which tends to be one of the more expensive aspects of hiring a professional plumber. However, you will need to buy the materials yourself, as well as any specialist tools if you don’t already own them.

Flexibility

As is the case with any DIY project, you can work on your own schedule and make decisions about the tap repair without having to consult with a professional. There is no need to wait for a plumber to have space in their calendar, but you could find it difficult to find the time to do it yourself, especially if you’re already busy with work and family.

Mistakes

Though you are sure to feel a sense of achievement if you repair a tap yourself, there is always the risk of making a mistake. Plumbing mistakes can lead to leaks, water damage and long term problems which can be costly to fix. If you lack plumbing experience, you may not have the skills to handle complex tap repairs.

The Pros and Cons of Professional Tap Repair

Expertise

A professional plumber has the knowledge and experience needed to tackle even the most complex of repairs efficiently and effectively. They can quickly identify and resolve issues, which isn’t always the case when you are doing things yourself.

Time Saving

One of the main advantages of hiring a professional plumber is that they can complete the tap repair faster, which is more convenient for you. Though you will have to coordinate the repair with the plumber and find a time that works for you both, the job will be completed sooner.

Additional Costs

If you have ever searched “how much does it cost for a plumber to change a tap UK”, you will know that the price can vary hugely. But, it’s always going to be more expensive than doing it yourself. However, the additional cost is usually worth it, as a reputable plumber will give you peace of mind that the tap will be installed correctly.

Repair vs. Replacement

When you are faced with a faulty tap, you have the choice to repair the tap or replace it altogether. Repairing the tap is usually a more cost-effective and speedy option, and it’s suitable for the majority of minor issues.

However, if your tap is old or if it has multiple issues, a replacement tap is likely to be the better solution. A complete tap replacement is a long-term and efficient option, and it gives you the freedom to choose a new style and design.