If your kitchen tap is dripping, stiff to operate or showing signs of corrosion, replacement can be more practical than repeated repairs. But how much does it cost to replace a kitchen tap in the UK? As a rough guide, many straightforward replacements typically come to around £120–£350, including a mid-range tap and labour. The final price depends on the tap you choose, how accessible the plumbing is and whether the existing fittings can be removed without damage. Every project differs, so request a free, no-obligation quote for accurate pricing.
Typical kitchen tap replacement costs in the UK
As a rough guide, a basic kitchen tap may cost approximately £30–£80, while a mid-range mixer tap may fall around £80–£200. Designer, filtered, boiling-water and pull-out spray taps can cost considerably more, sometimes £250–£600 or above. These are broad typical UK guide prices rather than fixed rates, as brands, finishes, features and individual project requirements make a substantial difference.
- Basic replacement tap: roughly £30–£80
- Standard mixer tap: roughly £80–£200
- Premium or specialist tap: approximately £250–£600 or more
- Labour for a straightforward replacement: often around £80–£180
- Likely total for a standard replacement: approximately £120–£350, excluding unexpected plumbing work
What does the labour charge include?
For a simple like-for-like replacement, labour may cover isolating the water supply, disconnecting the old tap, fitting the new tap, reconnecting the flexible hoses and checking for leaks. The time required varies with access, the condition of the isolation valves and the type of connections. A minimum call-out charge may apply, particularly when the job is booked as a standalone visit.
When can the installation cost more?
The quoted labour can increase if the old tap has seized onto the pipework, the isolation valves no longer close fully or the connections are corroded. A tap fitted tightly against a wall or inside a crowded cupboard can also take longer to remove and install. If the new tap has different connection requirements, an adapter, replacement hose or altered pipework may be needed.
- Seized nuts or corroded fittings that need careful removal
- Faulty or inaccessible isolation valves
- Leaking or damaged flexible tap connectors
- Pipework that needs adapting to suit the new tap
- A sink or worktop that needs cleaning, resealing or minor repair around the tap hole
- Limited access beneath the sink, especially where drawers, waste bins or appliances obstruct the connections
Other costs to consider before buying a tap
The tap is only one part of the replacement cost. Check whether the product includes flexible connectors, fixing hardware and any required filters. Some taps use non-standard hose sizes or need a separate mounting plate. Specialist products may also require a power supply, filter system or additional pipework, which should be assessed before installation rather than discovered during the fitting.
It is also worth checking the number and position of holes in the sink or worktop. A monobloc mixer commonly uses one suitable hole, whereas some older kitchens have separate hot and cold taps. Replacing a two-hole arrangement with a single-hole mixer may involve fitting a cover plate or modifying the sink, depending on the design. Conversely, creating a new hole in a worktop or sink is not always suitable and should be assessed carefully.
How to keep kitchen tap replacement affordable
The simplest way to control the budget is to choose a reliable like-for-like replacement and avoid changing the sink or worktop at the same time. If the existing plumbing is in good condition, a standard mixer tap may require less time and fewer additional parts than a specialist model. However, the lowest-priced tap may not always offer the best long-term value if replacement parts are difficult to obtain or the tap does not suit the installation.
- Measure the existing tap holes and check the connector sizes before ordering.
- Take a clear photograph of the plumbing beneath the sink so the installer can assess access and fittings.
- Choose a tap with suitable flexible hoses and compatible connections where possible.
- Ask whether the quote includes removal and disposal of the old tap, materials and VAT if applicable.
- Arrange other minor plumbing or kitchen tasks during the same visit if this avoids a second call-out.
- Do not ignore a small leak beneath the sink, as water damage to cabinets and flooring can make a simple replacement more expensive.
Should you replace the tap yourself?
Replacing a kitchen tap can be a manageable DIY job if the isolation valves are accessible, the connections are sound and you have the correct tools. The main risks are damaging old fittings, failing to create a watertight seal or discovering that the water cannot be isolated properly. Turn off the supply before disconnecting anything, protect the cupboard from residual water and test every joint carefully after installation.
If the valves are stuck, the pipework is corroded or you cannot identify how to isolate the supply, using a professional may be the safer option. A local renovation team may also be useful when the tap replacement forms part of a wider kitchen update. BMB Renovation carries out kitchen fitting and renovation work, with plumbing, tiling, electrical and cabinet installation handled in-house. The company is based at 157 Judge Street, Watford WD24 5AN, and works across Watford, Bushey, Rickmansworth, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Borehamwood, Harrow, Croxley Green, Luton and Bedford. You can review kitchen fitting in Watford or request a free, no-obligation quote.
Getting an accurate replacement price
For a useful quote, provide the tap model or a link to the product, photographs of the sink and the plumbing beneath it, and details of any current leak or difficulty turning off the water. Mention whether the new tap is a standard mixer, pull-out spray, filtered or boiling-water model. This can help the installer identify likely connection issues and provide a clearer price before attending.
In summary, as a rough UK guide, a straightforward kitchen tap replacement may cost around £120–£350, but a premium tap or difficult plumbing can take the total higher. Treat these figures as a starting point: the condition of the existing fittings, local labour rates and the exact product will determine the final cost. Every project differs, so obtain a free, no-obligation quote for accurate pricing.