Bathroom tap replacement in Exeter
Professional bathroom tap replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Bathroom basin taps replaced with modern fixtures that work smoothly and don't leak. I remove your old taps, fit the new ones properly, and connect everything leak-free.
Time For New Taps?
Dripping taps, stiff handles, worn chrome showing brass underneath - old bathroom taps ruin an otherwise decent basin. New taps transform the look and feel of your bathroom for surprisingly little money and hassle.
💡 Pro tip: When buying bathroom taps, check they're rated for low pressure if you've got a combi boiler or tank-fed hot water. High-pressure taps in low-pressure systems can dribble pathetically or not work at all.
Proper Fitting vs Rushed Job
Tap fitting looks simple, but shortcuts cause problems:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Taps sit level and square on basin | Wonky, leaning to one side |
| Connections tight but not overtightened | Drips from connectors, or cracked fittings |
| Proper isolation valves fitted | Have to turn mains off every time |
| Waste connected with correct fall | Slow drainage, standing water |
| Sealant under tap base | Water creeps under, creates crud |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Remove | Old taps disconnected and removed carefully |
| Check | Basin inspected, holes cleaned, pipework assessed |
| Fit | New taps installed level and secure |
| Connect | Hot and cold supplies connected with proper fittings |
| Test | Everything checked for leaks and smooth operation |
📦 You're Left With
- New taps fitted and working perfectly
- Isolation valves on supplies (if not already there)
- All connections leak-free
- Old taps removed and binned
- Basin area cleaned and tidy
Pricing Guide
| Job Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple tap swap (like-for-like) | 1 hr | £60 |
| Tap replacement with isolation valves | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Mixer tap replacing separate taps | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Wall-hung basin tap change | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Doesn't include the taps themselves.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Tired old taps - worn, stiff, or looking dated
✅ Dripping constantly - new washers haven't helped
✅ Bathroom refresh - new taps without full renovation
✅ Different style - going from pillar taps to a mixer
Why Choose Us for Bathroom tap replacement in Exeter?
Old taps removed and new ones fitted properly
Works with your existing plumbing
No leaks, smooth operation guaranteed
Advice on tap choice if you haven't bought yet
What to Expect
Step 1: Disconnect Old Taps
I turn off the water (isolation valves if you've got them, or mains if not), then disconnect the old taps. They come away from the basin and I remove all the old fixings and gunk.
Step 2: Clean & Check
Basin holes get cleaned up, any old sealant removed. I check the waste is OK and the pipework's in good shape. If anything needs attention, I'll let you know now.
Step 3: Fit New Taps
New taps go through the basin holes with proper seals underneath. I tighten them from below so they sit level and secure. No wobbling when you turn them.
🔧 DIY Tips
Replacing bathroom taps is a common DIY job, but needs care:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Adjustable spanners or tap spanner
- Basin wrench (for tight spaces)
- PTFE tape
- Bucket and cloths
- Possibly a blowtorch if old fittings are seized
💧 The process
- Turn water off - isolation valves or at stopcock
- Disconnect old taps - basin wrench helps in tight spaces
- Remove old fixings - backnut under basin holds tap in place
- Clean basin holes - remove old putty/sealant
- Fit new taps - rubber/plastic seal underneath, don't overtighten
- Connect supplies - flexible tails make this much easier
- Turn water on slowly - check for leaks while filling
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Overtightening the backnut (cracks the basin)
- No sealant under tap base (water gets under)
- Wrong tap holes (3-hole taps won't fit 1-hole basin)
- Forgetting to fit isolation valves
- Old connectors reused (they often leak)
💡 Pro trick: Put a thin bead of silicone under the tap base before tightening it down. Stops water creeping under and creating that black gunk that's impossible to clean.
Basin wrenches are worth buying - trying to tighten backnuts with a normal spanner in the tight space under a basin is horrible. Basin wrench makes it easy.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚰 Low water pressure? Make sure you buy taps rated for it. Some modern designer taps need decent pressure to work properly. If in doubt, go for taps marked "suitable for all systems" or "low pressure compatible".
Mixer taps vs pillar taps - mixers look cleaner and more modern, but you need the right hole configuration. Most modern basins have 2 or 3 holes. Single-hole mixers need a 1-hole basin or a blanking plate.
Chrome peeling off old taps? It won't polish back - that's brass showing through where the chrome's worn away. New taps are the only fix, but the good news is modern chrome plating lasts much longer.
Already bought your taps? Check in the box for the waste kit - often it's separate. You'll need a clicker waste or pop-up waste to match your new taps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just replace the taps without changing the basin?
Usually yes, as long as your new taps have the same number of holes as the old ones (or you're going from separate taps to a mixer). I check the hole spacing matches, fit the new taps, connect them up, job done.
My bathroom taps are stiff and hard to turn - can you fix them?
Sometimes new washers help, but if the tap bodies are worn or corroded inside, replacement's the better option. New taps give you years of smooth operation, old taps with new washers might be stiff again in months.
Do I need to buy the taps myself?
Either way works. If you've already got them, great - just make sure they'll fit your basin. If not, I can advise on what'll work and pick them up. Basin taps usually come with the waste kit which is handy.
How long does changing bathroom taps take?
Straightforward swap on a pedestal basin is usually an hour to 90 minutes. Wall-hung basins or taps in awkward positions can take longer because access to the underside is trickier.
Will my hot water pressure be better with new taps?
New taps won't fix pressure problems - that's your pipework or boiler. But they'll flow better than worn old taps, and modern aerators make lower pressure feel stronger. If pressure's genuinely poor, I'll let you know what's causing it.
Bathroom tap replacement Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your bathroom tap replacement job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Bathroom tap replacement in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your bathroom tap replacement job in Exeter today.