A new kitchen tap can transform your kitchen. But what does it actually cost? Let's break down the parts and labour.
Tap Prices
Budget Taps (£30-80)
What you get:
- Basic single lever mixer
- Chrome finish
- 1-year warranty
- Functional but not fancy
Brands: Own-brand from B&Q, Screwfix, Wickes
Lifespan: 3-7 years typically
Mid-Range Taps (£80-200)
What you get:
- Better build quality
- Ceramic disc cartridge
- Better finish durability
- 5-year warranty typical
- More design options
Brands: Bristan, Grohe Start, Franke basics
Lifespan: 7-15 years
Premium Taps (£200-500+)
What you get:
- Excellent build quality
- Premium finishes (brushed steel, black)
- Features (spray heads, boiling water)
- 10+ year warranty
- After-sales parts availability
Brands: Grohe, Hansgrohe, Franke premium, Quooker
Lifespan: 15-25+ years with cartridge replacement
Labour Costs
Standard Replacement
Scenario: Replacing like-for-like tap. Same hole position. No complications.
| Service | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Remove old tap | 15-30 min | |
| Install new tap | 20-40 min | |
| Test and check | 10 min | |
| Total | 45-80 min | £60-85 |
With Complications
| Complication | Extra Time | Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Stiff/corroded connections | 15-30 min | £15-35 |
| Access issues (Belfast sink, corner) | 15-30 min | £15-35 |
| Isolation valve replacement | 20-40 min | £20-50 |
| Different hole configuration | 30-60 min | £30-60 |
What Can Go Wrong
Seized Connections
Old connections corrode. Getting them off without damaging pipes can be time-consuming.
Signs of trouble:
- Tap hasn't been removed in 10+ years
- Visible corrosion
- Hard water area
No Isolation Valves
Older installations might not have isolation valves under the sink. Fitting them adds time and cost but is worth it for future access.
Incompatible Holes
Your new tap might need different size/number of holes than your old one.
Solutions:
- Blank off unused holes
- Drill new holes (in suitable sinks)
- Choose a tap that matches existing holes
Poor Access
Under-sink cupboards are often cramped. Belfast sinks are notorious for difficult access.
Supply and Fit Breakdown
You Supply Tap
Pros:
- Can shop around for best tap price
- See it before buying
- Total control over choice
Cons:
- Risk of buying wrong fittings
- No warranty handling by fitter
Cost: Labour only - £60-120
I Supply Tap
Pros:
- I know what fits and works
- Handle any issues
- Often trade prices
Cons:
- Less choice for you
Cost: Tap at cost/small markup + labour
Total Costs: Real Examples
Example 1: Simple Swap
- Tap: Basic mixer (£60)
- Labour: Standard fit (£60)
- Total: £120
Example 2: Mid-Range Upgrade
- Tap: Bristan mixer (£120)
- Isolation valves fitted: (£40)
- Labour: Standard fit (£60)
- Total: £220
Example 3: Premium Install
- Tap: Grohe pull-out spray (£280)
- Labour: Slightly longer (£75)
- Total: £355
Example 4: Tricky Job
- Tap: Mid-range (£100)
- Labour: Extended access issues (£90)
- Seized connections: (£25)
- New isolation valves: (£40)
- Total: £255
DIY vs Professional
DIY Is Reasonable If
- You've done basic plumbing
- Access is good
- Isolation valves exist
- Connections aren't seized
- You're happy working under sinks
Get a Professional If
- No isolation valves
- Connections look corroded
- Access is difficult
- You're not confident
- You don't want the hassle
The Risk
A tap replacement that goes wrong can flood your kitchen. The saving from DIY rarely outweighs this risk if you're uncertain.
Choosing a Tap
Consider These
Spout height: Does it clear your sink depth? Will tall pans fit under?
Swivel: Does the spout need to move between sinks?
Spray head: Useful for rinsing, but more to go wrong
Finish: Chrome is standard. Matt/brushed show fewer marks. Black is trendy but can wear.
Single vs dual handle: Single lever is more practical for kitchen use
Fitting Compatibility
Check before buying:
- Number of holes in your sink
- Hole size (standard is 35mm)
- Space underneath for mechanism
What I Recommend
Best Value Mid-Range
Bristan Echo or Cinnamon range: Reliable, reasonable prices, parts available.
Worth the Upgrade
Grohe Eurosmart: Noticeably better build, smooth action, will last years longer than budget taps.
Avoid
Unbranded eBay/Amazon taps: Parts unavailable when cartridge fails.
Very cheap "designer" copies: Look good briefly, fail quickly.
Maintenance Tips
Once your new tap is in:
- Clean regularly (limescale builds up)
- Don't over-tighten handles
- Open isolation valves fully (half-open causes wear)
- Address drips promptly (usually just a cartridge)
A good tap, properly fitted, should last 10-15 years minimum.
Need a kitchen tap replaced? I supply and fit taps across Exeter. Quality fittings, fair prices, no flooding. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.