Tap repair and replacement - how much?

Typical tap repair and replacement works include:

• Replacing a washer
• Repairing a tap
• Replacing tap.
  

Replacing a tap washer is a simple task as long as the water to the tap can be turned off! If the tap has an isolating valve fitted then the handyman's work is made much easier. If not, for a cold tap this may mean turning off the supply at the stop cock or header tank or for a hot tap at a suitable gate valve (locations vary by system) and/or at the boiler water feed if you have a combi boiler. Stop cocks and gate valves are the culprits which can turn this simple job into something long winded. Also consider that if you live in a hard water area the tap may need 'reseating' (which means grinding down the base the washer sits on). If the tap has been dripping for a long time then it may need replacing. Some modern taps use more complex mechanisms.

• Typical recommend time - from 20 minutes if the water can be easily turned off.
• Click here to find out the cost of labour.
  

Repairing a tap (other than washer replacement) is sometimes possible and there are 'tap reviver' kits available that allow the 'head gear' to be replaced. The comments about turning off the water and hard water areas and damage in the previous paragraph apply equally though replacement head gear won't cure this problem. Some mixer taps that are leaking at joints can be repaired by replacing washers but it's often better to cut your losses and fit a new mixer tap.

• Typical recommend time - 1 to 2 hours plus obtaining parts
• Click here to find out the cost of labour.
  

When replacing a tap the first step is to turn off the supply(s) to the tap so the comments about turning off the water in the first paragraph apply. The second issue is access. Basin taps are usually straightforward, kitchen taps and mixers mean access under the sink (so clear that cupboard out) and bath taps mean removing the bath panel and usually performing operations in a tight space! If you are supplying replacement taps remember to obtain a kit to assist in getting the tap centred in the hole in the basin/bath as the holes are often too large for the tap.

• Typical recommend time - from 1 hour for basin taps, 2 to 3 hours for a kitchen mixer and bath taps
• Click here to find out the cost of labour.
  

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See also an earlier article on drips and taps

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