Kitchen Tap Repair Guide Scope of Works Pre‑visit diagnosis – isolate water, inspect cartridge/washer, check isolation valves. Disassemble tap body , remove han...
Kitchen tap repair in the UK typically costs £60–£200 for routine fixes — dripping, low pressure, stiff handles. Replacement of the entire tap runs £100–£350 including labour and a mid-range mixer tap. Most jobs take 30-90 minutes for an experienced plumber.
The choice between repair and replace depends on tap age, brand, and fault. Quality branded taps (Bristan, GROHE, Hansgrohe) are usually worth repairing; budget supermarket-brand taps reach end-of-life faster and replacement is often cheaper than repair.
Typical UK kitchen tap costs
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Replace cartridge (single mixer) | £70–£150 |
| Replace washer (traditional 2-handle) | £60–£120 |
| Descale aerator / spout | £40–£90 |
| Replace o-rings (leak from base) | £70–£140 |
| Replace flexible hoses | £60–£120 |
| Pull-out spray hose replacement | £90–£200 |
| Replace whole tap (mid-range) | £150–£350 |
| Replace whole tap (premium GROHE / Hansgrohe) | £250–£600 |
| Diagnose and quote | £40–£90 (often refunded against repair) |
Common kitchen tap problems
- Dripping spout — worn washer (traditional) or worn cartridge (mixer). Cheapest fix.
- Leak from base of tap — failed o-ring, common after years of use. £70-£140 fix.
- Stiff handle — limescale or worn cartridge. Cleaning or replacement.
- Low water pressure from spout — limescale-blocked aerator. £5 part, often DIY.
- Pull-out spray won't retract — kinked hose or failed retraction weight. £90-£200.
- Hot water not flowing — air lock in pipe, blocked filter, or failed cartridge.
- Tap wobbles on the worktop — fixing nut underneath has loosened. Easy DIY fix.
- Hot/cold not separating — failed mixer cartridge.
Brand-specific considerations
- Bristan — UK mainstream, parts widely available 10+ years. Reliable.
- GROHE / Hansgrohe — premium German brands, parts available decades, repair almost always worthwhile.
- Franke / Carron Phoenix — kitchen specialists. Good parts availability for branded products.
- Mira — primarily showers but quality kitchen tap range. Parts available.
- Supermarket brands (Wickes own brand, B&Q value) — often have proprietary fittings; replacement parts may not be available beyond 3-5 years post-discontinuation.
- Cheap import (no brand) — almost never repairable. Replace.
Things people often miss
- Aerator descale before calling a plumber — a £5 white vinegar soak overnight removes most low-pressure complaints. Try this first.
- Brand stamp identification — the brand is usually stamped on the tap body. Photograph it before ordering parts; saves return trips.
- Cartridge sizing varies — even within the same brand, cartridge sizes differ. Take the old one to the merchant for matching.
- Water hardness affects taps — south-east England (London, Kent, Essex) hard water shortens tap lifespan by 30-50%. Water softener saves replacement frequency.
- Flexible hose wear — flexible hoses have a 10-15 year design life; check for bulges, kinks, or rust marks. Failed hoses can flood a kitchen overnight.
- VAT exemption for disabled users — accessible taps for disabled users are VAT-free. Worth asking the plumber to apply if eligible.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth repairing a kitchen tap?
For branded taps (Bristan, GROHE, Hansgrohe, Franke) under 12-15 years old: usually yes. For supermarket-brand taps over 8 years: often replace. For dripping (washer/cartridge fix): always repair first.
How much does it cost to replace a kitchen tap?
£150-£350 fitted with a mid-range mixer tap. £250-£600 for premium German brand. Disposing old tap and adjusting connections often included.
How long does a kitchen tap last?
Branded mid-range: 12-20 years. Premium (GROHE / Hansgrohe): 20-30+ years. Supermarket budget: 5-10 years. Hard water areas reduce all by 30-50%.
Can I replace a tap myself?
Yes — a like-for-like swap is achievable DIY work for a confident person. Need basic plumbing tools and patience. Tight under-sink spaces are the main challenge. Most plumbers do it in 30-60 minutes; DIY usually 2-3 hours first time.
What's the most common kitchen tap fault?
Dripping spout from worn washer or cartridge. Single most common plumber callout. £60-£140 fix and the tap is good for another 5-10 years.
Do I need to turn off the water supply?
Yes for any tap repair beyond cleaning the aerator. Hot and cold isolation valves should be under the sink (small valves on the supply hoses). If absent, you'll need to turn off the main stop tap. Plumbers do this as a matter of course.
Want a local pro to handle this? A plumber will diagnose, source the right parts, and fit cleanly. For branded taps, the brand's service line is sometimes cheaper for under-warranty issues. WaterSafe-approved plumbers ensure regulatory compliance.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
