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Replace a sink.
Kitchen or bathroom sink swapped — plumbing reconnected, sealant applied, leak-tested.
✓ Updated Apr 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Top tips
Hiring a plumber, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Always ask for the Gas Safe ID.
If gas work is part of the job, the engineer must show their Gas Safe registration card. Verify the number at gassaferegister.co.uk before they touch anything.
Get three written quotes.
Plumbing prices vary wildly by job and area. Three quotes shows you the market — anything more than 20% out from the others is a flag.
Insist on parts receipts.
For boiler parts, valves and cylinders, ask for manufacturer receipts. Genuine parts come with warranty; refurbished kit often doesn't.
Hold final payment until tested.
Pay in stages, not upfront. Hold the last 10–20% until you've run hot taps, flushed the system and seen the certificate.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Hourly call-out rateHigher in London
£40–£90/hr
Tap or mixer replacement
£80–£250
Radiator installationInc. valves + balancing
£200–£600
New combi boiler installed
£1.8k–£4.5k
Full bathroom plumbingExcl. tiles + suite
£1.5k–£6k
Emergency leak call-outOut-of-hours
£120–£350
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Plumber explained
Replacing a kitchen or bathroom sink in the UK typically costs £200–£600 for the sink and labour, depending on type, material, and complexity. A standard like-for-like swap takes 2-4 hours; complex jobs (different sink size, new drainage, integrated waste disposal) can run a full day at £300-£800.
The job often combines plumber work (water + drainage) with kitchen fitter work (cutting worktop, fixing in place). Some plumbers cover both; others coordinate with a kitchen fitter.
Typical UK sink replacement costs
| Sink type | Sink cost | Fitted total |
|---|---|---|
| Standard stainless steel inset (1.5 bowl) | £60–£200 | £200–£400 |
| Premium stainless / brushed (Franke, Carron) | £200–£500 | £350–£700 |
| Composite (Carron Phoenix, Schock, Blanco) | £250–£600 | £400–£800 |
| Ceramic Belfast / butler sink | £200–£500 | £400–£900 |
| Undermount stainless (premium) | £300–£700 | £500–£1,200 |
| Bathroom basin (countertop / vanity) | £100–£400 | £250–£600 |
| Bathroom basin (pedestal) | £80–£300 | £200–£500 |
| Add-on: replace tap at same time | +£60–£200 | |
| Add-on: change waste configuration | +£60–£150 |
Common sink replacement scenarios
- Like-for-like swap — same size, same configuration. Cheapest and quickest. 2-3 hours.
- Different size sink — worktop may need re-cutting. Add £100-£300 for cutting; or new worktop section if cuts can't be hidden.
- Inset to undermount conversion — significant work; usually requires new worktop. £500-£1,500+.
- Adding waste disposal — new electrical supply, new waste fittings. £300-£600 add-on.
- Replacing pedestal basin with vanity unit — different plumbing connections, cabinet fitting. £400-£900.
- Damaged sink in kitchen — small chips can be repaired (composite repair, ceramic chip fix); structural damage means replacement.
Choosing a sink material
- Stainless steel — durable, hygienic, dent-resistant in 18/10 grade. Most common UK kitchen sink. £60-£500.
- Composite (granite / quartz blend) — heat and stain resistant, premium look. £250-£600.
- Ceramic / fireclay (Belfast / butler) — heritage style, very durable. Heavy. £200-£500.
- Solid surface / acrylic — seamless integration with worktop, repairable. £400-£1,200.
- Cast iron with enamel — premium traditional. Heavy. £500+.
- Bathroom: ceramic, glass, stone — wide design choice. Glass and stone need careful sealing.
Things people often miss
- Worktop cutout dimensions — sink must fit the existing worktop cutout exactly. Slightly smaller is OK with new sealant; slightly larger means new worktop.
- Mounting type — inset (drops in from above), undermount (fixed from below), or surface-mount (sits on top). Different mounting needs different worktop preparation.
- Drainage height — bathroom basin replacement may require waste pipe adjustment if height changes; under-sink space matters in kitchens.
- Tap holes — count and position must match new sink. Sinks come with 0, 1, 2, or 3 tap holes typically.
- Overflow connection — most modern sinks have integrated overflow connection that needs matching to the waste.
- Sealant vs silicone — kitchen sinks are sealed with silicone (mould-resistant for kitchens). Bathroom basins use sanitary silicone (anti-bacterial).
Frequently asked questions
How long does sink replacement take?
Like-for-like kitchen sink swap: 2-4 hours. Bathroom basin replacement: 2-3 hours. Sink change with worktop modification: half-day to full-day. Conversion (inset to undermount): full day or longer.
Can I replace a sink myself?
Like-for-like inset kitchen sink: achievable for confident DIY. Tools needed: spanners, silicone gun, basin wrench. Different size or undermount sinks need worktop cutting — leave that to a kitchen fitter.
What's the most popular UK kitchen sink?
1.5-bowl stainless steel inset, with drainer. Standard 940x490 mm fits most UK kitchen worktops. Mid-range Franke or Reginox £150-£300 for the sink alone.
Should I replace the tap at the same time?
Strongly recommended. The plumber is already there, the under-sink is exposed, and replacing tap requires only 30-60 minutes more. Saves a separate callout fee later.
How long does a sink last?
Stainless steel: 25-50 years. Ceramic Belfast: 50+ years (essentially indefinite if not chipped). Composite: 20-30 years. Bathroom basin: 20-40 years.
Will I need to replace the worktop?
For like-for-like sink size: no. For larger sink: possibly partial worktop replacement or new section. For undermount conversion: usually yes, the worktop edge needs different finishing.
Want a local pro to handle this? A plumber or kitchen fitter (sometimes both) handles sink replacement straightforwardly for like-for-like swaps. For complex changes involving worktop modification, a kitchen fitter coordinating with a plumber is the right combination.
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.
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