Tap and guttering repair

Most UK homeowners will face these repairs at some point. Addressing them promptly ensures your plumbing remains efficient and your property stays watertight through the unpredictable British seasons.

What Does the Work Involve?

A professional plumber or maintenance specialist will typically follow a structured process to ensure repairs are long-lasting and compliant with local standards.

• Internal Tap Repairs: Isolation of the water supply, removal of the tap head or handle, and replacement of worn washers, O-rings, or ceramic cartridges.
• Full Tap Replacement: Disconnecting old pipework, installing the new unit, and ensuring a watertight seal against the basin or worktop.
• Gutter Inspection: Checking for blockages, sagging sections, and signs of "back-fall" where water pools rather than flowing toward the downpipe.
• Gutter Sealing and Repair: Cleaning out debris, replacing perished rubber gaskets in joints, and refixing loose brackets to the fascia board.
• Testing: Running water through the taps and performing a "bucket test" on gutters to confirm there are no leaks and the drainage angle is correct.

Typical Costs

Prices for tap and guttering work vary depending on your location in the UK and the complexity of the access required. The following table outlines estimated costs for 2025/26, including VAT.

Labour rates are generally higher in London and the South East. If your guttering requires scaffolding or a cherry picker due to height or conservatory obstructions, expect to add £300–£600 to the total bill.

How Long Does It Take?

Most minor repairs can be completed within a single morning or afternoon. Timelines are usually predictable unless hidden corrosion or access issues are discovered.

• Replacing a tap washer or cartridge: 30 to 60 minutes.
• Installing a new kitchen mixer tap: 1 to 2 hours.
• Clearing gutters on a standard house: 1 to 3 hours.
• Replacing a single 4-metre run of guttering: 2 to 4 hours.
• Complex repairs with scaffolding: 1 to 2 days.

DIY or Professional?

Changing a tap washer is a classic DIY task, but modern mixer taps often require specialist tools and specific cartridges that can be difficult to source. If you are uncomfortable working with mains water pressure or if your stopcock is seized, call a professional.

Guttering repairs carry a significant risk of falls. While clearing a ground-floor bungalow gutter is manageable for many, working at height on a two-storey home is best left to professionals with the correct ladder safety equipment and insurance. Additionally, incorrect DIY gutter installation often results in the wrong "fall," leading to standing water and mosquito breeding grounds.

Note: Any work involving the mains water supply should technically comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 to prevent contamination.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

When hiring for tap or guttering work, look for a "multiskilled" handyman for simple tasks or a qualified plumber for more complex internal issues.

• Check Insurance: Ensure they have Public Liability insurance, especially for gutter work involving ladders.
• Qualifications: For plumbing, look for CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering) membership or WaterSafe accreditation.
• Red Flags: Be wary of anyone who refuses to provide a written quote or suggests using silicone sealant as a permanent fix for a cracked gutter.

Questions to ask:

• "Do you carry common spare parts like cartridges and gutter brackets on your van?"
• "Is the disposal of old materials included in your price?"
• "Do you use ladders or do I need to arrange a scaffold tower?"
• "How long is your work guaranteed for?"

UK Regulations

While tap and gutter repairs are generally not "notifiable" works, they are still governed by specific standards in the UK.

• Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999: Ensures materials used do not contaminate the drinking water supply.
• Working at Height Regulations 2005: Mandates that tradespeople must plan and carry out height work safely.
• Part H of the Building Regulations: Covers drainage and waste disposal, ensuring gutters effectively carry water away from the building.

Common Problems

Watch out for these frequent issues that can complicate a simple repair job:

• Seized Stopcocks: If your internal stopcock won't turn, the plumber cannot isolate the water to fix the tap without freezing the pipes or calling the water board.
• Mismatched Gutter Profiles: There are dozens of gutter shapes (half-round, square, ogee). Using the wrong brand's connector will almost always cause a leak.
• Fascia Rot: If gutters have been leaking for a long time, the timber fascia board behind them may be too rotten to hold new brackets.
• Over-tightened Fittings: DIYers often over-tighten tap nuts, which crushes the seals and causes immediate or delayed leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my tap still dripping after I changed the washer?

This usually happens if the "valve seat" inside the tap is eroded or pitted. A plumber can use a reseating tool to smooth it out, or the entire tap may need replacing if the damage is deep.

Can I just use sealant to fix a leaking gutter joint?

Silicone is a temporary fix at best. Guttering expands and contracts with the temperature; sealant will eventually pull away. The correct fix is to replace the rubber gasket inside the union piece.

How often should I have my gutters cleared in the UK?

At least once a year, ideally in late autumn after the leaves have fallen. If you live near large trees or have a mossy roof, twice a year is recommended.

Do I need to buy the taps myself before the plumber arrives?

You can, but it is often better to let the plumber supply them. They will ensure the tap is compatible with your water pressure (e.g., low-pressure gravity systems vs high-pressure combi boilers) and they will be responsible for the warranty.

My gutters are overflowing but they aren't blocked. What is wrong?

The "fall" or slope is likely incorrect, or the guttering is undersized for the pitch of your roof. Heavy UK downpours can overwhelm old, narrow guttering systems.