COST GUIDES
How much does tap installation cost in 2026?
Updated 06/26
Thinking about installing a new tap? Whether you need an outside tap fitted before summer, want to replace kitchen taps, or are upgrading bathroom fittings, this guide covers average tap installation costs across all job types in the UK.
Fast Facts
The average UK cost of tap installation is £140 (labour only)
Typical outside tap installation costs work out between £120-£200 for materials and labour
Prices will vary depending on the amount of work needed, the location of the water source, and the number of taps that need to be installed
You can also find out what drives plumbing installation costs more broadly, or get a head start on bathroom renovation costs if you're planning a bigger project.
How much does a tap installation cost in 2026?
The average UK cost of tap installation is £140 (labour only). Prices vary depending on the amount of work needed, where the water source is, and how many taps you're having installed.
That figure covers labour only - you'll need to pay for materials, including the tap itself, on top of that.
If you're having an outside tap fitted, the cost works out slightly differently from a like-for-like indoor replacement. See the outdoor tap section below for a dedicated breakdown.
| Type of tap installation | Unit | Cost +VAT - Range Low | Cost +VAT - Range High | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installing an outdoor tap | Materials and labour | £120 | £200 | £160 |
| Installing a kitchen tap (mixer tap, no isolation valves) | Labour only | £150 | ||
| Installing a kitchen tap (mixer tap, isolation valves present) | Labour only | £80 | ||
| Installing a Quooker kitchen tap | Labour only | £300 | £400 | £350 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
All prices are sourced from Checkatrade data and updated regularly.
Tap installation costs in the UK
Here are average costs to replace taps, including materials and labour:
Tap type | Average cost |
|---|---|
Cost to replace basin taps | £140-£220 |
Mixer tap replacement | £140-£260 |
Bath tap replacement | £200-£320 |
Kitchen tap replacement | £140-£240 |
Labour only (replacing existing taps) | £80-£200 |
Quooker boiling water tap (labour) | £300-£400 |
Quooker boiling water tap (unit) | £1,500 |
These figures include both supply and fit, unless marked as labour only. If you supply the tap yourself, ask your plumber to quote for labour only. It can bring the cost down.
For a full breakdown of boiling water tap costs, including the different Quooker models, see our dedicated guide.
Find a checked tap installer near you
How much does it cost to fit an outside tap in the UK?
Outside tap installation in the UK typically costs £120-£200 for materials and labour.
The exact price depends on where the tap will go, how far the plumber needs to run pipework, and whether you want a cold supply only or a hot and cold mixer tap.
Outside taps are one of the most common spring and summer plumbing jobs, so book early in the season if possible.
Factors that affect the cost of an outside tap
Distance from the cold water supply (usually under the kitchen sink)
Whether you want a frost-resistant or standard ball-valve tap
Whether you choose a hot and cold mixer or cold-only supply
Whether you supply the tap yourself or ask the plumber to source it
Do I need planning permission for an outside tap?
No, you do not need planning permission to fit an outside tap on most properties.
However, outside taps must comply with Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Your plumber should also fit an approved double-check valve to prevent backflow. They will advise on this as standard.
For more detail on what's involved, read our outdoor hot and cold tap article.
Tap installation cost: Job estimator tool
Use our job estimator tool to help calculate how much you should pay for a new tap near you. Just type out a few details about what you want, and the calculator will use Checkatrade data to give you an approximate cost.
Job Estimate Calculator
Factors affecting the cost of tap installation
Several specifics push the cost up or down, whether indoor or outdoor. Quotes from tradespeople will be calculated according to:
Accessibility of the water source
The location of the tap, and how easy it is to reach the water source, is the first thing a plumber will ask about.
Kitchen and laundry room tap installations can be tricky if the tradesperson has to rework the plumbing to fit a new tap. If the supply pipes are inside a cabinet or behind tiling, expect extra time on the job.
Type of tap
If you're on a budget, avoid pull-out sprayers and touchless operation - these will all add to the cost. A standard mixer tap is the most affordable option for a like-for-like replacement.
Materials and equipment costs
If you buy the taps before the job, tell your plumber when requesting a quote - it means they won't need to order them for you.
Other materials (plumbing connections, copper, and sealant) will still factor into the tap installation cost they quote you.
Number of taps
If you're replacing both hot and cold pillar taps at a basin or bath with a single mixer tap, the plumber may need to adapt the pipework - all of which can add time and cost.
Always mention the current and planned tap configuration when requesting a quote.
Hidden costs to watch out for
Outdoor hot water tap
An outdoor hot water tap is handy, especially for dog owners. A plumber can connect the outside tap to the hot water feed (normally under the kitchen sink) and fit an outside mixer tap.
The downside is that this costs more than a standard outdoor tap with a cold-only supply.
Your location
As with most home projects, costs in London and the South East tend to be slightly higher. If your plumber has to travel a distance to your property, the quote may be higher too.
Burst or leaking pipes
If your plumber finds a burst or leaking pipe when working on the tap installation, they'll need to repair it at the same time. This can add an average of £330 to the final bill depending on severity.
Ask your plumber to flag any visible issues during quoting. A leaking mixer tap can sometimes point to wider pipework problems worth checking before work starts.
Old or non-standard fittings
Older properties sometimes have imperial-sized pipework or non-standard fittings. If your plumber needs to source adapters or replace a section of pipe, that adds to the costs of both labour and material.
Plumber vs DIY: Which is better for tap installation?
DIY tap installation is possible if you have solid plumbing experience, but it comes with risks. To install your own tap, you'll need to buy all of the pipework and fittings, plus the right type of drill if you don't already have one.
Altogether, you can expect to spend around £80 on DIY tap installation.
Outside taps that require new pipework through walls aren't a straightforward DIY job - you'll need to hire a plumber. For those, a professional is worth the cost.
Get a quote from a checked plumber
Not sure if you have the DIY experience to install a tap yourself? Hiring a domestic plumber is likely the better option.
Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting tap installation quotes. Post the details of your job and we'll send it to Checkatrade tradespeople in your area.
You can also use our search bar to find checked plumbers near you, or download the Checkatrade app to get started.
Find a checked tap installer near you
How much does a plumber charge per hour to change a tap?
Most plumbers charge by the hour or by the job. For a straightforward tap replacement, expect to pay around £40-£60 per hour.
A simple kitchen or bathroom tap swap typically takes 1–2 hours. For a full outside tap installation including running new pipework, budget for 2–4 hours of labour.
For a full breakdown of what plumbers charge, see our guide to plumber costs.
Tap cost checklist
Use our handy checklist to make sure you have everything in order when it comes to your new tap installation - so you can get the most accurate quote, and find the best price for your home.
Tap installation cost checklist
Before contacting a tradesperson, here's what to check:
Finding a plumber
Finding a local plumber is straightforward with Checkatrade. We check and verify all members before they join our directory - so every tradesperson meets our quality standards before you see their profile.
Use our request a quote feature and we'll get local plumbers to contact you directly. To get accurate quotes, be as detailed as you can:
Whether it's an indoor or outdoor tap installation
The current tap type and the replacement you want
The location of the tap and how accessible the water supply is
Whether you'll supply the tap yourself or want the plumber to source it
Any known issues with existing pipework or fittings
Find a plumber near you
Checkatrade members are checked and verified before they join, so you can search with confidence.
From installing a new tap and unblocking drains, to boiler maintenance and bathroom installations, take a look at our plumbing hub for help with all your plumbing needs.
Tap installation costs: FAQs
Most outdoor tap installations take 2–4 hours, but the exact time depends on what your plumber finds when they assess the job (for example, exposing pipework, cutting through walls, or dealing with awkward cabinet layouts). Always factor in a few hours, and be aware it can take longer.
Installing an outdoor tap makes a range of outdoor tasks more convenient. From washing the car and cleaning the patio to watering plants, having easy access to running water in the garden saves time and effort.
Yes. A plumber connects the outside tap to the hot water feed (normally under the kitchen sink) and fits an outside mixer tap, giving you hot and cold water outdoors. Installing an outdoor hot water tap takes a few hours and costs between type: embedded-entry-inline id: 4or2bLd31PFva7UhyLjAO4. Our outdoor hot and cold tap article has more detail on what's involved.
Most skilled tradespeople need about 1–3 hours to install new kitchen taps, though this depends on your requirements. If it's a like-for-like replacement with no reworking of plumbing, it's usually 1–2 hours. If you also want a new sink installed at the same time, allocate an extra 1–2 hours for the full job.
Kitchen tap installation typically costs type: embedded-entry-inline id: 5qQUd7S0YeBwz1PWeXGlHu on average. That covers a like-for-like replacement including labour. It's one of the more affordable plumbing jobs, whether you're freshening up the look of your kitchen or replacing a faulty tap.
Yes, but only if you have solid plumbing experience and know how to isolate the water supply first. The cost of tools and materials for a DIY tap installation is around type: embedded-entry-inline id: 4Lh8PT2ifVfoXgPoVB4YCq, so it's worth comparing that against a professional quote. If the tap is in an awkward spot, hiring a plumber avoids the risk of leaks that cost more to fix than the original job.
Replacing a kitchen tap typically costs type: embedded-entry-inline id: 2U4FDqYr1wmsrzqD4zKNwm for a standard mixer tap, including labour. If you're also having the sink replaced at the same time, allow an extra 1–2 hours of labour. A like-for-like tap replacement where pipework doesn't need reworking is one of the quicker plumbing jobs.
Bathroom tap replacement costs are similar to kitchen taps. Replacing a pair of basin pillar taps costs from around type: embedded-entry-inline id: 3X8GauHC7R5hHCnoFzJM6Z. A bath tap replacement runs slightly higher depending on the style and how easy it is to access the pipework.
A Quooker boiling water tap costs more than a standard kitchen tap to install. Labour typically runs to type: embedded-entry-inline id: 5AQ0djQBfISFXfufmmZuvw, plus type: embedded-entry-inline id: 3A6mNBiijIUPmpLSFEzVh2 for the unit itself. See our full guide to boiling water tap costs for a model-by-model breakdown.
You don't legally need a plumber to change a tap in most cases. It's not notifiable work under building regulations. However, you will need to isolate the water supply first. If you're not confident doing this, or the tap is in an awkward location such as behind a kitchen cabinet, it's worth hiring a professional. Mistakes can cause leaks that lead to water damage costing far more than the original job.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job