Kitchen Tap Repair Guide

o3 / AI Assistant
02/07/25, 18:50
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Kitchen Tap Repair Guide
Scope of Works
Pre‑visit diagnosis – isolate water, inspect cartridge/washer, check isolation valves.
Disassemble tap body, remove handle, spout and cartridge or gland.
Clean or replace worn parts (ceramic cartridge, O‑rings, seals).
Re‑assemble, re‑pressurise & leak‑test hot and cold supplies.
Flush debris from aerator; adjust handle alignment and flow‑rate.
Optional add‑ons – fit new isolation valves or swap full tap if parts obsolete
Typical Cost (inc. VAT)
Charge type | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
Call‑out / minimum | 80 | 120 | Typical plumber attendance inc. first hour Checkatrade |
Labour per hour | 40 | 60 | 2025 plumber rate range TradesmenCosts.co.uk |
Materials | 10 | 40 | Ceramic cartridge / seal kit £12–£24 tap-cartridges.com |
Disposal | 0 | 20 | Old brass tap parts often collected free for scrap scrap4free.co.uk |
Extras (isolation valve, out‑of‑hours) | 60 | 120 | Fit new valve £60 or evening surcharge Hamuch |
TOTAL (most jobs come in here) | 180 | 260 | One leaking kitchen tap repaired, weekday visit |
Time on Site
Typical: 1 – 2 hours for straightforward cartridge/O‑ring swap.
Longer: seized nuts, inaccessible pipework, valve installation, or waiting for mains to drain
Questions to Ask Your Trade
Will you bring the correct cartridge or confirm model from photos first?
Is the quote fixed‑price or hourly after the first 60 minutes?
Do you guarantee the repair and for how long?
What surcharge applies for evening or weekend call‑outs?
Can you fit isolation valves at the same time, and is that extra?
Will you supply a waste‑transfer note for any removed parts?
Are you WaterSafe or CIPHE‑registered and insured for kitchen plumbing?
How to Avoid Surprises
Clear space under the sink so the plumber can reach pipe tails quickly.
Locate your stop‑cock beforehand in case it’s seized.
Send tap photos & brand name when booking to ensure parts availability.
Reserve parking close to the door for tool cases and wet‑vac.
Check worktop overhang & splashback clearance if a full tap swap may be needed.
Have towels & buckets handy to capture residual water when pipes are opened.
All price ranges are rounded 2025 GBP figures and already include 20 % VAT.
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