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🔧 Scope of Works
Isolate hot- and cold-water feeds to the Aqualisa mixer valve and depressurise the system.
Strip down the mixer front-plate and handles to expose the thermostatic/flow cartridge.
Inspect for scale, worn O-rings or damaged thermostat; confirm cartridge model/colour code.
Either re-seal (fit new service seal kit) or replace the complete Aqualisa cartridge with a genuine part.
Clean valve body seats, lubricate threads, re-assemble and reset temperature stops.
Flush the valve, check temperature stability and ensure drip has stopped through the full flow range.
Re-fit trim plate/controls, wipe down area and remove old parts & packaging for recycling/disposal.
💷 Typical Cost (incl. VAT, 2025)
Charge type | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
Call-out / minimum | £60 | £120 | UK plumbers average £75 call-out; emergencies often £100–£120 |
Labour per hour | £40 | £90 | National mean ≈£41; London/emergency £100-£150 so £90 covers most topside |
Materials | £10 | £250 | Seal kit <£20; genuine Aqualisa thermostatic cartridge ~£225 inc. VAT |
Disposal | £0 | £15 | Small metal/plastic parts—often removed free; some charge nominal fee. |
Extras (descaling, seized fixings, isolation-valve upgrade) | £20 | £80 | Only added if issues found. |
TOTAL (most jobs come in here) | £180 | £420 | One-visit cartridge swap with no major complications. |
🕓 Time on Site
45 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes for a straightforward cartridge or seal-kit change.
Up to 3 hours if the valve body is scaled/seized, trim is tiled-in, or isolation valves fail requiring a full system drain.
❓ Questions to Ask Your Tradie
Do you carry the correct Aqualisa cartridge in stock, or will you need model photos first?
Will you attempt a seal-kit repair if possible, or replace the whole cartridge by default?
Is your quote fixed-price or hourly after the first hour, and does it include VAT?
Are my isolation valves serviceable, or should they be renewed while you’re here?
How long will the water be off, and will any other rooms be affected?
What warranty do you offer on workmanship and on the new cartridge?
Will you dispose of the old parts and leave the shower area clean and resealed?
✅ How to Avoid Surprises
Photograph the valve faceplate and any model/serial numbers and send them ahead.
Clear the shower area and provide easy access (remove toiletries, mats, screens if portable).
Test shut-offs: make sure under-bath/loft isolation valves and main stop-cock actually turn.
Check parking/permits so the plumber isn’t burning time finding a space.
Flag any hard-water or scale issues—the tradie may bring descaler or recommend a filter.
Confirm if an out-of-hours uplift applies for evenings/weekends to avoid bill shock.
💡 With this checklist you’ll know exactly what the plumber should do, what it should cost in 2025, and how to keep your Aqualisa shower drip repair smooth and budget-friendly.