Trade Guide - Change bath taps

Robert Costart
May 29
2 min read

Updated: Jun 4

🔧 Scope of Works

Isolate hot & cold supplies and drain residual water.
Remove bath panel (or tile trim) to expose tap tails and retaining nuts.
Disconnect existing tap tails/flexible hoses and release fixing nuts.
Lift out old bath taps and clean seating area.
Fit new bath pillar or mixer tap with fresh washers/O-rings and apply suitable sealant.
Re-connect pipework (rigid or flexi tails) and add service/isolating valves if missing.
Turn water back on, bleed air, test for leaks and correct alignment.
Re-fit bath panel, silicone where needed and leave area tidy.
Remove old taps and packaging for recycling or disposal.

💷 Typical Cost (incl. VAT, 2025)

Charge type	Low £	High £	Notes
Call-out / minimum	60	120	Covers first hour on site; national average call-out ~£75
Labour per hour	40	80	Average UK rate c. £41; big-city plumbers often £55–£80
Materials	30	120	Basic pair of bath pillar taps £30–£60; mid-range bath mixer £80–£120
Disposal	0	15	Small metal item – many plumbers recycle free; some charge a token fee.
Extras (access panel, new isolating valves, seized fittings, silicone, etc.)	20	80	Only applied if required.
TOTAL (most jobs come in here)	150	340	One-hour visit with mid-range taps and no complications.

🕓 Time on Site

A straightforward bath-tap swap usually takes 1 – 2 hours. Allow up to 3 hours if:

Taps are badly corroded or seized.
Bath panel/tiles need removal and refitting.
No existing isolation valves (system drain-down required).
Pipework needs alteration for a mixer tap.

❓ Questions to Ask Your Tradie

Will the whole property’s water need to be shut off, and for how long?
Are you supplying the new taps, or should I purchase them in advance?
Does your quote include VAT, isolation valves and silicone/sealant?
Is there enough access behind the bath, or will tiles/panels have to come out?
How long is your workmanship guarantee and do the taps carry a manufacturer warranty?
Is disposal of the old taps included in the price?
What is your call-out/first-hour charge and hourly rate thereafter?

✅ How to Avoid Surprises

Clear toiletries and furniture; make sure the bath panel is easily removable.
Have chosen taps (and matching waste if required) on site before the visit.
Confirm a parking spot or visitor permit for the plumber’s van.
Know where the main stop-cock is and test it turns off.
Tell neighbours/management if water isolation may affect shared supplies (flats).
Flag any previous leaks, hidden pipework, or access issues in advance.

💡 With this information you’ll know exactly what your plumber should be doing, roughly what it should cost, and how to keep the job on time and on budget.