How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaking Tap?
£60 – £150
per job
The cost to fix a leaking tap typically ranges from £60 to £150 depending on tap type and whether parts need replacing. Ceramic disc taps require a cartridge swap costing £20-£60 in parts, while a compression tap washer costs pence. Emergency call-outs outside business hours add a £50-£100 premium on top of the standard rate.
Average cost
£60 – £150
per job
Prices vary by region, property type and tradesperson. Always get at least two quotes.
What affects the price?
Type of tap - compression vs ceramic disc vs mixer tap affects parts cost and repair complexity
Parts required - a worn washer costs pence, but a full cartridge replacement can cost £20-£60
Access - taps under a kitchen sink with limited cupboard space take longer and increase labour costs
Call-out timing - evenings, weekends, and bank holidays attract emergency rates up to double the standard charge
Labour vs materials
Most plumbers charge a fixed call-out fee of £50-£80 plus £40-£70 per hour. Labour accounts for around 80-90% of the total cost for a straightforward tap repair, with parts making up the rest.
Repair or replace?
If the tap body is cracked or corroded, or the repair cost approaches the price of a new tap, replacement is often better value. A new tap costs £30-£150 plus fitting, so weigh this against the repair quote.
Questions to ask your tradesperson
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