The cost of replacing bathroom taps in Australia

A slowly dripping tap can lose about 9,000 litres of water a year if left alone which can impact your pocket and the environment too. While this may or may not be the reason for wanting new taps, the cost of replacing bathroom taps is something that you will want an answer on before you get started. In some instances like the one just described, it may end up saving you money in the long run. In other situations, it may just be one part of a larger bathroom renovation, helping you manage your overall costs.

When determining the true cost of replacing bathroom taps, there are a few things to ask yourself right from the outset.

These are:

• Do you need a simple repair, or is a complete replacement required?
• Are there any unresolved plumbing problems?
• Do you want to change the number of tap holes?
• Do you need to change the current water system?
• Are you starting from scratch with your design?

If you find yourself answering “yes” to more than a few of these then chances are you’ll need some professional help and advice. While this will increase your costs in the short term, it's important to get the job done right to avoid expensive repairs in the long term.

Related article: How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom in 2024?

If you don’t anticipate a difficult job, it may be tempting to replace or install taps in your kitchen and bathroom on your own, following tips online via a YouTube video or otherwise. However, it is always preferable to get a licensed plumber in Australia.

If your house has older hot water systems, the project may require specific knowledge about building codes. You may be working with separate hot and cold valves that require particular parts and know-how.

Some tap designs may use screws or twist fittings that you are unfamiliar with. You may also run into plumbing issues you were not even aware existed.

As previously mentioned, hiring a plumber can save you money in the long term as well as being the safer option too.

With respect to plumbing services, it is important to find out how the plumber will charge you. Whether it will be a fixed rate for the job at hand or if you will be charged per hour.

Keep in mind that the initial amount quoted may change last minute if complications arise.

Determining how much a plumber will cost will depend on the following factors:

1) Your location

Plumbers charge different rates around Australia. The call-out fee can range from $60 to $100. After that, the price per hour can vary. You can expect to pay $90 to $100 per hour in Brisbane, $80 - $90 per hour in Melbourne, $90 - $100 per hour in Perth and $100 to $135 per hour in Sydney.

2) Experience of the plumber

A plumber just starting out might charge less than a highly certified master tradesman. The requirements of your plumber will largely depend on the complexity of the task at hand.

3) The complexity of the job

If you are changing a simple tap and the job is quick and easy, it will cost far less than extensive plumbing work.

Fixing a leaking tap can cost between $80 and $150. Meanwhile, fitting new kitchen taps or bath taps can cost between $80 and $250.

Getting a tap installed can require turning off the main supply to the bathroom, swapping fittings or pipes, and planning out the placement of fixtures so that they are easy to use.

4) Emergencies

Getting a stylish new faucet might not be an emergency, but your tap might spring a substantial leak in the middle of the night.

If you find yourself in this type of situation keep in mind that plumbing costs after hours can cost up to double what you would pay at normal times.

Replacing your taps can be an instant upgrade to the style of your bathroom. There are many types of taps available on the market in Australia, all with their own unique traits and characteristics. Most of these however will be of one of the following forms.

1) Mixer taps

A mixer tap has a single lever and combines hot and cold water out of one spout. The temperature is regulated by adjusting the position of the lever. Mixer taps make it easier to adjust the perfect temperature in the bath, shower, or kitchen sink.

The fittings for mixer taps are usually (but not always) in the wall or behind tiles. This can require extra work for installation. These types of taps are typically wall-mounted taps.

In Australia, you can expect to pay around $60 for a simple mixer tap. In comparison, fancy chrome or matte taps can hover upwards of $200. An antique brass mixer tap can cost over $500. Again there are many variables to this with more and more taps coming onto the market with innovative new features for which you’ll pay a premium.

2) Separate hot and cold taps

The other kind of taps you might find for your bathroom are separate hot and cold faucets. These have individual controls to regulate the water temperature.

Separate taps are easier and cheaper to replace because their fittings are in front of the wall or tiles. These taps are called wall-top assemblies.

You can find an affordable wall-top assembly for as low as $30. High-quality models for luxurious or designer bathrooms can be upwards of $200.

Related article: 10 of the best bathroom taps in Australia

There is no limit to your options when choosing new taps for your bathroom sink, shower, or bathtub. As you can see, the cost of replacing bathroom taps has some variables but many of them you can anticipate and manage. Whether it is a simple leaking tap that needs to be replaced or fixed or a complete change for a bathroom renovation, the right option is out there for you.