There is no single answer, because the time a plumber needs depends on what they find under the sink. A simple swap with good access and modern fittings can be fairly quick. Old fixings, tight spaces or worn pipework can make the same job take a good deal longer.
What Makes a Tap Swap Quicker
Some jobs are straightforward from the start. The quickest ones usually have plenty of room under the sink or basin, so the plumber can reach the fixing nuts easily. The old tap comes off without a fight and the new one fits the same hole.
Isolation valves help a lot. These small valves on the hot and cold pipes let the water to that tap be turned off without shutting down the whole house. If they are already there and working, the job can start straight away.
Swapping like for like also saves time. Replacing one monobloc mixer with another, using the same type of connection, means there is less to adjust.
What Can Slow the Job Down
Seized nuts are one of the most common delays. Over the years, limescale and corrosion can lock the old tap in place. The plumber then has to work carefully to free it without damaging the sink or the pipes.
Tight access is another factor. Some fixing nuts sit right at the back of a deep cabinet or behind a bowl, where it is hard to get a tool in. In some cases the sink or basin needs to be lifted out to reach them, which adds more steps.
Corroded or old pipework may need attention too. If the pipes are in poor condition, a plumber may suggest replacing a short section, or fitting new flexible tails, so the new tap has a sound connection.
Extra Work That May Be Worth Doing
If there are no isolation valves, it often makes sense to fit them while the water is off. This makes future repairs simpler. A stopcock that is stiff or will not fully close may also need looking at first. Our page on stopcock repair and replacement explains more about this.
Changing tap type can add time as well. Moving from two pillar taps to a mixer, for example, may need changes to the pipework or a blanking plate for the spare hole.
How to Help the Job Go Smoothly
Clear out the cupboard under the sink before the plumber arrives. Have the new tap ready in its box, with all its parts, so it can be checked for fit. If you know where your stopcock is, point it out.
It also helps to mention anything you have noticed, such as drips or a wobbly tap. Our page on tap fitting and replacement work explains how we handle these jobs from start to finish.
If you would like a new tap fitted in Swindon, call Emergency Plumber Swindon on 01793 569521. We can talk through your tap and sink and give you an idea of what to expect.