Cost to install a hot water tap
In recent years, there have been many advancements in everyday technology. We’ve all been there, waiting for the kettle to boil to help make that cup coffee that will get us through the day. Well, what if I told you that there is a quicker and more convenient solution? That is where a hot water tap comes in handy.
Replacing the old kettle, a hot water tap provides instant hot water through the tap without having to wait for the water to heat up like in a kettle. They also can improve the look of the kitchen as they are plumbed into your existing sink which can save you space and make your kitchen look sleek.
But how much does it cost to install a hot water tap?
How much does it cost to install a hot water tap?
Hot water taps are considerably more expensive than your average kitchen tap as they provide hot water on demand. The cost of a hot water tap can depend on what type of tap you choose, brand, location and any requirements you may need. However, the average cost of a hot water tap tends to range between £250 and £1000. The three main types of hot water taps are:
- Single Boiling Water Tap: This type of tap only provides hot water
- 3 in 1 Boiling Water Tap: Dispenses both hot and cold water alongside boiling water
- 4 in 1 Boiling Water Tap: Like a 3 in 1 tap, they dispense hot and cold water, boiling water as well as cold filtered water
Below are the average costs of each type of hot water tap:
| TYPE OF TAP | AVERAGE COST |
| Single Boiling Water Tap | £250 to £400 |
| 3 in 1 Boiling Water Tap | £400 to £1000 |
| 4 in 1 Boiling Water Tap | £500 to £1200 |
Labour Costs and Timescales
Although you may think that installing a hot water tap will take quite a while, it usually only takes between 1 to 2 hours to fully install if no plumbing problems occur.
As for labour costs, on average, a plumber generally charges between £40 to £50 for this kind of job. However, labour costs can vary depending on your location within the UK. You are more likely to pay more for labour costs in the South of England and London than the North of England due to the higher cost of living, so make sure to factor in your location when calculating the total cost of installing a hot water tap.
Additional Costs
When installing a hot water tap, other jobs can be done alongside it, resulting in additional costs. Now, these additional jobs will not be for everyone but sometimes it can be worthwhile to complete two jobs at once. The tradesperson may even cut you a deal if you are looking to hire them for more than a few hours.
Let’s take a look at what additional jobs, and their associated costs, can be done when installing a hot water tap:
Kitchen Sink Replacement
The most obvious job that can be completed alongside a hot water tap installation is a kitchen sink replacement. The cost of replacing a kitchen sink is generally around £400 and can take between 2 to 4 hours to install. However, there are various factors that can affect the cost. These include:
- The material of the sink- materials like stainless steel cost significantly less than cast iron or ceramic
- The size of the sink- the general rule is the larger the sink, the higher the costs
If you supply the sink yourself, then you will only need to pay a plumber for labour which can cost anywhere between £75 to £150 for 2 to 4 hours of work.
Kitchen Worktop Replacement
Kitchen worktops are another job that can be done alongside a hot water tap installation. This job typically costs around £600 and can take anywhere between 1 to 2 days to install depending on the complexity and shape of the room, and the size of the room. Like a kitchen sink replacement, the cost of the job depends on two things:
- The material- the most common worktop materials are laminate, solid wood, and stainless steel due to their fair price. Whereas material such as quartz, granite, and marble cost significantly more with some premium option costing as much as £4000 to install!
- The size of the room- the general rule is the larger the room, the higher the costs
New Kitchen
You might as well have a whole kitchen remodel if you're considering replacing your taps, sink, and kitchen worktops. In general, the price of a new kitchen varies according to materials, design, and size, with small budget kitchens costing under £2,000 and top of the range kitchens costing over £25,000. A typical kitchen renovation costs around £4,000-£5,000 on average.
What are the key benefits of installing a hot water tap?
If you are unsure whether installing a hot water tap is right for you, then these benefits might help you make that decision. Some benefits include:
Boiling water on demand
Waiting for a kettle to boil can be annoying especially when you need your coffee fix early in the morning. Not only does it take a while for the water to boil, but they also degrade over time due to a build-up of limescale so you may need to buy a new kettle every few years. Boiling water taps, on the other hand, take away both the waiting time and replacement costs whilst giving you fresh, boiling water in a matter of seconds.
Money and energy saving
On average, it costs 3p every time you boil a kettle in comparison to a 11p a day to run a hot water tap. If you’re a frequent coffee, tea or hot chocolate drinker then boiling a kettle a few times a day can run up your energy bills. Although this saving is initially quite small, it can save you a decent amount of money over the years. Plus, you can limit the amount of water wastage as in a kettle you typically do not use all of the boiled water whereas with a hot water tap, you can only use the amount you need.
Safety Features
It is said that hot water taps are safer than kettles. This is due to the fact that kettles can pose an electrical risk as they are constantly plugged in whereas hot water taps are fixed in position and can be turned on and off at the click of a button. Also, kettles can be a safety risk to children for example, kettles can be quite heavy, or the lid may not be on properly which may result in hot water scalding your child is dropped or used incorrectly. In contrast, hot water taps can be switched on and off by a button and the water in contained within the sink limiting the risks.
Can I install a hot water tap myself?
Although fairly straightforward to install, hot water taps have certain safety aspects that could make even the smallest mistake quite dangerous. This is because installing a hot water tap involves both electric boilers and a water system, which without a sufficient amount of experience and knowledge, can be difficult to work with. If you are unsure about any process of a hot water tap installation, then it is best to leave this to a qualified specialist to save yourself both time and money, whilst ensuring that the tap is installed correctly.
