Leaking Tap Repair or Full Tap Replacement in Trowbridge - Which Option is Right for You?

Published September 2026 | Leaking Tap Repair Guide

Your kitchen tap's been dripping for three days. You've tightened the handle, dried it off, and hoped for the best - but it keeps going. So now you're wondering: do you call a plumber to fix what's there, or is it time to replace the whole thing? It's a question our engineers hear constantly from Trowbridge homeowners, and the answer isn't always what people expect.

Both options are legitimate. But they suit different situations, different budgets, and different types of taps. Getting this decision wrong can cost you more in the long run - either by throwing money at a repair on a tap that's past it, or by replacing something that could've been sorted for a fraction of the price. Here's what you need to know before you decide.

Option A - Repairing Your Leaking Tap

Tap repair means identifying the internal component that's failing and replacing just that part. In most cases, this is either a rubber washer, an O-ring, or a ceramic cartridge. The tap body stays in place. Only the faulty internal is swapped out.

What a tap repair typically involves

A plumber will isolate the water supply to the tap, dismantle the tap head, and inspect the internal components. On traditional pillar taps and monobloc mixers with rubber washers, the fix is usually a new washer and possibly an O-ring - parts that cost less than a couple of pounds. On modern taps fitted with ceramic disc cartridges, the cartridge itself gets replaced. The whole job typically takes 30 to 60 minutes on a single tap.

The case for repairing

Cost is the most obvious argument. A tap washer replacement by a Trowbridge plumber typically costs between 50 and 100 pounds for labour, plus a few pounds for parts. A ceramic cartridge swap usually runs between 80 and 150 pounds including parts and call-out, depending on the cartridge spec and the plumber's day rate. If your tap is in good structural condition and the leak is coming from a worn internal component - which is by far the most common cause - repair is almost always the more economical route.

Repair also preserves your existing setup. If your tap matches your kitchen or bathroom fittings, or if it's part of an integrated unit that would be awkward to change out, keeping the original in place avoids a whole chain of secondary work.

The limitations of repair

Not every tap is worth repairing. If the tap body is corroded, cracked, or the valve seat is badly worn and scored, a new washer won't give you a lasting fix. The tap will leak again within weeks. Some older or budget taps also use proprietary cartridges that are no longer manufactured - in those cases, the repair option simply isn't available. And if you've got hard water deposits building up inside the mechanism (which is common in parts of Wiltshire), the underlying damage may be more extensive than it first appears.

Option B - Replacing Your Tap Entirely

Full tap replacement means removing the existing tap and fitting a new one. This could be a like-for-like swap, or it could be an opportunity to upgrade to a different style, finish, or function entirely.

What tap replacement typically involves

The plumber isolates the water supply, disconnects the supply pipes (and waste pipe if it's a mixer with a pop-up waste), removes the old tap, and fits the new one. Depending on the age of your pipework, the flexi hoses under the sink may need replacing at the same time - they should be changed every 10 to 15 years regardless, and it makes sense to do it while the supply is already isolated. The job typically takes one to two hours, again depending on access and whether any complications arise.

The case for replacing

If your tap is more than 15 to 20 years old, replacement often makes more sense economically than repair. You're investing in something that will give you another decade or more of reliable service, rather than spending labour costs on an ageing tap that may develop a different fault six months down the line.

Replacement is also the right call when the tap body itself is damaged - visible corrosion, hairline cracks, or a worn valve seat that can't be reground. It's the better option if you want to upgrade to a filtered water tap, a pull-out spray mixer, or a touch-control tap. And if you're already planning a kitchen or bathroom refresh, it's sensible to tie in the tap change at the same time rather than paying for two separate call-outs.

New taps from reputable brands like Grohe, Bristan, or Franke typically come with manufacturer warranties of five to ten years, which provides some reassurance that you won't be back in the same position quickly.

The limitations of replacement

The cost is higher. A decent mid-range tap costs between 60 and 200 pounds for the tap itself, plus labour. A plumber in Trowbridge will typically charge between 100 and 180 pounds to supply and fit a standard kitchen mixer, though this varies depending on the complexity of the installation and whether additional work is needed. At the top end - if you're choosing a premium tap from a brand like Quooker or Perrin and Rowe - you could be looking at 400 to 800 pounds or more including installation.

There's also the question of whether a new tap will physically fit your existing setup. Tap hole sizes, pipe centres, and under-sink clearances all matter. Our engineers always check compatibility before recommending a replacement, and it's worth using the Voltrade GoFIX diagnostic tool to confirm the right tap spec for your sink before ordering anything.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here's a summary of how the two options stack up across the factors that matter most to most homeowners.

The core trade-off is upfront cost versus long-term reliability. Repair wins on short-term spend. Replacement wins on longevity and peace of mind, particularly for taps that are already showing their age.

Which is Right for Your Situation?

The right answer depends on three things: the age of your tap, the nature of the fault, and whether the leak is the only issue you're dealing with.

If your tap is less than ten years old and the leak is coming from a washer or cartridge, repair is almost certainly the better choice. A tap in that age bracket with a single internal fault has plenty of life left in it, and a repair will restore it to full working order at a fraction of the replacement cost.

If your tap is more than 15 years old, think carefully before spending money on a repair. Even if the current fault is minor, the next failure may not be far behind. At that stage, the cost of two repair call-outs over 18 months often exceeds what you'd have paid to replace the tap in the first place.

If the tap body is visibly damaged - corrosion around the base, discolouration on the spout, or a loose and wobbly handle mechanism that isn't related to the drip - replace it. No amount of washer changes will fix a structurally compromised tap.

If your plumber can't source the right cartridge for your tap (which does happen with discontinued budget brands or very old models), replacement is your only real option anyway. A plumber working in Trowbridge will typically know within a few minutes of looking at the tap whether parts are realistically available, or whether you're looking at a dead-end repair.

What Trowbridge Homeowners Typically Choose and Why

From the jobs our engineers carry out across Trowbridge and the surrounding areas of Wiltshire, the pattern is fairly consistent. Homeowners with taps under ten years old almost always go for repair when they find out the cost difference - particularly on kitchen mixers where the tap itself is in good shape.

The picture shifts noticeably with older properties. Trowbridge has a good mix of Victorian terraces, 1960s and 70s stock, and newer builds, and the older properties tend to have taps that are simply past their best. In those cases, the plumber often finds that what looked like a straightforward washer job is actually a corroded valve seat or a seized internal - and the conversation moves to replacement fairly quickly. Most homeowners in that situation, once they understand the situation, opt to replace.

There's also a practical factor specific to parts of Wiltshire. Water hardness varies across the county, and in areas with harder water, tap internals tend to wear faster and limescale build-up inside the mechanism can accelerate deterioration. If you've had issues with kettle scale or shower head blockages, there's a reasonable chance your tap's internals are in a similar state.

The other common pattern we see in Trowbridge is homeowners who've been putting up with a drip for months - sometimes years - before calling anyone. By that point, the drip has often caused secondary issues: staining on the sink, worn enamel, or moisture damage inside the cabinet below. Catching a leaking tap early almost always keeps the cost down.

Making Your Decision

How old is your tap and what condition is the body in?

Age is your first filter. A tap under ten years old in reasonable cosmetic condition is worth repairing. One that's older, visibly corroded, or physically damaged is a strong candidate for replacement. Run your hand around the base of the tap and check under the sink for any signs of ongoing water damage or deterioration. If the tap looks rough from the outside, it's likely worse internally.

Is the leak coming from the spout, the base, or the handle?

The location of the leak gives useful clues. A drip from the spout almost always points to a washer or cartridge fault - a repair job. Leaking from the base of the tap or around the handle is more likely to be an O-ring or gland packing issue. Water coming from under the sink, where the supply connections are, may be a fitting issue rather than a tap fault at all - and doesn't necessarily require either option above. Have a plumber look before you decide what you're dealing with.

Are replacement parts available for your tap?

If you know the make and model of your tap, it's worth checking parts availability before committing to repair. Some budget taps bought from DIY sheds or imported brands use non-standard cartridges that can be difficult or impossible to source. A plumber in Trowbridge with experience across different tap brands and suppliers will be able to tell you quickly whether repair is a viable path. If parts aren't available, that decision is made for you.

Do you have any other work planned in the kitchen or bathroom?

If you're planning a kitchen update, a bathroom refresh, or any work that involves the sink or vanity unit in the next year or two, it's worth factoring that into the decision now. Fitting a new tap twice in 18 months - once as a repair stopgap and once as part of a refurbishment - costs more than making the decision once. If a renovation is on the horizon, it may make sense to replace the tap now and choose something you actually want, rather than patching the existing one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a dripping tap in Trowbridge?

A basic tap washer replacement by a plumber in Trowbridge typically costs between 50 and 100 pounds, including a call-out fee. Ceramic cartridge replacements on modern mixer taps usually run between 80 and 150 pounds depending on the cartridge and the plumber's day rate. Most repairs are completed within an hour. Full tap replacements, including the new tap, typically start from around 160 pounds and can reach 300 to 400 pounds for a quality mid-range mixer fitted by a professional.

Can I fix a leaking tap myself, or do I need a plumber?

A washer replacement on a traditional pillar tap is within reach for a competent DIYer if you're comfortable isolating the water supply and working with basic hand tools. However, ceramic cartridge replacements can be trickier - the wrong cartridge or an incorrectly seated replacement often causes worse leaking than before. For mixer taps, particularly those with integrated pop-up waste mechanisms, professional fitting is usually worth the cost. Getting it wrong means a second call-out anyway, which removes most of the saving.

How do I know if my tap needs replacing rather than repairing?

The key signs that a repair won't hold up long-term are: visible corrosion or cracking on the tap body, a leak that returns within weeks of a previous repair, inability to source replacement parts for your specific model, and a tap that's more than 15 to 20 years old. A plumber can usually assess whether repair is worthwhile within the first few minutes of inspection. If you're unsure, use the Voltrade GoFIX diagnostic tool to log the symptoms and get a professional assessment before committing to either option.

Does a dripping tap really waste that much water?

Yes, more than most people expect. A tap dripping at a rate of one drop per second wastes roughly 15 to 20 litres of water per day - that's around 5,000 to 7,000 litres per year from a single tap. For a household on a water meter, this adds a noticeable amount to annual bills. Beyond the direct cost, persistent dripping accelerates wear on the tap seal and can cause staining and surface damage to sinks and basins over time. It's worth sorting promptly rather than leaving it.