Bathroom, Kitchen & WC Plumbers

When refitting or updating an old bathroom, it is usually easier to use equipment that is the same shape and size as the existing fittings. This can be useful for those attempting a DIY bathroom refurbishment, as the new items may fit in the same positions and use the existing plumbing. However, when planning a new bathroom with a different layout or additional features, extra plumbing work may be required, making the job more complex. A useful starting point is to decide what improvements you would like to make, such as adding a shower or bidet, an extra wash basin or perhaps a heated towel rail.

Once you have decided what bathroom furniture and equipment you require, you can make up a scale plan of the bathroom. Remember to note the positions of windows, radiators and doors, taking care to leave sufficient access.

Baths

Baths nowadays are made from a variety of materials. Enamelled cast iron was the traditional choice of material, but enamelled pressed steel is a more modern option with similar properties while being much lighter and relatively inexpensive. Plastic materials are used for lower-cost baths that are very light and offer good resistance to chipping. Baths come in a number of shapes too, with rectangular and corner designs being common choices. Plain rectangular baths are usually around 700mm wide and 1700mm long, and may be available with additional features such as handle grips, non-slip bases and dipped fronts. Corner baths have an oval bathing area and take up less wall space. To get a plumber to fit a new bath typically costs around £175 for labour only.

Basins

Most bathroom basins are made of vitreous china, but some are made from acrylic and enamelled pressed steel. Vitreous china offers good resistance to chemicals but can crack or chip if damaged. The main types of basin found in bathrooms are pedestal basins, wall-hung basins, corner basins and semi-recessed basins. Pedestal basins are common as they help conceal the plumbing and waste traps. Smaller basins can be wall hung, while vanity basins can be mounted in a worktop or vanity unit with cupboards underneath. Corner basins can be suitable for confined spaces such as small en-suites. The labour cost for a plumber to fit a new pedestal basin, including the removal and disposal of the old basin, with the customer supplying the new basin, is around £90.

Toilets

There are different types of toilets available in the UK to suit bathrooms of various shapes and sizes. Toilets may come as one-piece or two-piece designs, including wall-hung, back-to-wall and close-coupled WCs. If fitting a new bathroom, the toilet, basin, bidet and bath or shower may be purchased as a matching set. Fitting a new toilet in the same position as the old one, where no new pipework is required, costs around £120 if the customer supplies the new toilet.

Kitchen Plumbing

If you are installing new kitchen plumbing, careful planning can save time and help avoid additional costs. It is usually easier to make changes during the planning stage and earlier in the installation process than later on. You need to carefully plan the position of the kitchen sink, taps, dishwasher and washing machine within your kitchen layout. If you are simply upgrading furniture and appliances, some jobs may be suitable for DIY. However, if you are changing the layout or have a problem with existing pipework, you may need to call in a plumber.

To replace a standard tap with a new kitchen mixer tap, supplied and fitted, typically costs around £120. For a local plumber to make new hot and cold water supply connections for a washing machine, fit a waste pipe to an outside gulley and fit the machine in position ready for use, you may be looking at around a day's work and a cost of approximately £200.

Choosing a Plumber

To gather quotes from local plumbers, please use the free service provided. Simply click the "post your job" button on this page to get started. The process takes just a couple of minutes and local plumbers can get in touch with quotes for your job.