05 December, 2025

Average Cost to Install Kitchen Sink Faucet (Full Breakdown)

Australia kitchen sink faucet installation costs: $100–$800 average labour. Full price breakdown by tap type, complexity & extras. Pro tips to save on your upgrade! 

5 mins read
Stainless steel kitchen sink with running water from a chrome dual-handle mixer tap.

The kitchen tap is something you use all the time. You need it for washing dishes, rinsing veggies, filling kettles, and quick cleanups. When a tap starts leaking, feels stiff, or looks worn out, swapping it out can make daily kitchen work smoother and less annoying. The cost to install a new kitchen sink faucet can vary from home to home. It depends on the kind of tap you choose, how easy or hard the old one is to remove, and where you live. In this article, we’ll break down the average cost to install kitchen sink faucet in Australia and what the plumber’s work often covers.

Kitchen Sink

Average Cost to Install a Kitchen Sink Faucet

How much for a plumber to install a faucet? In Australia, the cost to install a kitchen tap is usually similar to other mixer tap jobs. For most homes, a normal install sits around $100 to $800, and many people land somewhere in the middle.

You might see a much bigger price range, roughly $80 to $2,800. That happens when the job isn’t a simple swap and the plumber needs to change pipes, fittings, or the bench setup.

If you’re replacing an old tap with a new one in the same style, it’s often the cheapest and fastest option. Most like-for-like jobs take about 30 to 60 minutes.

Costs rise when the tap is more complicated, like wall-mounted, bridge, pot-filler, or touchless models. Prices can also climb if you choose a high-end brand or a special finish.

After-hours or weekend call-outs usually cost extra too. If you plan ahead and have the new tap ready, the plumber can work faster, which helps keep the final bill lower.

Kitchen Sink Faucet Installation Cost Breakdown

To give you a clearer picture, here’s the breakdown of what typically contributes to kitchen faucet installation costs.

1. Cost of Professional Kitchen Tap Installation

The cost to install a kitchen tap depends on how simple the job is.

  • Simple Swap: Like-for-like tap replacements usually cost $100–$200 labour when existing pipes and holes fit well.
  • Extra Adjustments: If fittings, hoses, or seals need fixing, labour rises into the higher $100–$800 range quickly.
  • Big Plumbing Changes: New lines or bench changes take longer, so labour can climb up to about $2,800.
  • After-Hours Fees: Weekend or late call-outs cost extra, so booking weekdays keeps the installation cheaper overall for you.

2. Cost of Kitchen Faucet Type

Once you’ve got an idea of installation prices, it also helps to understand how much different kitchen tapware generally costs. Here’s a quick breakdown of common tap styles and their typical price ranges, from premium designs to budget-friendly options.

  • Bridge: $215–$1,490
  • Wall mounted: $140–$1,110
  • Touchless / motion control: $215–$1,110
  • Double handle / mixer: $150–$800
  • Pot filler: $215–$660
  • Bar / prep: $133–$700
  • Pull down / pull out: $100–$900
  • Single handle: $160–$190
  • Industrial: Starts at $150

Kitchen Tapware

3. Other costs and add-ons

A few smaller items can add up:

  • Extra parts: Hoses, seals, washers, or new connectors, which are common in older kitchens.
  • Location: rates change by city and state, so the same install can cost more in one place than another.

Factors Influencing Kitchen Faucet Installation Cost

Tap installation costs aren’t one-size-fits-all. A few critical factors can push the price up or down, and understanding them helps you budget more accurately. Here are some factors that influence the cost of kitchen faucet installation.

  • Difficulty of Access and Location: Tight under-sink areas, awkward spaces, or outdoor taps can increase labour time. Costs also vary by state, with plumber rates ranging from about $61 in Tasmania to $95 in the ACT
  • Complexity of Tap Type: Standard taps are simple to replace, while mixer taps, wall-mounted units, and pot fillers take longer and may need plumbing adjustments, increasing labour costs.
  • Cost of Materials and Finishes: Most taps are made of brass or stainless steel, but premium finishes cost more. Chrome may add around $59, while copper finishes can add about $270 to your total.
  • Extra Features or Smart Functions: High-end or sensor-activated taps require precise installation. Touch or smart models can add $150–$1,450 due to extra parts and setup.
  • Condition of Existing Plumbing: Old or corroded fittings may need new connectors or pipework, adding extra time and cost to the installation.
  • Brand and Quality Level: Tap prices vary from budget options under $50 to premium mixer taps over $800, with higher-end brands often requiring more careful installation.
  • Call-Out Charges: Some plumbers charge a $60–$120 call-out fee, though many waive it if the work is done during the same visit.
  • Plumbing Changes and Permit Needs: A simple replacement doesn’t need permits, but installing new lines or altering existing plumbing for additional taps may require approval, increasing your total cost.

How Can You Save Money on Kitchen Sink Faucet Installation?

Installing a new kitchen tap doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few wise choices, you can cut your kitchen tap replacement cost without sacrificing quality. Here’s how to save money on the job.

  1. Have Materials Ready: Buying the tap and parts beforehand saves time and reduces labour costs, especially if you understand which fittings are needed.
  2. Request a Fixed Quote: Ask for a written quote that clearly includes labour, minor materials, and GST to avoid unexpected costs.
  3. Choose Quality Fixtures: Higher-quality tapware lasts longer and prevents issues that could lead to extra repair costs later.
  4. Book During Business Hours: Avoid emergency call-out fees by scheduling the job during regular working hours, which keeps labour costs lower.
  5. Use Independent or Local Plumbers: Independent and local plumbers often charge less than large companies and may have lower travel or call-out fees.
  6. Bundle Multiple Jobs: Combine small tasks, such as fixing a toilet leak or tightening a showerhead, into a single visit to minimise call-out charges and keep your overall kitchen and bathroom tap replacement cost down.
  7. Check Warranties: Look for workmanship guarantees from the plumber and a manufacturer’s warranty for the tap to avoid future replacement expenses.

Conclusion

When you know the cost to install kitchen sink faucet, it’s easier to decide if a new tap is worth it and how much the upgrade will help in daily use. A proper install gives you steady water flow, lowers the chance of leaks, and keeps the sink area tidy and easy to work in. 

With a skilled plumber and a faucet that suits your needs, like the range of MyHomeware kitchen products, this small change can make your kitchen work better for years.

FAQs

How much do plumbers charge to install a kitchen tap?

Most plumbers in Australia charge around $100–$200 to install a new kitchen tap. The price really depends on how tricky the job is, the type of tap you’re fitting, and where you live. This usually covers the labour and small fittings, but you’ll still need to buy the tap separately.

Do I need a plumber to fit a kitchen tap?

Yes, according to 2Magpies in most parts of Australia, including WA, Victoria, NSW, and Queensland, the rules say you must use a licensed plumber to replace a kitchen tap. Changing a tap might look like a simple swap, but doing it yourself can breach regulations and lead to leaks or fines. A licensed plumber makes sure everything’s installed safely and legally.

Will a plumber install a faucet I bought?

Yes, absolutely. If you’ve already picked out a tap you like, a licensed plumber can install it for you. Since taps are part of your home’s water system, fitting them properly is all part of a plumber’s job.

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Carly Williams

    Content Writer

    Meet Carly, an Australian-based home & lifestyle blogger with a knack for turning everyday spaces into stylish, functional havens. With years of hands-on experience in the home improvement and bathroom industry, Carly blends practical know-how with a warm, conversational tone that makes readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend over coffee. From renovation tips and product reviews to creative design ideas, Carly is here to help you transform your home—one inspired project at a time.