Basin Mixer Tap Replacement in Warsaw — Quick Swap Without Damage

The basin tap is dripping, the lever is stiff, or the whole thing looks like it survived three renovations — a familiar story. In flats across Mokotow and Praga-Poludnie this is one of the most common callouts: a leaking mixer, a wobbly base, and a puddle forming under the sink. Replacing the entire tap is simpler and more reliable than trying to patch the old one. The job takes an hour to ninety minutes if the supply lines are sound and the new tap is ready.

How much does replacement cost

The price depends on the tap type (single-lever, twin-handle, with pop-up waste), the condition of the flexible hoses and whether the trap needs replacing too. If the existing supply hoses are in good shape we keep them; if not, we swap them for an extra charge. Fixings are included in the labour cost; the tap itself and consumables are supplied by the client. Current rates for all bathroom plumbing work are in the table below.

How the replacement works

Important: any work on water supply starts with shutting off the valves. If the isolation valves under the basin do not hold or are missing, we shut the riser. Do not attempt to change a tap yourself if the valves are faulty — that is a direct route to flooding the flat below.

1. We shut off both hot and cold water supply. The old tap is opened to release residual pressure.
2. Flexible hoses are disconnected from the angle valves or wall outlets. A container is placed underneath — water remains in the lines.
3. The fixing nut under the basin is unscrewed. On older taps it is often seized — we remove it carefully to avoid cracking the ceramic.
4. The old tap is lifted out and the mounting hole is cleaned of limescale and old sealant.
5. The new mixer is installed: gasket in place, fixing stud tightened from below, hoses connected. If the supplied hoses are too short, longer ones are fitted.
6. Water is turned back on and every joint is checked for leaks. We let pressure build fully and inspect each connection.
7. Lever action, valve operation and pop-up waste (if present) are tested. We tidy up before leaving.

Common DIY mistakes

• Not shutting the water off completely — loosening a hose while the supply is still live sends water everywhere.
• Over-tightening the fixing nut — the basin cracks. Ceramic does not tolerate excessive force.
• Reusing old hoses with a new tap — the rubber washers inside have hardened and will weep at the joints.
• Not checking the mounting-hole diameter — the new tap either will not fit or wobbles in an oversized hole.
• Skipping PTFE tape or thread sealant — a drip appears within days.
• Fitting the tap without the base gasket — water seeps under the body and damages the vanity unit.
• Forgetting to drain residual water — disconnecting hoses floods the cabinet below.

What to prepare before the visit

• Buy the new mixer tap — check that the box includes fixings, gaskets and hoses of adequate length.
• Make sure the isolation valves under the basin work — try shutting and opening them beforehand.
• Clear the space beneath the washbasin — remove cleaning products, buckets, bowls.
• If there is a closed vanity unit, ensure access to the pipes from below.
• Have a cloth and a container ready for residual water.
• Decide whether flexible hoses need replacing — if they are more than five years old, replacement is advisable.
• Check that the tap suits your basin (single-hole or three-hole configuration).
• If there are no individual shut-off valves in the flat, let us know so we can arrange to close the riser through the building management.

A real case from Warsaw

We were called to a flat in Mokotow. The owner had bought a new single-lever Grohe mixer to replace an old twin-handle tap that had been dripping from beneath the handles for six months. Under the basin was a vanity unit with very tight access, and the supply lines were rigid copper — original from the 1990s. We shut the water off, cut the old copper pipes, fitted angle valves and new stainless-steel braided hoses. The new mixer went in, we tested it — not a single drip. While we were at it, we replaced the waste trap because the old plastic had already cracked. The entire job took just over an hour. The owner had been living with a towel under the sink for half a year, and it was all sorted in one visit.

Frequently asked questions

Can the old tap be repaired instead of replaced?
It can, if the problem is just the cartridge or a washer. But if the body is corroded, the thread is stripped or the model has been discontinued, fitting a new tap is simpler and cheaper.

Single-lever or twin-handle — which is better?
A single-lever mixer is more convenient in daily use and easier to service — one cartridge instead of two valve heads. Twin-handle taps are chosen for their look in classic-style bathrooms.

Should the hoses be replaced at the same time?
If they are more than five to seven years old, yes. The rubber inside ages and loses flexibility even when the outer braid looks fine.

How long does replacement take?
A straightforward swap takes 40 to 60 minutes. If hoses, valves or the trap also need changing, allow up to ninety minutes.

Does the technician clean up afterwards?
Yes, we leave the work area tidy. We can take the old tap and packaging away — waste removal is charged separately.

What if it leaks after the replacement?
We pressure-test every connection before we leave. If anything leaks due to our work, we will come back and fix it.

Book your tap replacement

We work across Warsaw — from Praga to Wlochy. We arrive with a full tool kit and connection materials. You supply the tap; we handle removing the old one and fitting the new one neatly. Call or message us and we will arrange a convenient time.