Tap replacement in Belgium
A tap that drips, turns stiffly or swaps hot for cold costs more than it seems: a constant drip adds up on the bill, and a failing thermostatic mixer gives unstable temperatures. Often a new cartridge or headwork is enough; sometimes the body or the in-wall set is finished. We establish that difference first, measure pressure at the outlet, and clean or renew the aerator so the flow is even again.
- Final price given before we start
- Up to 2 years warranty on labour
- Emergency line available 24/7
- Direct phone contact: +32 2 000 00 00
Our method
Measure and choose first, then repair or replace
We start from tap type, pressure and aerator, choose deliberately between cartridge repair and replacement, and finish with a tightness and temperature test. Surface work is often a short visit; in-wall work is scheduled with the strip-out time it needs.
- 01
Check complaint, tap type and pressure
We establish whether the issue is dripping, stiff operation, temperature swing or a blocked aerator, and which type you have: basin, kitchen, thermostatic or in-wall. We then measure pressure at the outlet, because overpressure often explains why the previous headwork wore out quickly.
- 02
Choose repair or replacement
If the body is sound, a new cartridge or headwork is enough. With a corroded body, a seized connection or a worn in-wall set, replacement costs less than working the same unit again. We tell you which option before we start.
- 03
Isolation valves, fitting and aerator
Isolation valves are closed and renewed where needed, since a valve that no longer shuts blocks later servicing. The tap or cartridge is fitted with new seals. The aerator is descaled or renewed so the spray pattern and water saving are right again.
- 04
Thermostatic check and final test
On thermostatic taps we check mixing and the safety stop against suddenly too-hot water. We open slowly, check connections for damp (including under the unit) and test hot and cold until the flow is stable.
- 05
Advice on scale and an optional softener
If scale returns quickly on the tap or aerator, we discuss whether a softener would help. That stays optional: measure hardness first, then decide. Targeted cleaning and a sensible residual setting elsewhere often suffice.
Common causes
Why a tap drips, turns stiffly or swaps temperatures
A constant drip often comes from a worn washer, ceramic headwork or cartridge. That quiet water waste adds up: the meter can keep moving while you think everything is shut. The longer you wait, the higher the needless use.
Scale and debris block the aerator, cut the flow and make the tap sputter. Excess pressure in the home wears cartridges faster. Thermostatic taps sometimes fail on the mixing cartridge or the safety stop, with swinging or suddenly too-hot temperatures.
In-wall taps often hide a body behind tile or a cover plate. Wear or leakage there is harder to reach than on a surface mixer on a basin or sink. That difference sets both the diagnosis and the price.
Related work
From a single tap to kitchen, sanitary or bathroom work
Sometimes the tap is the only issue. Sometimes it belongs with a wider kitchen, sanitary or bathroom job, or with hard water. We link the right next step to what we see on site.
- Kitchen plumbing - handle tap, sink pipework and kitchen connections together
- Sanitary installation - new or adjusted sanitary circuits with matching taps
- Bathroom renovation - when tapware is part of a larger bathroom project
- Sink installation - new sink with tap, trap and a watertight connection
- Water softener - optional when scale attacks taps and aerators again quickly
Signs to watch
When a tap needs attention
These signs point to wear, scale or a failing cartridge. The earlier you call, the more often repair is enough instead of full replacement.
- The tap keeps dripping after you have shut it.
- The handle turns stiffly, or hot and cold swap without warning.
- The spray is uneven, weak or sputters from a blocked aerator.
- A thermostatic tap gives swinging or suddenly too-hot temperatures.
- There is damp under the basin or behind an in-wall cover when the tap is used.
- The water meter moves while every tap seems closed.
Until we arrive
What to do while you wait for the plumber
A few simple steps limit water loss and make the visit faster. Scheduling depends on availability; we do not promise a fixed short arrival window.
- 01
Shut the isolation valves or the main stopcock
Close the valves under the basin or sink. If that fails, shut the main stopcock. That stops the drip until we arrive.
- 02
Note make, type and complaint
Photograph the tap and note whether it is basin, kitchen, thermostatic or in-wall. Say whether it drips, turns stiffly or swings in temperature.
- 03
Make the zone reachable
Clear a little space under the unit or in front of the in-wall cover. Have a cloth ready for residual water. That often shortens the visit.
- 04
Call with a short description
Tell us whether the isolation valves still shut and whether there is damp under the unit. We then bring the right cartridges and tooling.
Transparent pricing
Surface tap, in-wall and materials priced separately
Our call-outs start from €63.60 incl. VAT (6 % for homes over 10 years old, otherwise 21 %).
Price depends on repair versus replacement, on tap type (basin, kitchen, thermostatic or in-wall) and on access. A cartridge swap or surface mixer is usually a shorter visit at a lower rate than an in-wall set behind tile or a cover plate, where strip-out and resealing take more time.
You get the final price after the on-site assessment, before work starts. Materials (tap, cartridge, isolation valves, aerator) and labour are clearly separated.
Benefits
- Cartridge or headwork repair distinguished from full tap replacement
- Water pressure measured because excess pressure wears cartridges early
- Basin, kitchen, thermostatic and in-wall taps handled in one method
- Aerator cleaned or renewed for a stable, water-saving flow
- Thermostatic safety checked on the temperature limit
Equipment & techniques
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Question not on the list? We answer it by phone, no obligation.
+32 2 000 00 00How much does tap replacement cost?
Our call-outs start from €63.60 incl. VAT (6 % for homes over 10 years old, otherwise 21 %). Price depends on repair versus replacement, on tap type (basin, kitchen, thermostatic or in-wall) and on access.
Does the whole tap need replacing, or is a new cartridge enough?
If the body and connections are sound, a new cartridge or headwork is often enough. With corrosion, a seized fit or a worn in-wall set, replacement is usually better value. We decide on site, after the assessment.
How much water does a dripping tap waste?
A constant drip adds up over days and weeks, even when you barely 'see' water. The meter can keep moving while you think everything is shut. Prompt repair limits that needless use.
What is the price difference between a surface tap and in-wall?
Surface taps on a basin or sink are easier to reach and usually need a shorter visit. In-wall work behind tile or a cover plate needs more strip-out, sealing and time, so it costs more. You see that difference clearly in the quote.
Does a water softener help against scale on taps?
A softener can help when hard water attacks taps and aerators again quickly, but it is not always needed. We measure hardness first and judge whether targeted cleaning and a new cartridge are enough. Softening stays an optional next step.
Do you also check thermostatic safety?
Yes. On thermostatic taps we check mixing and the temperature limit so suddenly too-hot water stays limited. Failed mixing cartridges are replaced, or we advise a full replacement if the body is no longer reliable.
How soon can you come for a tap?
Our line is available 24/7 and we schedule depending on the area and availability. Exact timing depends on location, traffic and how busy we are. You hear what is realistic when you call.
When should you call a plumber straight away?
Some signs are worth acting on straight away: a leak you cannot stop, water coming through a ceiling or a wall, a damp patch that keeps spreading, a sudden drop in pressure throughout the house, or water near a consumer unit or an electrical appliance. Close the main stop valve first: it limits the damage while the cause is being traced.
Present in Brussels, in Wallonia and in Flanders
42
cities served · plumbing
Click a marker to open your city page.
Cities we serve
Why Van Dijk Home
A tap that starts dripping again often points at pressure, scale or a worn cartridge, not only bad luck. Van Dijk Home measures pressure, chooses deliberately between repair and replacement and looks after the aerator and thermostatic safety. Up to 2 years warranty on labour; parts carry the manufacturer’s warranty. A short visit often covers surface work; in-wall jobs are scheduled with the strip-out time they need.
Related services