Do Kitchen Fitters Do Plumbing?
Kitchen fitters install units but not first or second-fix plumbing — that requires a qualified plumber. Fitters position sinks and dishwashers within units; plumbers connect water supply and waste. Both trades must be co-ordinated around the installation programme.
What Kitchen Fitters Do vs Plumbers
A kitchen fitter installs all cabinetry, worktops, and appliances. However, the water supply connections, waste connections, and any new pipework are the domain of a qualified plumber. A kitchen fitter will position the sink within the worktop and the dishwasher within its housing, but making the physical connections to the water supply and drainage requires a qualified plumber. These are distinct trades with distinct responsibilities.
First Fix and Second Fix Explained
Plumbing work in a kitchen renovation happens at two stages. First fix occurs before the kitchen is installed — new supply pipes and waste runs are positioned so that connection points will be in exactly the right place once units are fitted. Second fix occurs after the kitchen fitter has installed the units — the plumber then connects the sink, dishwasher, and any other plumbed appliances. Both stages must be timed correctly around the installation programme.
Co-ordinating Trades for Your Installation
The most common kitchen renovation delays arise from poor co-ordination between the fitter, plumber, and electrician. At Install My Kitchen, we discuss the full programme at the survey stage so you know exactly when each trade is needed. This prevents costly delays where the fitter is waiting on a plumber or vice versa. Contact Pindi Sahota on 07399 651836 to discuss your project.
Related Questions
A kitchen fitter can position the sink unit wherever the plan requires, but moving the water supply and waste connections requires a plumber. The two trades work together — the plumber moves the services, then the fitter installs the units.
First and second fix kitchen plumbing typically costs £300–£800 depending on the extent of work. Simple second-fix connection of an existing sink to existing supply positions costs less. New pipework runs cost more.
First-fix plumbing — new pipes and waste runs — must be completed before installation begins. Second-fix connections happen after the fitter has installed units and cut the worktop for the sink. Timing is planned at the survey stage.
Yes. Gas hob connections must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement and non-negotiable. Your kitchen fitter will position the hob within its housing; a Gas Safe engineer makes the gas connection.
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