Doing it yourself
- Cost: ₾0 if you own the tools. Otherwise an adjustable spanner, an open-end spanner and a torch — ₾80–150.
- Time: 30–90 minutes for an average person.
- Risk: flooding the neighbours if it goes wrong — ₾2,000 in compensation at the very least.
- What you need to know: how to shut off the water, what thread the hoses use, how to wind PTFE tape.
Calling a plumber
- Cost: ₾800–1,500 for labour in Tbilisi or Batumi.
- Time: 30 minutes of actual work, plus an hour waiting for them to arrive.
- Risk: none — you get a warranty and the platform stands behind it.
- Bonus: a plumber will notice if the isolating valves under the sink have seized or the hoses have perished.
When DIY is simply not an option
The old tap has corroded solid and will not turn. The hoses are non-standard, longer or shorter than usual. The thread on the riser is unusual. You can only reach it by dismantling the furniture. You cannot shut the water off for the flat. Any one of these and you need a plumber — on your own you will only make it worse.
When DIY does make sense
A modern tap no more than five years old, standard hoses, clear access, tools to hand and a basic grasp of what you are doing. A straight swap really is a 30-minute job. If the very first nut protests, stop and call someone — you will save more than you spend.
The honest calculation
If an hour of your time is worth more than ₾500, call a plumber and do not think about it. If you enjoy working with your hands and have a free day, try it — just know in advance where the stopcock is and who to ring if it goes sideways.