Cost guide · Pipes & Drains
Faucet Replacement Cost
Short answer: Replacing a bathroom faucet costs about $270 on average, with most homeowners paying $170 to $360, according to HomeAdvisor. HomeGuide puts the faucet plus labor at $150 to $600 and labor alone at $130 to $350. A shower faucet replacement costs $200 to $900 installed, and swapping just a shower cartridge runs $100 to $350.
A faucet swap is a short job, so most of the bill is the plumber's minimum charge and the faucet you choose. HomeAdvisor puts the average bathroom faucet replacement at $270, with most homeowners paying $170 to $360. HomeGuide's range for the faucet plus labor is $150 to $600.
Labor
| Pro | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom faucet installation labor | $130 – $350 | HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor |
| Plumber hourly rate | $75 – $150 | HomeGuide |
| Handyperson hourly rate | $50 – $80 | HomeGuide |
| Removing the old faucet | $30 – $80 | HomeAdvisor |
A handyperson can usually handle a straightforward swap. Call a plumber if the shutoff valves are seized, the supply lines are corroded or the drain also needs work.
Bathroom faucet prices by type
| Type | Faucet price |
|---|---|
| Center-set | $50 – $250 |
| Single handle | $50 – $550 |
| Widespread | $70 – $600 |
| Vessel | $75 – $600 |
| Wall-mounted | $100 – $400 |
| Touchless | $200 – $600 |
Source: HomeAdvisor. HomeGuide adds that smart faucets with temperature control cost $200 to $1,200. Material matters too: zinc faucets run $20 to $50, stainless steel $50 to $250 and higher-end brass $200 to $600 (HomeGuide).
Wall-mounted faucets need supply lines inside the wall, so they cost more to install if you are switching from a deck-mounted model.
Shower faucet replacement
| Job | Cost |
|---|---|
| Shower faucet replacement, installed | $200 – $900 |
| Installation labor | $150 – $600 |
| Valve replaced along with the faucet | $225 – $575 |
| Cartridge replacement, parts and labor | $100 – $350 |
| Cartridge part only | $10 – $80 |
Source: HomeGuide. If the shower drips or will not hold temperature, a new cartridge often fixes it without opening the wall. See shower valve replacement cost for in-wall valve work.
Repair or replace?
HomeAdvisor says simple repairs, such as replacing washers or O-rings, cost under $100. Replacement makes more sense when a faucet needs frequent repairs, the finish is worn, or parts are no longer available.
Ways to save
- Buy the faucet yourself and ask for a labor-only price.
- Replace both shutoff valves and supply lines at the same visit if they are old.
- Group the faucet with other small jobs, such as a toilet installation, to use one service call.
What the plumber does
Replacing a faucet means shutting off the supply valves, disconnecting the supply lines and drain parts, removing the old faucet and mounting nuts, cleaning the deck, and installing the new faucet with new supply lines. Kitchen faucets with sprayers or soap dispensers, and bathroom faucets with pop-up drains, take a little longer.
What affects the price
- The faucet itself. Basic models cost little; touchless, pull-down and designer finishes cost much more.
- Corroded parts. Old mounting nuts and supply connections can seize and take time to cut off.
- Shut-off valves. If the valves under the sink are old or do not close fully, replacing them adds to the job, but it is worth doing at the same time.
- Sink type. Undermount sinks and stone countertops make access harder; wall-mounted faucets may need work behind the wall.
- Number of holes. A new faucet that needs a different hole pattern may require a deck plate or drilling.
More on repair or replace
A dripping faucet often only needs a new cartridge, washer or O-ring. If the faucet is older, the finish is failing, parts are hard to find, or the body itself is leaking, replacement makes more sense.
Doing it yourself
Faucet replacement is one of the more DIY-friendly plumbing jobs if the shut-off valves work and the parts are not corroded. Hiring a plumber is worth it when valves need replacing or when access is tight.
Questions to ask
- Is the price for labor only, or does it include the faucet and supply lines?
- Will you replace the shut-off valves if they are old?
- Is there a minimum charge for a single fixture?
In Texas
Hard water is common in much of Texas. Mineral buildup wears out cartridges and aerators faster and can leave crusty deposits on fixtures, so a faucet with easy-to-replace cartridges is a practical choice.
Choosing a faucet that fits
Before you buy, look under the sink and count the holes in the sink or countertop. Single-hole, centerset (three holes on a four-inch spread) and widespread (three holes on a wider spread) faucets are not interchangeable without a deck plate or new holes. Buying a faucet that matches the existing holes keeps the job simple and the labor short.
For kitchens, check the spout reach and height against the sink bowl. A tall spout over a shallow sink splashes, and a short reach can leave the drain out of the stream. Pull-down and pull-out sprayers need clearance under the sink for the hose and its weight.
Finish and valve type matter more than the brand name. Ceramic disc cartridges resist drips longer than older compression washers. Finishes like brushed nickel and stainless hide water spots better than polished chrome.
Supply lines and shutoff valves
Replacing a faucet is a good time to check the shutoff valves under the sink. Old multi-turn valves often seize or drip once they are finally turned. If they do not close fully, the plumber will usually recommend replacing them with quarter-turn valves while the water is already off. New braided supply lines are cheap and are usually installed with the faucet; reusing old lines saves very little and risks a leak.
Signs a faucet needs replacing rather than repairing
- The body is corroded or cracked.
- Parts for the model are no longer available.
- It has been repaired several times and still drips.
- The handles are loose or hard to turn even after new cartridges.
Getting the most out of a plumber visit
Since much of the cost is the trip and the first hour, it often makes sense to bundle small jobs: a second faucet, a new shutoff valve, a running toilet or a slow drain. Ask for a price on everything at once rather than calling back for each item.
How long a faucet lasts
A quality faucet often lasts many years, but hard water shortens that by building scale inside cartridges and aerators. Cleaning the aerator every few months and replacing a worn cartridge when the faucet starts to drip keeps it working longer. If the faucet has a lifetime warranty, the manufacturer may send replacement cartridges for free, so keep the box or the model number.
Sources
Plumbers in Texas
Our Texas business directory lists 695 plumbers across 6 major cities. The ratings below are the average Google rating of the listed businesses in each city, and the review counts are the total number of Google reviews they have received.
| City | Businesses listed | Avg. Google rating | Total reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 258 | 4.5 | 79,130 |
| Dallas | 69 | 4.7 | 46,816 |
| San Antonio | 166 | 4.7 | 81,883 |
| Austin | 81 | 4.7 | 63,373 |
| Fort Worth | 80 | 4.7 | 22,140 |
| El Paso | 41 | 4.4 | 5,504 |
Source: twupro Texas business directory, built from public Google Maps listings.
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