Skip to main content
True Trade Path

Cost guide

Faucet Replacement Cost

Removing an old kitchen or bathroom faucet and installing a new unit on existing supply stops.

Typical range
$175–$650
Most people pay
$325
Service life
15–20 years for quality faucets; cartridges sooner

National cost range

National range, per faucet installed

$175 – $650

Most homeowners pay around $325. The spread is real, not hedging — the drivers below determine which end of it you land on.

Low end
$175
Simple access, like-for-like
Typical
$325
What most jobs come in at
High end
$650
Upgrades, difficult access, code work

What you are actually paying for

Find the row that matches your situation. Quotes that differ wildly from each other usually differ in scope, not in price.

ScenarioTypical cost
Kitchen pull-down, clear accessLike-for-like holes.$175–$350
Bathroom centersetBasin wrench access.$150–$300
Widespread or wall-mount bathMore connections.$275–$550
Replace seized shutoffsTwo new stops typical.$250–$500
Granite deck drill new holeTemplate and coring.$300–$650

What moves the price

In descending order of impact. These are also the questions worth asking a contractor whose quote sits outside the range above.

  1. Faucet style

    Single-hole and centerset swaps are fastest. Widespread and wall-mount faucets add $75 to $200 in labor.

  2. Supply valve condition

    Seized shutoffs add $75 to $200 each to replace before install.

  3. Deck holes and escutcheons

    Covering unused holes or drilling granite adds cost.

  4. Garbage disposal clearance

    Tight kitchen cabinets double working time.

  5. Material of sink

    Stone and fireclay need care — cracked drilling is not covered by faucet warranty.

Direct answer

Faucet Replacement in 2026 typically costs $175 to $650 nationwide, with planning figures near $325 for per faucet installed. Access, pipe condition, and permit requirements drive most of the spread—not fixture brand alone.

What each price band actually buys

Low end
Covers straightforward access, standard materials, and a single visit without major code-driven add-ons.
Typical
Mid-grade materials, normal business hours, and the access path described in the scenario table.
High end
Difficult access, emergency dispatch, structural or finish restoration, or code upgrades discovered during work.

Labor vs materials

Typical split for this job nationally: roughly 50% labor and 50% materials. Crew size is usually 1 plumber, across one service visit (1–4 hours).

What this price usually does not include

  • Drywall, tile, or flooring restoration unless line-itemed
  • Permit fees when a separate authority fee applies
  • Water damage or mold remediation from prior leaks
  • Relocation of unrelated fixtures or appliances
  • Extended warranties sold at the counter
  • Municipal connection fees beyond the property line

Hidden costs that show up on real jobs

ItemHow often
Shutoff valve replacement when seized20–35% on older supply stops
Code-required vent or trap rework15–25% when opening walls
Emergency or after-hours trip chargeCommon on nights and weekends
Second visit for inspection failure10–20% when permits apply
Finish carpentry after access holes15–30% on finished baths and kitchens

Regional variation

Plumber labor drives regional spread: expect bids roughly 20–35% above national medians in Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, and New York City, and somewhat below median in competitive Sun Belt markets. When localized pages are live at `/home/cost/faucet-replacement/[metro]`, compare three written quotes rather than a single flyer price.

Localized cost pages (where available)

Code upgrades this job can trigger

  • Updated shutoff valves at fixtures when required by local amendment
  • Proper trap and vent configuration when altering drain routing
  • Backflow or expansion devices when tied to municipal supply rules

Repair vs replace

Repair makes sense when the existing component is otherwise sound and failure is isolated. Replacement is appropriate when corrosion, repeated failure, or code non-compliance affects safety or resale. Compare the repair quote to a new install with warranty before authorizing band-aid work on components past typical service life.

Timeline and visits

Most jobs schedule within a few days; emergency water or sewer issues may be same-day. Permit inspections add a separate visit when required.

Quote checklist — line items a fair bid should show

  1. Labor versus materials line items
  2. Fixture or equipment model numbers
  3. Permit and inspection fees if applicable
  4. What restoration is included after access
  5. Warranty on parts and labor
  6. Payment terms and change-order process
  7. Start date and estimated on-site hours

Questions to ask before you sign

  • Is this repair or full replacement, and what triggers the higher option?
  • Will you pull the plumbing permit and meet the inspector?
  • What is excluded if shutoff valves or venting fail inspection?
  • How do you protect finished floors and walls during work?
  • What warranty applies if the same issue returns within a year?
  • Is disposal and haul-away included?

Quote red flags for this job

  • Single lump sum with no scope or model numbers
  • Refusal to pull a permit when local code requires one
  • Price far below competitors with no explanation of excluded restoration
  • Cash-only with no written warranty
  • No plan for water shutoff or occupancy during work
  • Pressure to replace entire systems without documenting the failure

Payment schedule norms

Service and small installs: payment on completion. Larger jobs: 25–33% deposit, balance at final inspection.

Check a deposit against your state

Part of a larger project?

A complete guide to planning, budgeting, sequencing, and managing a full bathroom remodel, from tear-out to final inspection.

Open Full Bathroom Remodel Guide

Can you do it yourself?

DIY viable

Homeowners with a basin wrench can swap like-for-like faucets in 1 to 2 hours. Call a pro for wall-mount, seized valves, or no main shutoff.

Permits and inspection

Like-for-like faucet swap rarely needs a permit.

When this cannot wait

  • Active drip staining cabinet floor
  • Cannot shut off water at stops
  • Broken handle with no shutoff upstream

For trade owners

Pricing this job as a contractor?

Homeowners see national ranges on this page. If you are building the estimate, use the same scope assumptions — then price to burdened labor, overhead recovery and a real margin.

We never sell leads. Read the promise.

Find a licensed pro

When you are ready to hire for faucet replacement, start with licence verification — not with whoever answered first.

No paid placement

Rankings are never sold. Order reflects verification depth and relevance, not payment.

Verify any licence yourself before signing: state licensing hub.

Common questions

How much does faucet replacement cost?
Faucet Replacement typically runs $175 to $650 nationwide, with most homeowners near $325 for per faucet installed. Access, materials, and local labor move the final bid more than brand.
What is the average cost of faucet replacement?
Plan around $325 for standard access and mid-grade materials. Simple jobs sit near $175; complex access, code upgrades, or restoration push toward $650.
Do I need a permit for faucet replacement?
Like-for-like faucet swap rarely needs a permit.
Can I DIY faucet replacement?
Homeowners with a basin wrench can swap like-for-like faucets in 1 to 2 hours. Call a pro for wall-mount, seized valves, or no main shutoff.
How long does faucet replacement take?
Most residential jobs finish in one visit of one to four hours unless inspection or wall access is required.
Emergency faucet replacement — what will I pay tonight?
After-hours plumbing typically adds $75 to $250 on top of daytime rates. For faucet replacement, budget $406 to $747 for a same-night visit before any restoration or permit add-ons.
Is faucet replacement cheaper if I buy the parts?
Labor-only quotes run 60–70% of turnkey price. For faucet replacement, fixture or material quality must match local code — most plumbers warranty only parts they supply. Expect $175 to $325 labor when you provide compatible components.
How do I know if my faucet replacement quote is fair?
Compare three written scopes in your zip. Fair bids for faucet replacement cluster near $325 for standard access. Quotes under $131 often exclude shutoff work, permits, or restoration.
Does homeowners insurance pay for faucet replacement?
Sudden and accidental water damage may cover remediation, not routine faucet replacement maintenance. Sewer backup and service line riders are separate. Document with photos before cleanup and ask your adjuster about code-upgrade coverage.
What increases faucet replacement cost in older homes?
Galvanized pipe, tight crawlspaces, and non-code layouts add 20–40% in many markets. For faucet replacement, seized valves and hidden mold from prior leaks are common change-order triggers — plan $325 to $650 when the home is pre-1980.