What Does Faucet Repair or Installation Cost?
Professional faucet repair typically costs $50 to $550, averaging around $200. The range covers simple cartridge replacements through new faucet installation in complex sink configurations.
Dripping Faucet Repair: $50 to $200
A dripping faucet wastes 3,000 to 5,000 gallons of water per year and is one of the most cost-effective plumbing repairs. The fix typically involves replacing a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge parts that cost $5 to $30 at a hardware store. With a licensed plumber: the total including service call and labor runs $50 to $200 for most standard faucet types. Ball faucets, cartridge faucets, and ceramic disc faucets each require different parts, but all are within the straightforward repair category. (For more on this, see What Affects Faucet Repair Cost?.) EPA WaterSense estimates the average household wastes about 9,300 gallons a year to leaks, and a single dripping faucet more than 3,000 gallons.
Leak or Low-Pressure Repair: $150 to $300
Leaks at the base of the faucet (O-ring failure), leaks under the sink at the supply line connections, or low pressure from a partially blocked aerator are more involved repairs. Aerator cleaning or replacement (the screen at the faucet tip that mixes air into the water stream and traps debris): $50 to $100. Supply line replacement: $75 to $150. O-ring or valve seat replacement: $100 to $250. These repairs are more complex than a simple drip fix because they may require shutting off the supply and more disassembly.
New Faucet Installation: $100 to $550
Installing a new faucet in an existing sink varies significantly with faucet type and sink configuration. A straightforward single-handle faucet replacement in an accessible kitchen or bathroom: $100 to $250. A widespread bathroom faucet (three separate holes) or a pullout kitchen faucet with accessories: $200 to $400. Adding a new faucet where one did not exist (drilling new holes in the sink) or a specialty installation (pot filler, filtered water tap): $300 to $550. Faucet cost is separate these prices reflect labor only. (For more on this, see Hidden Costs of Faucet Repair and Installation.)
Faucet Repair Cost at a Glance
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dripping faucet repair | $50 to $200 | |
| Leak or low-pressure fix | $150 to $300 | |
| New faucet installation | $100 to $550 | |
| Overall range | $50 to $550, averaging $200 |
Ranges here are national ballpark figures, not quotes. Actual pricing varies by region, home condition, materials, and contractor. How we source cost data.
Planning Your Project Budget
The cost ranges in this article are based on industry data and are intended as planning benchmarks, not fixed prices. The actual cost for your project depends on your specific home, your local labor market, the current price of materials, and the scope the contractor confirms after a site inspection.
Always get at least two written quotes on equivalent defined scope before committing to any home services project. Wide price variation between quotes usually reflects differences in material quality, scope completeness (what is included and what is not), or contractor overhead and experience level rather than simple price competition.
Use the cost data in this article to ask better questions during the quoting process: What material is included? What does that per-square-foot or per-linear-foot rate include and exclude? Are permits, cleanup, and disposal included? What is the warranty on labor? These questions turn a quote into a comparable basis for decision-making. (For more on this, see Questions to Ask Before Booking Faucet Repair.)
Working With a Contractor on This Project
Getting the right outcome on any home services project starts before the work begins. A few consistent practices make the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.
Get at least two or three quotes. A single quote gives you no basis for comparison. Two or three quotes reveal the market rate for the work, expose scope differences between bidders, and let you assess contractor communication quality before any commitment is made. The lowest bid is not automatically the best value if the scope is thin or the materials are underspecified.
Ask for licenses and insurance before work starts. Verify current general liability insurance and, for any work involving workers on your property, workers compensation coverage. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade; confirm the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. A licensed contractor who carries appropriate insurance protects both parties if something goes wrong during the project.
Get the scope in writing. A written proposal that specifies materials, labor scope, timeline, what is included (permits, cleanup, disposal), and warranty terms is the foundation of a professional engagement. Verbal agreements on any of these points invite misunderstanding. For any project over $500, written scope is non-negotiable.
Clarify the payment schedule upfront. A reasonable payment schedule ties major payments to project milestones: a deposit at signing, a payment at material delivery or project start, and a final payment at completion after a walkthrough confirms satisfaction. A contractor who requires full payment upfront before work begins is a red flag in any trade.