Cost to repair a leaky faucet

Leaky faucet repair costs

How much it costs to repair a leaky faucet comes down to parts and labor. According to Easy Expense, an app that helps track expenses, the average cost nationally to repair a leaky faucet is about $275. However, the cost varies depending on where you live, the repair company and what parts are required. We researched some average prices to give you an idea of what to expect.

Replacement faucet parts

Replacement faucet parts are often much cheaper than the cost of labor, so you may be able to save a lot of money with a DIY repair.

When a faucet needs repairs, you’ll often need a few parts to complete the job. Here are some typical costs for common faucet parts according to Andrew Miles, an expert with 30 years in the plumbing industry:

• O-ring: These range from $1 to $5.
• Rubber washer: Replacement generally costs around $2 to $5 for a pack of multiple washers.
• Valve seat: This part costs around $5 to $10, depending on the material and brand.
• Cartridge: Depending on the brand and complexity, these can range from $10 to $100. The cartridge is a small plastic piece that controls water flow and is in almost all new faucets.
• Ceramic disk: “In ceramic disk faucets, the disk assembly can wear out. These are generally more expensive to replace, ranging from $20 to $50,” said Miles.
• Stem assembly: Faucets with two handles have this part. Replacing this will cost $10 to $50, depending on the brand and material.
• Hose (for pull-out faucets): If you have a pull-out faucet that leaks, a new hose can cost between $15 and $50.
• Gaskets and seals: “These are usually inexpensive but crucial for preventing leaks,” said Miles. “They may come in kits or separately, costing between $2 and $10.”

Labor

When it comes to labor, most plumbers will charge a rate by the hour. Typical rates range from $45 to $200. “A simple fix takes about an hour,” said Hunter Botto, a veteran plumbing professional and the past president of the National Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC). “A complex fix that requires turning off the water can take hours.”

Cost to repair by faucet type

The type of faucet can change the cost of the repair, with bathtubs on the more expensive side and bathroom and kitchen sinks on the lower end. Here’s a breakdown according to the kind of faucet.

Bathroom sink faucet

Bathroom sink faucets can be one of the cheaper repairs, at $60 to $200. Sometimes the washer just needs to be switched out, which can run from $2 to $5, so you’re really paying for the labor more than anything. If you need a new faucet because of age, cracks and other major problems, you’ll likely pay $50 to $300, depending on the type and brand of sink.

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Kitchen sink faucet

Fixing a leaky kitchen sink can be a little more expensive than fixing bathroom faucets, at up to $250. These faucets tend to have more parts, making them harder to fix. If you need a new kitchen faucet, the price can increase by quite a bit. You’ll pay around $100 to $250 for the installation and an additional $50 to $400 for the new faucet.

Bathtub faucet

At $60 to $400, bathtub and shower faucets are some of the most expensive to repair. If the parts are in the wall, it can take longer to get to and drive up the labor costs. Bathtub faucets are also more complicated to remove than other types of faucets, which can also add to the time it takes to repair.

Outdoor faucet

Outdoor faucets are often victims of the elements. Freezing temperatures can burst inner components and the spout. Usually, outdoor faucets are replaced instead of repaired. Replacements can run between $100 and $300 with the faucet and labor included.

Signs of a leaky faucet

You probably know that if your faucet drips when it’s turned off, it has a leak problem. However, there are a few other signs you can look for that aren’t so obvious. Here’s how to find out if your leak is a little more sneaky:

• Look for stains on the wall around the faucet. Water may be escaping the faucet and making its way into the wall.
• For kitchen sinks and bathrooms with a vanity, check underneath to see if there is any moisture inside the cabinet where the faucet connects to the water line, on the floor or on the wall.
• Look for water pooling around where the faucet connects to the sink.
• Keep track of your water bill. If it seems higher than normal and you haven’t increased your water usage, there could be a leak.
• Try to jiggle to the faucet or handles. If they feel loose, that could mean they’re leaking.
• Listen for any unusual sounds like creaking or sputtering when you turn on the tap.

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DIY leaky faucet repair

If you’re handy with tools, you can probably repair most faucet problems yourself. Faucets don’t have a lot of parts and are easy to remove and put back together. You may end up paying just a few dollars if the fix is as simple as replacing the O-ring or a washer. In those instances, it’s worth a shot to troubleshoot the problem before calling a plumber.

The trickier repairs include bathtub faucets, outdoor faucets and any repairs that may require accessing parts behind walls. In those cases, it’s best to call in a professional.

Bottom line

What you pay to repair a leaky faucet boils down to the cost of the replacement parts plus labor. Since the cause of a leaky faucet is often minor, you can save on the labor costs by doing simple repairs yourself — especially if the part is only a few dollars. However, if the repair involves more complexity, like opening up a wall, it’s best to call a plumber instead.

No matter the cost, getting a leaky faucet fixed right away can save you from major water damage repair and high water bills.