Faucet replacement — planning ranges for 2026

Kitchen and bathroom faucet costs, DIY vs plumber, and when repair stops making sense.

Updated April 2026

All costs include parts and standard labor unless noted otherwise. Ranges reflect national averages — your area may be higher or lower.

Replacement ranges

ItemTypical installed range
Kitchen faucet replacement$150 – $400
Bathroom faucet replacement$150 – $350
Pot filler install$300 – $700
Instant hot water tap$200 – $500
Shower head install$75 – $200

When to replace vs repair

Replace when: persistent dripping after cartridge replacement, visible corrosion on the faucet body, handles are hard to turn even after cleaning, or the faucet is more than 15 years old. Repair when: a single drip that stops after replacing the cartridge ($20-$40 DIY part).

DIY vs plumber

A basic faucet swap is one of the most accessible plumbing DIY projects. You need a basin wrench ($15), adjustable pliers, and plumber's tape. Budget 30-60 minutes. A plumber charges $100-$200 for the same job — worth it if supply lines are corroded or you cannot reach the mounting nuts.

Buy the faucet yourself and hire a plumber to install it. Plumbers mark up fixtures 20-40%. A $150 faucet from a home center + $100 labor beats a $250 installed package from the plumber.
Use the free cost lookup — 264 items with regional pricing adjustments →

Based on national trade data and contractor experience. Updated April 2026. All ranges are for planning purposes only — not a quote or guarantee. Actual costs vary by region, scope, access, materials, and contractor.