A leaking faucet may look like a minor plumbing problem, but ignoring it can lead to higher water bills, mineral stains, damaged cabinets, mold growth, and more expensive repairs.
In the United States, the cost to fix a leaking faucet typically ranges from $100 to $400 when hiring a plumber, with many homeowners paying around $270. A simple do-it-yourself repair may cost as little as $5 to $100, depending on the replacement part and whether you already own the necessary tools.
The final price depends on the type of faucet, the source of the leak, local labor rates, accessibility, and whether the fixture can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
Leaking Faucet Repair Cost at a Glance
| Repair option | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| DIY washer or O-ring replacement | $5–$20 |
| DIY cartridge replacement | $10–$100 |
| Professional faucet repair | $100–$400 |
| Average professional repair | About $270 |
| Bathroom sink faucet repair | $60–$200 |
| Kitchen faucet repair | $100–$250 |
| Shower faucet repair | $75–$200 |
| Bathtub faucet repair | $60–$400 |
| Outdoor faucet repair | $100–$300 |
| Faucet replacement | $170–$500+ |
These are national estimates. Prices may be higher in major metropolitan areas, during weekends, or when emergency plumbing service is required.
Average Cost to Fix a Leaking Faucet
Most professional faucet repairs cost between $100 and $400, including basic replacement parts and labor. Although the faulty component may cost only a few dollars, plumbers commonly charge a minimum service or trip fee.
A straightforward repair—such as replacing a worn washer in an easily accessible bathroom faucet—will usually fall near the lower end of the range. More complicated repairs involving shower valves, corroded components, specialty faucets, or plumbing behind a wall can approach or exceed $400.
Cost by repair complexity
| Repair complexity | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Minor repair | $60–$150 |
| Standard faucet repair | $150–$300 |
| Complex or difficult-to-access repair | $300–$500+ |
Minor repairs usually involve washers, O-rings, aerators, or loose connections. Standard repairs may require a new cartridge, stem, or valve seat. Complex jobs can involve corrosion, broken supply lines, wall access, or discontinued replacement parts.
Faucet Repair Cost by Location
The location of the faucet affects both accessibility and labor time.
Bathroom sink faucet
Fixing a leaking bathroom sink faucet usually costs $60 to $200. These faucets are generally easy to access because the shutoff valves and supply lines are located inside the vanity cabinet.
Common problems include:
- Worn washers
- Damaged O-rings
- Faulty cartridges
- Loose packing nuts
- Corroded valve seats
Basic replacement parts may cost less than $20, making bathroom faucets among the least expensive fixtures to repair.
Kitchen faucet
A leaking kitchen faucet typically costs $100 to $250 to repair. Kitchen faucets often contain more components than basic bathroom fixtures, especially when they include pull-down sprayers, side sprayers, touch activation, or multiple spray settings.
A leak near the handle may require a new cartridge or O-ring. Water leaking from the pull-out hose may require a replacement hose, connection, or spray head.
Shower faucet
The average shower faucet repair costs approximately $75 to $200, although complicated valve repairs may cost more.
Shower faucets are more difficult to access because the plumbing is located behind the wall. A plumber may need to remove the handle and trim plate to reach the cartridge or mixing valve. If the valve body is damaged or the wall must be opened, the total cost can rise significantly.
Bathtub faucet
Bathtub faucet repairs generally cost $60 to $400. The price depends heavily on whether the problem is limited to the tub spout or involves the valve assembly behind the wall.
Replacing a tub spout or washer is relatively inexpensive. Repairing a corroded valve, damaged diverter, or inaccessible pipe connection requires more labor.
Outdoor faucet or hose bib
Repairing an outdoor faucet typically costs $100 to $300. In many cases, replacing the entire hose bib is more practical than rebuilding it.
Outdoor faucets are exposed to freezing temperatures, moisture, and weather-related corrosion. A frost-damaged pipe or leaking connection inside the wall may cost considerably more than a simple washer replacement.
Current national cost data places bathroom faucet repairs around $60 to $200, kitchen faucet repairs around $100 to $250, and outdoor faucet repairs around $100 to $300.
Cost of Faucet Replacement Parts
The internal parts responsible for most faucet leaks are relatively inexpensive.
| Faucet part | Typical price |
|---|---|
| O-ring | $1–$5 |
| Rubber washer | $2–$5 |
| Gasket or seal | $2–$10 |
| Valve seat | $5–$10 |
| Cartridge | $10–$100 |
| Faucet stem | $10–$50 |
| Ceramic disc | $20–$50 |
| Replacement hose | $15–$50 |
The cartridge is often the most expensive common repair part. Prices vary by faucet brand and model, and proprietary cartridges may cost more than universal replacements.
Before purchasing a replacement part, identify the faucet manufacturer and model. Bringing the old cartridge, washer, or stem to a hardware store can help ensure the new component matches.
Plumber Labor Cost for Faucet Repair
Plumbers commonly charge approximately $45 to $200 per hour, but the final invoice may include a minimum service charge even when the repair takes less than an hour.
Professional pricing may include:
- Travel time
- Diagnostic work
- Labor
- Standard replacement parts
- Testing the faucet after repair
- Cleanup
- Workmanship warranty
Many faucet repairs take between 30 minutes and one hour. Shower, bathtub, and wall-mounted faucets may require additional time because their internal plumbing is harder to reach.
Evening, weekend, holiday, and emergency appointments usually cost more than scheduled weekday service.
What Factors Affect the Cost?
Several factors can move your final price above or below the national average.
Type of faucet
Compression faucets are usually inexpensive to repair because they use basic washers and stems. Cartridge, ball, and ceramic-disc faucets may require more specialized parts.
Touchless and smart faucets can be more expensive because the leak may involve sensors, solenoid valves, wiring, batteries, or electronic controls.
Location and accessibility
A faucet installed over an open vanity is easier to repair than one located behind a tiled shower wall. Limited cabinet space, corroded shutoff valves, and difficult supply-line connections increase labor time.
Cause of the leak
A worn O-ring may cost only a few dollars. A damaged valve body, cracked faucet housing, or leaking pipe behind the wall may require a complete replacement or additional plumbing work.
Local labor rates
Plumbing rates vary by state and city. Homeowners in areas with higher living costs generally pay more for professional service.
Most states and some local jurisdictions require plumbers to be licensed, particularly for work that modifies the plumbing system.
Faucet brand and replacement-part availability
Parts for common faucet brands are usually easy to find. Repairs become more expensive when the fixture is imported, discontinued, unusually old, or designed with proprietary components.
Emergency service
A faucet that drips slowly can usually wait for a scheduled appointment. A broken handle, failed supply line, or leak flooding the cabinet may require emergency service and a higher service fee.
Common Causes of a Leaking Faucet
Identifying where the water appears can help determine the likely repair.
Water dripping from the spout
A continuous drip from the spout usually indicates that the faucet is no longer sealing correctly. Common causes include:
- Worn compression washer
- Damaged cartridge
- Corroded valve seat
- Worn ceramic disc
- Mineral buildup
Water leaking around the handle
Leaks near the handle often come from a deteriorated O-ring, packing nut, seal, or cartridge.
Water collecting around the faucet base
Water around the base may indicate a damaged gasket or loose mounting connection. However, water splashing from normal use can create a similar appearance, so dry the area before testing the faucet.
Water leaking under the sink
A leak below the sink may come from the faucet body, supply line, shutoff valve, sprayer hose, or drain assembly. Under-sink leaks should be addressed quickly because they can damage cabinets and flooring before they become visible.
DIY Faucet Repair Cost
A DIY faucet repair usually costs $5 to $100, depending on the part. Replacing a washer or O-ring may cost less than $10, while a branded cartridge can cost $100.
Basic tools may include:
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Allen wrench
- Pliers
- Plumber’s grease
- Towels and a small bucket
Before disassembling the faucet, turn off the hot and cold water supply valves. Open the faucet to release pressure, cover the drain, and arrange removed pieces in order.
DIY repair is most appropriate when the leak comes from an accessible sink faucet and the correct replacement parts are readily available.
Stop and contact a plumber if the shutoff valve does not work, the fixture is heavily corroded, water is leaking inside a wall, or you cannot identify the source.
Should You Repair or Replace the Faucet?
Repairing the faucet is usually worthwhile when:
- The fixture is in good overall condition
- The finish is not corroded or peeling
- Replacement parts are available
- The leak comes from a washer, seal, or cartridge
- The faucet is relatively new
- The repair costs much less than replacement
Replacement may be the better choice when:
- The faucet is more than 10 to 15 years old
- It leaks from multiple locations
- The body is cracked or badly corroded
- Replacement parts have been discontinued
- Water pressure or temperature control remains inconsistent
- The repair estimate approaches the cost of a new faucet
- You want a more efficient or updated fixture
When replacing a bathroom faucet, consider a WaterSense-labeled model or aerator. EPA-certified bathroom faucets use a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute and can reduce flow by 30% or more compared with the standard 2.2-gallon-per-minute rate without sacrificing performance.
Why You Should Fix a Leaking Faucet Quickly
A dripping faucet wastes more than water. Continuous moisture can cause mineral buildup, stains, deteriorated caulk, damaged cabinetry, and mold-friendly conditions.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water nationwide each year. The average household can lose more than 9,300 gallons annually through leaks, and fixing easily corrected leaks may reduce water bills by approximately 10%.
Repairing the faucet promptly also reduces the chance that a small component failure will become a damaged valve, broken handle, or under-sink leak.
How to Save Money on Faucet Repair
You can reduce the total repair cost by taking a few practical steps:
- Schedule regular service. Avoid emergency, weekend, and holiday appointments unless water damage is occurring.
- Identify the faucet model. The brand name may appear on the handle, base, or underside of the fixture.
- Check the warranty. Some faucet manufacturers provide replacement cartridges or internal parts at no charge.
- Bundle plumbing repairs. Ask the plumber to inspect other dripping faucets or loose connections during the same visit.
- Compare written estimates. For non-emergency work, obtain two or three quotes.
- Ask about the service fee. Confirm whether the diagnostic charge is applied toward the repair.
- Consider replacement. Repeatedly repairing an old, corroded faucet may cost more than installing a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plumber charge to fix a leaking faucet?
Most professional faucet repairs cost between $100 and $400, with an average price of about $270. The total depends on labor rates, faucet type, replacement parts, and accessibility.
Can I fix a leaking faucet myself?
Yes. Homeowners with basic tools can often replace a washer, O-ring, aerator, or cartridge. DIY repairs generally cost between $5 and $100. Call a plumber when the leak involves damaged supply lines, inaccessible valves, severe corrosion, or plumbing inside a wall.
How long does it take to repair a leaking faucet?
A standard sink faucet repair usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Shower and bathtub fixtures may require more time because the valve is installed behind the wall.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a faucet?
Repairing is usually cheaper when the problem involves a replaceable washer, seal, or cartridge. Replacement makes more financial sense when the faucet is old, corroded, cracked, leaking in multiple places, or difficult to source parts for.
Why does my faucet still leak after replacing the washer?
The valve seat may be corroded, the replacement washer may be the wrong size, or another internal component may be damaged. Cartridge faucets may continue leaking when the cartridge is incorrectly installed or the valve body contains mineral buildup.
Is a dripping faucet an emergency?
A slow drip from the spout is not normally an emergency, but it should still be repaired promptly. Shut off the water and request urgent service if water is leaking under the sink, spraying from a supply line, entering a wall, or damaging cabinets and flooring.
Conclusion
The cost to fix a leaking faucet typically ranges from $100 to $400 for professional service, while simple DIY repairs may cost as little as $5 to $100. Bathroom sink faucets are generally the least expensive to repair, while bathtub, shower, smart, and difficult-to-access fixtures tend to cost more.
The best approach depends on the faucet’s age, condition, location, and the availability of replacement parts. Addressing the leak early can reduce water waste, prevent property damage, and keep a relatively inexpensive repair from developing into a larger plumbing project.
If the leak continues after replacing a basic washer or cartridge—or if water appears beneath the sink or inside the wall—request an estimate from a licensed local plumber.