True Cost Guide Plumbing Repair or Replace a Bathtub Faucet

How Much Does It Cost to Replace or Repair a Bathtub Faucet?

Q: How long do bathtub faucets last?

A bathtub faucet generally lasts 15 to 20 years , but this can depend on the type of finish and the overall quality of the faucet. Investing in higher-quality faucets often pays off with a longer-lasting product. Additional factors such as hard water, rust, or damage during use can shorten the life span of the faucet.

Q: How long does it take a plumber to replace a bathroom faucet?

It usually takes a pro no more than an hour to replace a faucet. However, certain installations are more complex and time-consuming, such as pulling out the plumbing or putting in a showerhead. These types of jobs may take a few hours or even the better part of a day.

Typical Range:

$50 - $1,000

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated April 16, 2024

Reviewed by Jeff Botelho, Licensed Journeyman Plumber.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

Hiring a pro for faucet replacement ensures correct installation, avoids leakage, and handles complex plumbing work.
The average cost to replace a bathtub faucet ranges from $180 to $1,000, depending on the model.
Factors impacting bathtub faucet project cost include type and brand of faucet, required plumbing work, and emergency service needs.
Popular materials for bathtub faucet repair or replacement include standard, modern, and freestanding faucets.
The project benefits include enhanced functionality, modern designs, specialized finishes, and additional features.

Highlights were summarized from this existing cost guide text using automation technology and were thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

It costs an average of $350 to replace or repair a bathtub faucet, with a typical range of $300 to $450. However, it may cost you as much as $1,000 to replace a faucet entirely or as little as $50 to do a simple repair.

Average Costs to Repair or Replace a Bathtub Faucet

Average Cost	High Cost	Low Cost
$350	$1,000	$50

Bathtub Faucet Repair or Replacement Material Prices

Bathtub faucet repair and replacement prices vary based on the brand and type of faucet. The cost to replace a bathtub faucet with a simple model can be as low as $15 while upgrading to a high-end brand with a modern design and extra features calls for a much higher budget.

Bathtub Faucet Prices by Type

Bathtub faucet prices vary across the board, depending on the type. For example, you can purchase a simple bathtub faucet for around $15 online, but models with specialty designs or extras like a showerhead can cost hundreds of dollars—even up to $1,000 or more. Here are the average costs to replace a bathtub faucet for these types:

Standard bathtub faucet: $15–$50
Standard bathtub faucet with standard showerhead: $100–$150
Modern bathtub faucet: $100–$400
Waterfall tub filler: $150–$300
Bathtub faucet with rain showerhead: $250–$800
Freestanding bathtub faucet: $250–$1,000

Bathtub Faucet Prices by Brand

Bathtub faucet prices vary considerably across different brands. Higher price points don’t necessarily reflect functionality, but rather specialized finishes, modern designs, and additional features such as water spray settings and hand showers. Below are price ranges for these popular bathroom faucet brands.

Bathtub Faucet Brand	Average Cost Range
AKDY	$260 – $400
American Standard	$150 – $1,300
Delta Faucet	$90 – $2,600
Grohe	$130 – $3,400
Hansgrohe	$170 – $1,100
Kingston Brass	$100 – $1,300
Kohler	$200 – $3,250
Moen	$100 – $2,100
Pfister	$120 – $1,100
Woodbridge	$280 – $460

Bathtub Faucet Repair or Replacement Labor Costs

Hiring a local plumber for a new bathtub faucet installation is typically around $85 to $200 per hour. If the work needed is minimal, the cost to install a bathtub faucet may only be around $180 to $400. However, if extensive plumbing work is required—such as when the plumber needs to pull out the entire installation and repair some of the plaster around it—this project can take around seven hours and cost about $600 to $750 or more.

On the other hand, repairing a faucet generally adds to the hourly cost of hiring a plumber. Plumbers cost about $45 to $200 per hour, so you'll pay as little as $45 to around $100 for a simple repair. No matter the cost, always ask your professional about added or flat fees that may increase your final price.

“Many service companies charge flat rates for their work, as well as a service or truck fee,” says Jeff Botelho, Angi Expert Review Board member and Massachusetts-licensed journey-level plumber. “While this may seem convenient, it can get expensive. Inquire about these fees when scheduling service with a company you're unfamiliar with."

Find a Local Faucet Installation Pro

Bathtub Faucet Repair or Replacement Cost Factors

Many factors can influence the cost to replace a bathtub faucet, such as the nature of the installation and the model of the faucet. Also, if you need same-day emergency work, expect a premium cost for labor.

Repair vs. Replace

There's a significant difference in price between repairing and replacing a bathtub faucet, as repairs can cost as little as $50 while buying a new faucet could cost about $1,000 or more. Also, a repair may only take an hour or two, while a new installation could take an entire day to complete, resulting in additional labor charges.

Standard Faucet or High-End Model

Whether you’re investing in the cost to replace a bathtub or just the faucet, this heavily depends on the model you’re working with. You can save money by getting an inexpensive standard bathtub faucet for about $20. On the other hand, high-end faucets with sleek designs and an attached shower control will cost you upwards of $1,000 or more. Upgrading to a new model with additional features may also call for more labor costs to install.

Plumbing Work

Replacing a bathtub faucet may only require a little work, but there are instances where a local plumbing repair pro may need to get deep into the plumbing to do a proper install—a much longer and more expensive job.

For example, to replace an old faucet, the plumber may have to remove the entire installation and rework the pipes to accommodate the new faucet. The pro might also have to repair the plaster and deal with rust buildup. In some cases, a carpenter or local tile installer may need to perform some repair work after replacing the tub or shower valve.

Emergency Work

If you need same-day emergency service, your labor costs to replace a bathtub faucet will be significantly higher. Be sure to get multiple estimates from different professionals to secure the best deal.

Costs to Repair or Replace a Bathtub Faucet Yourself

DIY-ing your bathtub faucet repair or replacement is possible with a faucet repair kit and the right tools, along with some instructional videos you might find online. For a simple DIY bathtub faucet repair, you may pay $25 or so for materials. However, a full replacement may cost $1,000 or more if you go with a specialty faucet design.

DIY Bathtub Faucet Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro

For more complex repairs that involve tearing out the whole installation or even investing in the cost of repiping a house, always contact a pro rather than take on the job yourself. Aside from that, if you’re not confident in your skills, hire a plumber. Plumbing can be very complicated and may cause significant problems, like leaking or even flooding, if not done correctly.

Contact a faucet repair pro near you to conduct a consultation if you're still on the fence about handling the task yourself. They can provide some recommendations and even offer a quote so you can make an informed decision about what to do.

Start Your Faucet Installation Project

FAQs

How long do bathtub faucets last?

A bathtub faucet generally lasts 15 to 20 years, but this can depend on the type of finish and the overall quality of the faucet. Investing in higher-quality faucets often pays off with a longer-lasting product. Additional factors such as hard water, rust, or damage during use can shorten the life span of the faucet.

Should I repair or replace a leaky faucet?

It's worthwhile to invest in the cost of repairing a leaky faucet if it's newer, but it's advisable to replace it if it's over 20 years old. The severity of the leak also plays a big role. Faucets with major leaks are often not worth the money or hassle of attempting repairs. Generally, a new faucet that leaks probably just needs a part tightened, but for an older faucet, it's a sign that it's time to replace it. Other signs you need to replace the faucet include rust, mineral deposits, or old age.

How long does it take a plumber to replace a bathroom faucet?

It usually takes a pro no more than an hour to replace a faucet. However, certain installations are more complex and time-consuming, such as pulling out the plumbing or putting in a showerhead. These types of jobs may take a few hours or even the better part of a day.

How do I know if my tub cartridge is bad?

There are a few telltale signs that a tub cartridge needs replacing. These include:

Dripping water from the faucet
Difficulty turning faucet handles
Difficulty or inability to adjust water temperatures
Hot water coming out of cold-water faucets and vice versa
Inadequate heating of water

Can you change a bathtub faucet without turning the water off?

Yes, you can change a bathtub faucet without turning the water off, but only if you’re changing the faucet spout alone. If you’re changing the entire valve assembly, then the water must get shut off first. If there’s an individual shutoff valve for the bathtub, you can change the faucet without shutting off the entire water main line.