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

Average Costs to Repair or Replace a Bathtub Faucet

Bathtub Faucet Repair or Replacement Material Prices

Here are the materials you’ll need to do a bathtub faucet repair or replacement:

• Utility knife: $5–$15

• Adjustable wrench: $10–$20

• Bath socket wrench: $10–$50

• Seat wrench: $5–$10

• Repair kit: $35–$60

And here’s how much you can expect to pay depending on what style of bathtub faucet you choose:

• Standard bathtub faucet: $20–$30

• Standard bathtub faucet with standard showerhead: $100–$150

• Modern bathtub faucet: $100–$200

• Waterfall tub filler: $200–$300

• Bathtub faucet with rain showerhead: $200–$800

• Freestanding bathtub faucet: $250–$1,000

As you can see, there's a big difference between faucet prices. For example, you can purchase a simple bathtub faucet for just $20 online, but some specialty designs featuring a minimalist look or including extras like a showerhead cost hundreds of dollars—even up to $1,000.

Bathtub Faucet Repair or Replacement Labor Costs

The cost to hire a plumber is $85 to $105 per hour for this type of work. If the work needed is minimal, the cost to install a faucet may be only $300 to $400. But 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 will take around 7 hours and cost $600 to $750.

On the other hand, the cost to repair a faucet generally adds up to the hourly cost of hiring a plumber. Plumbers cost $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 fees or flat fees that may increase your final price. 

Professional plumber Jeff Botelho says, “Many service companies charge flat rates for their work, as well as a service or truck fee. While this may seem convenient, it can get expensive. Inquire about these fees when scheduling service with a company you're unfamiliar with, as it can be a shock when a contractor tells you it's going to cost $175 for him to come to your house and give you options for repairs."

Bathtub Faucet Repair or Replacement Cost Factors

So what factors affect the final price tag of this project? Here are a few of the major ones so you can determine how much you're likely to pay.

Repair vs. Replace

There's a massive difference in price between repairing and replacing a bathtub faucet. In the former case, you don’t have to buy a new faucet, which could cost more than $1,000. Also, a repair may only take an hour or two, while a new installation could take a whole day.

Standard Faucet or High-End Model

If you get a replacement, you can save money by getting an inexpensive standard bathtub faucet for about $20. However, high-end faucets with sleek designs and a shower control attached to them will cost you upwards of $1,000.

Plumbing Work

Replacing a bathtub faucet may only require a little work, while other times, a plumber may need to get deep into the guts of the plumbing to do a proper job—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 plumber 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.

Costs to Repair or Replace a Bathtub Faucet Yourself

For a simple repair, you may pay just $25 for materials. But for a full replacement, it may cost $1,000 or more if you go with a specialty faucet design.

It's tempting to try to fix a bathtub faucet on your own. And you may be able to do it with a faucet repair kit and the right tools, along with some instructional videos you might find online. You could potentially get the job done in 1 to 2 hours for a simple repair. For example, if you're having water flow issues and can easily remove the faucet head, you could diagnose the problem yourself.

DIY vs. Hire a Plumber

For a more complex repair, to replace the faucet altogether that involves tearing out the whole installation, or if you’re just 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 service 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.

FAQs

How long do bathtub faucets last?

A bathtub faucet generally lasts 15 to 20 years. Factors such as hard water, rust, or damage can shorten the lifespan of a tub faucet.

Should I repair or replace a leaky faucet?

Repair a leaky faucet if it's relatively new, but replace it if it's older than 20 years. Leaky faucets are in that gray area where you wonder if it's serious enough for a replacement. 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 just old age.

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

It usually takes a faucet repair pro near you no more than an hour to replace a faucet, but for more complicated jobs that require pulling out the whole installation or putting in a showerhead, it may take the better part of a day.