How Much Does a Bathroom Faucet Replacement Cost?

A dripping faucet, a stiff handle, a finish that's corroded beyond cleaning — bathroom faucets wear out, and replacing one is one of the most common plumbing jobs homeowners face. The good news: it's also one of the more affordable plumbing repairs. In 2026, bathroom faucet replacement costs between $150 and $600 for most homes, covering both the new faucet and professional labour. What you actually pay depends on the faucet type you choose, the finish, how complex the installation is, and whether your existing shut-off valves are in good shape. This guide covers every cost factor in detail — plus practical advice on choosing the right faucet, when to DIY, and how to avoid overpaying.

Average Bathroom Faucet Replacement Cost in 2026

The table below covers the most common faucet replacement scenarios, from a basic budget swap through to a high-end widespread or wall-mounted installation.

What Affects the Cost of Bathroom Faucet Replacement?

Two people replacing a bathroom faucet can end up paying very different amounts. Here's what drives the price up or down.

Faucet Type and Configuration

The type of faucet — single-hole, centerset, widespread, or wall-mounted — affects both the cost of the fixture and the complexity of installation. A single-hole faucet is the quickest and simplest to fit. A widespread faucet with separate hot and cold handles requires three separate holes in the sink deck, multiple supply connections, and more time. Wall-mounted faucets are the most expensive to install because they require access inside the wall to connect to the supply lines.

Number of Sink Holes

Your existing sink determines which faucets you can choose from without extra work. If your sink has one pre-drilled hole, you need a single-hole or centerset faucet. If it has three holes, you can fit a centerset or widespread faucet — or use a deck plate to cover the extra holes if you're fitting a single-hole model. Drilling new holes in a porcelain or ceramic sink is possible but adds $50–$150 to the job and carries a risk of cracking the basin.

Condition of Shut-Off Valves

Before fitting a new faucet, the plumber needs to shut off the water supply using the valves under the sink. If these valves are old, corroded, or stiff — common in homes over 15 years old — they may need replacing at the same time. New shut-off valves typically add $50–$150 to the job. It's worth asking the plumber to check them while they're under the sink; a failing valve that's never exercised can break when turned, leading to a much bigger problem.

Complexity of the Installation

A like-for-like swap — same hole configuration, accessible pipes, valves in good shape — takes 30–60 minutes and is straightforward. Complications that add time and cost include: switching from a three-hole to a single-hole setup (or vice versa), corroded or seized supply line connections, limited access under the sink, or upgrading from a deck-mounted to a wall-mounted faucet. Each adds 30–90 minutes of labour at $80–$130 per hour.

Plumber Labour Rates

Plumbers in major metropolitan areas — New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago — typically charge $90–$130 per hour. In smaller cities and suburban areas, rates are usually $65–$90 per hour. Rural areas are generally the least expensive. Most faucet replacements are completed within one hour, so you're primarily paying a minimum call-out charge plus the first hour of labour. See our guide on how much a plumber costs for a full breakdown by region.

Your Location

Beyond labour rates, location affects the cost of the faucet itself. Plumbing supply stores in high-cost cities charge more for the same fixtures than online retailers or big-box stores in other areas. Buying your faucet online and having a plumber install it is one of the most effective ways to control costs — just confirm the faucet spec matches your sink before you order.

Bathroom Faucet Types and Their Costs

Choosing the right faucet type is the first decision you'll make — and it must match (or be adaptable to) the holes already drilled in your sink.

Single-Hole Faucets — $30 to $300+

A single-hole faucet uses one hole in the sink for both the spout and the control. Most modern designs use a single lever to control both temperature and flow, making them intuitive and popular.

• Faucet cost: $30–$300+ depending on brand and finish
• Installed cost: $150–$350
• Pros: Cleanest visual profile, easiest to clean around, quickest installation, compatible with most modern sinks
• Cons: Requires sinks with a single pre-drilled hole; if your sink has three holes, you'll need a deck plate to cover the extra two
• Best for: Modern bathrooms, vessel sinks, pedestal sinks, and anyone wanting a minimalist look

Centerset Faucets — $40 to $250+

Centerset faucets have two separate handles (hot and cold) and a central spout, all mounted on a single base plate with a standard 4-inch centre-to-centre spacing. They fit three-hole sinks and are one of the most common faucet configurations in US bathrooms.

• Faucet cost: $40–$250+ depending on quality and finish
• Installed cost: $150–$400
• Pros: Traditional and widely available, good fit for three-hole sinks, range of styles from classic to contemporary
• Cons: Covers only 4-inch hole spacing; if your sink has wider spacing you'll need a widespread faucet
• Best for: Standard three-hole sinks, classic and transitional bathroom styles

Widespread Faucets — $80 to $500+

Widespread faucets have three separate components — a central spout and two individual handles — that are installed independently into separate holes. They're designed for sinks with 8–16 inch hole spacing and are associated with higher-end bathrooms.

• Faucet cost: $80–$500+ — quality widespread faucets command a premium
• Installed cost: $200–$550
• Pros: Sophisticated, upmarket look; allows flexible handle positioning; available in a wide range of premium finishes; suits larger sink decks
• Cons: More expensive than centerset; installation takes longer due to three separate connections; requires correct hole spacing
• Best for: Master bathrooms, period-style homes, larger vanities with wide sink decks

Wall-Mounted Faucets — $100 to $600+

Wall-mounted faucets attach to the wall above the sink rather than to the sink deck itself. They're most commonly paired with vessel sinks (bowls that sit on top of the vanity rather than in it). The installation is significantly more complex — the supply lines run inside the wall and must be positioned at the correct height and spacing before the wall is closed.

• Faucet cost: $100–$600+ — quality and brand vary significantly
• Installed cost: $350–$800+ — wall access, precise rough-in positioning, and tiling make this the most expensive option
• Pros: Striking contemporary look, keeps the sink deck completely clear, ideal for vessel sinks
• Cons: Most expensive to install, requires wall work if supply lines aren't already in the right position, harder to service or replace later
• Best for: Vessel sink setups, designer bathrooms, new builds or major renovations where wall access is available

Faucet Materials and Finishes — How They Affect Price

The finish on a faucet has a significant impact on both price and longevity. Here's what to expect from each option.

Chrome — $30 to $150

Chrome is the entry-level finish and the most widely available. It's bright, reflective, and easy to clean — but it shows water spots and fingerprints easily and can scratch or chip if the plating is thin. Budget chrome faucets from lesser-known brands tend to have thinner plating that wears faster. Mid-range chrome from brands like Moen, Delta, or Kohler is a reliable and cost-effective choice for family bathrooms.

Brushed Nickel — $60 to $300

Brushed nickel has a warm, muted silver tone that hides water spots and fingerprints far better than polished chrome. It's the most popular premium finish in US bathrooms and pairs well with both modern and traditional styles. Most brushed nickel faucets carry a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating that is significantly more durable and resistant to tarnish than standard plating.

Oil-Rubbed Bronze — $80 to $350

Oil-rubbed bronze has a dark, warm, antique-style finish that works well in period, rustic, or transitional bathrooms. It develops a natural patina over time — which some homeowners love and others find looks dated. It's durable and hides water marks well, but it can clash with other fixtures if not matched carefully.

Matte Black — $100 to $400

Matte black faucets have become one of the most popular finish choices for contemporary bathrooms. The flat, dark surface creates a strong visual statement and hides fingerprints better than polished finishes. Good-quality matte black faucets use PVD coating for durability — cheaper versions use paint that chips and scratches. Expect to pay a premium: matte black typically adds $50–$150 to the faucet cost compared to brushed nickel in the same range.

Brushed Gold and Champagne Bronze — $150 to $500+

Warm gold tones — brushed gold, champagne bronze, venetian bronze — are at the premium end of the market. They add a luxurious feel to any bathroom and are durable when PVD-coated, but they're the most expensive finish option and the hardest to match with other fixtures if you're replacing just one tap. If you're planning a bathroom renovation, choosing gold or bronze across all fixtures at once gives the best result. See our guide on how much it costs to install a bathroom if you're considering a broader upgrade.

Labour Costs — What a Plumber Charges to Replace a Faucet

Understanding how plumbers price faucet replacement jobs helps you budget accurately and spot if you're being overcharged.

Typical Hourly Rates

Most plumbers charge $65–$130 per hour depending on location and experience. Some charge a flat call-out fee of $50–$100 on top of the hourly rate. A straightforward faucet replacement typically takes 30–60 minutes once they're on-site, so you're usually paying for one hour of labour plus a call-out fee — totalling $100–$200 for labour alone.

What's Included in the Labour Cost

A professional faucet replacement typically includes: shutting off the water supply under the sink, removing the old faucet and supply lines, cleaning the sink deck, fitting the new faucet according to manufacturer instructions, connecting and testing the supply lines, checking for leaks, and removing the old faucet. It does not usually include supplying the faucet itself (unless agreed in advance), replacing shut-off valves, or any work on the drain or P-trap.

When Labour Costs More

The job takes longer — and costs more — when: the shut-off valves are seized and need replacing; the old faucet's mounting hardware is corroded and difficult to remove; the supply lines are non-standard and need adapters; or there's limited access under the sink (e.g., a pedestal sink with no cabinet). If any of these apply, add $50–$150 to your labour estimate.

DIY Faucet Replacement vs Hiring a Plumber

Replacing a bathroom faucet is one of the more accessible DIY plumbing tasks — but it carries real risks if things go wrong. Here's an honest assessment of when to DIY and when to call a professional.

When DIY Is a Reasonable Option

• You're doing a like-for-like swap — same hole configuration, same size supply lines
• The shut-off valves under the sink work properly and turn off the water completely
• The old supply lines are in good condition and can be reused, or you're comfortable replacing them
• You have basic tools: adjustable wrench, basin wrench (essential for reaching nuts under the sink deck), plumber's tape, and towels
• You have a few hours, patience, and a YouTube video to follow alongside the manufacturer instructions

A straightforward DIY faucet replacement saves you $100–$200 in labour and is a satisfying job if done methodically. The materials — faucet, supply lines, plumber's tape — typically cost less than $250 in total.

When to Call a Professional

• The shut-off valves are stiff, corroded, or leak when you try to turn them — forcing them can cause a burst valve and a flooded bathroom
• You're switching faucet configurations (e.g., three-hole to single-hole) — filling or drilling sink holes is a job for a professional
• You're installing a wall-mounted faucet, which requires working inside the wall
• The existing supply line connections are corroded or non-standard
• You discover the old faucet mounting nut has seized — a basin wrench plus penetrating oil is the usual solution, but over-forcing it can crack the sink
• Any time you're unsure — water damage from a poorly fitted faucet or a cracked sink costs far more to fix than a plumber's call-out fee

DIY vs Professional: Cost Comparison

Signs You Need to Replace Your Bathroom Faucet

Not every drip means a full replacement is needed — sometimes a new washer or cartridge fixes the problem. But in other cases, replacement is clearly the right call. Here are the most reliable indicators.

Constant Dripping You Can't Fix

A dripping faucet typically means a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge. In many cases, replacing the internal component is enough to stop the drip at a fraction of the cost of a new faucet. But if you've already replaced the cartridge once — or if the faucet is over 15 years old and parts are difficult to source — a full replacement is more economical. Our guide on how to fix a leaking tap explains the repair options in detail and helps you decide whether to repair or replace.

Visible Rust, Corrosion, or Mineral Buildup

Surface staining can often be cleaned with vinegar or a descaler, but rust around the base of the faucet or at the connections is a sign the metal underneath is corroding. Once corrosion reaches the fittings, the faucet is structurally compromised and should be replaced before it develops a leak at the base — which can drip onto the cabinet below and cause rot or mold.

Low or Inconsistent Water Pressure

If low pressure is isolated to one tap while the rest of the house is fine, the problem is usually mineral buildup clogging the aerator (the small screen at the end of the spout). Clean or replace the aerator first — it's a $3–$10 part. If pressure is still poor after that, the faucet's internal cartridge or valve body may be failing, and replacement is the most cost-effective solution.

Handles That Are Hard to Turn or Won't Stay Put

Stiff or wobbly handles usually indicate a worn or damaged cartridge or ball mechanism inside the faucet. Replacement cartridges are available for most major brands, but if the faucet is over ten years old or the valve body itself is damaged, replacing the whole unit is often simpler and more reliable than sourcing ageing repair parts.

Visible Cracks in the Spout or Body

Hairline cracks in the faucet body — often caused by impact or extreme temperature fluctuations — will eventually leak. There's no reliable repair for a cracked faucet body. Replace it before the crack reaches a fitting and causes a larger leak.

Bathroom Renovation

If you're updating your bathroom — new vanity, new sink, new mirror — it makes sense to replace the faucet at the same time rather than fitting a new sink around an old faucet. The marginal cost of adding a faucet replacement to an already-booked job is lower than booking a separate visit.

How to Choose the Right Replacement Faucet

Picking the wrong faucet is a common and avoidable mistake. These four checks prevent the most common problems before you buy.

1. Measure Your Sink's Hole Configuration

Get under the sink and count the holes. One hole needs a single-hole or centerset (with deck plate) faucet. Three holes need a centerset (4-inch spacing) or widespread (8–16 inch spacing) faucet. If you have three holes at 8-inch spacing, a centerset faucet will not fit without covering the outer holes — measure centre-to-centre before purchasing.

2. Check the Spout Reach and Height

The spout needs to reach the centre of the basin and sit at a height that makes sense for the bowl depth. Vessel sinks (which sit proud of the vanity) need a taller spout — a faucet designed for a drop-in sink will barely reach the rim of a vessel bowl. Check the product specifications for spout height and reach, and compare them against your sink dimensions.

3. Match the Valve Type to Your Water Pressure

Most modern faucets use ceramic disc cartridges, which are durable and require very little maintenance. Older-style compression faucets use rubber washers that wear out more quickly and are the most common cause of dripping. If you're replacing a compression faucet, upgrading to a ceramic cartridge model is almost always worth the small additional cost.

4. Choose a Finish That Matches Your Other Fixtures

A mismatched faucet finish stands out immediately in a bathroom. If your towel bars, toilet roll holder, and mirror frame are brushed nickel, your faucet should match. If you can't find an exact match, opt for finishes from the same colour family (warm tones together, cool tones together). Major brands like Moen, Delta, Kohler, and Grohe offer their faucets in a consistent finish palette across their entire accessory range — making it easier to coordinate.

How to Save Money on Bathroom Faucet Replacement

Faucet replacement doesn't need to be expensive. These strategies help you get a quality result at a lower price.

Buy Your Own Faucet

When a plumber supplies the faucet, they mark it up — typically 20–50% above retail price. Buying the faucet yourself from a hardware store or online retailer (Amazon, Build.com, Ferguson) and asking the plumber to install it cuts this markup out entirely. You pay labour only, which is $75–$200 for most faucet replacements. Just confirm the plumber is happy to install customer-supplied fixtures before booking — most are, but some charge a small premium for this.

Book in Advance, Not in Emergency

Emergency and same-day call-outs carry a premium — sometimes double the standard hourly rate. If your faucet is dripping rather than flooding, book a non-urgent appointment. You'll typically save $50–$150 compared to a same-day booking. If the situation is urgent, such as a faucet that won't shut off, you have no choice — but for a non-urgent replacement, a little forward planning pays dividends.

Bundle with Other Plumbing Jobs

Call-out fees apply per visit, not per job. If you also need a new showerhead, a running toilet fixed, or an under-sink shut-off valve replaced, getting everything done in one visit saves you one call-out charge — typically $50–$100. Make a list of all small plumbing jobs in your home and tackle them together.

Get at Least Three Quotes

Labour rates vary more than most homeowners expect — even within the same city. Getting three quotes for the same job takes 15 minutes of calls and can reveal a price range of $50–$150 between plumbers for identical work. PlumberArchive lists verified plumbers in 83 cities — use our directory to find and compare local professionals before booking. A licensed plumber should be willing to give you a quote over the phone for a standard faucet replacement.

Consider the Mid-Range

The cheapest faucet isn't always the cheapest option over its lifetime. A $35 faucet that needs replacing in three years costs more in total than a $120 faucet from a reputable brand that comes with a lifetime warranty. For a bathroom used daily, mid-range faucets from Moen, Delta, or Kohler in the $80–$180 range offer the best balance of upfront cost, durability, and warranty coverage.

Related Articles

• How to Fix a Leaking Tap
• How Much Does a Plumber Cost?
• How Much Does It Cost to Install a Bathroom?
• How to Choose a Licensed Plumber
• When to Call a Plumber: 10 Warning Signs
• How Much Does a Plumber Cost Per Hour?