How Much Does a Kitchen Faucet Replacement Cost?

A persistently dripping faucet, a handle that judders every time you turn it, a finish corroded well past the point of cleaning — kitchen faucets take a beating through daily use, and at some point replacement is the smarter call over repair. Whether you're upgrading to a pull-down sprayer, switching to a touchless model for a kitchen renovation, or simply swapping out an ageing unit that won't stop dripping, the cost question is the first one most homeowners ask. In 2026, kitchen faucet replacement costs a national average of $262, with most jobs landing between $91 and $600 depending on the faucet you choose, the complexity of installation, and where you live. This guide breaks down every cost factor in detail — plus which faucet type and brand to choose, when DIY makes sense, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Average Kitchen Faucet Replacement Cost in 2026

The table below covers the most common kitchen faucet replacement scenarios — from a basic budget swap through to a high-end smart faucet installation, including labour-only and faucet-only costs so you can plan your budget accurately.

What Affects the Cost of Kitchen Faucet Replacement?

Two homeowners replacing a kitchen faucet can pay very different amounts for the same result. Six factors drive most of the variation.

1. Faucet Type and Features

The style of faucet is the biggest single cost driver. A basic single-handle faucet starts around $50 for the unit itself. A pull-down sprayer — the most popular kitchen faucet type — ranges from $100 to $600 depending on brand. Touchless and smart faucets sit at the top end at $150–$600+. Each type also varies in installation complexity: single-handle faucets are the quickest to fit; bridge faucets with separate hot and cold handles take longer and have more connections to seal properly.

2. Faucet Finish and Brand

Chrome is the most affordable finish; brushed nickel costs more; matte black and brushed gold add a further premium — both in the faucet price and, at the high end, in the quality of finish technology used. Brand matters too: established names like Moen, Delta, and Kohler cost more upfront but come with lifetime warranties that no-name imports cannot match. A $60 faucet that requires a return plumber visit within two years ends up more expensive than a $150 Moen that's warranted for life.

3. Number of Holes in the Sink

Most kitchen sinks have one to four pre-drilled holes. If you want to switch from a single-hole faucet to a configuration requiring more holes — or vice versa — that adds cost. Drilling new holes in a stainless steel sink is straightforward at $50–$150. Drilling into a cast iron, composite, or fireclay sink risks cracking and should only be done by an experienced plumber. Using a deck plate to cover unused holes costs very little but limits your future flexibility.

4. Accessibility Under the Sink

Much of the labour in a faucet replacement happens in the cabinet beneath the sink. If access is tight — a small cabinet, pipes running through the back wall, or a garbage disposal unit in the way — the job takes longer. A plumber working in a cramped space with limited reach to the mounting nuts will charge more for the same outcome than one with a clear, open cabinet. On average, a restricted-access job adds 30–60 minutes of labour time.

5. Condition of Shut-Off Valves

Before any faucet work begins, the water supply must be shut off using the valves under the sink. In homes more than 15 years old, these valves are often stiff, mineral-encrusted, or seized entirely. Replacing a pair of shut-off valves typically adds $75–$150 to the job, but it's a worthwhile investment — a valve that fails or won't fully close can cause a much bigger problem than the faucet you originally called about.

6. Labour Rates by State

Plumber hourly rates range from $45 to $200 per hour across the US. Major coastal cities — New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston — sit at the upper end of that range at $130–$200 per hour. Mid-sized inland cities typically run $75–$120 per hour. Smaller towns and rural areas are usually $45–$80 per hour. Since a standard faucet replacement takes 1–2 hours, where you live has a significant impact on total labour cost. Read our full guide on how much a plumber costs for a detailed breakdown by region.

Kitchen 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. Here's what each type costs and who it suits.

Single Handle Faucets — $50 to $300

Single handle faucets use one lever to control both temperature and flow, with everything mounted through a single hole. They're the most common kitchen faucet in the US — easy to use, easy to clean, and compatible with the widest range of sinks.

• Faucet cost: $50–$300 depending on brand and finish
• Installed cost: $170–$500
• Pros: Intuitive one-hand operation, minimal counter clutter, fastest installation, widest brand selection
• Cons: Requires a single pre-drilled hole; using a deck plate is needed if your sink has three holes
• Best for: Most households — clean modern look, practical for everyday kitchen use

Double Handle Faucets — $75 to $350

Double handle faucets have separate hot and cold controls, giving you independent adjustment of each. They typically require three sink holes (or a single hole with a deck plate on some designs) and suit traditional and transitional kitchen styles.

• Faucet cost: $75–$350
• Installed cost: $195–$550
• Pros: Precise temperature control, classic look, good range of styles from traditional to contemporary
• Cons: More connections to seal, slightly longer installation, requires more sink holes
• Best for: Traditional kitchens, homeowners who prefer precise hot/cold control

Pull-Down Faucets — $100 to $600

Pull-down faucets have a spray head that pulls downward into the sink — the most popular kitchen faucet type in the US for good reason. They offer a flexible spray head for rinsing pots and vegetables, typically dock magnetically, and work with a single sink hole.

• Faucet cost: $100–$600
• Installed cost: $220–$800
• Pros: Highly versatile spray head, magnetic docking keeps the head secure, excellent for large pots and deep sinks, widely available in all price ranges
• Cons: The hose and weight system inside the cabinet can wear over time; more moving parts than a fixed spout
• Best for: Most kitchens — the best all-round choice for everyday cooking and cleaning

Pull-Out Faucets — $80 to $400

Pull-out faucets are similar to pull-down models, but the spray head pulls forward rather than down. They're a good option for shallower sinks where a pull-down head would hit the bottom, or for kitchens where the faucet is positioned close to the back wall.

• Faucet cost: $80–$400
• Installed cost: $200–$600
• Pros: Better suited to smaller sinks and shallow basins, flexible hose for rinsing, single-hole installation
• Cons: Hose can kink more easily than pull-down design; slightly less intuitive spray head angle for large pots
• Best for: Smaller kitchens, shallower sinks, galley kitchens where the faucet is close to a wall

Touchless / Smart Faucets — $150 to $600+

Touchless faucets use a motion sensor to detect your hand and start the flow — ideal if you're handling raw meat, gardening tools, or anything else you'd rather not transfer to a handle. Smart faucets add voice control and precise volume measurement. Both are installed the same way as a standard faucet but require a power source (battery pack or mains connection).

• Faucet cost: $150–$600+
• Installed cost: $270–$800+
• Pros: Hygienic touch-free operation, reduces cross-contamination in the kitchen, great for households with young children or accessibility needs
• Cons: More expensive, sensors can trigger accidentally, battery-powered models need periodic battery replacement
• Best for: Health-conscious households, busy family kitchens, tech-forward renovations

Bridge Faucets — $150 to $500

Bridge faucets are a traditional style with a visible horizontal bar connecting two separate handles to a central spout. They're associated with farmhouse, Victorian, and period kitchen designs and create a strong visual statement. Installation requires three or four sink holes and takes longer than a single-handle fitting.

• Faucet cost: $150–$500
• Installed cost: $270–$700
• Pros: Distinctive traditional look, excellent quality options from heritage brands, suits farmhouse and period kitchen aesthetics
• Cons: More expensive than equivalent single-handle models, requires multiple sink holes, more connections to maintain
• Best for: Farmhouse kitchens, Victorian or Edwardian-style homes, any kitchen with a traditional or artisan aesthetic

Faucet Finishes and How They Affect Price

The finish on your faucet affects both the purchase price and how well it holds up over years of daily splashing, cleaning, and hard water contact. Here's what to know about each option.

Chrome — Most Affordable, Easy to Clean

Chrome is the classic kitchen faucet finish and the most widely available at every price point. It's reflective, easy to wipe clean, and suits both modern and traditional kitchens. The downside: it shows water spots and limescale build-up clearly, particularly in hard water areas. Mid-range chrome from established brands is durable; budget chrome on import faucets tends to have thin plating that chips or peels within a few years.

Brushed Nickel — Mid-Range, Hides Water Spots

Brushed nickel has a warm, muted silver tone that hides fingerprints and water spots far better than polished chrome. It's the most popular finish choice in US kitchens and suits both contemporary and traditional styles. Most brushed nickel faucets in the mid-to-upper price range carry a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) finish that is significantly more resistant to tarnish and corrosion than standard electroplating.

Matte Black — Premium, On-Trend

Matte black has become one of the most sought-after kitchen finishes over the past several years. The flat dark surface makes a bold visual statement, hides fingerprints well, and pairs strongly with white, grey, and natural wood cabinetry. Quality matte black faucets use PVD coating for durability; cheaper versions use paint that chips and scratches under kitchen conditions. Expect to pay a premium of $50–$150 over the equivalent brushed nickel model.

Brushed Gold / Brass — Most Expensive, Luxury Look

Warm gold tones — brushed gold, champagne bronze, unlacquered brass — sit at the top of the finish price range. They create a premium, contemporary feel that pairs particularly well with white shaker cabinetry, quartz worktops, and open-plan kitchen designs. PVD-coated gold finishes are durable; unlacquered brass develops a natural patina that some homeowners love. If you're replacing just the faucet, match the finish to your existing cabinet hardware and fixtures for a cohesive look.

Top Brands and Their Price Ranges

Sticking to a recognised brand matters for kitchen faucets — warranty support, available replacement cartridges, and finish quality all vary enormously between established names and budget imports.

Moen — $80 to $500 (Lifetime Warranty, Most Popular)

Moen is consistently the top-selling kitchen faucet brand in the US. Their range covers every price point from budget single-handle models at $80 through to smart touchless faucets at $500+. Most Moen faucets carry a lifetime limited warranty that covers parts and finish — meaning if the faucet drips, corrodes, or the finish fails, Moen will send replacement parts for free. The Arbor and Align collections are their most popular kitchen lines.

Delta — $70 to $450 (Touch2O Technology)

Delta is the other dominant brand in US kitchen faucets, best known for their Touch2O technology — which lets you start the flow with a touch anywhere on the spout or handle, not just the sensor area. Their finish quality and warranty coverage match Moen closely, and their Leland and Cassidy collections offer a wide range of styles. Delta's DIAMOND Seal Technology uses a ceramic disc valve that is rated to last a lifetime without dripping.

Kohler — $100 to $600 (Premium Design)

Kohler sits a step up in design ambition — their kitchen faucets lean towards premium aesthetics with clean architectural lines and a wide range of finish options. The Simplice and Bellera pull-down faucets are among the most well-reviewed in their class. Kohler faucets are typically priced slightly higher than equivalent Moen or Delta models, but the build quality and finish durability justify the premium in a kitchen that sees daily use.

Kraus — $80 to $350 (Great Value)

Kraus offers impressive performance at a lower price point than the big three. Their Bolden and Sellette pull-down collections in particular have strong reviews for durability and finish quality. If you want a pull-down faucet in matte black or brushed gold without paying Kohler prices, Kraus is the first brand to check. They offer a limited lifetime warranty.

American Standard — $60 to $300 (Reliable Budget Pick)

American Standard covers the budget to mid-range market with well-built, unpretentious faucets. Less design-forward than Kohler or even Delta, but highly reliable and backed by a solid warranty. Their Colony and Beale pull-down faucets are popular choices for rental properties and second kitchens where practicality outweighs style.

Labour Costs Breakdown

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

Typical Plumber Hourly Rates

Plumbers charge $45–$200 per hour depending on location and experience, with most areas falling in the $85–$150 range. Many plumbers also charge a call-out fee of $50–$100 on top of the hourly rate. For a standard kitchen faucet replacement, total labour typically runs $120–$300. The job itself takes 1–2 hours in most cases.

What's Included in the Labour Cost

A professional kitchen faucet replacement typically includes: turning off the water supply at the shut-off valves, disconnecting and removing the old faucet and supply lines, cleaning the mounting area on the sink deck, fitting the new faucet to manufacturer specifications, connecting new supply lines, turning the water back on and testing for leaks, and removing the old unit. It does not normally include supplying the faucet (unless agreed upfront), replacing shut-off valves, or work on the drain.

When Jobs Take Longer

Several complications can push a simple 1–2 hour job toward the upper end — or beyond. Corroded mounting nuts that won't release, shut-off valves that need replacing, supply lines that are non-standard or badly corroded, limited access beneath the sink, and adjusting existing water lines all add time. Jobs that require drilling new sink holes or rerouting supply lines can take up to 8 hours. Always ask the plumber to flag any issues they spot before starting — this gives you the chance to approve additional work before unexpected costs arrive on the invoice. For a licensed professional in your area, our guide to choosing a licensed plumber covers what to check before booking.

DIY vs Hiring a Plumber

Kitchen faucet replacement is one of the more accessible DIY plumbing tasks — but only for a like-for-like swap with no complications. Here's an honest assessment of when it makes sense and when to pick up the phone.

What DIY Involves

A DIY kitchen faucet replacement requires: turning off the water supply at the shut-off valves beneath the sink, disconnecting the supply lines, removing the old faucet mounting hardware using a basin wrench, fitting the new faucet to the manufacturer's instructions, reconnecting the supply lines, and checking carefully for leaks before closing up the cabinet. You'll need an adjustable wrench, a basin wrench (essential for reaching the mounting nuts under the sink deck), plumber's tape, and a bucket to catch residual water in the supply lines.

When DIY Is Manageable

• You're doing a like-for-like swap in the same hole configuration
• The shut-off valves under the sink work properly and close off the water completely
• The existing supply line connections are in good condition
• Access under the sink is reasonable — not cramped around a garbage disposal or multiple drain pipes
• You have a few hours, the right tools, and the manufacturer's installation instructions

A successful DIY replacement saves $120–$300 in labour costs. The faucet itself (supply-only) typically costs $50–$250 for a quality mid-range unit.

Risks of Getting It Wrong

The most common DIY failure point is an improperly sealed connection that creates a slow drip inside the cabinet — often not noticed until the cabinet base or floor below is already damaged. Water damage to kitchen cabinetry and subfloor averages $5,700 per insurance claim. A poorly tightened connection or forgotten supply line can also mean the faucet runs at reduced pressure or develops a drip that wouldn't be covered by the faucet's warranty if self-installed incorrectly. If you're in any doubt, the plumber's call-out fee is a fraction of a water damage claim.

Always Hire a Pro For:

• Drilling new holes in the sink — risk of cracking a cast iron, fireclay, or composite basin
• Corroded or seized pipe fittings that won't release without force
• Replacing shut-off valves at the same time
• Permit-required installs (moving the faucet to a new location)
• Touchless faucets that require mains power connection

DIY vs Professional: Cost Comparison

Signs You Need to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet

Not every issue means you need a whole new faucet — a worn cartridge or clogged aerator can often be fixed cheaply. But these signs indicate replacement is the right call.

Constant Dripping

A dripping faucet is usually a worn cartridge or O-ring. In many cases, a $10–$30 replacement cartridge stops the drip without replacing the whole faucet. But if you've already replaced the cartridge, or the faucet is over 15 years old and parts are hard to source, full replacement is more economical. Our guide on how to fix a leaking tap walks through the repair options and helps you decide when to repair vs replace.

Low Water Pressure From the Kitchen Faucet

If pressure has dropped at just the kitchen tap while the rest of the house is fine, start by unscrewing and cleaning the aerator (the mesh screen at the spout tip) — limescale and debris are a common culprit and the fix costs nothing. If pressure remains low after cleaning the aerator, the internal cartridge or valve body may be failing. At that point replacement is usually more cost-effective than sourcing internal components for an older faucet.

Rust or Visible Corrosion

Surface limescale can often be dissolved with white vinegar. But rust around the faucet base or at any connection point means the underlying metal is corroding. A corroded faucet base can develop a slow leak that drips into the cabinet below — causing rot, mould, and costly repairs. Replace before that happens.

Difficulty Turning the Handles

Stiff, squeaking, or wobbly handles indicate a worn or damaged cartridge mechanism. Replacement cartridges exist for most major brands, but if the faucet is old or the valve body itself is compromised, a new faucet is the cleaner solution.

Cracked Spout or Body

A crack in the faucet body or spout — often caused by impact or temperature stress — will eventually become a leak. There is no reliable repair for a cracked faucet body. Replace it before the crack reaches a fitting.

Squeaking When Turning Handles

Squeaking under use usually means the internal stem threads are worn or the rubber seals have hardened and are no longer providing smooth movement. It's a sign of age and wear that typically accelerates — replace sooner rather than later to avoid a sudden failure.

Faucet Over 15 Years Old

Even a well-maintained faucet has a natural lifespan. After 15–20 years, seals degrade, finishes wear through, and internal components become difficult to source. If you're already having work done in the kitchen — new sink, new worktop, or a plumber visiting for another job — adding a faucet replacement to the visit is a low-cost way to prevent a future call-out. See our guide on when to call a plumber if you're weighing up whether to act now or wait.

How to Save Money on Kitchen Faucet Replacement

You don't need to overpay for a quality result. These six strategies consistently deliver the best value.

Buy Your Own Faucet Before Calling a Plumber

When a plumber supplies the faucet, they mark it up — typically 20–50% over retail. Buying the faucet yourself from a hardware store, Amazon, Build.com, or Ferguson and asking the plumber to install it eliminates that markup entirely. You pay labour only, which is $120–$300 for most standard replacements. Confirm the plumber accepts customer-supplied fixtures before booking — the vast majority do.

Shop Sales — 15–30% Off at the Right Times

Kitchen faucets see significant discounts during Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day sales. If your faucet isn't failing urgently, waiting for one of these events can save 15–30% on the faucet cost — potentially $30–$150 on a mid-range model. Build.com and Ferguson both run regular promotions on Moen, Delta, and Kohler.

Choose a Faucet That Matches Your Existing Sink Holes

The cheapest installation is always a like-for-like swap — same hole configuration, same size. If your sink has a single hole, buy a single-handle faucet. If it has three holes, choose a design that uses all three or uses a deck plate to cover extras. Avoiding hole modifications saves $50–$200 and significantly reduces installation time.

Bundle with Other Plumbing Jobs

Call-out fees apply per visit, not per job. If you also have a dripping bathroom tap, a running toilet, or a slow drain, getting everything done in one visit saves one call-out charge — typically $50–$100. Make a list of all small plumbing jobs before the plumber arrives and tackle them together.

Stick to the $150–$400 Range for Best Value

Budget faucets under $80 often use lower-quality ceramic cartridges and thinner finish plating that fail faster. Faucets over $400 typically add design premium or smart features beyond what most kitchens need. The $150–$400 range from Moen, Delta, Kraus, or Kohler hits the sweet spot for durability, warranty coverage, and everyday practicality.

Get 3 Quotes for Labour

Labour rates vary significantly even within the same city. Getting three quotes for identical work takes 15 minutes of calls and can reveal a difference of $50–$150 between plumbers. PlumberArchive lists licensed plumbers across 83 US cities — use our free directory to compare local professionals before committing to one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to replace a kitchen faucet?

A standard like-for-like replacement typically takes 1–2 hours from start to finish, including shutting off the water, removing the old faucet, fitting and testing the new one. Complex installations — those that require drilling new sink holes, replacing corroded shut-off valves, or rerouting supply lines — can take up to 8 hours. If you're booking a plumber, ask them to estimate the job time upfront so there are no surprises.

Can I replace a kitchen faucet myself?

Yes — a like-for-like swap in the same hole configuration is a manageable DIY task with the right tools and a few hours of patience. However, improper installation is the leading cause of slow leaks inside kitchen cabinets, and water damage from those leaks averages $5,700 per insurance claim. If the shut-off valves are corroded, the sink holes need modification, or you're in any doubt about the connections, hire a licensed plumber — the call-out fee is a fraction of a water damage repair.

How long does a kitchen faucet last?

A quality kitchen faucet from a reputable brand lasts 15–20 years with normal daily use. Replace sooner if the faucet drips constantly and cartridge replacement hasn't resolved it, if there's visible corrosion at the base or connections, or if water pressure has dropped noticeably from that tap. Faucets in areas with hard water may require more frequent aerator cleaning and can wear through finishes faster.

Do I need a permit to replace a kitchen faucet?

No permit is required for a like-for-like replacement — swapping an existing faucet for a new one in the same position. A permit is only required if you are moving the faucet to a new location, which involves rerouting supply lines inside the wall or beneath the sink. Permit costs run $150–$250 in most jurisdictions. Your plumber will know whether your local authority requires one for the specific work planned.

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