How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaking Faucet?
A dripping faucet not only wastes water, but it also raises bills. One drop per second can lose over 3,000 gallons a year, per EPA data. That equals more than 180 showers. Fixing it soon stops the waste. Costs range from $5 for a simple part swap to $400 for pro work. This guide breaks down prices, choices, and tips. Use it to pick the right fix for your home.
National Average Faucet Leak Repair Costs in 2025
Costs shift with details.
Key breakdowns for Illinois, USA.
- Parts alone: $1 to $100.
- Labor fees: $45 to $200 per hour.
- Full job: $200 to $330 on average, including supplies.
You can also call an expert handyman and get estimates from them.
Here’s a quick rough table for 2025 estimates:
| Service Type | Cost Range |
| Basic washer fix | $5 to $50 (parts) or $100 to $200 (pro) |
| Cartridge swap | $10 to $100 (parts) + $45 to $200 labor |
| Complete replacement | $150 to $800 total |
What Drives Up the Cost to Repair a Leaking Faucet?
Prices don’t stay fixed. Location plays a big role. City rates in places like New York reach $150 to $200 an hour. Smaller towns drop to $50 to $100.
Other elements:
- Faucet age: Units past 15 years may need rare parts, pushing toward replacement.
- Access issues: Wall units or tight spots add hours.
- Emergency calls: Extra $50 to $150 for off-hours.
- Extra damage: Mold or rot from leaks can add $500 or more.
Breakdown of Costs by Faucet Type and Spot
Kitchens and baths vary. Outdoor spots face weather wear.
Bathroom Sink Faucets
Average cost to repair leaking bathtub faucet: $60 to $200. Often a $2 to $5 washer. Pro help adds $100 for labor.
Kitchen Sink Faucets
Hits up to $250. More parts like hoses mean higher fees. New units: $100 to $250 install plus $50 to $400 for the piece.
Tub or Shower Faucets
Average cost to repair leaking tub faucet: $60 to $400. Hidden valves boost time and price. Disks run $20 to $50.
Outdoor Faucets
Cost to repair exterior faucet leak: $100 to $300. Replacement often beats patch-ups due to rust.
Bathtub faucet leaking repair cost averages $200. Cost of bathroom faucet leak repair sits at $150 nationwide.
DIY Fixes Versus Pro Services
Handle it alone to save. Or call experts for tough spots.
Going DIY
Suits simple drips. Grab parts for $5 to $50. Buy tools once for $20 to $50. Expect 30 minutes to two hours.
Quick steps:
- Shut water supply.
- Remove handle and spout.
- Replace worn washer or O-ring.
- Reassemble and check flow.
Works best for sinks. Skip if pipes hide in walls.
Calling an Expert
Faucet leak repair cost estimate with pros: $100 to $400. They fix in one hour average. Warranties included.
Side-by-side table:
| Approach | Price | Duration | Chance of Issues |
| DIY | $5 to $100 | 30 min to 2 hr | Higher for beginners |
| Pro | $100 to $400 | 1 hr plus drive | Low, pros guarantee |
DIY fits minor jobs. Pros shine on complex ones like tubs.
Weighing Repair Against Replacement
Fixes work short-term. But old faucets fail often. If over 20 years, swap for $150 to $800.
Example: Repair a 15-year-old unit twice at $150 each. Total: $300 plus water loss. New install at $275: Better value long-term.
Decide based on:
- Minor drip? Repair at $60 to $200.
- Cracks or hard-to-find parts? Replace.
Cost to repair vs replace leaking faucet: Repairs save now, but replacements last.
Ways to Cut Costs on Faucet Repairs
Don’t pay full price. Check drips every three months. Use vinegar to clear buildup twice a year.
Extra strategies:
- Shop parts online: Drop 10-20% off store prices.
- Get multiple bids: Compare three plumbers.
- Use home warranties: Cover up to $400 on fixes.
- Prevent with filters for hard water. They block mineral damage.
Wrapping Up
Stop that drip now. 2025 averages hover at $270, but smart choices lower it. Pick DIY for easy wins or pros for sure results. Save water and cash with quick action.
