Quick answer: A DIY faucet repair costs $5–$20 in parts (cartridge, O-rings, or washers). A plumber typically charges $100–$250. Replacing the whole faucet runs $50–$200+ for the fixture plus install.
DIY Cost Breakdown
| Fix | Part cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge replacement | $8–$20 | 20–30 min |
| O-rings / washers | $3–$8 | 20 min |
| New aerator | $5–$10 | 5 min |
Plumber Cost
Expect $100–$250 for a plumber to repair a leaky faucet, more if the fixture is being replaced. The repair itself is cheap; you’re mostly paying for the trip and labor.
Should You DIY It?
Yes for most drips — see our guide to fixing a dripping faucet. Call a pro only if the valve body is cracked or the shut-offs won’t close.
What Affects the Price
Repair vs. replacement is the big fork. A worn cartridge or O-ring is a few dollars; a new mid-range faucet is $80–$200 plus install. Labor varies by region, and a seized old faucet that fights removal adds time (and cost) to a pro’s bill.
How to Save the Most
Diagnose before you buy. A drip from the spout is usually the cartridge or seats; a leak at the base is the O-rings; weak, sputtery flow is often just a clogged aerator you can clean for free. Our dripping-faucet guide shows how to tell them apart and the exact part for each.
When Paying a Pro Makes Sense
If the shut-off valves under the sink don’t work, or you’re replacing the whole faucet and the supply connections are corroded, a plumber is worth it. Otherwise a faucet repair is one of the highest-value DIY jobs in the house — pennies in parts versus a triple-digit service call.
💧 That drip adds up fast. Use our free Water Leak Cost Calculator to see what a leaking faucet wastes in gallons and dollars per year.
FAQ
Why is my faucet leaking?
Usually a worn cartridge, O-ring, or washer. These are cheap parts you can replace yourself in under 30 minutes.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a faucet?
Repair is far cheaper ($5–$20) if the faucet is decent. Replace if it’s old, corroded, or you want an upgrade.
How much does a plumber charge to fix a faucet?
Typically $100–$250 including the service call, even though the parts cost only a few dollars.
🔧 Plumber-Recommended Parts & Tools
Tackling this yourself? See a licensed plumber’s picks for the best replacement faucet cartridges — the parts that get the job done right the first time.
Fix the 12 Most Common Plumbing Problems Yourself — Free Plumber’s Handbook — including the 10-minute faucet fixes anyone can do
Step-by-step fixes for the 12 most common problems — and exactly when to call a pro. Free and instant, from a licensed plumber. Save hundreds on calls you didn’t need.