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.