What drives the price
Almost entirely the minimum call-out charge. A cartridge is around $15 and the job takes half an hour, so you are paying for travel and the plumber's minimum booking - which is exactly why it is worth attempting yourself first.
- Faucet type - cartridge, ball, ceramic disc or compression
- Whether the shutoff valves under the sink still work
- Corrosion seizing the parts, which turns 30 minutes into two hours
- High-end or imported brands with proprietary parts
- Whether the whole faucet is replaced instead
Should you DIY this or call a professional?
Do it yourself first. Turn off the stops under the sink, take the cartridge out, photograph it, and take it to a hardware store to match. The one thing to check before starting: if the shutoff valves under the sink do not close properly, stop and call a plumber, because you will need the main off and that changes the job.
Signs you need this repair
- Steady drip from the spout when off
- Water seeping around the base of the handle
- Handle that has become stiff or gritty
- Reduced flow from one tap only
- Squealing when the tap is partly open
How to not get overcharged
If you do call someone, batch it with other small plumbing jobs - a running toilet, a slow drain, a loose shutoff - because you are paying the call-out either way and the marginal cost of the second job is small. Ask whether the minimum charge covers one hour, since most do and most people use fifteen minutes of it.
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Red flags to watch for
- Full faucet replacement urged for a drip
- A whole-house repipe suggested off the back of one leak
- Refusing to quote before arriving, then charging a premium once there
- Charging separate call-outs for jobs done in the same visit
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fix a leaky faucet?+
A plumber typically charges $150-$350 to fix a leaking faucet, averaging near $220 - most of which is the call-out. The parts usually cost under $25 and this is one of the most approachable DIY repairs there is.
Can I fix a leaky faucet myself, or should I hire a professional?+
Do it yourself first. Turn off the stops under the sink, take the cartridge out, photograph it, and take it to a hardware store to match. The one thing to check before starting: if the shutoff valves under the sink do not close properly, stop and call a plumber, because you will need the main off and that changes the job.
How long does it take to fix a leaky faucet?+
30-60 Minutes. Scheduling and parts availability can extend the overall timeline beyond the hands-on work itself.
What makes the price of this job go up or down?+
Faucet type - cartridge, ball, ceramic disc or compression. Whether the shutoff valves under the sink still work. Corrosion seizing the parts, which turns 30 minutes into two hours. High-end or imported brands with proprietary parts. Whether the whole faucet is replaced instead.
How do I avoid being overcharged?+
If you do call someone, batch it with other small plumbing jobs - a running toilet, a slow drain, a loose shutoff - because you are paying the call-out either way and the marginal cost of the second job is small. Ask whether the minimum charge covers one hour, since most do and most people use fifteen minutes of it.