Plumbing costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Professional bathtub faucet installation costs between $450 and $1,000, and labor makes up a big part of your bill.
The faucet type you choose impacts your budget, wall-mounted needs in-wall piping, freestanding needs floor-mounted plumbing.
You should budget for pipe replacement, leak repairs, shower valve work, and clogged drain fixes in your plan.
Hiring a local plumbing professional prevents leaks and water pressure issues while ensuring your faucet installation complies with local building codes.
In 2026, bathtub faucet installation has a national average cost that varies based on the type of faucet, brand, materials, and labor involved, with a typical range of $450 to $1,000. Costs can reach as high as $2,000 for a luxury faucet with added features, depending on your setup and any additional plumbing work required.
Bathtub faucet installation costs vary based on several factors, from the faucet type and materials to the complexity of the plumbing work involved. Costs break down differently depending on which of those variables apply to your project.
Different types of bathtub faucets come at different price points (from $70 to $2,200), with averages varying by type as shown in the table below:
| Type of Bathtub Faucet | Characteristics | Average Price Range (Faucet Only) in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Wall mount | Attaches to the bathtub wall, with the piping hidden inside the wall | $70–$800 |
| Tub wall mount | Attaches to the bathtub wall using predrilled holes on the inside of one of the tub's walls | $90–$950 |
| Tub deck mount | Attaches directly to the bathtub's rim using predrilled holes | $100–$1,000 |
| Freestanding | Mounted on the floor, used for a freestanding (or standalone) tub without predrilled holes, and has exposed piping that extends up and over the tub | $150–$2,200 |
The material you choose for your bathtub faucet has a direct impact on price, with chrome being the most affordable option ($50 to $500) and specialty faucet finishes costing the most. Stainless steel and bronze sit comfortably in the middle of the range and offer a good balance of durability and cost.
See how bathtub faucet material affects your total cost in the breakdown below:
| Bathtub Faucet Material | Average Price Range in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Chrome | $50–$500 |
| Bronze | $50–$600 |
| Copper | $100–$600 |
| Stainless steel | $65–$600 |
| Matte black | $80–$800 |
| Brass | $80–$1,200 |
| Nickel | $80–$1,000 |
After faucet type, brand is the single biggest driver of price, with high-end names like Kohler, Moen, and Delta costing significantly more than mid-range alternatives. Researching specific models and balancing durability against price is the most reliable way to avoid overpaying.
Basic bathtub faucets without added features run $50 to $350, and costs rise as you add options like handheld sprayers, adjustable streams, or LED lighting. Touchless sensor handles tend to stay affordable at the standard level, but comparing models before you buy helps you avoid paying for features you won't use.
Some common features include:
LED lighting
Touchless handles
Adjustable stream
Handheld sprayer
Shower diverter
Labor is a significant portion of your bathtub faucet installation bill, with most plumbers who install faucets charging $45 to $200 per hour and average labor costs landing between $100 and $400.
The following table shows how labor rates average out:
| Labor Type | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $45–$200 per hour |
| Average labor cost | $100–$400 |
| Additional plumbing work | $600–$700 |
Where you live affects what you pay, with high-cost-of-living cities like New York City and Los Angeles commanding higher installation prices than smaller markets or rural areas. A local shortage of plumbers can also drive costs up, since limited supply and high demand push rates higher regardless of the regional cost of living.
A new faucet installation requires significant additional plumbing work if the lines aren't already roughed in, and relocating plumbing lines alone runs $400 to $2,200. Replacing a bathtub faucet with a similar model costs less than a new installation because the existing plumbing can be reused without modification.
Bathtub faucet installation almost always involves some level of prep and plumbing repair, with costs ranging from $150 and $2,200. The more work required, the higher your total cost.
Common tasks include fixing leaky connections, replacing broken valves, addressing low water pressure, and drilling holes in the tub if the manufacturer did not pre-drill them.
Here are the costs of different prep and repairs:
Pipe replacement cost: $400–$2,200
Bathroom leak repair cost: $150–$600
Shower valve replacement cost: $150–$550
Clogged drain repair: $150–$500
Water damage repair costs: $500–$11,000
Bathtub faucets carry relatively few ongoing costs, with long-term expenses shaped primarily by how often you use your tub and what your local water rates are. Routine cleaning and occasional repairs are the main things to budget for over time.
Keeping your bathtub faucet clean is straightforward and inexpensive, with a standard bathroom cleaner costing $10 to $25 doing the job for most finishes. Avoid bleach on brass, chrome, and copper fixtures, as it can cause lasting damage to those materials.
Faucets wear down over time and will eventually need repairs, with the cost to fix a leaky faucet typically running $100 to $400. The cost of most plumbing repairs hovers around $365.
Hiring a local plumber costs more upfront, but you benefit from proper plumbing techniques, leak prevention, and efficient water flow setup. Pros bring the right tools—such as pipe wrenches, sealants, and specialized plumbing equipment—and the experience needed to install a bathtub faucet without damaging your plumbing or bathroom finishes.
Pros know how to install bathtub faucets efficiently while avoiding damage to existing plumbing, tiles, or surrounding fixtures, ensuring a proper and leak-free connection.
They handle the installation in accordance with local plumbing codes, which can be complex and vary by region. A pro ensures your faucet is compliant, preventing potential legal or safety issues.
Hiring a pro reduces the risk of leaks, low water pressure, or misaligned fixtures that could cause water damage or costly repairs later.
Many contractors can bundle services such as replacing valves, updating plumbing, or installing complementary fixtures, helping streamline the entire project.
Clear the area around the bathtub of any toiletries, mats, or furniture to provide easy access for the professional installer.
Shut off the water supply and drain the faucet lines before the pro arrives, if you’re comfortable doing so, to save time during installation.
Remove the old faucet yourself if you’re confident, but take care to avoid damaging the plumbing or surrounding finishes.
If your project goes beyond a simple hardware swap, additional work or upgrades can meaningfully increase your total cost.
Installing a bathtub at the same time as your faucet adds $2,000 to $9,400 to your project cost. Common upgrades include replacing a standard alcove tub with a soaking tub or a jetted tub with additional features.
Converting a standard bathtub to a tub-shower combo means installing the shower alongside your faucet, with the full remodel running $600 to $10,000, including the faucet, depending on how much additional plumbing the project requires.
If your tub-shower combo faucet doesn't include a built-in diverter, adding one separately means the cost to replace a shower valve runs $150 to $550 for a straightforward swap. Opening the wall to make more extensive plumbing changes can push that cost as high as $1,750.
If your tub faucet doesn't include a handheld sprayer, you can add one for around $50. Models that screw directly onto the tub spout keep labor costs low, while wall-mounted versions or those requiring extra plumbing will increase the labor portion of your bill.
Homeowners in hard-water areas can bundle a water softener installation with their tub spout project, with water softener systems costing $200 to $6,000 depending on the size and type of system.
The average bathroom remodel costs around $11,300. That’s no small chunk of change. Luckily, you can slash your budget for a bathtub faucet installation with a few careful tips:
Choose a basic faucet in a wallet-friendly material: The best way to save money on a tub faucet installation is to choose a basic faucet in an affordable material. Standard chrome will cost the least. Avoid highly ornate faucets and added features because they’ll add to your costs.
Skip designer brands: There are many different faucet manufacturers, which means you have choices. Avoid costly designer brands and go for a reliable mid-range brand.
Look for a sale: Faucets go on sale whether a brand is discontinuing a model or a retailer is having a seasonal sale. Browse different retailers before making your purchase.
Choose a faucet that’s compatible with your existing plumbing: If you’re replacing your existing tub faucet, installing a model that fits into your existing plumbing will save you on labor costs.
Let your pro know the type, style, and number of bathtub faucets you want to install, so they can plan for the right materials, tools, and installation approach.
Describe any underlying issues you’ve noticed, like leaks, corrosion, low water pressure, or damaged plumbing, that could affect the installation or require additional repairs.
Ask whether you need to prep the area beforehand, such as clearing the tub, turning off water, or removing existing fixtures.
Confirm whether unexpected costs could arise from issues like hidden pipe damage, outdated plumbing, or needing specialized fittings.
If you’re considering additional work—like replacing the showerhead, updating valves, or installing a new tub surround—ask whether it’s more efficient to bundle those services with the faucet installation.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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