How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main Water Shut-Off Valve? [2025 Data]

The average cost to replace a main water shut-off valve is $500, but most homeowners pay between $375 and $600 depending on the valve type, material, and whether trenching is involved. The cost can reach as high as $800 for stainless steel valves that require a trench. Your local labor fees and associated digging permits will also affect your final price.

Read on for all the details on the cost of replacing a main water shut-off valve and what to expect. 

Water Shut-Off Valve Replacement Cost Factors

Every project is unique, and water shut-off valves are no exception. Several factors can affect your final costs for this project.

Water Shut-Off Valve Type

The type of water shut-off valve you repair can affect the price. Fixture valves cost the most, ranging from $50 to $100, but most other types of valves are similar in price, from $10 to $50.

• Gate Valve: Gate valves have an internal gate that turns water all the way on or off. They’re used in industrial applications and may control a house's main water pipe. Residential gate valves cost around $10–$50.

• Ball Valve: Ball valves feature a thick middle body that holds the ball used to control the water. They’re used as main water shut-off valves and only require a quarter-turn of a lever handle to turn on or off. Ball valves cost about $10–$20.

• Globe Valve: Globe valves include an internal plunger that moves up and down to control the water flow. They commonly control sprinkler system pipes. Residential globe valves can cost anywhere from $5–$70 but fall between $10–$25. 

• Fixture Valve: Fixture valves feature small twist knobs or handles and control water for individual fixtures. Most houses have a variety of fixture valves, ranging in cost from $50–$150. 

• Needle Valve: Needle valves were once common in water supply appliances, like refrigerators, but many building codes no longer permit their use. These valves cost about $5–$20, but consider replacing needle valves with more reliable options.

Material

Water main shut-off valves are most commonly brass, which is relatively durable and inexpensive. However, other metal materials are available for a higher price. Bronze tends to be more durable than brass when exposed to high levels of chlorine, and stainless steel can last longer under pressure and high temperatures.

Location

The location of the main water valve in your home is one of the biggest factors in determining cost. An easy-to-access basement valve will cost much less to replace than an outdoor valve buried underground or locked in a vault. National average costs for valves in different locations are listed below.

Labor Costs

If you don't want to replace the water shut-off valve, you'll need to pay a plumber. If you’re having any other plumbing issues, it might make sense to have a plumber tackle this task alongside those to make the trip worth it for both of you.

Plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour, so your total costs will depend on how long they complete the job. A simple replacement valve might take an hour or two, but the job can take several hours to complete if the valve is hard to access. 

Permits

In many municipalities, you need to obtain a permit before replacing your main shut-off valve. Expect to pay $50 to $500 for the needed permits. Your plumber should be familiar with the local permitting process. They can provide a cost estimate for the permit and any upgrades required as part of that process.

Trenching

The average main water valve replacement cost is $500, but that average rises to $875 if a trench is required to reach a buried valve. The cost continues to rise the deeper you have to dig, as trenching costs hundreds per excavation foot. Frozen ground and bad weather make access even more complicated if the replacement is done during the winter.

If you’re merely repairing or replacing your main water line and not the valve, an alternative to trenching is trenchless water line replacement. A trenchless water line replacement costs between $75 and $150 per linear foot. It involves inserting a new pipe between where the water line connects to your home and where it connects to the city line, then filling it with resin to form a stronger pipe. Repair or replacement is another option, and repairing a main water line costs around $1,000.

Emergency Service Fees

If you’re having your main water shut-off valve replaced in the event of an emergency and need to have a pro come in on the weekend, on a holiday, or overnight, you may pay an additional emergency fee.

Insurance Coverage

If you have insurance coverage on your water main line, you may be able to get up to $3,000 for repair or replacement from your insurance company. This can dramatically offset your cost and may even fully cover a new main water shut-off valve.

Why You Should Hire a Plumber

Replacing a main water shut-off valve yourself may seem like a way to save money, but you run the risk of water damage from leaks if the job isn’t done correctly. If the main water line is buried, replacing it will require trenching, which necessitates specialized equipment and precise digging in the correct location. Overall, this project is best left to a plumber near you.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a plumbing pro

Plumbers have the pro-level knowledge it takes to replace your main water shut-off and can:

• Locate the main water shut-off valve, even if it’s buried

• Access a buried water line 

• Help you determine the best valve type and material

• Understand permit requirements, so you get the proper permit for the job

• Recommend upgrades or other related repairs

Signs You Need to Replace a Main Water Shut-Off Valve 

Quality main water shut-off valves are meant to last, but they need to be replaced from time to time. Here are signs that it might be time to trade in your old valve for a newer model:

• Water leaks or drips from the valve in the open or shut position

• Visible rust or corrosion (blue, white, or brown residue) on the valve

• It’s stuck or gets stuck between uses

• The water won’t completely shut off

• You hear noises when you turn the valve off and on, signaling damage or failure

• Water pressure issues that may be due to a failing valve

• Obvious damage (it’s bent, cracked, or broken) 

• You don’t know when it was last replaced 

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

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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