Who Replaces Faucets? Know Who to Call for Replacement and Repairs

Faucets are more than just useful. They can add a decorative touch to a bathroom or kitchen. If you have been eyeing new fixtures to upgrade your space, it is helpful to find out who replaces faucets. By getting the right pro to help, you can enjoy a seamless installation done right.

Benefits of Hiring a Plumber to Replace a Faucet

Whether you are constructing a new kitchen and bathroom from scratch or simply want to say goodbye to your old faucet, a plumber will make sure everything is installed properly. If you want a replacement because your current faucet is leaking, a plumber can make sure there is not a larger undiagnosed problem, such as high water pressure. Moreover, some plumbers offer a warranty on their work, so that may give you extra peace of mind.

There are times when hiring a pro is the only option, like when you want to convert your traditional faucet to a wall-mounted one. If you do not have a lot of time on your hands, a professional can help you choose from the many bathtub faucet types available and advise you on the pros and cons of different faucet finishes, so you can get the right model for your space.

Can I Hire a Handyperson to Replace Faucets?

Yes, you can hire a handyperson to handle faucet replacement. Some people opt to hire a handyperson over a plumber since they tend to charge less per hour. As long as there is nothing currently wrong with your faucet or plumbing, a trustworthy handyperson should do a good job for you.

However, if you suspect something is going wrong, especially if you know there is already a leak, call a plumber instead. They are more knowledgeable and can fix the issue efficiently. That is not to say handypersons cannot do the job, but plumbers have more specialized expertise.

It is worth noting that handypersons can also do more than replace your faucet. So, if you call one out to your house, you could have them take care of more than one project if you have other things on your to-do list.

How Does a Plumber Replace a Faucet?

The plumber will first turn off the water supply and disconnect the lines. Then they will remove all faucet connections and the mounting hardware on your old faucet so they can take it off. Once removed, they will clean up any leftover sealant or grime.

Next, it is time to install the new faucet. They will attach the faucet to the mounting hardware and use gaskets or plumber’s putty to make a watertight seal. After tightening everything down, they will attach the water lines. As a final step, the plumber will run the water and check that everything is working well with no leaks. 

How Much Does Faucet Replacement Cost?

Faucet replacement costs depend on the type and style of faucet you choose and who you hire. The average bathroom faucet replacement costs $170 to $360, with most jobs costing around $270. The average cost to replace a kitchen faucet is similar at about $350, but it ranges between $200 and $500 or more.

Simple faucets cost less and tend to be easier to install (which saves on labor costs), while smart faucets, touchless models, and specialty faucets like pot fillers cost more.

You can also expect to spend less if you replace your existing faucet with a new one that matches your sink’s mountings and connectors. Updating your plumbing, replacing sink mounts or connectors, backsplash repairs, and add-ons like filters or faucet extenders will raise the price.

Outdoor faucets are a slightly different task. Since they can require behind-the-scenes work inside walls and under homes, it’s best to hire a pro. On average, expect outdoor faucet replacement costs to total about $175. However, costs can rise if you upgrade to a frost-resistant or anti-siphon faucet, or if your current faucet is leaking and needs pipe repairs.

Can I DIY Faucet Replacement?

As long as you have plumbing experience, you can potentially DIY your faucet replacement. Make sure you know what you are doing, though, because mistakes like overtightening the connections or not properly sealing threads can cause leaks. In turn, leaks can damage your cabinets and flooring.

The easiest replacements are when you are using the same faucet type. If you switch to a new faucet type, like going from a single handle to a double handle, and you are not completely sure about the installation steps, you should skip the DIY and hire a faucet installer near you.

It is worth noting that, by going the DIY route, you can save on labor costs to replace a bathroom faucet. Labor will run anywhere between $130 and $350, so if you can do the job correctly, it could be a good way to save some money.