How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 2026?
The average cost to fix a leaky faucet is $100 to $250. Here is what plumbers charge, what causes faucets to leak, and how to fix most leaks yourself for under $20.
A dripping faucet is not just annoying. A faucet that drips once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water per year. The average cost to have a plumber fix a leaky faucet runs $100 to $250, but most faucet leaks can be fixed yourself for $10 to $20 in parts.
Average Cost to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 2026
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Replace washer or O-ring | $5 to $15 | $100 to $175 |
| Replace cartridge | $15 to $40 | $100 to $200 |
| Replace ceramic disc | $20 to $50 | $150 to $225 |
| Full faucet replacement | $50 to $300 | $200 to $450 |
What Causes Faucets to Leak
The cause depends on the faucet type. Most household faucets fall into one of four categories:
Ball faucets (common in kitchens) leak because of worn springs, seats, or O-rings inside the ball mechanism. A faucet repair kit that includes washers, O-rings, and gaskets in multiple sizes covers the vast majority of ball and compression faucet repairs and costs under $25.
Cartridge faucets leak when the cartridge wears out. A cartridge replacement kit costs $15 to $40 depending on your faucet brand and takes about 30 minutes to install. Match the cartridge to your faucet brand before ordering.
Compression faucets (older two-handle faucets) leak from worn rubber washers. This is the cheapest fix of all, usually $5 to $10 in parts from the faucet repair kit above.
Ceramic disc faucets are the most durable but when they do leak it is usually a cracked disc or worn seal. Parts run $20 to $50.
The One Supply You Always Need
Regardless of which faucet type you have, keep plumber's tape (also called Teflon tape) on hand. It wraps around threaded connections to create a watertight seal and prevents leaks at supply line connections. A roll costs under $5 and lasts for years.
Should You DIY It?
Faucet repair is one of the best DIY plumbing jobs for beginners. The tools required are basic, a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, and pliers. The parts are inexpensive, and the risk of making things worse is low as long as you shut off the water supply first.
YouTube has detailed tutorials for every faucet brand and type. Search your exact faucet model and you will almost certainly find a step by step video.
Verdict: Fix it yourself. Save $80 to $200 in labor and get it done in under an hour.
When to Call a Plumber
Call a plumber when the leak is coming from the base of the faucet or under the sink rather than from the spout, when you have replaced the parts and it still leaks, or when the faucet is so old that parts are no longer available and replacement makes more sense.
Bottom Line
Budget $10 to $40 to DIY a faucet repair. If you hire a plumber expect to pay $100 to $200 for a straightforward fix. A full faucet replacement runs $200 to $450 installed. Either way fix it promptly. The water waste adds up fast.
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