How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Shower Valve?

Shower valves and handles cost

Most modern showers use a single handle, but many have two handles. The replacement process is applicable to both styles, but a double handle is more expensive than a single-handle shower. Each handle costs between $5 and $12 for the parts and between $26 and $60 for labor, depending on how many handles and the work needed. 

Replacing the shower valve costs $160 for the parts, as some use internal cartridges and stems with O-rings or washers that help control the flow of hot and cold water. Labor costs upwards of $340. 

Our guide explores the factors involved in calculating your shower valve replacement costs to help you determine which option is best for your needs.

Labor cost to repair a shower valve

Many homeowners choose to hire a plumber when they need a shower diverter valve replacement or repair, but hiring a handyman is another, more economical option. Consider hiring a professional plumber because they can efficiently gain access to the plumbing and the shower valve assembly. 

Plan to pay hourly labor rates to get your shower valve fixed or repaired. The average handyman's hourly rates range from $50 to $85. A plumber will cost you between $75 and $150 per hour. To estimate how long it takes to replace a shower valve, factor in between two and 3.5 hours to replace it completely and less than an hour for a repair.

Replacement valve price factors

The cost to replace your shower valve may vary depending on a variety of factors. Here are some of the most common variables to consider when getting an estimate for your shower valve repair or replacement:

Accessibility

If you have an access panel, the plumbing cost to replace the shower valve will be lower since it will take less time for the plumber to access your valve and its internal parts. If part of the shower wall needs to be cut away, it will take more time and materials.

Cost of parts

The cost to replace the shower cartridge, valve, and other parts depends on the manufacturer. For example, if you own a high-end brand name shower valve, purchasing brand-exclusive parts will cost more than owning a builder-grade or standard shower valve.

Labor cost

If you hire a plumber, the cost to replace a shower valve is more expensive than if you were to hire a handyman or attempt to save costs and install the shower valve yourself.

Size

Two-handled shower diverter valve replacements will cost more to repair if both are broken. Single-handle shower valves are generally less costly to repair.

Warranty

Homeowners with a home warranty may be able to cover the repair or replacement costs of the shower valve if the plumbing is covered under the warranty. Read the terms and conditions to look for phrases that refer to things like "faucets, showerheads, and valves for the tub, shower, and diverter."

Location

Your cost to replace or repair a shower valve may also depend on your location. For example, those living in busy urban areas will likely pay more for labor than those living in remote rural areas.

Shower cartridge replacement cost

One of the most common causes of a leaky shower is that there is damage to the internal parts of your shower valve. A standard single-handle shower faucet has a cartridge with O-rings that can become worn out over time. To replace a shower cartridge, it may cost as low as $65 to as high as $220, on average. If you need to replace the entire faucet including the entire valve, the trim, and new handles, prepare to pay more.

Replace shower faucet cost

Sometimes you can repair rather than replace your faucets. The cost to fix a leaky shower faucet is less than a complete replacement. If you do need a full faucet replacement, expect to pay between $450 and $720 for a total replacement, including materials and labor. Keep in mind that this depends on the type of faucet you have, which parts need to be replaced, and the manufacturer.

Compression disk faucets usually have a single-handed design and use a washer, while double-handed designs have a cartridge and an O-ring that may erode over time. A three-handled shower faucet is the most expensive to replace since it uses a special diverter valve.

Shower faucet supplies brands

Your costs to replace the shower faucet will vary depending on labor prices and the brand you’re using. Here are some of the most popular household brands:

• Kohler: The cost of Kohler shower valve cartridges ranges from $35 to $110.
• Delta: Plan to pay between $45 and $80 for a replacement Delta shower valve cartridge.
• Pfister: This brand typically costs between $25 and $85 to replace a shower valve cartridge.
• Danco: This company is a third-party supplier that makes parts for most brands, and costs vary between $6 and $110.

Shower valve installation cost breakdown

Before you hire a professional to repair or replace your shower valve, it's best to get several estimates to help you compare costs. The installation cost breakdown will likely include the following information to help you make an informed decision:

Permits

In most cases, a permit is not required to repair or replace a shower valve. However, some localities may require a plumbing permit if you're replacing the valve, so it may cost up to $260 for permitting, but the average cost is closer to $75.

Inspection

Your plumber will need to investigate the cause of the leak before they perform any repairs. An inspection is a good idea, since they may discover that the problem is easy to fix, which can save you money in the long run. A simple leak inspection should not take more than 30 minutes, but most plumbers charge a one-hour minimum.

Install time

Many plumbers will charge a minimum of one hour, even if the job takes less time to complete. A typical shower valve repair can take as little as 20 minutes to as long as one hour, on average. However, if you need to replace the valve and faucet, prepare to pay for approximately 2-3.5 hours in labor costs.

Replace or repair a shower valve?

To determine whether it's best to repair your shower valve or replace the shower diverter valve unit, here’s what you need to consider: 

• Repairing a leaky or faulty shower valve costs less than a replacement, and in most cases, no tile or wall repairs are required. 
• Certain faucet brands or styles might not be repairable, so you'll need to pay to replace the entire thing. 
• Repairs are messier to perform than new installations, and there's no guarantee that you won't experience any new leaks in the future. 
• Replacing your shower valve gives you the chance to upgrade your bathroom, and you'll get a warranty on the work if you hire a professional. 
• Newer shower faucet models are easier to repair.

Common shower leak repair costs

In addition to the minimum charge from your plumber, you will need to pay for specific parts or repairs if your shower has a leak. Here are some of the most common types of shower leak issues and how much it costs to repair them:

• Corroded washers: Prepare to pay between $45 and $200 to replace worn-out washers.
• Loose nuts: It can cost between $45 and $200 to tighten or replace the nuts in your shower valve.
• Rotted O-rings or gaskets: The cost to replace these parts ranges between $50 and $200.
• Worn out inlet or outlet seals: To replace a seal, you could pay as low as $65 or as much as $235.
• Sediment buildup: It can cost between $70 to $250 to take the entire faucet apart and remove all sediment buildup.

Enhancements and improvement costs

When you hire a plumber, there are some other enhancements or improvements you can opt for:

• Aerator: An aerator reduces the flow of water to make your plumbing more energy efficient. This typically costs between $5 and $10 plus labor.
• Handles: The cost to just replace your shower handles ranges between $26 and $60 for a standard trim kit, plus installation.
• New Showerhead: A handheld or rain shower head can make your bathroom more luxurious. Prepare to pay between $50 and $150 for this upgrade plus installation for a handheld, and between $20 and $200 plus installation for a rain showerhead.
• New caulking: Replacing old caulking can make your bathroom look fresh and new. This easy update costs between $100 and $150 to remove the old caulk and replace it with new caulking.