The average cost to replace a showerhead is between $100 and $450, with a national average of $260. Budget more for dual showerheads and plumbing repair work.
Upgrading your showerhead can transform the look and feel of your bathroom. You’ll need to consider a few expenses, such as the showerhead installation cost, labor, materials, and any extra features or plumbing services you request. Overall, showerheads range from $75 to $700 and average out to $260, while installations cost $50. Below, we’ve outlined all you need to know about the cost of replacing your showerhead.
Several aspects of the job will affect the total cost of buying and installing a new showerhead. A showerhead installer can help walk you through your options and install the new fixture. The shower is a major aspect of your bathroom design, so carefully weigh your options before making a final decision.
The type of showerhead you pick is a significant cost factor. The most basic is a single wall-mount showerhead, but if you go for a more luxurious fixture, such as an adjustable head, expect the showerhead to cost more. For a rough estimate of what you might need to spend to get the look and function you want, research types of showerheads.
Some custom showers have multiple heads built in, including rain showers and his-and-hers showerheads. Many manufacturers also produce dual showerhead systems that combine two or more showerheads and sprayers into the same installation. If you need to replace multiple showerheads at once or want a dual showerhead system, expect the showerhead cost and installation cost to be higher, and include the added expense in your budget.
The finish you choose will contribute to your project’s total cost. Chrome is more affordable than brushed nickel and bronze, while brass and stainless steel are durable options that fall in the middle. If you like your current showerhead but want to give it a facelift, consider replating bathroom fixtures. For the best outcome, look for a finish matching your other bathroom fixtures.
If you hire a showerhead installation professional near you, you will pay for labor fees. This includes installing a shower arm connector and showerhead, acquiring material, and preparing and cleaning the area. Nationally, the average cost for labor and materials per showerhead is $80 to $220.
If the old showerhead is corroded onto the pipe or your new showerhead is a specialty unit that requires specialized plumbing, you should call a plumber. Rain showers, wall-mount units, and adding a second showerhead will require new plumbing unless you’re replacing an existing fixture.
You have many options when choosing a showerhead, and the type you pick will contribute to your total cost. Below are some estimates of what you can expect to pay based on showerhead type.
| Type of Showerhead | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-Spray Showerhead | $5–$50 |
| Rainfall Showerhead | $25–$150 |
| Ceiling-Mounted Showerhead | $8–$300 |
| Handheld Showerhead | $30–$200 |
| Sliding Bar Showerhead | $60–$300 |
| Dual Showerheads | $100–$1,000 |
Single-Spray Showerheads: Standard single-spray showerheads cost $5–$50. This budget-friendly option includes adjustable settings and is the easiest to install.
Rainfall Showerheads: A luxurious rainfall showerhead costs $25–$150. The large, flat surface is an upgrade to your shower.
Ceiling-Mounted Showerheads: This large showerhead attaches to the middle of the ceiling and costs $80–$300. With this choice, less water ends up on the walls, preventing mildew.
Handheld Showerheads: This showerhead detaches from the wall and connects to a long hose. It costs from $30–$200. With this showerhead, you can give your dog a bath or clean the tub.
Sliding Bar Showerheads: These showerheads are fixed on a bar mounted to the wall and cost $60–$300. You can adjust the showerhead to the desired height.
Dual Showerheads: A more costly setup features two showerheads that are controlled by one lever. Dual showerheads cost $100–$1,000, depending on the type.
Whether you like a quick shower or take your time, your showerhead matters. Installing a showerhead yourself allows you to save on labor and bathroom remodeling costs. You’ll need to purchase the necessary materials, including slip-joint pliers, plumber’s tape, and an adjustable wrench, and the new showerhead.
If you opt for professional installation, the cost of showerhead removal and replacement is about $50 to $100 for labor fees, not including the price of the new showerhead. A pro can help you choose the best showerhead for your setup and get it working without leaks.
While you can DIY the simplest showerhead installations in minutes by screwing a replacement showerhead onto the shower arm in place of your old showerhead, some jobs require more planning and investment. Adding a second showerhead, changing the location of the showerhead, or making other updates will incur additional bathroom remodel costs.
| Showerhead Replacement Add-Ons | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bath fan installation | $240–$570 |
| Shower door installation | $530–$1,400 |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | $1,500–$8,000 |
Bath Fan Installation: Installing a bathroom fan costs $240–$570 and running it removes moisture and prevents mold, mildew, and water damage to the interior of the bathroom.
Shower Door Installation: Upgrading to a shower door costs $530–$1,400 and will keep water in the shower if your new showerhead is more powerful or at a different angle. This is one bathroom remodel idea that will protect your bathroom flooring and other surfaces.
Accessibility: Converting a tub to a walk-in shower and adding components like anti-slip surfaces, grab bars, lower thresholds, and seating makes showers more accessible. ADA handheld showerheads can be used in a fixed position, must have a hose that’s at least 59 inches long, and have controls that don’t require grasping. On average, a tub-to-shower conversion costs $1,500–$8,000.
If you notice problems with your shower, such as low or high water pressure, rust, leaks, or mold, consider replacing your showerhead. Compared to old fixtures, new showerheads offer better pressure while saving water, look better, and are an easy and affordable way to upgrade your shower. If you need more features, choose one with additional spray settings and a detachable head.
Low water pressure is the most common problem with showerheads. Whether it’s due to scale and calcium buildup, clogs, age, or damage, poor showerhead spray costs you time and a relaxing experience. If your showerhead is in good condition except for buildup or clogged holes, try cleaning it with a scale or calcium remover. If the showerhead is old, rusty, cracked, or damaged, it’s time to replace it.
If your showerhead is moldy, leaky, or clogged, and you can’t get it clean, it’s time to invest in a new one. A new fixture will improve your showering experience, giving you better water pressure and saving money on leaks. If your current showerhead doesn’t match your bathroom, choose one that can enhance the aesthetic of your shower.
