How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Showerhead? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $100 - $450
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.
- Average
- $260
- Low end
- $75
- high end
- $700
Showerhead Cost Breakdown
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.
Showerhead Type
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.
Number 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.
Showerhead Finish
Depending on your budget, the finish you choose will contribute to your project’s total cost. Chrome finishes cost less than polished brass, brushed nickel, and bronze. If you like your current showerhead but want to give it a facelift, consider replating bathroom fixtures for a new look without the cost of a new item or installation.
Labor and Materials
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.
Plumbing
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.
Showerhead Costs by Type
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 | $80 – $300 |
| Handheld Showerhead | $30 – $200 |
| Sliding Bar Showerhead | $60 – $300 |
| Dual Showerheads | $100 – $1,000 |
Single-Spray Showerhead
The most standard type of showerhead, single-spray showerheads, cost $5 to $50, depending on the features you choose. This is the least expensive type of showerhead and normally includes adjustable settings. It is also the easiest to install yourself.
Rainfall Showerhead
If you choose a rainfall showerhead, expect to pay $25 to $150. The rain showerhead has a large, flat surface and is considered an upgrade to your shower. It can make even the simplest shower feel like a luxury retreat.
Ceiling-Mounted Showerhead
A ceiling-mounted showerhead can be anywhere from $80 to $300. Similar to the rainfall showerhead, this has a larger surface area and is attached to the middle of the ceiling. This reduces the water that ends up on the walls, helping to prevent mildew growth.
Handheld Showerhead
Handheld showerheads range from $30 to $200. This type of showerhead detaches from the wall and is connected to a long hose. It allows you to perform multiple tasks, such as bathing your pets or cleaning your bath area.
Sliding Bar Showerhead
Sliding bar showerheads are fixed on a bar that is mounted to the shower wall. You should expect to pay somewhere between $60 and $300. These offer the benefit of adjusting the showerhead to your desired height.
Dual Showerheads
One of the more expensive options, dual showerheads, consists of two heads controlled with one lever. These can range from roughly $100 to $1,000, but the cost depends on the type of showerhead.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Showerhead Yourself?
Whether you like a quick shower or take your time, your showerhead matters. If it’s in your budget, hiring a professional to install your showerhead could carve out time for you to run an errand or have some downtime. On the other hand, installing your new showerhead yourself will allow you to cut costs and give you a sense of accomplishment.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
If you opt for professional installation, the cost of showerhead removal and replacement is roughly around $50 to $100 for labor fees, not including the price of the new showerhead.
Installing a new showerhead yourself is a doable job and can save you money. Without the labor fees, you’ll just be paying for any necessary materials and the new head. Necessary materials include slip-joint pliers, plumber’s tape, and an adjustable wrench.
Cost of Common Showerhead Replacement Add-Ons
Buying and installing your new showerhead are just two factors in the overall price of a shower upgrade. While you can DIY the simplest showerhead installations in just minutes by simply screwing a replacement showerhead onto the shower arm in place of your old showerhead, some jobs require more. Adding a second showerhead, changing the location of the showerhead, or making other updates will incur additional bathroom remodel costs.
Bath Fan Installation
You should always run a bath fan when showering; this removes moisture from the air and helps prevent mold, mildew, and damage to bathroom walls and ceilings. If your bathroom doesn’t have a bath fan or the bath fan is old or not working well, now is the time to install a new one. This can be a DIY job for some people, but you may want to hire a professional to do the job right.
Shower Door Installation
Adding or upgrading your shower door can be a smart idea, especially if your new showerhead is at a different angle or more powerful than the one you’re replacing. Upgrading from a shower curtain to a shower door can protect your bathroom flooring and other surfaces. If shopping for a new showerhead has you considering adding or replacing your shower door—or other bathroom remodel ideas—now is the time to discuss your options with a contractor.
Accessibility
Modifications like converting a tub to a walk-in shower or adding accessibility components—such as anti-slip surfaces, grab bars, wider openings, lower thresholds and seating—make showers more accessible. The type of showerhead you choose can also increase accessibility. ADA-compliant showerheads are those that can be used in a fixed position and as a handheld shower, must have a hose that is at least 59 inches long, and have controls that are easy to activate and require no grasping.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you notice problems with your shower, such as low or high water pressure, rust, leaks, or mold, you might want to consider replacing your showerhead, which will inevitably be of higher quality and improve your showers. You might also need more features added to your shower, such as additional spray settings or a detachable head. 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 experience.
Low water pressure is the most common problem with showerheads. Whether it’s due to scale and calcium buildup, a clogged showerhead, age, or damage, poor showerhead spray is frustrating and 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 probably time to replace it with a newer model.
If your showerhead is moldy, leaky, or clogged, and you can’t or don’t want to attempt to clean it, it’s time to invest in a new showerhead. A new fixture will drastically improve your showering experience, giving you better water pressure and saving money on leaks. If your current showerhead doesn’t match your bathroom, choosing a new showerhead can enhance the aesthetic of your shower.
You have several options to pick from when selecting a finish, including chrome, nickel, brass, bronze, and stainless steel. Chrome is the least inexpensive option, while bronze and nickel are more expensive. Brass and stainless steel are somewhere in the middle cost-wise. Both are durable options that are easy to maintain. For the best outcome, look for a finish matching the other bathroom fixtures.