Shower valve replacement costs $315 on average, but prices can run between $125 and $500 depending on the type of valve and who does the work.
Shower valve replacement costs $315, on average, with a typical range between $125 and $500. The shower valve is the most crucial part of the shower besides the water itself (and maybe the curtain!). Without this valve, you wouldn’t be able to control the temperature and water pressure and enjoy your relaxing bath or shower after a long day. The price to replace a shower valve depends on the type of valve you choose, what parts of the system you need to replace, and whether you DIY or hire a pro.
It’s time to wipe out leaks and low water pressure. First, let’s look at the factors that go into how much you’ll pay to replace a shower valve.
The cost to replace your valve will depend on the type of shower valve you need to replace. Here are the five most common ones with cost estimates.
If you aren’t sure which yours is, look for a serial number or model number on your shower head and search for it online.
| Shower Valve Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Mixing Valve | $40 to $350 |
| Diverter Shower Valve | $20 to $200 |
| Pressure-Balancing Valve | $50 to $300 |
| Thermostatic Shower Valve | $25 to $200 |
| Transfer Valve | $100 to $190 |
You can call in one of three people for this job. There’s a handyperson, a licensed plumber, or yourself. That last option typically only costs you materials and maybe your afternoon, depending on how good you are with a pair of tools.
If you hire a handyperson near you, expect to pay around $165 for a shower valve replacement. You should bring in a licensed plumber if you’re upgrading to a different system, and it will cost around $225 for a shower valve replacement with this pro.
You have two options here: replacement parts or a shower valve kit. Buying individual replacement parts might save you a couple of bucks and prevent you from having to replace the parts of your shower valve that still work. However, especially on older shower valves, it can be difficult to find some pieces.
A shower valve kit contains all the parts to replace your shower valve and a new trim that matches the valve. In some cases, a new shower head will also be included. A basic shower valve kit might cost under $30, whereas fancy units cost $100 or more.
In older houses, the valve may be difficult to access through the wall than in newer models. This could add time—and thus labor costs—to your bill. Expect to pay about an hour in labor if yours is older or difficult to reach.
Working on your home’s plumbing, whether you do the work DIY or hire a contractor, requires a permit in some states and counties. A “faucet permit,” as this type of work may be classified, will cost anywhere from $10 to $25.
There may be extra expenses for your shower valve replacement to keep in mind when you create a budget.
Small leaks or a minor decrease in water pressure may be fixable with a simple shower valve repair, such as adding a new O ring (or even tightening a pipe).
Alternatively, if there are serious leaks, water pressure or temperature decreases are making showering difficult, or odors coming from the shower valve, it probably needs to be replaced.
Repair costs will depend on the type of fixes you do.
How many handles does your shower have? The price you pay to fix your shower valve may vary depending on that answer.
Ranging from basic to high-end, your shower valve could cost under $20 or over $100 depending on the one-handle valve you opt for.
Two-handle shower valves aren’t as common today as they used to be. The kits for them are the most affordable of any shower valve type and may only cost a few dollars.
Often used for aesthetic value or in older showers, three-handle shower valves also are less frequently seen in modern bathroom showers. A basic kit will cost under $30.
Plumbing repairs typically cost $330 on average, right around the average price to fix your shower valve. Clogged drains are one of the most common other shower problems you might encounter.
You may need to repair your shower wall after the job is done, depending on how easy it was to reach the shower valve. Shower valves are typically located right behind the handles, but if the builders left too small of a hole, you’ll need to cut out a large enough working area. This project can increase the overall cost by around $250 on average.
If you know your way around a tool belt and you’re familiar with following DIY videos, this is a task you can likely get done in around an hour. You’ll only need to pay for the valve itself, which will save you around $100 to 300 in labor costs if you don’t hire a plumber.
If you’re upgrading the system at all or if you’ve never seen a water pipe in your life, you should leave this job to the professionals. Be sure to ask for a run-down after so you know how to use your new shower set up.
Of course, replacing a shower valve yourself will save you money—perhaps hundreds of dollars, if you do the job right. The thing about plumbing repairs is plumbers can charge as much as $200 per hour. If they have to fix a mess you make trying to repair a shower DIY, for example, you may pay way more than if you’d just hired a pro in the first place.
Shower valve replacement is pretty straightforward. But like most home improvement costs, a little foresight and research will save you cash. Here are two strategies for paying less to replace a shower valve:
Stick with the basics: Shower valves can become pricey quickly; if you are trying to save money, stick with a basic model that fits your cartridge.
Call multiple plumbers: Plumbers charge varying hourly rates, and up to $200 an hour is standard, but not guaranteed. You might be able to find a skilled plumber for half of that price if you do research before you hire.
Sara Coleman contributed to this article.
How long shower valves last depends on the type and the level of use it gets. But shower valves are generally sturdy and will last around 20 years on average.
If you’ve noticed the handle leaking water when you turn on your shower, this is your first sign of a failing shower valve. Other signs are from a lack of hot water, an increase in water pressure, or your shower refusing to turn on in general.
Shower valves and cartridges are not universal. When researching the type of shower valve you need for replacement, make sure you get the model number and match it to the shower cartridge. Otherwise, it might not fit.
You can not replace a shower valve without turning off the water. You should always turn your water off before doing any kind of plumbing work—and this project is no exception. Turning off the water is a best practice for both personal safety and keeping things in your home dry.
You can find out what type of shower valve you have by checking the manufacturer’s name and the valve’s serial number or model number. That information should be located on the back of the shower trim. You can use the name and number to do a quick online search to figure out which type of shower valve you have.
There’s a wide range of costs associated with replacing a shower head. Generally speaking, shower head costs range from $75 to $100, while the installation typically costs $50. The type of shower head you purchase, such as a single wall mount or luxurious pick, will greatly influence the cost. The number of shower heads needed also impacts both material and installation costs.
