How Much Does Shower Valve Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $150 - $550
The average shower valve replacement costs $350. Depending on the type of shower valve, plumbing accessibility, and the pro you hire, expect to pay between $150 and $550.
The type of shower valve you choose is the most significant cost factor to consider, with pressure-balancing valves costing up to twice as much as simpler options.
Replacing a shower valve is a simple process, so labor plays just a minor role. It’s more cost-effective to have a pro do the work because it’s not much more expensive.
It’s often more affordable to repair your existing shower valve, but a full replacement is a better option over time because it reduces the risk of future leaks.
Consider upgrading your shower fixtures at the same time to save. Your pro will need to remove some of the fixtures anyway.
Shower valve replacement costs $350, on average, with a range between $150 and $550. The price to replace a shower valve depends on the type of valve you choose, which parts of the system you need to replace, and whether you DIY or hire a pro.
The shower valve is the most crucial part of the shower besides the water itself. Without this valve, you wouldn’t be able to control the temperature and water pressure and enjoy your relaxing shower or bath after a long day. Find a breakdown below of all the costs involved with replacing your shower valve.
Shower Valve Replacement Cost Factors
With the right shower valve, you can say goodbye to scalds, chills, and sudden pressure changes. Here are the factors that determine how much you’ll pay to replace a shower valve.
From one homeowner to another
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The cost to replace your shower valve depends on the type you need. Here are the five most common ones with cost estimates.
Shower Valve Types
Average Cost
Mixing valve
$40–$350
Diverter shower valve
$20–$200
Pressure-balancing valve
$50–$300
Thermostatic shower valve
$25–$200
Transfer valve
$100–$190
Mixing valve: Mixing valves combine hot and cold water so you can adjust the temperature and cost $40–$350. However, mixing valves can’t account for sudden water pressure changes, so the water temperature can fluctuate if someone flushes the toilet while you’re in the shower.
Diverter shower valve: Diverter shower valves redirect water flow between one or more water outlets, like a showerhead and a bathtub spout, and allow you to switch between them. These are common in tub-and-shower combos and cost $20–$200.
Pressure-balancing valve: These valves maintain consistent water temperature by adjusting the balance of hot and cold water to compensate for pressure changes in the water supply. Unlike mixing valves, water from pressure-balancing valves won’t suddenly change temperature if the water pressure changes while you’re using the tap or shower. This type of valve averages $50–$300.
Thermostatic shower valve: Thermostatic shower valves control water temperature by letting you set and maintain the heat level you prefer regardless of water pressure. These valves automatically adjust the water to your preset temperature to avoid scalding or freezing showers and range from $25–$200.
Transfer valve: These valves direct water to multiple outlets, such as a showerhead, hand shower, spigot, and body jets. With transfer valves, you can choose to have water coming out of more than one fixture, outlet, or spout at a time. Expect to pay $100–$190.
If you aren’t sure which type of shower valve you have, look for a serial number or model number on the showerhead and search for it online.
Plumbing Repair 101
Shower Valve Style
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How many handles does your shower have? The price you pay to fix your shower valve may depend on that answer.
One-Handle Shower Valve
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 Valve
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.
Three-Handle Shower Valve
Often used for aesthetic value or in older showers, three-handle shower valves are less frequently seen in modern bathroom showers. A basic kit will cost under $30.
Labor
You can hire a handyperson or licensed plumber for this project. If you hire a handyperson near you, expect to pay around $165 for a shower valve replacement. You should bring in a local plumbing repair pro if you’re upgrading to a different system, which will cost around $225 for a shower valve replacement.
Materials
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, new trim that matches the valve, and some include a new showerhead. A basic shower valve kit costs under $30, whereas fancy units cost $100 or more.
Location
It can be more challenging to access valves through the walls in older homes than in newer homes. This could add time—and labor costs—to your bill. Expect to pay about an hour in labor if yours is older or difficult to reach.
Permits
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, costs anywhere from $10 to $25.
Shower Valve Repair vs. Replacement
You might be able to fix small leaks or a minor decrease in water pressure with a simple shower valve repair, such as adding a new O-ring (or tightening a pipe).
Alternatively, if there are serious leaks, decreases in water pressure or temperature that make showering difficult, or odors coming from the shower valve, you’ll most likely need to replace it. Repair costs depend on the type of fixes required to get it back in working order.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Shower Valve Yourself?
If you’re a handy DIYer who knows their way around a tool belt, you can complete this task in about an hour. You’ll only need to pay for the valve and necessary tools, which can save $100 to $300 in labor costs.
But replacing a shower valve yourself will only save you money if you do the job right. Plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour, and you could end up paying more than you would for a simple shower valve replacement if they also have to fix DIY errors.
So if you’re upgrading your shower and don’t have experience with similar projects, leave this job to the professionals. When your plumber or handyperson is done, ask for a rundown on the new setup so you know how to use it.
Cost of Common Shower Valve Replacement Add-Ons
Along with the cost of the new shower valve parts and labor, plan for potential tasks that might get added to your project.
Shower Valve Replacement Add-Ons
Average Cost
Plumbing repairs
$350
Shower wall repairs
$250
Additional Plumbing Repairs
Plumbing repairs cost $350 on average, right around the average price to fix your shower valve. Clogged drains are one of the most common shower problems you might encounter. It can be cost-effective to have a plumber perform more than one task while they’re at your home, so ask your plumbing pro about other plumbing repairs or tasks on your to-do list.
Repairing the Shower Wall
Depending on how easy it is to access the shower valve, you might need to repair your shower wall after the job is done. Shower valves are 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 can increase the overall cost by around $250 on average.
How to Save on Shower Valve Replacement Costs
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’re trying to save money, stick with a basic model that fits your cartridge.
Call multiple plumbers: Plumbers charge varying hourly rates, and $45–$200 per hour is standard but not guaranteed. You might be able to find a skilled plumber for less if you research before you hire.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long shower valves last depends on the type you have, how much use it gets, the hardness of your water, and whether the valve was installed correctly. Good-quality brass shower valves are sturdy and last around 20 years, while lower-quality plastic valves last 4 to 5 years. Since shower valves wear out over time, you can proactively replace yours after 15 years or whenever you update your showerhead.
Dripping or leaking water from the handle or dripping from the showerhead (when its off) are signs your shower valve needs to be replaced. Other signs include low water pressure and inconsistent water pressure and temperature (that isn’t caused by other factors like someone else using another fixture at the same time). Difficulty turning the valve and water not turning on at all are advanced signs that the valve is wearing out.
No, shower valves and cartridges are not universal. When researching the type of shower valve you need, make sure you get the model number of the old valve or cartridge and match it to the new one. Otherwise, it might not fit. To find the model number, check to see if the old part has a brand or serial number stamped on it. If you can’t find that number, contact the manufacturer or check their website to see which valves and cartridges fit together.
You cannot replace a shower valve without turning off the water. 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 personal safety and to keep 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 showerhead. The cost of a showerhead averages $260, with labor and materials costing $80 to $220. The type of showerhead you purchase, such as a single-wall mount or luxurious pick, greatly influences the project. The number of showerheads needed also impacts material and installation estimates.
Lauren is a full-time writer and editor, focusing on home improvement and construction. She enjoys combining her interest in renovating homes with real-life tips that can make the job easier. Her personal style emphasizes sustainability, retaining original character, revealing hidden beauty, and a love for all things old.
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