The average cost to replace a main water shut-off valve is $500, but most homeowners pay between $375 and $600 for the service.
The average cost to replace a main water shut-off valve is $500, but most homeowners pay between $375 and $600 depending on the valve type, material, and whether trenching is involved. The cost can reach as high as $800 for stainless steel valves that require a trench. Your local labor fees and associated digging permits will also affect your final price.
Read on for all the details on the cost of replacing a main water shut-off valve and what to expect.
Every project is unique, and water shut-off valves are no exception. Several factors can affect your final costs for this project.
The type of water shut-off valve you repair can affect the price. Fixture valves cost the most, ranging from $50 to $100, but most other types of valves are similar in price, from $10 to $50.
| Valve Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Gate | $10–$50 |
| Ball | $10–$20 |
| Globe | $10–$25 |
| Fixture | $50–$150 |
| Needle | $5–$20 |
Gate Valve: Gate valves have an internal gate that turns water all the way on or off. They’re used in industrial applications and may control a house's main water pipe. Residential gate valves cost around $10–$50.
Ball Valve: Ball valves feature a thick middle body that holds the ball used to control the water. They’re used as main water shut-off valves and only require a quarter-turn of a lever handle to turn on or off. Ball valves cost about $10–$20.
Globe Valve: Globe valves include an internal plunger that moves up and down to control the water flow. They commonly control sprinkler system pipes. Residential globe valves can cost anywhere from $5–$70 but fall between $10–$25.
Fixture Valve: Fixture valves feature small twist knobs or handles and control water for individual fixtures. Most houses have a variety of fixture valves, ranging in cost from $50–$150.
Needle Valve: Needle valves were once common in water supply appliances, like refrigerators, but many building codes no longer permit their use. These valves cost about $5–$20, but consider replacing needle valves with more reliable options.
Water main shut-off valves are most commonly brass, which is relatively durable and inexpensive. However, other metal materials are available for a higher price. Bronze tends to be more durable than brass when exposed to high levels of chlorine, and stainless steel can last longer under pressure and high temperatures.
The location of the main water valve in your home is one of the biggest factors in determining cost. An easy-to-access basement valve will cost much less to replace than an outdoor valve buried underground or locked in a vault. National average costs for valves in different locations are listed below.
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Basement access | $180–$220 |
| In-ground at water meter | $180–$500 |
| Vault or box | $200–$750 |
| Buried (shallow) | $210–$420 |
| Buried (deep) | $240–$1,000 |
In the event of a plumbing emergency, it is critical to know the location of your water main shut-off valve in case you need to quickly stop water from flowing into your home. If you are unsure, a pro can help you locate the valve and show you how to operate it.
If you don't want to replace the water shut-off valve, you'll need to pay a plumber. If you’re having any other plumbing issues, it might make sense to have a plumber tackle this task alongside those to make the trip worth it for both of you.
Plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour, so your total costs will depend on how long they complete the job. A simple replacement valve might take an hour or two, but the job can take several hours to complete if the valve is hard to access.
In many municipalities, you need to obtain a permit before replacing your main shut-off valve. Expect to pay $50 to $500 for the needed permits. Your plumber should be familiar with the local permitting process. They can provide a cost estimate for the permit and any upgrades required as part of that process.
The average main water valve replacement cost is $500, but that average rises to $875 if a trench is required to reach a buried valve. The cost continues to rise the deeper you have to dig, as trenching costs hundreds per excavation foot. Frozen ground and bad weather make access even more complicated if the replacement is done during the winter.
If you’re merely repairing or replacing your main water line and not the valve, an alternative to trenching is trenchless water line replacement. A trenchless water line replacement costs between $75 and $150 per linear foot. It involves inserting a new pipe between where the water line connects to your home and where it connects to the city line, then filling it with resin to form a stronger pipe. Repair or replacement is another option, and repairing a main water line costs around $1,000.
If you’re having your main water shut-off valve replaced in the event of an emergency and need to have a pro come in on the weekend, on a holiday, or overnight, you may pay an additional emergency fee.
If you have insurance coverage on your water main line, you may be able to get up to $3,000 for repair or replacement from your insurance company. This can dramatically offset your cost and may even fully cover a new main water shut-off valve.
If you decide to replace your water shut-off valve yourself, you only need to pay for the valve and the tools and materials needed to install it. If the valve is in an easily accessible location, you'll probably only need a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, and plumber's tape, each of which you can purchase for $5 to $20.
However, if the valve is behind cabinetry, you might need additional tools and materials, such as a crowbar, hammer, and power drill. Crowbars and hammers cost around $5 to $15, while power drills cost $20 to $60 or more. If you need to rent a trencher or excavator to reach a buried valve, you may pay more than $1,000 in rental costs.
You’ll also need to obtain permits and take great care when digging, as you don’t want to damage the water line.
If you’re uncomfortable with the job or don’t have the necessary plumbing or soldering skills, hire a licensed plumber near you to complete the job for about $45 to $200 per hour. A pro will know the right materials for the job and ensure that they’re installed correctly. They may even offer a warranty on the materials and labor.
Quality main water shut-off valves are meant to last, but they need to be replaced from time to time. Here are signs that it might be time to trade in your old valve for a newer model:
Water leaks or drips from the valve in the open or shut position
Visible rust or corrosion (blue, white, or brown residue) on the valve
It’s stuck or gets stuck between uses
The water won’t completely shut off
You hear noises when you turn the valve off and on, signaling damage or failure
Water pressure issues that may be due to a failing valve
Obvious damage (it’s bent, cracked, or broken)
You don’t know when it was last replaced
Most of the time, homeowners are responsible for replacing a main water shut-off valve. This is because the property owner also owns the water service line from the shut-off valve near their property line to their house. That means they must maintain, repair, or replace it when needed.
The time it takes to replace a water shut-off valve varies significantly by how accessible it is. If the valve is easy to access, it takes an hour or two to replace it. However, if it's tucked behind cabinetry or other barriers, it can take several hours since the barriers will first need to be removed and reinstalled after the valve is replaced.
Main water shut-off valves last 10 to 20 years on average, though they can sometimes last longer. This depends in part on the material you choose. Brass valves are very durable, but more expensive bronze or stainless steel valves may last even longer. Main water shut-off valves often fail due to aging internal parts, such as rubber washers. However, corrosion and sediment buildup also contribute to valve failure. If purchasing a home at least 10 years old, you may want to replace the main water shut-off valve soon to avoid potential problems.
The type of valve that’s best for water shut-off is the ball valve. These are considered by many plumbers to be the most reliable type of valve, and they’re the type most used for main water shut-offs. These valves only require a quarter turn of a handle to open or close fully.
A house has two main water shut-off valves. One water valve location is inside the house. If your home is connected to a municipal water supply, you’ll find it on the perimeter of the house on the side that faces the street. If your home uses well water, that valve could come in from any side. The other main valve is near where your property meets the street.
