Dripping tap repair typically costs $100-$300 in the United States, with an average near $180 for a straightforward service call and replacement washer, O-ring, or cartridge. The final price depends on the faucet type, local labor rates, parts availability, and whether the tap needs repair or full replacement.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic dripping tap repair | $75 | $180 | $350 | Washer, O-ring, or simple cartridge replacement |
| Faucet cartridge repair | $100 | $220 | $400 | Parts and labor; specialty cartridges can cost more |
| New faucet installed | $200 | $450 | $900 | Standard faucet and installation; premium models cost extra |
| Emergency plumbing visit | $150 | $300 | $600 | After-hours or weekend service may carry a minimum charge |
Typical prices for a dripping kitchen or bathroom tap
A plumber often charges $75-$150 for a service-call minimum, then adds labor and replacement parts. A simple washer or O-ring job may total $100-$180, while a cartridge-style faucet repair commonly lands around $150-$300. Complex or older fixtures can push the bill higher if the valve body is corroded or the correct part is difficult to source.
Most ordinary leaks cost less to repair than replacing the entire faucet. The ranges assume one standard sink faucet, accessible shutoff valves, common parts, and normal weekday scheduling. Assumptions: typical U.S. metro-area rates, no cabinet or wall repairs, and standard faucet materials.
What plumber labor and replacement parts add to the bill
Quotes usually combine a dispatch or minimum fee, hands-on labor, and parts. Small parts may cost only a few dollars, but brand-specific cartridges can be $20-$100 or more. A repair that requires removing a seized handle or working in a tight vanity can take longer and increase labor charges.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Service call or minimum | $75-$150 | Local pricing and whether diagnosis is included |
| Repair labor | $75-$175 per hour | Access, corrosion, and time on site |
| Washer, O-ring, or seal | $2-$25 per set | Faucet design and parts availability |
| Replacement cartridge | $20-$100 per unit | Brand, model, and hot/cold valve design |
| Faucet replacement labor | $120-$300 | Mounting style and condition of supply lines |
Ask whether the quoted service-call fee is credited toward the repair. Some plumbers include diagnosis in the minimum; others add it to the labor charge.
Why faucet type and cartridge size change repair prices
Compression faucets commonly use inexpensive washers, while single-handle models often need a cartridge, ceramic disc, or ball-valve component. Identifying the brand and model before booking can help the plumber bring the correct part and avoid a second visit. A discontinued faucet may require special-order parts or make replacement more economical.
Scale and mineral buildup also affect the job. In a hard-water area, a cartridge may seize in place; a standard repair can then take 1-2 hours instead of 30-60 minutes. If the valve seat is damaged or the faucet body is cracked, replacing internal seals alone may not stop the drip.
Expect added labor when the fixture is corroded, unfamiliar, or difficult to access. A loose handle or worn seal is usually a smaller repair than a damaged valve body or broken supply connection.
Does a slow drip need immediate plumbing service?
A steady leak can waste water and may stain a sink or contribute to cabinet damage, but a contained faucet drip usually does not require emergency rates. If water is leaking beneath the sink, the handle will not shut off, or the leak is near electrical equipment, turn off the fixture’s supply valves and arrange prompt service.
Emergency calls commonly add $75-$250 or more above ordinary weekday pricing, depending on the time and location. A leak that can safely wait until business hours may avoid that surcharge. Do not force a corroded handle or shutoff valve; a broken valve can turn a small repair into a larger plumbing job.
How long a faucet repair takes and when labor grows
A simple washer or O-ring replacement can take 30-60 minutes once the plumber has access. Cartridge replacement often takes 45-90 minutes, while seized parts, unusual fixtures, or a faucet swap may require 1-3 hours. Extra time can also be needed if shutoff valves fail or supply lines must be replaced.
Most straightforward repairs fit within one visit when the correct parts are available. Ask whether the estimate includes a return trip if the faucet needs a special-order cartridge; the second visit may involve another service charge.
How city and rural plumbing rates shift the estimate
Labor and service-call fees tend to be higher in large coastal cities and high-cost metro areas than in smaller towns. As a planning range, urban quotes may run 15%-30% above a national-style estimate, while rural pricing can be 5%-20% lower, though longer travel distances may offset the savings. Local contractor availability and minimum charges matter more than the state average.
For a basic repair estimated at $180 in a moderate-cost market, a similar job could be roughly $205-$235 in a costly city or $145-$170 in a lower-cost area. These are budgeting adjustments, not guaranteed local rates; request an itemized quote from a nearby plumber.
Repairing the tap versus installing a new faucet
Repair is generally economical when the fixture is in good condition and the leak comes from a replaceable seal or cartridge. A standard replacement faucet may cost $80-$300 for the fixture, plus $120-$300 for installation. Premium finishes, pull-down sprayers, touch controls, and wall-mounted designs can raise the total to $600-$1,200 or more.
Compare the repair quote with the installed replacement price before approving extensive work. If the faucet is leaking from its body, parts are discontinued, or several components are worn, replacement may provide better value than repeated repairs.
Ways to keep a dripping tap repair within budget
Share the faucet brand, model, and a clear photo when requesting estimates. Ask for the service-call fee, hourly rate, part price, and any return-visit charge in writing. Comparing two or three quotes is useful, but check that each estimate covers the same repair and warranty terms.
Schedule during regular business hours when the leak is controlled, and avoid replacing a working faucet solely to match a new finish. If replacing it, choose a standard, readily available model and confirm that it fits the existing sink holes and connections.
Clear access under the sink and identify the shutoff valves before the appointment. This preparation can reduce avoidable labor, while keeping the scope limited to the leaking fixture prevents unrelated upgrades from inflating the bill.