What are expert tips for when to hire a plumber for faucet work?

A basic faucet swap should cost $150-$300 in labor. Get a second opinion if quoted more. Ask the plumber to replace shutoff valves while there -- most add it for $50-$100. Get three quotes if opening walls or rerouting pipes.

When to Hire a Plumber for Faucet Work

Installation Guide Reference guide Reference guide

Created by Ryan Pietrzak Illinois Licensed Plumber · In the plumbing industry since 2009

Updated February 20, 2026

Key Takeaway

We're all for DIY faucet work -- it's one of the most accessible plumbing jobs. But there are situations where calling a plumber isn't just easier, it's the smart call. Knowing that line saves you from turning a $200 faucet swap into a $2,000 water damage cleanup.

Overview

What to Know

Stuck or Corroded Shutoff Valves

If shutoff valves won't close, you can't safely work on the faucet without shutting off the main. If they break when you try to close them, you've got an active leak needing immediate attention. A plumber handles valves and faucet in one visit.

Old Galvanized Supply Pipes

Grey, threaded, rough-looking pipes coming from the wall are galvanized steel. They corrode from the inside and can crumble when disturbed. A faucet swap that breaks a galvanized fitting turns into a repipe back to a junction point.

Moving the Faucet Location

Adding sink holes, rerouting supply lines, or converting deck-mount to wall-mount isn't a faucet swap -- it's a plumbing modification involving cutting walls and possibly pulling permits.

Persistent Unidentifiable Leaks

If you've installed the faucet and there's a drip you can't find -- stop tightening. Could be a cracked fitting, defective valve body, or a leak from inside the wall. A plumber diagnoses it in minutes.

Existing Water Damage

If you find mold, soft wood, or standing water under the sink, address that first. Find the source, remediate mold, replace damaged materials, then install the faucet.

Pro Tips

A basic faucet swap should cost $150-$300 in labor. Get a second opinion if quoted more.
Ask the plumber to replace shutoff valves while there -- most add it for $50-$100.
Get three quotes if opening walls or rerouting pipes.

Bottom Line

Simple faucet replacement is a great DIY project. But corroded pipes, stuck valves, or water damage -- step back and call a plumber. The $200-$300 service call is cheaper than water damage from a DIY fix gone sideways.