Whole-House Valve Upgrade Costs
Updated February 20, 2026
Most homes have a mix of old gate valves, corroded angle stops, and possibly a failing PRV. Upgrading everything to modern ball valves and a fresh PRV is one of those invisible improvements that pays off hugely when you need it -- like the first time you need to shut off water to a fixture and the valve actually works.
Overview
Most homes have a mix of old gate valves, corroded angle stops, and possibly a failing PRV. Upgrading everything to modern ball valves and a fresh PRV is one of those invisible improvements that pays off hugely when you need it -- like the first time you need to shut off water to a fixture and the valve actually works.
Cost Breakdown
Pro Tips
- Do the full upgrade in one plumber visit. The service call fee ($75-$150) is the same whether you replace 1 valve or 15.
- Buy all the valves yourself to save on plumber markup. Ball valves are standardized -- just match the sizes.
- A full valve upgrade is a great time to label every valve in the house with what it controls.
- Ask your insurance company about smart shutoff system discounts before buying. The discount may cover the entire system cost within 2-3 years.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Upgrading fixture valves but leaving the main shutoff as a seized gate valve. The main is the most important valve in the house.
- Skipping the PRV because pressure seems fine. High pressure damages silently -- test it, don't guess.
- Replacing gate valves with more gate valves. Always upgrade to ball valves.
- Doing the upgrade piecemeal over multiple plumber visits, paying the service call fee each time.
When to Call a Pro
A full valve upgrade is best done by a plumber in a single visit. The main shutoff and PRV require cutting and connecting pipe. Fixture valves can be DIY if you're comfortable with compression fittings.
Bottom Line
A complete valve upgrade for a typical home: $500-$1,300 parts and labor. It's one of the best investments in home plumbing -- every valve works when you need it, water pressure is properly regulated, and your risk of catastrophic water damage drops significantly.