What is a Reasonable Plumbing Cost to Install a Faucet Kit?

[Contrarian]

What’s a reasonable cost for a plumber to install a widespread bathroom sink faucet kit? This is a replacement of an existing one. Assume parts are bought separately. Also, how long should it take. Thanks.

[coloneldan]

It depends upon how the current one is installed. Faucet removal is the first step and if the existing one is a real mess, corroded pipe, bad solder, poor routing etc it can be time-consuming to remove it. I removed mine in a little over 30 minutes but it was pretty easy. The hardest part was getting to the bolts that affixed it to the sink.

Then you have to decide how much plumbing needs to be done. There are several ways to install plumbing securely.

I just replaced my bathroom faucet myself and I talk about it here:

Plumbing a new Faucet

My wife and I had our master bathroom remodeled by a professional. He changed out fixtures for the master jacuzzi tub, the two sinks and installed a new shower and tub. It looks great. My wife picked out some brand-new delta hardware, and we replaced all the towel racks, toilet roll holders etc. too. Then she told me she wants the same fixtures and a hangar/hook for the powder bath. I told her to order it and I’d install it. Did I mention I hate plumbing. My dad was an electrician and I s…

I did get two quotes to replace my sink by a professional plumber. It ranged from $200-$400.

Ultimately, I decided it wasn’t too hard to do. I spent about 2 hours total on the sink. I did a lot of Youtube research first though and I didn’t count that time in the work.

Good luck.

[Contrarian]

Thanks. The plumber wants $550 and that does not include parts or replacing the old shut off valves ($388 for 2 or 5 for $518).

I spent an hour at the Neurologist this morning and they only charged me $132. When did plumbers start costing more than medical professionals or lawyers?

[ESmith]

@Contrarian

widespread bathroom sink faucet

I’ve done … I dunno … monolithic faucets in about an hour, including swapping out the supply lines (labor must have been dirt cheap circa 1992; builder fit rigid copper tubing supply lines for original faucets). No drilling, minimal surface prep/cleanup, functional rather than showroom sharp.

Of course, actual pricing is apt to be billed whatever the minimum charge is (i.e. 2 to 4 hours perhaps) plus contingencies - parts supplied, any additional work such as replacing stuck/failed cutoff valves.

[Contrarian]

The trend now is to charge per “job” which in this case is one sink’s worth irregardless of the time it takes. Plus, they refuse to do anything less than replace all the plumbing with new parts even if only one valve leaks. If you requested them to fix two valves one in each of two sinks they will consider that two jobs and want to do two whole sinks worth which will be in this case over a thousand dollars.

[ESmith]

@Contrarian

The trend now is to charge per “job”

Taking a cue from the auto shop business it seems. Upside they can offer a fixed price. Downside it’s likely a high fixed price that makes them bank on even complex jobs.

@Contrarian

Plus, they refuse to do anything less than replace all the plumbing with new parts even if only one valve leaks.

I should have replaced the cutoff valves for my sinks as they leaked terribly at anything less than fully open or fully closed; suspect I won’t have the option if I have to operate them again.

Circumstances did force me to replace them for toilets; ¼-turn valves seemed to be the way to go there.

@Contrarian

If you requested them to fix two valves one in each of two sinks they will consider that two jobs and want to do two whole sinks worth which will be in this case over a thousand dollars.

That’s more than a touch unreasonable.

[Contrarian]

But now virtually all plumbers charge by “job” so where else can the consumer go? I suggested to my plumber politely that they are pricing themselves out of the market and he just shrugged and said they were plenty busy.

[ESmith]

@Contrarian

I suggested to my plumber politely that they are pricing themselves out of the market and he just shrugged and said they were plenty busy.

A quote of >$1000 for replacing some cutoff valves and a sink is a touch steep.

I’ve hired a plumber twice:

1. In 2011 after 3 days of trying to locate the leak in my supply line I called in the pros (who much to my embarrassment located it some 6" away from the last hole I dug; they were kind enough to fill in all the holes); also replaced a failed spigot. I recall that cost around $600.
2. In 2022 my water heater failed. Turnkey cost to have it replaced was northward of $2000.

[Contrarian]

Those prices are scary. Maybe DMS could someday have plumbing repair courses? But it’s like you order a Coke thinking it will be $1.50 but the bill is $7.

[mblatz]

A simple faucet replacement (and it is a dead simple process, essentially a remove-n-replace operation with most difficult aspect being not getting silicone sealant all over the place) only really requires a decent handy man. Water supply valve replacement requires a bit more moxie, especially if they are sweated on, but not much more and should also be well within the range of a skilled handyman’s capabilities.

[S_C]

I replaced mine myself… wasn’t hard. Watch a you tube tutorial

[S_C]

Check task rabbit if you want it done low price. I had my water main repaired by a guy on there was 250 dollars