How Much Does Faucet Repair Cost in Houston TX?
If your faucet is leaking, dripping, or just won’t turn off properly, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common plumbing issues Houston homeowners face. And while your first instinct might be to call and ask, “How much to fix my faucet?” — the answer isn’t always simple. In fact, before picking up the phone, it’s worth checking out our Faucet Repair & Replacement in Houston page to understand what really affects the cost.
Here’s the quick answer:
In Houston, faucet repair usually costs between $90 and $250.
But why such a wide range?
Because the price depends on:
The type of faucet (kitchen, bath, outdoor, tub)
The actual issue (drip, low pressure, jammed handle)
Whether hidden damage is found during repair
How the faucet was installed — and how hard it is to access
What starts as a $100 job can turn into $300 if there’s rusted threading, faulty shut-off valves, or tight plumbing space. That’s why plumbers — or even the folks answering your call — can’t always give an exact price over the phone.
Let’s break it down properly.
📞 Why You Can’t Get an Exact Faucet Replacement Price on a Call
Houston homeowners often ask:
“Can you tell me how much it’ll cost to replace my kitchen faucet?”
And it makes sense — we’re all used to fixed prices for services. But faucet repair and replacement isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. In fact, the polite receptionist or office manager can’t give you an accurate number — and it’s not because they’re hiding anything.
It’s because plumbing is physical work — and every job is different.
1. Every Faucet Setup is Unique
Just a few things plumbers must assess in person:
- What type of faucet do you have? (Standard, pull-out, wall-mounted?)
- Is it connected with copper, PVC, or PEX lines?
- Are the angle shut-off valves functional or corroded?
- Is there enough space under the sink for tools?
In older Houston homes, faucets are often rusted into place. This means:
- Screws and nuts can’t be loosened
- Faucet base plates have to be cut out using saws
- Corroded parts must be replaced, not reused
All of this affects labor time and cost — and none of it can be seen over a phone call.
2. Tools, Labor Time, and Install History All Vary
Even the same faucet model can take 20 minutes or 2 hours to replace depending on:
- If it was cross-threaded during past DIY work
- If the mounting plate is warped
- If it’s sealed with hardened plumber’s putty
This is why quoting blindly over the phone is risky — not just for you, but also for the plumber’s schedule.
3. The Wrong Handyman Can Wreck Your Sink
We’ve seen this happen often in Houston:
- Homeowner hires a “cheap guy” who forces a faucet in or out
- Result: cracked granite countertop or broken sink basin
- Water starts leaking from under the cabinet — and now you’re calling for emergency repair and cabinet restoration
What could’ve been a $150 faucet replacement now turns into a $1200 kitchen repair job.
So yes, it’s okay to ask for pricing — but understand that a site visit is the only way to get a trustworthy estimate.
Faucet Repair Costs by Type in Houston
Every faucet type comes with different repair needs and cost ranges. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you understand what to expect based on your specific fixture.
| Faucet Type | Common Problems | Average Cost in Houston | Repair Time |
| Kitchen | Dripping spout, leaking sprayer, stuck handle | $120 – $250 | 1–2 hours |
| Bathroom | Loose handle, low pressure, leaky base | $90 – $180 | 45 minutes – 1.5 hours |
| Outdoor | Frozen valve, cracked bib, leaking threads | $100 – $220 | 1–3 hours |
| Bathtub | Faulty diverter, worn-out cartridge | $130 – $260 | 2–4 hours |
10 Common Faucet Problems That Affect Repair Cost
Let’s dive into the most frequent issues we see in Houston — and how they affect pricing:
1. Leaking Spout
Often caused by a worn washer or damaged cartridge. Easy fix if caught early, but if ignored, water damage may spread below the sink.
2. Dripping After Shutoff
This is a classic sign of internal valve or cartridge failure. If the cartridge isn’t standard size, sourcing it may raise costs.
3. Low Water Pressure
May result from clogged aerators (cheap fix) or deeper sediment buildup in supply lines (more costly). Houston’s hard water is usually to blame.
4. Loose or Stiff Handle
This could be as simple as tightening a screw, or as complex as replacing a stripped faucet stem.
5. Rust or Corrosion
Surface rust? Not a big deal. Internal corrosion? Expect longer labor and full part replacement.
6. Noisy Faucet (Whistling or Hissing)
Caused by high water pressure or worn-out washers. Pressure testing and replacing washers may solve it.
7. Diverter Issues in Kitchen Faucets
Diverter valves fail in pull-down kitchen faucets, especially with frequent use. The valve may need full replacement.
8. Water Leaking Under Sink
Sometimes it’s not the faucet but the supply lines or fittings. Cost increases if new hoses or valves are needed.
9. Mismatched or Old Faucet Parts
Older homes often have discontinued faucet models. Finding compatible cartridges or seals can be tricky — and expensive.
10. Faucet Was Improperly Installed
Poor past installation can cause stripped threads, silicone clogs, or cross-threading. These repairs involve correction + new install.
Tip: If you’re unsure about the severity of your faucet issue, check our guide on Signs Your Faucet Needs Immediate Repair for early red flags.
10 Hidden Problems That Surge Faucet Repair Costs
Not all plumbing problems are visible — and in Houston’s older homes and humid climate, many faucet issues lurk behind walls or under cabinets. These hidden problems often turn a basic repair into a costly job.
1. Cracked Valve Body (Not Visible from Outside)
If the internal valve body is cracked, even new cartridges won’t stop the leak. The entire faucet must be replaced.
2. Corroded Supply Lines
Old braided hoses or copper lines can corrode or leak when disturbed. Replacing supply lines adds both parts and labor cost — especially if the shut-off valve is rusted too.
3. Pipe Leaks Behind the Wall
Water dripping behind the faucet wall can go unnoticed for months. Detecting and accessing this requires:
- Removing drywall or tile
- Locating and sealing the leak
- Patching and repainting the wall
Expect the bill to rise significantly.
4. Mold Under the Sink
Hidden leaks lead to mold buildup inside cabinets — especially in humid Houston. If mold is found, expect:
- Mold cleanup costs
- Wood replacement or drying equipment
5. Cross-Threaded Mounting Hardware
We see this a lot from DIY installs. Cross-threaded parts often can’t be salvaged and must be cut and replaced, increasing time and tool usage.
6. Incompatible or Obsolete Faucet Models
Some faucets from the 90s or early 2000s have discontinued parts. If cartridges or stems can’t be sourced, the whole fixture needs to be swapped.
7. Leaking or Non-Functional Angle Valves
Angle valves under the sink often seize or leak when turned for the first time in years. Replacing one adds 30–60 minutes to the job.
8. Unstable Sink Mount
Sometimes the faucet isn’t the only thing moving — if the sink itself wobbles or is cracked, the plumber must stabilize or recommend replacement, delaying the repair.
9. Cabinet or Countertop Damage
Long-standing drips rot the base cabinet. If your cabinet floor is sagging or warped, faucet access becomes harder — or requires carpentry help.
10. High Water Pressure
Houston homes with outdated or broken pressure regulators may experience high PSI, which blows out faucet seals again and again. Pressure testing and regulator installation increase cost.
- Removing drywall or tile
Houston-Specific Factors That Increase Faucet Repair Frequency
Houston’s climate and infrastructure introduce local challenges that raise the chances (and cost) of faucet repairs.
Hard Water = Mineral Buildup
Houston’s water is high in calcium and magnesium, especially in neighborhoods like Cypress, West Houston, and Katy.
Effects:
- Aerators clog
- Cartridges wear out faster
- Valves seize due to mineral crust
Heat + Humidity = Corrosion
Consistent heat and moisture cause:
- Rusted screws
- Metal faucet corrosion (especially outdoor)
- O-ring dry-out or hardening
Older Homes = Legacy Plumbing
Neighborhoods like Montrose, The Heights, and Eastwood have homes built pre-1980. Many still have:
- Galvanized steel pipes
- Non-standard faucet fittings
- Shut-off valves that haven’t moved in 20 years
- Aerators clog
Should You Repair or Replace Your Faucet?
Sometimes a simple repair makes sense. Other times, replacing the faucet entirely saves you money and future headaches. Below is a quick guide based on real Houston scenarios:
| Situation | Repair or Replace? | Why? |
| Kitchen faucet drips after shutoff | Repair | Likely just a cartridge or washer issue |
| Faucet has been repaired 3 times in last 2 years | Replace | Ongoing issues = internal wear or low-quality unit |
| Handle is rusted and barely turns | Replace | Rust = deeper corrosion. Repair won’t last |
| New faucet leaks from base after install | Repair | May just need re-sealing or tightening |
| Sprayer hose leaks but faucet body is solid | Repair | Sprayer/detachment fix is affordable and fast |
| You’re remodeling your kitchen | Replace | Aesthetic update + modern efficiency makes more sense |
Need more help deciding? See Faucet Repair vs. Replacement in Houston for a full comparison.
DIY Faucet Repair vs. Hiring a Plumber: Cost vs. Risk
| Action | DIY Repair | Hiring a Plumber |
| Tightening a loose handle | Low risk | Done quickly |
| Replacing a cartridge | Needs correct tools | Plumber brings them |
| Removing rusted faucet | Risk of sink damage | Plumber cuts safely |
| Fixing shutoff valve leak | Can flood cabinet | Handled professionally |
| Fixing post-freeze outdoor leak | May misdiagnose pipe | Full check + proper fix |
Ready to Fix Your Faucet? Call a Trusted Houston Plumber
If your faucet is leaking, dripping, or completely stuck — don’t wait. In Houston, what seems minor today could become cabinet damage, mold growth, or a flooded kitchen tomorrow.
And remember, faucet repair in Houston typically costs $90–$250, depending on the issue and condition — but the sooner you act, the cheaper it stays.
Call (281) 767-9932 or book your service now at houstonplumber247 — faucet repairs done fast and right.