How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Hose Bib or Outdoor Faucet?

Cost to Replace Outdoor Faucets by Type

Originally, outdoor faucets were simple, short extensions of your regular plumbing, with just a ball valve handle to turn it off and on. Today, there are many different types, which serve different purposes, and these can cost anywhere from $55 to $1,000 to replace.

Ball Valve

The cost to replace a ball valve is an average of $80, but you can pay anywhere from $55 to $105 for this job. Ball valve spigots have a simple lever handle that controls the flow of water through a hole in the spigot. These are very simple outdoor faucets and have few moving parts to go wrong. 

Hose Bib

Replacing a hose bib will run you around $80, or somewhere between $55 and $105. It works similarly to a ball valve, but has a threaded spout to connect to a hose. Often, hose bibs usually have taps rather than lever handles.

Frost-Free

Frost-free outdoor faucets cost around $95 to install. Expect to pay between $80 and $110 for this task. Frost-free spigots have insulation and won't crack under pressure if the water inside freezes and expands. These faucets are a smart option if you can't just turn off the water to your outdoor spigot during the colder months.

Anti-Siphon

It typically costs $105 to replace an anti-siphon spigot, although it could cost as little as $80 or as much as $125. An anti-siphon spigot stops water that’s left the faucet already from getting sucked back up into your clean water supply. For example, water sitting in your hose pipe after you turn off the tap cannot get pulled back into your home's water system if you have an anti-siphon spigot installed.

Yard Hydrant

Replacing a yard hydrant costs an average of $130, or between $95 and $165. Yard hydrants are great for large properties to allow easy watering without having to run extra long hose lines. You'll usually find these spigots at least 50 yards from the house. 

Outdoor Shower

Most people pay around $580 to replace an outdoor shower spigot, and they can run from $95 to $1,065. Basic cold water units can cost as little as $95 to replace like-for-like, while luxurious high-end models with hot and cold water can cost $1,000 or more to replace.

Outdoor Sink

Replacing an outdoor kitchen sink costs around $630, or between $195 and $1,065. If you've already paid the substantial cost of installing an outdoor kitchen, you want to keep it at its peak in terms of functionality and style. So, if the faucet degrades or gets damaged, having it replaced makes good sense. 

Simple outdoor sinks, such as those used to wash boots or garden produce, cost toward the lower end of the range, while replacing the faucets on high-end luxury outdoor kitchen sinks cost toward the upper end.

New Outdoor Faucet Installation Costs

Installing a new outdoor faucet costs between $230 and $1,220, including parts and labor. But it doesn't include running new plumbing lines. To reduce complexity, time, and cost, simple spigots, like hose bibs, are usually installed directly opposite the indoor plumbing. 

You’ll need to pay for running new plumbing lines if:

• It’s impossible to install as is

• You need to install the new faucet at a specific point in your home

• You're building an outdoor shower or kitchen

• You’re installing a yard hydrant 

In some cases, that includes trenching, which costs $4 to $12 per linear foot. Running new plumbing lines costs $1.40 to $10 per linear foot. So you'll need to figure out the distance the pipe has to run to add that to your project budget.

Other Outdoor Faucet Replacement Cost Factors

Aside from the type of faucet you choose, several other factors impact the final price. 

Finished or Exposed Basements

Add 20% to 50% for finished basements. It’s tougher to find and access walled-in plumbing and it takes more to repair a hole in the wall created for access.

Installing Away From the Home

Yard hydrants often get installed 50 feet or more from the home. The farther the distance, the longer the install time and more pipe needed, increasing the price.

Permits and HOA regulations

Permits cost $150 to $1,500. Requirements and costs depend on your location. Contact your local building code enforcement agency.

Walls and Ceilings

Running new plumbing through walls and ceilings can add 50% or more to labor costs, as it's more labor-intensive, time-consuming, and challenging. Additionally, you'll need to hire a local handyperson or contractor to refinish the walls and ceilings once the plumbing's in place.

Cost of Materials

The cost of materials is one of the biggest determining factors when it comes to the price of replacing or installing a faucet.

Cost to Repair an Outdoor Faucet

It’ll cost $100 to $300 to repair an outdoor faucet. In almost all cases, replacing is the repair. In a few instances, you may be able to replace the washer under the handle to fix some small leaks. Washer replacement costs only $5 to $10 and takes about 10 minutes if done DIY. Otherwise, expect to pay a professional a full trip fee of $100 to $300.

DIY vs. Hiring a Plumbing Contractor

For most repairs, replacements, and new installations, it’s best to hire a professional contractor. Professionals understand codes, what materials work best with what pipes, and the best spigots for your area and climate. Insured and experienced pros usually guarantee their work, and any mistakes fall on the professional.

For example, flood cleanup and repair costs $1,200 to $4,500. If you replaced the hose bib yourself improperly, you might have to pay that bill out of pocket. Compare that to the $200 you might pay a pro for the same job. Don’t risk it; hire a plumber near you today.

FAQs

Can I have an outdoor mixer tap?

If you want to run a hot water line to your outdoor kitchen, you can have a mixer tap. Mixer taps mix both hot and cold water for varying temperatures.

What are the outdoor faucet handle types?

Outdoor faucet handles come in just as many varieties as indoor types do. Most hose bibs use a twist handle. Faucets for outside kitchens use the same handles you’ll find in your indoor kitchen.

How do you fix a leaking hose bib?

For other leaks due to internal mechanics, it’s best to simply replace the faucet or call a professional. If the leak is around the handle, it’s probably a loose packing nut, washer, or faulty rubber washer. Replacing a washer costs only $1 to $2 and takes about 30 minutes for an experienced DIYer.

How do you change a washer on an outside faucet?

Follow these five steps to change the washer on an outside faucet:

1. Make sure to shut off the water to the sillcock.

2. Remove the screw and handles.

3. Remove the packing nut and washers.

4. Inspect, clean, and replace washers as needed.

5. Reinstall the packing nut and handle.

How do you keep outdoor faucets from freezing?​

The easiest way to keep outdoor faucets from freezing is to shut off the water during the colder months. You should also disconnect the hose from the faucet before the temperature drops to freezing in your area. You can also insulate the pipe leading to the faucet and install a simple outdoor faucet protector.

How long do outdoor faucets last?

Outdoor faucets usually last up to 20 years. Lower-end models may last 10 years or less, while high-quality models will last 30 years or more.