How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Shower Valve in 2024?

We each tried to adjust the water pressure and temperature at least once when bathing. And we did it with a shower valve, a device built into the shower wall for regulating water flowing through the shower faucet. Usually, it comes equipped with anti-scald mechanisms to mix hot water with cold water to ensure you won’t get burned by boiling hot water when running the shower.

Once you notice leaking water, inconsistent water temperature, difficulty adjusting the temperature, or a lack of water pressure, the shower mixer valve replacement may be required. Such issues occur due to mineral buildup, corrosion, or general wear and tear.

How much does it cost to replace a shower valve? Typically, American homeowners spend from $230 to $580, with the average cost landing at $400. However, you can also find more affordable options going for about $140 and those with price tags as high as $850. 

A shower mixing or diverter valve replacement cost

Shower Valve Replacement Cost Estimator

You can drop by the nearest hardware store and get a random shower valve to discover later that it doesn’t meet your needs. Want to save yourself such a hassle? Keep reading to discover the difference between various valve types and brands and how your choice can affect the cost.    

If you only trust certified plumbers with your shower valves but don’t know any reliable contractor so far, come to MyHomeQuote. Our database is brimming with licensed and call-worthy specialists across the USA. 

Labor Cost

If you need to hire an established plumbing company to replace a shower valve, you should be ready to pay from $100 to $280 for labor alone. Such a project typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, given that valve accessibility is not tricky. Please note that additional repairs may bump up the hourly rate from $40 to $145. Moreover, besides the shower faucet replacement cost, you may have to cover an expense of $35 to $290 to get building permits.

Replacing a shower drain can set you back $300 to $350. If you ask your plumber to fix a leaky shower, they can charge you an additional $125 to $350, based on the problem source. 

The labor cost to replace a shower valve

Material Cost

Even though most homeowners invest in a shower valve kit, you can go a different way and purchase individual spare parts. The second option is more budget-friendly, as you can retain the functional elements of your shower valve. However, if the latter is Stone Age, getting certain pieces can be a tall order. 

On the other hand, a shower valve kit has everything it takes to replace your shower valve right away, including a new valve-fitting trim. How much is a shower valve kit? A basic one can cost you about $50 or less, while a high-end alternative can set you back $500+. The price of materials hinges much on the brand and style. 

Shower Faucet Installation Cost

The style, finish, and features are the main cost-shaping factors of shower faucet installation. Nonetheless, contractors often factor in the installation complexity and the location of the work. On average, the total cost to install a shower faucet lands between $200 and $800. The price includes labor and materials, like required piping and fittings. 

Old Valve Removal and Disposal

If you are about to hire a certified plumber to remove an old valve, you should be ready to spend from $50 to $200. The process involves carefully disconnecting the old valve from the pipes, ensuring that no damage is caused to the surrounding infrastructure. Some plumbing companies offer valve removal and disposal services as part of the valve replacement project.

The material and labor cost to install a shower valve

Cost to Replace a Shower Valve Assembly

Replacing a shower valve assembly requires specific steps to ensure proper installation and functionality. A plumber has to shut off the water supply, disconnect the water lines, remove the old valve, and install the new valve assembly. And the latter dictates how much it can cost to replace a shower valve. 

Shower Cartridge    

If your shower valve assembly involves a cartridge, its replacement costs $100 to $360, covering both materials and labor. And the latter eats up here the lion’s part of the price – between $80 and $270. A shower cartridge is typically made of durable materials like plastic or brass and may come with a lifetime warranty from manufacturers. Please note that cartridges are not interchangeable between different brands.

Shower Mixing Valve

A mixing valve allows for creating one outgoing, effectively blending hot and cold water to ensure a safe and consistent temperature. The cost to replace a shower mixing valve falls between $45 and $360, excluding labor. When selecting a new item, it is necessary to consider factors like compatibility with existing plumbing fixtures, the type (pressure-balancing or thermostatic), and the warranty coverage.

Shower Diverter Valve

A diverter shower valve is designed to control water flow between multiple shower outlets, like a handheld showerhead and a fixed showerhead. Usually, it has a handle or lever that can be turned to direct the water flow to the desired outlet. The cost to replace the diverter valve varies between $230 and $580. 

The price of replacing a shower valve assembly

Major Factors Affecting the Cost to Replace a Shower Valve

Not all shower valves are made the same, so one should home in on their specific features to understand why they come with different price tags. Let’s discuss the principal cost-shaping factors like material, brand, etc. 

Shower Valve Installation Cost by the Number of Handles

When calculating expenses on shower valve replacement, many homeowners overlook the number of handles it has. Not only does this factor affect the shower valve cost, but it also affects the efficiency of the replacement. 

Do you find it challenging to budget your upcoming shower valve replacement project? MyHomeQuote is here to make that a breeze. We can connect you with up to 5 local contractors and help you get tailor-made estimates for free. Fill in the form below to kick off. 

Single-Handle Shower Valve

If you live in a newly built home, chances are high that you need a single-handle valve. It is good news as this option is pretty affordable. You can get a basic option for as low as $25, while a high-end one may cost you $150. 

Two-Handle Shower Valve

Old houses that haven’t undergone any renovations for many years are usually packed with two-handle valves. Even though such valves have lost popularity, they still run at mid-range prices. You may spend from $25 to $145.

Three-Handle Shower Valve

You need to double-check whether you need a three-handle valve, as it is the least commonly used one. On top of that, its cost range is the highest one – from $64 to $290.  

The cost to install a shower valve by the number of handles

Cost to Replace a Shower Faucet by Brand

The market is chock-full of no-name shower valves and those labeled by big names. Well-known, reputable brands are usually pricier due to their quality and reliability. On the other hand, lesser-known ones may offer cheaper alternatives but may lack durability. You should also remember that the brand does not always guarantee quality, as factors like materials and design also play a role. 

Researching and comparing options is essential to discover how much to replace a shower valve on the budget without compromising longevity. Making an informed decision based on brand reputation and customer reviews can save you a bundle by keeping frequent repairs or replacements at bay.

The shower valve installation cost by brand