Outdoor Faucet Installation & Replacement Costs

Average Cost to Replace an Outdoor Faucet

In total, replacing an outdoor faucet costs $175. Most of the price comes from labor and a trip fee. The faucet itself is usually no more than $20 from a hardware store and takes only 30 to 60 minutes to install for a pro; expect at least double that for a DIY job.

The trip fee covers the time and fuel it takes a pro to travel to and from the job site, plus any other overhead like insurance and professional fees - such as union dues to the Plumbers & Pipefitters United Association.

Hose Bib Replacement Cost Factors

Distance to the nearest pipe

Expect to spend $2 to $8 per foot of new pipe installed. For convenience, most hose bibs are simply placed directly opposite existing plumbing from inside the home, such as near a water heater or other appliance. Installing near existing plumbing helps keep costs down.

Finished or exposed basements

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

Type of faucet

Simple hose bibs run $5 to $15, while yard hydrants, which get installed away from the home - can hit or exceed $100 each.

Installing away from the home. Yard hydrants often get installed 50 feet or more from a 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.

Cost to Install an Outdoor Spigot

Installing new - or moving existing - hose bibs range anywhere from $200 to $500 with large projects reaching $3,000 or more. The actual project costs depend heavily on how close the new spigot is to a full-diameter pipe in your home.Installing new pipes costs $2 to $5 per linear foot.

Outside Faucet Costs by Type

For example:

• A simple spigot placed on the exterior wall, three feet from an interior full-diameter pipe costs $200 to $300. It requires one connection, a hole drilled in the wall and about 60 minutes of install time.
• A yard hydrant placed 200 feet from the home in extreme northern climates might run $3,000 or more. It requires permits, trenching, laying new underground pipes and shut off valves, and can take a full day or two to complete. 

Plumber Cost to Install a New Outdoor Water Spigot

For most small jobs, plumbers charge a flat rate of $100 to $300 which includes both materials and labor. For larger projects that require new pipes, demolition or that might exceed an hour and a half, expect to pay $45 to $65 per hour.

Outside Tap Fitting Prices

You’ll pay anywhere from $5 to $100 for a spigot, depending on the type installed. For repairs and replacement, this is typically the only materials cost. For larger jobs that require running a new line, you’ll pay for more materials.

Material Costs to Install Hose Bibs

How Much Does It 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 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.

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 the water is shut off to the sillcock.
2. Remove the screw and handles. 
3. Remove to packing nut and washers. 
4. Inspect, clean and replace washers as needed. 
5. Reinstall the packing nut and handle. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Plumbing Contractor

For most repairs, replacements and new installs, 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

What is a frost-proof outdoor faucet?

A frost-proof faucet has a long tube, typically eight inches or more. The exterior end has threads for attaching a hose and the valve handle. The other end, which resides inside the home, has the actual valve. By closing the valve inside the home, water is never subjected to freezing temperatures.

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 together 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.

What is a hose bib and how does it differ from an outdoor faucet, spigot and tap?

A hose bib is an outdoor water faucet, tap or spigot with threads to attach a garden hose. Faucets and taps don’t always have threads. For example, a BBQ kitchen faucet looks just like the one you’d find inside your home.