While you might think that installing a new kitchen faucet is a simple process that you can do yourself, it’s better to hire a professional. Leaks from a faulty installation can cause some serious
But how much does installing a kitchen faucet cost? This depends on many different factors.
In This Article We'll Discuss
Basic Costs of Installation
On average, the costs of installing a new kitchen faucet are between $114 and $189. The exact price will depend on where you are located and how much your local plumber charges for labor.
This estimation is for basic installation services only. It doesn’t cover the costs of your new faucet or any other tasks that your plumber may have to complete. Chances are, additional problems are going to raise the final costs.
A lot of water flows through your kitchen faucet every day. The average dishwashing session uses upwards of 27 gallons. After several years, all that water flow will start to take its toll.
Issues That Can Raise Installation Costs
On top of the basic labor costs, there are extra factors to consider. The condition of your current kitchen faucet and the components around it can have a big effect. The following pricing factors can raise the total installation cost to well over $300.
Rust Damage
Rust and corrosion can wreak havoc on kitchen sinks. It’s caused by a couple of different things. Oftentimes, the quality of the water is the culprit.
High levels of copper in your water may be causing the metal within your faucet to corrode. The EPA recommends that copper levels stay below 1,300 parts per billion. But, it’s not uncommon for many homes to experience higher levels due to old plumbing.
Another cause of rusting is damage to the finish of your faucet. Deep scratches expose the metal to water and oxygen. This is common around the base of the faucet.
The problem with rust is that it makes removing the faucet difficult. Depending on the severity of the problem, your plumber may have to saw the faucet out completely. This adds more dollars to your final bill.
Broken Components
Like rust, broken components can put a halt to the installation process. Supply lines and connectors are some of the most vulnerable parts. While older metal pipes can last over 50 years, newer materials aren’t as durable.
The flexible supply hoses used in modern homes may only last a decade. They’re put under constant pressure. This can lead to eventual seal ruptures.
If this is the case with your current faucet, your plumber will need to make repairs. They have to be done before they can install your new hardware.
Related Read: Standard Kitchen Sink Size & Dimensions – How to Pick One
Faulty Plumbing
If you live in an older home, your plumbing might be inadequate by today’s standards. The enforcement of building codes makes sure that any work done by a contractor is safe and efficient. Unfortunately, many older homes were built before modern building codes came into effect.
As long as your home is still standing, your local jurisdiction can’t force you to make changes to bring it up to code. But, things are different if you decide to make modifications. Any time you update something in your house, such as your kitchen faucet, the new work has to meet building codes.
If your plumber notices code violations, they are obligated to fix them before they can install your faucet. So, you may be looking at hundreds of dollars of changes to get a new faucet.
Incompatible Sink Design
Kitchen faucets must go through your sink or countertop to access the supply lines below. The design of your new faucet may not match what your old one used. Modern faucets can require between one and four holes.
The good news is many manufacturers follow standard guidelines when it comes to inlet placement. Most faucets have inlets for hot and cold water that are eight inches apart. The bad news is that not all faucets are going to use a two-hole system.
Newer pull-downfaucets are growing in popularity due to their simplicity and modern looks. They combine the sprayer hose with the standard spout. If you want to upgrade to one of these models, you may have to pay to replace your sink and get one with a single cutout hole.
Current Water Flow
Another price consideration is your kitchen’s water control setup. Most standard faucets use around 2.2 gallonsof water per minute. Efficient models can help you cut back your water usage by as much as 23 percent.
But, you have to make sure that your water controls can work with these faucets. While some homes have controls under the sink for easy adjustments, that’s not always the case.
To accommodate a faucet with a different flow rating to your old faucet, your plumber will need to make adjustments. Depending on your home’s setup, this could include installing new control valves.
New Upgrades
If you plan on upgrading your kitchen setup, you’ll need to take those added costs into account as well. Adding a simple hand sprayer or filtration system may require renovation work and additional plumbing.
Both of those components also need extra supply lines. While they may seem like small upgrades, the labor costs can add up quickly.
The Risks of DIY Installation
With the chance of unknown costs on the horizon, many people choose to tackle the installation process themselves. Unfortunately, this often leads to many issues. A lot can go wrong, especially if you’re not a seasoned professional.
Simple mistakes can have catastrophic results. Some of the most common mistakesinclude forgetting to shut off the water supply and drain pipes. Those two mishaps can lead to significant water damage and thousands of dollarsin repairs.
Some mistakes will take time to make themselves known. Overtightening connectionscan cause problems even after you think you have done a good job. Sudden pressure from turning your faucet on can crack the fitting, resulting in leaks.
The best way to avoid these risks is to go to a professional for help. Reputable plumbers are licensed and have years of experience. They follow local building codes and will make sure the job gets done right.
Conclusion
All in all, there are many things that can drive up the cost of kitchen faucet installation. Luckily, most of those issues are going aren’t going to set you back too much.
It’s recommended that you have between $300 and $400 to cover any surprises. Your plumber will be able to provide cost estimates before they perform any work if major issues come up.