How much does it cost to replace a hose bib?
How much does it cost to replace a hose bib?
$150 – $350 average total cost
Average cost to replace a hose bib
The cost to replace a hose bib is $150 to $350, depending on the material and local labor rates. The hose bib itself costs $10 to $40, while labor costs about $140 to $310. Complex hose bib replacements cost more, especially when they involve rerouting plumbing, repairs, or installing new piping.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $10 – $40 |
| Labor | $140 – $310 |
| Average total cost | $150 – $350 |
A hose bib, or hose bibb, is a type of outdoor faucet on the exterior of your home that connects your water line to a garden hose.
Some people call hose bibs sillcocks, but they're technically not the same. A sillcock, or frost-free spigot, extends farther into the wall, which makes it harder to install but better at preventing pipe-freezing than a standard hose bib.
Hose bib replacement cost factors
Several factors impact the cost of replacing a hose bib, including:
Advanced features: Other kinds of outdoor spigots cost $150 to $450 with installation. Hose bibs and outdoor spigots with anti-frost or anti-siphon features cost more, about $40 to $100 for parts or $250 to $450 with installation.
Complexity: Most replacements are simple and involve removing the old hose bib and installing a new one. However, some may require moving the hose bib to a new location or rerouting pipes.
Repairs: If the old hose bib leaked and caused water damage to your wall or siding, it could lead to costly repairs. Siding repair costs $2 to $14 per square foot on average, while mold remediation costs $15 to $30 per square foot.
Permits: Some cities require you to get a permit for plumbing work. The plumber usually manages this step, but it increases your overall cost.
To avoid excessive wear and tear and help your hose bib last longer, try not to overtighten it. This puts a lot of pressure on the rubber gasket inside, which eventually wears it out and causes dripping.
Labor
Plumbers charge $75 to $150 per hour for their labor. Replacing a hose bib is a relatively simple project, but it could take longer than average if there's any damage to your home or if they need to replace any existing piping.
Plumbing replacement costs range from $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot for plastic PEX piping. Trenching costs $5 to $12 per linear foot if the plumbing is underground.
Repair vs. replace
In most cases, the plumber will replace the hose bib instead of fixing a small component inside it. Sometimes they'll only have to replace a rubber washer to fix a leak, which you could DIY for $5 to $10. For other issues, the best choice is for a professional plumber to replace the hose bib.
Hose bib replacement FAQs
Do you need a plumber to replace a hose bib?
Hiring a plumber to replace a hose bib is the safest choice unless you have extensive DIY plumbing experience. Any mistakes you make while replacing plumbing fixtures could lead to water damage and costly repairs to your property.
How long should it take to replace a hose bib?
A simple hose bib replacement should take about 10 to 20 minutes. If there are any complications or if the plumber needs to reroute or replace any plumbing, the project could take several hours instead.
How long do hose bibs last?
Hose bibs usually last about 20 years, depending on the material and quality. Lower-quality plastic faucets may only last 10 years at most, but higher-end hose bibs can last 30 years or more.
Getting estimates from plumbers
When hiring a plumber near you to replace a hose bib, follow these steps:
Contact three or more plumbers in your area and ask for estimates.
Make sure they have a license and liability insurance.
Look for good customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask whether they charge a flat rate or charge by the hour.
Ask for a detailed, written estimate.
Questions to ask a plumber
If you're in need of a hose bib replacement, ask a plumber these questions:
Do you have experience with hose bib replacements?
Does the quote cover all labor, materials, and other fees?
What type of hose bib do you recommend?
Are there any existing issues or leaks you need to address?
How long will the hose bib replacement take?
Do you give a warranty or guarantee for your work?
Will you need a permit for this?
How soon can you do this replacement?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.