How much does sink and faucet repair cost?

Faulty plumbing and fixtures can be more than a nuisance: It can cost you money in increased water bills and cause structural damage to your home. 10 percent of homes nationwide have leaks in their plumbing that waste more than 90 gallons of water a day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Fixing those leaks can save you 10 percent on your water bills each year.

Plumbing leaks may originate at the faucet spout or anywhere along your home's interior or exterior plumbing, the result of either a clogged or damaged pipe. Plumbing leaks left for too long can also cause water damage on the floors and drywall underneath and behind the vanity, cabinet or pedestal. While you may not notice any leaking, you may know there's a problem if you see an increase in your water bill. To see if your home has a water leak, you can also check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when you didn't use any household water. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak somewhere.

A professional plumber can help you identify the cause of your water leak. The national average cost to hire a plumber is between $110 and $170.

The total cost to repair your bathroom or kitchen sink will largely depend on the type of problem you're experiencing, any parts needed to repair them, and the extent of the damage to your fixture and plumbing.

Clearing a clogged drain: $150 - $200

The national average to have a plumber assess and clear a clogged drain costs between $150 and $200.

Clogged drains are a common problem for both kitchen and bathroom sinks. You can try to take care of it yourself by pouring some boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. Most plumbing professionals warn against using harsh chemical drain cleaners, like Draino, which can corrode pipes and release toxic chemicals into the sewer system.

Sometimes whatever is clogging the drain won't budge. If you've tried to unclog a bathroom or kitchen sink with no luck, it may be time to call a professional plumber. They can determine the location of the obstruction and the best ways to unclog the bottleneck without harming your plumbing.

All sinks (and toilets) have drain traps, known as P-traps, that keep sewer gas from entering your home. Plumbers can fix or replace blocked or leaking P-traps to keep them functioning properly.

Clearing and repairing pipes: $120 - $170

The national average cost for a pipe repair project is $120 to $170. For standard pipe repair, expect to pay an hourly rate between $60 to $65. If the project involves replacing sewer lines, expect to pay about $95 per hour.

Not all clogged drains originate inside your home. If more than one fixture (sink, tub or shower) is not draining, the problem may be in the pipes between the fixture and the main line sewer line or branch line. An outside drain may be blocked by yard debris or overgrown tree roots. The outside pipe may also be damaged or corroded due to age. Unfortunately, this means an increase to your pipe repair costs since you may have to replace them.

Replacing pipes between the sink and the wall is less expensive than if a plumber has to cut into a wall to replace damaged pipes, which can cost around $400, depending on the size of the project.

Professional tools for clogged drains and pipes

Sometimes, the tools your contractor uses to complete repairs can factor into the total cost.

Video camera inspection

To diagnose a leak or clogged drain, a plumber may suggest a video camera inspection. The video camera is snaked through the drain to get an inside view of your home's plumbing. Some plumbers may include this in the cost of fixing the leak or drain cleaning.

Cabling

Expect to pay between $230 to $250 for a plumber to cable a drain through the P-trap. National plumbing chains may charge between $300 to $400 for this same service.

Organic debris, such as grease, food, or hair stuck in the sink drain's P-trap is often the cause of clogged drains. The most common way a plumber unclogs P-traps is with a tool known as a plumber's snake, cable or drain auger. The tool is carefully inserted down your drain to clear it of buildup. You can try to do this yourself, but this isn't a beginner's DIY project. If you use the tool incorrectly, you can damage your pipes and cause other leaks -- so it's worth it to call someone who knows the drill.

Hydrojetting

Depending on the nature of the clog and the material that the pipes are made of, plumbers may need to use a hydrojetter. Hydrojetting uses pressurized water to blast away blockages. Expect to pay about 30 - 50% more than cabling if your situation requires hydrojetting.

Stopping a dripping faucet: $65 - $150

The national average cost to repair a dripping faucet is $65–$150, but the cost may be higher, depending on the nature and cause of the leak.

Fortunately, this is a pretty easy fix. Faucets that drip at the spout may be fixable by tightening a stem screw or replacing a corroded valve seat or worn out washer.

Water temperature and pressure

Annoying drips and leaky faucets may not be the only issue you encounter. Unbalanced pressure in your home's plumbing may cause the faucet to sputter when you first turn it on. Low water pressure might make your morning shower less than invigorating.

While this might seem like a problem with your faucet, it's generally caused by something else -- like a plumbing issue or problem with your water heater.

Water temperature issues can be fixed by adjusting the temperature on the water heater. Low water pressure from a sink faucet may be caused by a blocked aerator screen. Homeowners can simply unscrew the aerator screen from the faucet to clean out minerals or other deposits. If the shutoff valves under the sink are not open all the way, water pressure can also be low.

A plumbing professional can determine whether the problem with your faucet is a quick fix or the result of other issues in your home's plumbing system. More complicated issues with water temperature or pressure may require replacing the water heater, which generally costs $350–$3,500, depending on capacity and type.

Fixing surface problems: $100 - $200

Over time, sinks can also get dings, chips and scratches that can ruin their visual appeal. Gauges in porcelain sinks can start to rust. Expect to pay between $100 to $200 to resurface these blemishes.

Replacing your sink or faucet: $150 - $400

In some cases, it may be less expensive to replace a faulty sink or faucet instead of trying to repair them. Before you give the okay on a repair, ask the plumber what the cost difference would be to install a new sink or faucet, and if there are any additional, related costs.

Expect to pay about $150 (or higher, depending on what type of faucet) to replace your old faucet. Remember, in general, the cost of the new fixture won't be included in the price. Most plumbers charge a flat or hourly fee for installation.

Sink installation can range from $150 - $400, plus the cost of a new sink. A basic model will start at $300.

There are many price points for new sinks to fit every style and budget. Brand, material, size, and type all factor into what you'll pay. Types of sinks include drop-in, undermount sinks, farmhouse style, standing bowls and pedestal sinks. Stainless steel, porcelain and cast iron are some typical materials. Sinks also come in pricier materials, such as soapstone and hammered copper.

The type of new sink you can choose may be limited by the existing kitchen or bathroom base cabinet and the existing type of sink and existing countertop -- especially if don't want a full remodel. All-in-one sink and countertop combinations can be used to replace bathroom sinks on a single vanity cabinet without worrying about the existing sink or countertop. The plumbing professional can recommend what type of sink would fit best.

In some cases, the mechanics inside the faucet may be worn down or corroded, requiring an entirely new faucet. There are also many price points for new faucets to fit every style and budget. The type of new faucet you choose may be limited by the number of pre-drilled holes in your existing bathroom or kitchen countertop.