How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Water Shut-Off Valve?

Kelly Weimert
Written by Kelly Weimert
Updated October 15, 2021
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The typical cost to replace a water shut-off valve is $375 to $600

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Most of us probably don't think about water shut-off valves very often, but they become your home’s most important item in a water emergency. Faulty water shut-off valves can create all kinds of problems, ranging from small leaks to major flooding, so you want to make sure your water valves are always in working order.

If you need a new water shut-off valve, read on to get a better sense of what you’ll pay based on a few important factors.



For instance, if the valve is in an area of your house that's difficult for a plumber to access, such as behind cabinetry, the plumber would need to remove and reinstall the cabinetry in addition to replacing the shut-off valve. You can expect to pay a bit more in this case than you would if it were in an easily accessible location.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Water Shut-Off Valve by Type?

A close up of a red water valve
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You may not know that there are actually several different types of water shut-off valves. The type you choose can affect the cost.

Gate Valve

Gate valves feature an internal gate that raises and lowers to control water flow. It's considered an "all-or-nothing" valve because it can only turn the water all the way on or all the way off and cannot manage how hard water flows. These valves are usually controlled with a twist-type knob or handle. Gate valves are more commonly used in industrial applications rather than residential homes, but in some cases, they control a house's main water pipe. Residential gate valves typically cost around $10 to $50.

Ball Valve

Like gate valves, ball valves are an all-or-nothing valve, controlling only whether the water is on or off and not the flow. They feature a relatively thick middle body, which holds the ball used to control the water. Typically used as the main water shut-off valve in a home, you can usually turn them off quickly as they only require a quarter-turn of a lever handle. Ball valves typically cost around $10 to $20.

Globe Valve

Unlike ball and gate valves, globe valves allow you to control how much water is flowing in addition to whether the water flows at all. They include an internal plunger that moves up and down to control water flow depending on how much you turn the valve's handle. Since they allow for variable control, these valves commonly control pipes leading to sprinkler systems, but you might find them attached to other pipes as well. Residential globe valves can cost anywhere from $5 to $70, but they typically fall between $10 and $25

Fixture Valve

Fixture valves feature small twist knobs or handles. They let you turn off the water from an individual fixture, like a toilet or refrigerator, without turning off the water in other areas of the house, making them helpful for repairing individual fixtures in your home. Most houses feature a variety of fixture valves, typically ranging in cost from $50 to $150

Needle Valve

Needle valves were once commonly used to control water supply appliances, like your refrigerator, but many building codes no longer permit their use because they're not very dependable. If you currently have a needle valve, we recommend replacing it with a more reliable fixture valve. Needle valves typically cost $5 to $20

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Water Shut-Off Valve Yourself?

If you decide to replace your water shut-off valve yourself, you only need to pay for the cost of the valve and the tools and materials needed to install it. If the valve is in an easily accessible location, then you'll probably only need a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, and plumber's tape, each of which you can usually purchase for $5 to $20

However, if the valve is behind cabinetry, you might need additional tools and materials, such as a crowbar, hammer, and power drill. Crowbars and hammers typically cost around $5 to $15, while power drills usually cost $20 to $60 or more.

What Factors Influence the Cost to Replace a Water Shut-Off Valve?

Every project is unique, and water shut-off valves are no exception. Several factors can affect what you’ll actually pay for this project.

Water Shut-Off Valve Type

The type of water shut-off valve you repair can affect the price. Usually, fixture valves cost the most, ranging from $50 to $100, but most other types of valves are similar in price, typically costing between $10 to $50

Labor Costs

If you don't want to replace the water shut-off valve yourself, then you'll need to pay a plumber to do it. If you’re having any other plumbing issues, it might make sense to have a plumber tackle this task alongside those to make the trip worth it for both of you. 

Plumbers typically charge $45 to $200 per hour, so your total costs will depend on how long it takes them to complete the job. A simple replacement might take an hour or two, but the job can take several hours to complete if the valve is hard to access. 

Accessibility Costs

Speaking of access, your valve's accessibility can affect the cost to replace it, no matter if you do it yourself or hire a plumber. For instance, if it sits behind cabinetry, you'll need to factor in the material and tool costs associated with removing and reinstalling the cabinetry. And if you hire a professional, you should factor in the extra time it will take them to reach a hard-to-access valve and put everything back in its place when they're finished.  

FAQs About Water Shut-Off Valves

A plumber repairing a water valve
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Should I hire a professional or replace a water shut-off valve myself?

Whether or not you should replace your water shut-off valve yourself depends on several factors, such as your comfort level. If you haven't taken on many DIY household repairs and don't feel super confident in your abilities, it might be best to hire a professional to avoid damage to the water shut-off valve.

However, if you can easily access the valve, replacing it is often a fairly straightforward process. If you're on the fence about whether you want to hire a pro or take it on yourself, consider watching some online valve replacement tutorials to see how comfortable you feel with each step.

What kind of professional should I hire to replace a water shut-off valve?

If you decide to enlist a professional to replace your water shut-off valve, then it's best to hire a local plumber. Plumbers are experts in all things, well, plumbing, so they're best equipped to handle any complications or unforeseen challenges that might arise during the water shut-off valve replacement. 

How long does it take to replace a water shut-off valve?

The time it takes to replace a water shut-off valve varies significantly by how accessible the valve is. If the valve is easy to access, then it typically takes an hour or two to replace. However, if it's tucked behind cabinetry or other barriers, it can take several hours since the barriers will first need to be removed then reinstalled after replacing the valve. 

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