Faucets, toilets, and showers are among the most frequently repaired plumbing parts, and many repairs are within reach of a homeowner.
Draft. Some reference links and cost figures are still being verified.
Faucets, toilets, showers, and their valves are among the most frequently repaired plumbing parts. Many repairs are simple parts swaps, and the same fixtures can also save water when you choose a WaterSense label.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| What usually fails? | Cartridges and washers in faucets, flappers and fill valves in toilets, aerators, and supply lines. |
| What are the water-saving limits? | WaterSense showerheads use 2.0 gallons per minute or less. Bathroom faucets use 1.5 gpm or less at 60 psi. WaterSense toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less. |
| What does installation cost? | 2026 guides put faucet installation at about $250 to $700, and toilet installation labor at about $150 to $500 (wall-hung toilets add $300 to $500). |
| When do I need a pro? | Moving drains, supply lines, or vents; a new tub or shower valve; and any fixture that leaks into the floor below. |
Faucets control flow with a cartridge, a ball mechanism, a disc valve, or a compression valve. A worn part lets water pass when the handle is off. Toilets rely on a fill valve that refills the tank and a flapper that seals the drain. Aerators on faucets and showerheads mix air into the flow to reduce water use.
| Symptom | Likely part | Fix | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dripping faucet | Cartridge, washer, or valve seat | Replace the cartridge or washer with the water off | Homeowner |
| Toilet runs after flushing | Flapper or fill valve | Replace the flapper or fill valve. EPA recommends replacing flappers about every five years. | Homeowner |
| Weak shower or faucet flow | Clogged aerator or showerhead | Clean or replace the aerator or showerhead | Homeowner |
| Water at the base of a fixture | Supply line, valve, or seal | Replace the supply line or valve; check the toilet seal if the base is wet | Homeowner for supply lines; plumber for seals and valves |
| Cracked fixture or loose mount | Fixture body or mounting | Replace the fixture | Plumber or handyman |
| Fixture | WaterSense limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Showerhead | 2.0 gpm or less | Labeled models are certified for flow, spray force, and spray coverage |
| Bathroom faucet | 1.5 gpm or less at 60 psi | Minimum of 0.8 gpm at 20 psi |
| Toilet | 1.28 gallons per flush or less | About 20 percent less than the current federal standard, per EPA |
Look for the WaterSense label when you buy. The label means the product has been independently certified for water efficiency and performance.
| Task | Homeowner? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clean an aerator or showerhead | Yes | Soak in vinegar; a simple first step for weak flow |
| Replace a faucet cartridge or washer | Yes | Shut off the supply valves and plug the drain before you start |
| Replace a toilet flapper or fill valve | Yes | Turn off the water first |
| Replace a supply line | Yes | Use a line rated for the job |
| Install a new tub or shower valve, or move a fixture | No | Often needs a permit and plumbing work |
| Symptom | Possible cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Water on the floor under a toilet | Failed wax ring or seal, or a loose toilet | Shut off the water and call a plumber. Repeated leaks rot subfloors. |
| Constant hiss or running sound | Fill valve or leaking flapper | Try the flapper or fill valve replacement first |
| Cracked fixture | Impact, freezing, or age | Stop use of the fixture and replace it |
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet installation | About $250 to $700 | Varies by fixture and region |
| Toilet installation labor | About $150 to $500 | Wall-hung toilets add about $300 to $500 for structural work |
These are estimates from 2026 cost guides and vary by region. Confirm with local quotes.
| Condition | What changes | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Hard water | Scale clogs aerators and cartridges sooner | Clean aerators regularly or consider water treatment |
| Water-restricted areas | Local rules may limit fixture flow or outdoor use | Check local rules before buying |
| Coastal or humid areas | Corrosion on fittings, valves, and finishes | Choose corrosion-resistant finishes and check fittings more often |
EPA says WaterSense labeled products are independently certified for performance as well as efficiency. For showerheads, that includes spray force and spray coverage.
The seat may be worn or scratched, or the cartridge may be the real problem. A plumber can check the valve seat and replace the part that is failing.
EPA recommends replacing flappers about every five years, since they wear out and cause silent leaks.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| gpm (gallons per minute) | Flow rate for faucets and showerheads |
| gpf (gallons per flush) | Water used per flush for toilets |
| Aerator | A screen on a faucet spout that mixes air into the flow |
| Cartridge | A replaceable valve unit that controls flow and temperature in a faucet |
| Fill valve | The toilet valve that refills the tank |
| Flapper | The rubber seal that closes the toilet tank outlet |
Sources reviewed November 4, 2026. Independent professional review: pending. Confirm local rules with your building department.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (2026 guides) | DIY or pro | Permit usually? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flapper or fill valve replacement | Running toilet or constant hiss | About $75 to $200 with a plumber (HomeTips); parts under $50 | Homeowner or plumber | No |
| Faucet cartridge or washer replacement | Dripping faucet | Faucet installation about $250 to $700 (earlier guides); repair pricing varies | Homeowner or plumber | No |
| Shower valve repair | Leaking or unbalanced shower valve | About $285 to $342 per valve (Homewyse, May 2026); Angi average about $350 | Licensed plumber | Usually not for a repair |
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (2026 guides) | DIY or pro | Permit usually? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean aerators and showerheads | Weak flow or mineral buildup | Low cost; homeowner task | Homeowner | No |
| Replace flappers on schedule | Every five years per EPA | Parts under $50 | Homeowner | No |
| Check caulk, grout, and seals around fixtures | Once a year | Low cost; homeowner task | Homeowner | No |
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (2026 guides) | DIY or pro | Permit usually? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toilet installation | Replacing an old toilet | About $400 to $900 (Block Renovation); Homeyou estimates $420 to $1,053 | Plumber or homeowner for simple swaps | Usually not for a same-location swap |
| Shower valve replacement | Failed valve body or cartridge | About $285 to $350 average (Homewyse; Angi) | Licensed plumber | Usually yes if moving pipes |
| Faucet installation | New faucet | About $250 to $700 | Homeowner or plumber | No |