How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Hose Bib?
$150 to $500 is the typical cost to replace a hose bib, with the national average around $275. A standard hose bib swap where the plumber removes the old unit and threads on a new one runs $150 to $250. Upgrading to a frost-free model or dealing with corroded pipes pushes costs to $300 to $500. If you need a brand-new hose bib installed where one has never been, expect to pay $350 to $700 because the plumber has to tap into the water supply, drill through the exterior wall, and patch the siding.
The part itself is cheap. A standard brass hose bib costs $10 to $30 at any hardware store. A frost-free sillcock runs $25 to $60. The real cost is labor. Most plumbers charge $75 to $150 per hour and need 1 to 2 hours for a straightforward replacement. Difficult access, old galvanized pipes, or the need to open up a wall can push the job to 3 hours or more.
Hose Bib Replacement Cost by Type
$150 to $550 depending on which style of hose bib you install. Each type serves a different purpose, and the cost reflects the complexity of the install.
| Hose Bib Type | Parts Cost | Installed Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (compression valve) | $10 - $30 | $150 - $250 | Warm climates where freezing is not a concern |
| Frost-free / frost-proof sillcock | $25 - $60 | $250 - $400 | Any region with freezing winters (most of the US) |
| Anti-siphon hose bib | $20 - $50 | $200 - $350 | Required by code in many states to prevent backflow |
| Vacuum breaker hose bib | $30 - $65 | $225 - $375 | Areas with strict backflow prevention requirements |
| Frost-free anti-siphon (combo) | $35 - $75 | $275 - $450 | Cold climates with backflow code requirements |
Frost-free hose bibs are the most popular choice for replacements. The longer stem (8 to 24 inches) places the valve seat inside the heated wall cavity, which prevents the water from freezing in winter. If your current hose bib is a standard model and you live anywhere that sees freezing temperatures, upgrading to frost-free during the replacement is a smart move. The extra $50 to $100 upfront can save you thousands in burst pipe repairs down the road.
Installation Type and Labor Costs
$100 to $700 in labor depending on whether you are replacing an existing hose bib or adding a new one. The scope of work changes dramatically between these two scenarios.
| Installation Type | Labor Cost | What's Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Simple replacement (same type) | $100 - $200 | Shut off water, unscrew old bib, apply thread sealant, install new bib. 30-60 minutes. |
| Upgrade replacement (standard to frost-free) | $175 - $350 | Remove old bib, may need to extend or modify pipe through wall for longer stem. 1-2 hours. |
| New installation (no existing bib) | $350 - $700 | Tap into water supply, run pipe to exterior wall, drill through siding, install bib, patch and seal. 3-5 hours. |
Replacing a hose bib that was soldered onto copper pipe takes more skill and time than removing a threaded connection. The plumber needs to cut the pipe, clean the joint, and either solder a new fitting or transition to a push-fit connector. This adds $50 to $100 to the labor compared to a simple threaded swap.
Cost Factors That Affect Your Total
$150 to $700+ is the full range, and several job-specific factors determine where your project falls.
Pipe Material
Copper pipes require soldering for permanent connections, which takes more time and skill. PEX connections are faster using crimp or push-fit fittings. Galvanized steel pipes are the most expensive to work with because they corrode over time and often crumble when you try to unscrew a fitting. If your home has galvanized supply pipes, the plumber may recommend replacing the nearby section with copper or PEX while they have the wall open. A full house repiping project ($4,000 to $15,000) becomes worth considering if galvanized pipes are failing throughout the house.
Accessibility
A hose bib on an exterior wall with clear access from inside (like a basement or utility room) is the easiest and cheapest to replace. Hose bibs located behind finished walls, above crawl spaces with tight clearance, or on second-story exteriors cost more because the plumber needs extra time to reach the connection point. Difficult access can add $100 to $250 to the labor bill.
Number of Hose Bibs
Replacing multiple hose bibs at the same time saves money per unit. A plumber who is already on-site with tools and the water shut off can replace a second or third bib for $100 to $175 each instead of the full $150 to $250 per visit. If one hose bib is failing, the others are usually the same age and worth inspecting while the plumber is there.
Damage Repair
If a frozen hose bib has burst and caused water damage, the replacement cost is only a fraction of the total repair bill. Burst pipe damage averages $1,000 to $4,000 for drywall repair, mold remediation, and water cleanup on top of the $150 to $500 bib replacement. Homes with ongoing moisture issues near exterior walls may also need a sump pump installation ($800 to $2,500) to manage water properly.
Permits
Most municipalities do not require a permit for a simple hose bib replacement since no new plumbing lines are being run. However, a new installation that taps into the main water supply often requires a plumbing permit ($50 to $200). Check your local building department before starting the project.
How to Save Money on Hose Bib Replacement
$50 to $300 in potential savings by planning smart and handling what you can yourself.
- Replace all aging bibs at once. Bundling multiple replacements into one service call saves $50 to $100 per additional bib since the plumber is already on-site with the water shut off.
- Buy the hose bib yourself. A quality frost-free sillcock costs $25 to $60 at a hardware store. Plumbers often mark up parts 30-50%, so supplying your own saves $10 to $30 per bib.
- DIY a threaded replacement. If your existing bib is threaded (not soldered) and you can access the pipe from inside the house, the swap takes 30 minutes with a pipe wrench and thread seal tape. Total cost: $15 to $40 for parts.
- Get 3 quotes. Plumber rates for small jobs vary widely. Some charge a flat rate for a hose bib replacement, while others bill hourly. Three quotes help you find the best deal in your area.
- Schedule during off-peak months. Plumbers are busiest in winter (frozen pipes) and spring (outdoor plumbing prep). Booking a replacement in late summer or early fall often gets you faster scheduling and sometimes lower rates.
- Winterize properly. Disconnecting hoses, shutting off the interior valve, and draining the line before the first freeze extends the life of any hose bib and prevents the most common cause of failure.
Get everything you need: Frost-free sillcocks, thread seal tape, and pipe fittings for DIY hose bib replacement.
Shop Hose Bib Parts on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a hose bib?
Replacing a hose bib costs $150 to $500 on average, with the national average around $275. A simple swap of a standard exterior hose bib with easy access runs $150 to $250. Frost-free models cost more for the part and take longer to install, pushing the total to $250 to $500. If the pipe behind the wall is corroded or the siding needs patching, expect to pay on the higher end.
Should I replace a hose bib with a frost-free model?
Yes, in any climate where temperatures drop below freezing, a frost-free hose bib is worth the upgrade. Frost-free models have a longer stem that shuts off water inside the heated wall rather than at the exterior surface, which prevents frozen and burst pipes. The upgrade costs $50 to $100 more than a standard replacement but can save thousands in burst pipe repairs.
Can I replace a hose bib myself?
Replacing a standard threaded hose bib is a moderate DIY project if you can access the pipe from inside the house or crawl space. You need a pipe wrench, thread seal tape, and a new bib ($10-$30 for standard, $25-$60 for frost-free). The job takes 30 minutes to an hour. However, if the supply pipe is soldered copper or the bib is recessed into the wall with no interior access, hire a plumber to avoid damaging your plumbing or siding.
How long does a hose bib last?
A quality brass hose bib lasts 15 to 25 years with normal use. Cheaper zinc or plastic bibs may only last 5 to 10 years. Signs that your hose bib needs replacing include leaking from the handle or spout when turned on, a handle that is hard to turn, visible corrosion or mineral buildup, and water dripping behind the wall. Frost damage can kill a hose bib in a single winter if it is not properly winterized.
What is the difference between a hose bib and a sillcock?
A hose bib and a sillcock are the same thing - an outdoor faucet with a threaded spout for attaching a garden hose. Sillcock is the industry term plumbers use, while hose bib (or hose bibb) is the more common homeowner term. Frost-free sillcocks have a long stem (6 to 24 inches) that extends through the wall so the valve seat sits inside the heated space. Anti-siphon models include a built-in backflow preventer to keep garden chemicals from entering your drinking water.