How much does Bathtub & shower repair cost?

Do you have a chipped or stained bathtub, or a shower that drips water? Bathtub and shower repairs—such as putting a new finish on an old bathtub or stopping a dripping shower head—are common home improvements that can boost a bathroom’s utility, comfort, and beauty. 

Fixing an aging or damaged tub is usually less expensive than replacing it completely, although it may be necessary to install a new bathtub or shower if your current unit is old and beyond repair. 

This guide explains the cost of common shower and bathtub repairs, based on quotes from Yelp pros on real-life projects, as well as trusted industry data. Learn more in the methodology section at the end of the guide.

The typical cost of bath and shower repair is $280, according to estimates quoted by Yelp pros on real-life projects. Prices, however, range from $125–720 nationally, based on the type and severity of the repair, the type of tub or shower, your location, and other factors (discussed below).

To handle bathtub and shower repairs, plumbers typically charge $148 per hour, though rates can range from $85–230, according to Yelp data, and can be even higher in some areas. Most simple bathtub and shower repairs—such as clearing a clog, fixing a faucet, or repairing a pop-up stopper—take 1–2 hours.

The cost of replacement parts, such as a faucet cartridge, is typically added to the hourly rate. So you’ll need to budget for those expenses on top of the plumber’s quoted hourly rate, unless the bid specifies that parts are included. 

Costs can be higher, depending on where you live. For example, quotes provided by plumbers to consumers on Yelp for bathtub and shower repair work in the Los Angeles area were typically $205, compared to $280 in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Some plumbers charge a “service-call fee”—to cover their time and travel—which is typically $50–85 for bathtub/shower repair jobs, according to industry data. “If we come out and don’t do any work, we charge $85 for [the home visit],” says Patrick Finnegan, the owner of Drain-EEZ Plumbing in Chicago. Like most plumbers, they’ll deduct the service-call fee from the bill if hired for the job.

Some plumbers charge flat rates for common plumbing services, like drain clearing. For example, Drain-EEZ Plumbing charges $175–300 to clear a shower trap, depending on the difficulty, Finnegan says. 

A clogged drain is the most common and least expensive bathtub and shower repair, costing about $215. Other, more complex, problems can cost twice that much—or more. Here’s a list of costs associated with common bathtub and shower repairs, based on real-life quotes from pros hired through Yelp. 

Clogged bathtub and shower drains, the most common repairs, are usually snaked or “rodded” by plumbers or drain-cleaning specialists who charge $100–$200 per hour for this service. Clogged drains are typically caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, and other debris. Typical cost to fix: $215. If access to the clog is further down the line, the cost could be higher. 

A dripping shower head or tub spout wastes water and increases your water bill. Leaky faucets can be a result of worn-out faucet washers or cartridges, or faulty valves. Repairs usually involve replacing faucet parts or even the entire faucet. Typical cost to fix: $330.

Bathtub and shower surfaces can develop a wide range of issues, including cracks and structural damage that may require patching and refinishing, or—in the case of a shower pan (the waterproof barrier underneath)—sealing severe leaks. Costs can vary widely depending on the nature and extent of the damage. Typical cost to fix: $515.

A bathtub reglazing or repair company may use epoxy for tub and shower repairs like sealing cracks or chips (see “Shower or tub refinishing,” below). 

There are plenty of other types of issues that may require calling a plumber to fix your bathtub or shower. Here are a few of those, with typical costs, according to industry data.

Leaking bathtubs can cause serious water damage and often require sealing leaks around the edges. This job can usually be handled in under an hour with less than $20 in materials. A handyman or handyperson can typically do this for $40–80 per hour, plus the cost of materials. Cost to fix: $60–100.

Low water pressure or hot water bursts can be caused by a number of issues. Plumbers will often clean or replace the shower head, adjust the home’s pressure regulator (which reduces pressure from an outside water main), or investigate the water heater or pipes that deliver water to the shower or tub for more serious (and expensive) problems. Cost to fix: $90–500.

A noisy shower or bathtub can be caused by loose pipes or problems in pipes or valves. A plumber will generally secure the pipes with pipe straps or insulation, add “water hammer arrestors” to pipes to prevent a banging sound when the water is shut off, or repair or replace valves. Cost to fix: $110–650.

Some tubs have easy-to-repair or replace pop-up stoppers, and some don’t. “The cost depends on the tub and the pop-up,” says Finnegan. “That’s a job the plumber [must actually] see because the tub can have a plastic drain assembly that takes 20 minutes to replace or an old brass drain that could take hours.” Cost to fix: $120–450.

Restoring the finish of an old bathtub or shower—called reglazing or resurfacing—can be a cost-effective alternative to installing a new bathtub. This is an especially good option if your tub is in good condition, but has an old finish with unsightly discoloration or rust stains. A complete bathtub or shower refinishing project by a bathtub reglazing company can make a tub or shower look new and transform your bathroom. A combo tub-shower refinishing project that includes a surround (the waterproof surface protecting bathroom walls) typically ranges from $500–1,000. Bathtub liner installation (putting a custom-fit acrylic or PVC shell over the old tub) provides a new look without an expensive tub replacement. Cost to fix: $300–$1,200.

“Most bathtubs will last forever, especially the old cast-iron ones,” says Finnegan. “I’ve replaced maybe two bathtubs in my whole career.” Replacing a bathtub or shower makes sense when the existing tub or shower is beyond repair or when you want something entirely new during a bathroom remodel. Cost to install: $750–$2,280 (plus the cost of the new tub). 

The following issues will affect how much you’ll pay for bathtub and shower fixes.

While it’s not usually the biggest factor, the type of tub can affect the cost of repairs. 

Bathtub and shower repair costs are based on local labor rates. Urban areas tend to have higher costs, especially for work done in multi-story buildings. Even two cities in the same state can vary. For example, bathtub repairs in the Los Angeles area run from $125–380 with a typical cost of $205, while bathtub repairs in the San Francisco Bay Area run from $200–470, with a typical cost of $280, according to Yelp data.

Access to the problem that needs repair—such as drain pipes—can significantly affect the time required. “When repairing a bathtub drain, for example, you need access underneath the tub, in case the boot [drain] for the tub moves,” says Finnegan. “This happens a lot when dealing with older bathtub drains in houses built in the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s.” 

When there’s a clog in the drain below a shower (the “trap”), access can become a real issue. “For clearing shower traps, you’re looking at $175–300,” says Adam Kinder, co-owner of Ready Rooter in Seattle. He points out that having “cleanouts” (Y-branches in the pipe that can be easily accessed), makes clearing drain clogs easier and cheaper.

The type of professional you choose to handle bathtub and shower repairs will affect overall cost. Here are some types of bathtub and shower repair professionals, and their typical rates:

For resurfacing repairs that involve removing stains, fixing chips, and refinishing bathtubs, the cost will depend on the tub or shower’s material and surface area. Here’s how much tub reglazing and resurfacing can cost for specific bathtub materials, according to industry data:

You may be able to reduce shower and bathtub repair and refinishing costs with the following tips.

Get at least 3 proposals for shower and tub restoration or repair from qualified professionals in your area. Be sure to consider the guarantee they offer for their work in addition to the price: Some refinishing services offer warranties of 10–20 years, while others offer lifetime warranties. Check their reviews on Yelp to be sure you’re choosing a pro who can do the work properly and at a fair price.  

You’ll save time and labor costs by handling any plumbing repairs before starting a refinishing job. Have a plumber fix leaky faucets, shower pans, pipes, and drains to avoid problems that might delay refinishing or cause damage to resurfaced fixtures. 

Some simple fixes, like replacing a faulty shower head, are easy for most homeowners to do themselves. For more complex repairs, you’ll want to hire a qualified pro. When done incorrectly, bathtub and shower repairs can lead to water leaks, structural damage, and other issues that cost more in the long run.

Similarly, DIY bathtub refinishing with a bathtub-resurfacing kit can be an affordable way to restore a tub’s veneer. However, this is a time-consuming process that requires attention to detail, and if done wrong, it can ruin your tub. For most homeowners, it’s best to hire a professional bathtub refinishing company that specializes in shower and bathtub reglazing. 

When interviewing a plumber for shower or tub repairs, ask about their qualifications and customer-service practices. This information is often available on their Yelp Business Page.

Questions about the business

Questions about repair costs

How much does it cost to repair a leaking shower?

You’ll typically pay about $330 to repair shower faucet valves, $75–150 to repair a diverter valve, $65–200 to fix a broken shower head, and $150–500 to repair a leaking shower pan. If the shower pan needs to be replaced, expect to pay $1,000–3,500.

Is it cheaper to resurface or replace a bathtub?

Resurfacing a bathtub costs $300–1,200, while replacing a standard bathtub can cost $1,050–3,200 (including the price of the new tub). To install a high-end bathtub, you can pay $9,000 or more. By resurfacing or reglazing to extend your bathtub’s lifespan and give it a new look, you save the hassle and expense of demolition and installation work, too.

How much does it cost to snake a bathtub drain?

The cost to have a clogged bathtub or shower drain snaked or “rodded” by a plumber is $120–315—typically $215. If the problem is a particularly difficult one, plumbers typically charge $85–230 per hour to fix it.

Find a professional plumber in your area.

Cost data in this guide is based on project quote estimates provided to Yelp users by licensed professionals and businesses on Yelp (as well as analysis of industry data). Actual project costs may vary depending on location or complexity of the project. Cost data has been reviewed by our industry expert, Don Vandervort, a nationally known home improvement author. Don is the founder of the website HomeTips.com and has written or produced more than 30 home improvement books.