Homeowners typically pay around $300 to replace a shower cartridge. The cost of this bathroom upgrade depends on its brand, quality, and installation difficulty. Fortunately, with a few basic tools, this is also a relatively simple do-it-yourself (DIY) project if you’re looking to save on labor costs. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of both methods and dig into each individual cost factor below. 

*Article cost data via Angi and Home Depot

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What Major Factors Affect Shower Cartridge Replacement Cost?

Homeowners spend $200 on the low-end and $400 on the high-end to replace their shower cartridges. We’ve broken down the main cost factors below. 

• Brand: The shower cartridge’s manufacturer influences the cost. 
• Cartridge type: There are three types (single handle, dual handle, and diverter cartridges). Each type is available at several price points.
• Plumbing labor: Plumbers charge differently depending on how much experience they have in the business and the company they work for. Your choice of plumber will influence shower cartridge replacement cost.

Brand

Certain brands and models use better materials, but sometimes they charge more because they’re an established household name. Well-known brands include Moen, Delta, Kohler, and Price Pfister. To determine a brand’s worth, read through online reviews and see what materials it uses (brass, ceramic, or plastic). 

Cartridge Type

There are three different cartridge types: single handle, dual handle, and diverter. 

1. Single-handle faucets allow users to control water pressure and temperature with a single lever. 
2. Dual-handle faucets have different handles for hot and cold water, which means they each have their own cartridges. 
3. Diverter cartridges are used in tub/shower combos. Diverter cartridges direct the flow of water to either the showerhead or tub. 

Cost by Cartridge Type

Plumbing Labor

Plumbers often charge based on their experience, so newer professionals are less costly than those who have more experience. 

Other home improvement project cost factors include location, whether the existing shower is damaged, and accessibility. While most homeowners’ showers should be simple to access, some designs are elaborate and require additional work to access. This adds to your total labor cost.

Hiring a plumber costs anywhere from $25–$200 per hour, so get several quotes to ensure you don’t overspend.

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Should You Repair or Replace Your Shower Cartridge?

It’s possible to clean a clogged shower cartridge by soaking it in vinegar, but replacing it is often easier and more effective. 

Signs That an Old Cartridge Needs To Be Replaced

• The shower handle is difficult to turn. This is commonly caused by a buildup of mineral deposits.
• The water does not turn on when the handle is in the correct position.
• Water continues to drip from the shower head or spout after the water has been turned off. This is commonly caused by corrosion.
• You hear water hammer sounds when you turn on the water. This can also be caused by too much psi in your home’s system. If you hear water hammer sounds, a professional plumber may need to reduce overall pressure and water flow.

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DIY vs. Professional Shower Cartridge Replacement Cost

You may be able to replace your shower cartridge yourself, or you can hire a professional. Here are some things to consider.

DIY

To replace your shower cartridge yourself, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply.
2. Remove the shower’s handle and plate. 
3. Remove the retaining clip that secures the cartridge in place. 
4. Use a pair of pliers or cartridge wrench to remove the shower cartridge. Take note of the cartridge’s orientation. Installing a new valve or cartridge in the wrong orientation may reverse your hot and cold water. 
5. Replace the o-rings and install the new cartridge.
6. Reinstall the wall plate and shower handle.  

Be warned that homeowners may have difficulty replacing the cartridge if they don’t have the right replacement parts or tools.

To replace your cartridge, you’ll likely need a set of hex keys, a screwdriver, a pair of pliers or cartridge pullers, and caulk or silicone. You can expect to spend between $10 and $20 for each of these items. 

Before deciding whether you want to do the project yourself, consider the cost of tools, a new cartridge, and the amount of skilled labor necessary. Would it make more sense to bundle a new cartridge with another plumbing project and hire a pro? How long can your household go without that particular shower or tub faucet in working order if you have problems installing it on your own? 

All things considered, it may make more sense to hire a pro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkPcCmYkG4Qu0026

Professional

While you may be able to figure everything out yourself, you could save a lot of time and potentially even improve your overall system’s performance by hiring a pro. 

There are other perks to hiring a professional plumber, including:

• Their experience and expertise.
• Their knowledge of required permits. 
• They may provide warranties on all completed work.
• They can bundle other projects together to save you money.

They can recommend the best shower faucet for your home and bathroom.

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How To Save on Shower Cartridge Replacement Cost

To save money when replacing your faucet cartridge, try the following:

• Bundle the project with other necessary repairs when hiring a professional.
• See if the existing cartridge is still under warranty from the manufacturer.
• Complete the project yourself.
• Borrow tools from a friend or family member.
• Try soaking the cartridge in vinegar before buying a replacement.

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Additional Cost Factors

Several factors impact shower valve replacement costs. 

Manufacturer’s Warranty

Your current shower cartridge may be under warranty from the manufacturer. If it is, contact them about receiving a replacement. It may be free, or you may only have to pay a small shipping and handling fee. 

Material

Brass and ceramic tend to cost more than plastic cartridges, but they’re also less likely to fail than plastic. Before choosing a material, ensure the replacement will work with your setup. An incompatible mixing valve can affect the shower’s performance and possibly its pressure-balancing abilities. The shower type and model determine which parts you need.

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How Do You Hire a Pro?

Follow these steps to find a reputable plumber:

• Ask if the plumber is licensed to work in your state.
• Ask if the plumber is insured.
• Read online reviews.
• Ask for a detailed quote that outlines the total cost for parts and labor.
• Make sure the plumber will provide a home warranty on all work.
• Compare quotes from at least three plumbers to find the best value and price.

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Our Conclusion

If you’ve never done any plumbing repairs, replacing a shower cartridge may be too difficult for your first project. Fortunately, this is one of the less expensive bathroom updates, with an average cost of $300. 

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FAQ About Shower Cartridge Replacement

What happens when a shower cartridge goes bad?

Shower faucet cartridges go bad for a few reasons. Common signs of a bad shower cartridge include dripping water, and difficulty turning the shower handle itself. 

Can you replace your own shower cartridge?

Yes, you can replace your own shower cartridge; however, if it is difficult to remove, you may need a special shower valve assembly tool such as a cartridge puller.  

What is the difference between a shower cartridge and a shower valve?

The difference between a shower cartridge and a shower valve is that a valve controls and diverts the flow of hot water and cold water while a cartridge helps regulate water temperature in the event there is a change in pressure because of water usage elsewhere in the home.  

Are shower cartridges and valves universal?

No, shower cartridges and valves are not universal. While some may be interchangeable, different manufacturers may use varying sizes for both their valves and cartridges.  

What are the benefits of replacing your own shower cartridge?

The benefit of replacing your own shower cartridge is primarily saving money. By doing it yourself, you eliminate the cost of hiring a professional plumber. Hourly rates for plumbing pros can range between $25–$200 per hour. 

How long do shower cartridges last?

How long a shower cartridge lasts depends on the material and overall maintenance, but they can last between 10–30 years.

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