Kitchen Plumbing Cost: Installation & Repair Prices for 2026
Kitchen plumbing covers everything from a quick faucet swap ($150–$350) to a full kitchen remodel rough-in ($1,500–$4,000). The most common kitchen plumbing jobs — faucet replacement, garbage disposal install, dishwasher hookup, and drain clearing — run $150–$600 each. More involved work like moving the sink location or adding an island sink requires cutting into the floor or walls and can run $1,000–$3,500+.
Kitchen Plumbing Cost by Job
| Job | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen faucet replacement | $150–$450 | Supply + install; 1–2 hrs |
| Kitchen sink replacement | $300–$700 | Drop-in; add $100–$200 for undermount |
| Garbage disposal installation | $150–$500 | Includes unit + labor; electrical separate |
| Dishwasher plumbing hookup | $100–$250 | Existing hookup; new line add $150–$400 |
| Kitchen drain cleaning | $100–$300 | Snake or hydro-jet |
| P-trap / drain pipe repair | $75–$200 | Under-sink drain assembly |
| Supply line replacement (both) | $75–$150 | Hot + cold braided lines |
| Shut-off valve replacement | $100–$200 | Under sink; per valve |
| Island sink installation (new location) | $1,000–$3,000 | Requires floor penetration, vent |
| Kitchen remodel rough-in (full) | $1,500–$4,000 | New supply, drain, vent |
Kitchen Faucet Replacement
Replacing a kitchen faucet is the most common kitchen plumbing call. Plumber labor runs $100–$225, with total cost (fixture + labor) typically $150–$450 for a standard pull-down faucet.
Factors that increase the cost:
- Corroded supply line connections that require shut-off valve replacement (+$100–$200)
- Different hole configuration — going from 3-hole to single-hole or vice versa requires an escutcheon plate or, in some cases, sink replacement
- Touchless/smart faucets requiring a battery pack or power connection
- Deep sink cabinets where reaching the mounting nuts is difficult (cramped access = more labor time)
Kitchen Sink Replacement
Replacing a kitchen sink involves disconnecting the drain, supply lines, and garbage disposal (if present), then installing the new sink. Cost breakdown:
| Sink Type | Sink Cost | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-in (self-rimming) | $75–$400 | $150–$300 | $225–$700 |
| Undermount | $150–$600 | $200–$400 | $350–$1,000 |
| Farmhouse/apron-front | $300–$1,200 | $300–$600 | $600–$1,800 |
Undermount sinks require silicone adhesive and support clips below the countertop — and in a remodel, the countertop often needs to be removed and reinstalled. If your countertop isn’t being replaced, a drop-in sink is significantly easier to swap.
Garbage Disposal Installation
Installing a garbage disposal costs $150–$500 total (unit + labor). The unit itself is $75–$300 depending on motor size (1/3 HP to 1 HP). Labor: $75–$200.
New installation (no existing disposal) vs. replacement: A replacement swap takes 30–45 minutes. A new installation where no disposal exists requires checking that the drain has the right opening, installing the mounting assembly, and verifying the electrical outlet (a GFCI outlet under the sink is required). If there’s no outlet, add $150–$300 for an electrician.
For full details, see our garbage disposal installation cost guide.
Dishwasher Plumbing Hookup
A dishwasher needs three connections: hot water supply, drain, and electrical. Plumbers handle the supply and drain; electricians handle the circuit.
| Scenario | Plumber Cost |
|---|---|
| Hook up to existing supply/drain stub-outs | $100–$250 |
| Add new dishwasher supply line from shut-off | $200–$400 |
| Install air gap (required in many codes) | $75–$150 |
| Modify drain connection to garbage disposal | $75–$150 |
Most plumbers will not connect a dishwasher electrical supply — that’s the electrician’s scope. Total cost for a dishwasher install including both trades: $300–$700.
Island Sink: The Expensive Addition
A kitchen island sink is a significant plumbing project because:
- The drain must connect to the main drain stack — requiring a run under the floor (or through the ceiling below)
- The vent must tie in to prevent siphoning — typically via an air admittance valve (AAV) or roof penetration
- Water supply must be run to the island location
On a slab foundation, this means cutting concrete — easily adding $1,500–$3,000 to the project. On a raised floor with basement/crawl space access, it’s far more manageable at $600–$1,500 for the plumbing portion. Always get this quoted before committing to an island layout in a remodel.
Common Kitchen Drain Problems
Slow or Clogged Drain
Kitchen drains clog with grease, food particles, and soap buildup. Most are cleared with a drain snake ($100–$200) or hydro-jetting ($150–$400). Avoid chemical drain cleaners — they’re often ineffective on grease clogs and damage PVC pipe over time.
Leaking Under the Sink
The most common sources of under-sink leaks:
- P-trap connections: Slip-joint plastic connections loosen over time. Retighten by hand or replace ($30–$100 DIY; $75–$150 plumber).
- Basket strainer: The seal between the sink basin and drain strainer fails. Reseal with plumber’s putty ($30–$75 DIY; $100–$175 plumber).
- Supply lines: Braided lines at the shut-off or faucet connection. Replace for $8–$15 in parts.
- Garbage disposal flange: Loose mounting bolts or dried putty. Remount or reseal ($75–$150 plumber).
Kitchen Remodel Plumbing
If you’re remodeling the kitchen with no layout changes, the plumbing scope is manageable: disconnect existing fixtures, demo, re-rough, and reconnect. If you’re moving the sink, adding a prep sink, or adding an island, the scope expands significantly.
| Remodel Scope | Plumbing Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Same layout — fixture swap only | $300–$800 |
| Same layout — new supply/drain rough-in | $800–$2,000 |
| Move sink location (wood framed floor) | $600–$1,500 |
| Move sink location (concrete slab) | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Add prep sink or island sink | $800–$3,000 |
| Full kitchen plumbing gut + redo | $2,000–$5,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for kitchen plumbing work?
Replacing existing fixtures in the same location (faucet, sink, disposal) generally does not require a permit. Any new drain or supply rough-in, changing pipe locations, or adding new fixture locations (island sink, prep sink) requires a plumbing permit in most jurisdictions. Your plumber should pull it — permits protect you at resale and ensure the work is inspected.
How long does it take to replace a kitchen faucet?
A standard faucet swap takes 45–90 minutes for a plumber. Most of the time is spent in the cramped space under the sink loosening corroded supply line nuts. If the shut-off valves need replacement, add 30–60 minutes. An experienced plumber can often complete the entire job in one hour if there are no surprises.
Why does my kitchen drain smell bad?
Kitchen drain odor comes from grease and food buildup in the P-trap and drain line — bacteria decompose the organic material and produce sulfur gas. Solutions: pour boiling water down the drain weekly, use a baking soda + vinegar flush monthly, or have the drain snaked or hydro-jetted by a plumber. If the P-trap runs dry (rarely used drain), the trap seal is gone and sewer gas is entering — run the water to refill it.
Can I connect a dishwasher myself?
The supply and drain connections are within DIY capability if you have basic plumbing skills and the connections already exist. The electrical connection (240V or 120V dedicated circuit) should be done by a licensed electrician. In some states, you must use a licensed plumber for any appliance hookup — check local requirements. If the dishwasher is new to the space (no existing hookup), hire both a plumber and electrician.
What causes a kitchen faucet to have low pressure?
Most often: a clogged aerator. Unscrew the aerator from the spout tip, soak in white vinegar overnight, and reinstall. If that doesn’t fix it, check that both shut-off valves under the sink are fully open. If pressure is low at all kitchen fixtures but fine elsewhere, you may have a corroded supply line or a partially closed zone valve. If the whole house has low pressure, see our low water pressure guide.
What’s the most common kitchen plumbing problem?
Clogged drains are the #1 kitchen plumbing call — grease and food debris accumulate in the drain line, especially the P-trap and the horizontal run to the wall. Second most common: leaking under the sink, usually from a loose P-trap slip joint or failing basket strainer putty seal. Both are straightforward and low cost to fix. The best prevention: never pour cooking grease down the drain.