Sump Pump Costs at a Glance

• Installation price range: $100-$3,000
• Average installation price: $1,000
• Typical replacement price range: $400-$600
• Low-end replacement range: $150-$300
• High-end replacement range: $500-$600
• Submersible sump pump: $100-$400
• Pedestal sump pump: $50-$180
• Water-powered sump pump: $5,000
• 1/3 hp-1 hp pump: $150-$250
• Outlet upgrade: $100-$200
• Battery backup system: $200-$350

If you’ve ever had a plumbing fiasco at your home, then you know firsthand how difficult and expensive it can be to clean up. Whether it’s a burst pipe, damaged sewage system or sump pump problem, repair bills can be hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Sump pump replacement costs depend on many factors, such as the pump material, size and horsepower. It’s important that you get any sump pump issues sorted sooner rather than later, considering how essential a home sump pump is to any property’s plumbing setup.

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Read on to learn all about the costs associated with sump pump replacement and installation.

Sump Pump Basics

A sump pump is a submersible drainage pump hooked up to the sump pit, which is the in-ground pit that collects drain water. A sump pit is typically located in the basement, and it's used to collect both natural groundwater and water from drains throughout the home and property. A sump pump works by pumping the pit water out away from the home to keep the basement and crawlspace dry.

Sump pumps come in different sizes depending on the required capacity and weather in your area. Keep in mind that a rainy day brings an average of about 20 inches or gallons of water per minute into the basement sump pit. You can estimate how much water is received per hour of rainfall to establish the necessary pumping capacity and the required size of your sump pump.

Sump Pump Maintenance

When you follow the right maintenance routine, a sump pump should last for about 10 years. It’s a decent investment, as having a new sump pump installed can cost anywhere from $100 to $3,000, although the average cost falls right around $1,000. If you notice signs that your sump pump is going out — such as strange noises, excessive vibration or obvious rust — you may need to be prepared to cover the sump pump replacement cost.

Average Sump Pump Replacement Cost

It’s helpful to understand the difference between the cost to replace a sump pump and that to install a new sump pump. Generally, as with many components in your home, it’s cheaper to replace an existing unit than to install an entirely new one. That’s because the reservoir is already dug and the drainage is in place, so there are lower labor costs and less time involved. Standard sump pump replacement by a professional team is usually between $400 and $600, though the price goes up if you’re adding backup batteries or extra capacity.

Average Sump Pump Installation Cost

In terms of the cost to replace a sump pump or install a new sump pump, you can expect to pay more for an entirely new installation. This project requires more prep work to make way for the sump pump and, of course, time equals money in the home service industry.

These sump pump installation components can give you a better idea of what’s to come with new sump pump installation:

• Sump crock hole: A concrete saw is used to cut a hole before the sump crock placement.
• Sump crock installation: The crock connects to the drain tile to collect surplus water. It’s best to get a sump crock with a sealable top to keep radon gas from filtering into your home.
• Submersible pump installation: The watertight pump is sealed and submerged to pump water efficiently away from the basement or crawlspace.
• Exit pipe preparation: All water in the crock needs to be pumped through an exit pipe leaving the home. This is usually set up through a hole in the foundation wall, so the installation team will need to bore a hole before the rest of the work can continue.
• Outside dry crock dig: Contractors typically find a spot 6 to 12 feet outside the foundation and fill it with drain stone and sand.
• Electrical connection: If there’s no outlet nearby for connecting the sump pump, one must be installed before the sump pump can be safely plugged in.

Your submersible-sump-pump provider will likely give you an estimate that includes all these costs. The size and condition of your property may also play a role in how easy or difficult it is for contractors to complete these tasks.

Sump Pump Types

To break it down even further, the sump pump cost varies by type. Different types include:

• Regular sump pumps
• Sewage pumps
• Combination pumps
• Battery backup pumps
• Battery-powered pumps
• Water-powered pumps

The more expensive sump pumps include water-powered varieties, as well as sewage pumps, which can surpass $5,000 on the pricier end. If a sump pump relies on water to operate, it takes more time and energy to produce the same results as a battery-powered option. Plus, battery-powered pumps don’t waste as much water.

The price may change depending on whether you choose a submersible or pedestal sump pump. While a submersible pump is quieter, thanks to the muffling feature, this strong pump brings a higher risk of flooding as well as pricier repairs. Homeowners can expect to see $100 to $400 as a typical price range for submersible pumps, compared with a more budget-friendly range of $50 to $180 for pedestal pumps featuring a motor and hose. Pedestal sump pumps use moderate power, and although they’re more likely to clog, they’re also easier to fix.

Sump Pump Horsepower

In addition to the type of sump pump, there are also differences according to the sump pump cost by horsepower: 1/3 hp, 1/2 hp, 3/4 hp, 1 hp or 2 hp. The greater the horsepower, the more you may have to pay for the sump pump replacement or new installation. The farther you have to pump the water away from your home, the more horsepower you need to get it done.

If you’re willing to cut costs and go for a lower horsepower, you can make this sump pump installation or replacement project more budget friendly. If you’d rather spend more and get a faster, stronger sump pump setup, then it may be worth it to invest in a sump pump with higher horsepower.

How Much Does It Cost to Have a New Sump Pump Installed?

Buying a 1/3 hp pump can be as cheap as $150, while a 1 hp pump may be closer to $200 or $250. Your sump pump contractor can give you a good idea of what your home requires and what makes the most sense for your budget.

The sump pump check valve works hard to pump all the water out as soon as possible, and the higher quality pump you have, the better. Some homeowners go for the lower sump pump installation cost and compromise a bit on horsepower, while those who have experienced significant flooding or live in a wet region often benefit from the added capacity.

Sump Pump Brands

Another point of difference in sump pump costs is the brand. Some manufacturers are more expensive than others, which is why you need to do adequate research and consult your contractor for their opinion on what’s worth the extra money and what’s not.

Some of the most popular sump pump brands include:

• Basement Watchdog
• Deco
• Flotec
• Liberty Pumps
• Professional EZ Travel Collection
• Superior
• WaterAce
• Wayne
• Zoeller

The price of sump pump replacement and installation varies by the material, as well. Pumps can be made from cast iron, aluminum or plastic. When looking at the prices of sump pumps by material, you’ll find that sump pumps made of cast iron are more expensive than plastic models. You can find a balance between quality and budget if you scope out a few options and ask for recommendations or browse online for the most popular models.

Settling on a sump pump cost that makes sense for your budget and your home requirements is the best path for protecting your home while also making smart financial decisions for your property.

New Sump Pump Replacement

If your current sump pump has reached the end of its lifespan and you need to arrange for a replacement, you can get itemized sump pump replacement costs from a trusted contractor near you. This estimate should include the following costs:

• The condition of your sump pump system. This includes the sump pit and drainage pipes. If everything else is in fine working order, you’ll have lower repair and replacement costs to worry about.
• The size of the exterior crock. If the crock has properly accommodated your sump pump and you don’t need to make any changes, then you can save on material and labor costs. If your sump pump runs often and you need a larger crock, then the replacement may cost more.
• The sump pump capacity. If you need to make changes to the pipe height or overall capacity, there may be additional costs associated with the replacement.
• Contractor tools. It’s best if you hire a sump pump contractor who has their own machines, but if they don’t own a cutter or drill, they may need a rental that could up the price of your job.
• Electricity and battery backups. Adding a more suitable electrical outlet could cost an extra $100 to $200, while installing an optional backup battery system usually tacks on $200 to $350. You may also find a sump pump with an integrated backup solution, which is often a smart choice, especially if you’ve dealt with basement flooding before.

Prices between $150 and $300 are on the low end of sump pump replacement, and the more you add to your project, the more likely the total price is to stretch out to $500 or $600.

Sump Pump Labor Costs

You also need to remember that the labor costs to install or replace a sump pump will have an impact on your total bill. If the job is relatively straightforward with only minor digging and prep work, then the final price tag may be on the more affordable end of the spectrum. If your contractor needs to do a complete overhaul of your property to get the sump pit and sump pump in place, then you’ll be looking at a lot more money and time. Many contractors charge per hour of work, and they could give you a time estimate to help you set your budget for this project. If they encounter hidden problems that tack on time and work, this could increase the cost of your sump pump improvements.

What Size Sump Pump Do I Need?

The overall cost of your replacement or installation project will be influenced by the sump pump size: How far are you pumping, and how high are you pumping? To avoid drainage problems and get the most for your money, you need to ensure the sump pump fits seamlessly into the sump pit and plumbing system. With the adequate capacity and motor power, your new sump pump will clear out water quickly and keep your home dry and free of moist conditions, water damage and mold growth.

Other Sump Pump Priorities

Having a durable sump pit and sump pump system that removes water effectively can prevent the stress and damage of a flooded basement. Avoiding water damage is much simpler with the right sump pump and discharge pipe. Some of the other cost factors to meet your drainage requirements include:

• The likelihood of power outages and floods in your area
• The setup and design of your basement and crawlspace
• Your preference on an automatic or manual switching system

More Related Articles:

• Everything You Need to Know About Your Sump Pump
• What to Do When Your Basement Floods
• 15 Common Plumbing Problems Every Homeowner Needs to Watch Out For
• How to Keep Septic Tank Pumping Costs to a Minimum
• What Does It Cost to Replace a Water Pump?

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding sump pumps:

When Should I Call for Sump Pump Service?

It’s important to watch out for signs you need a new sump pump. If you observe any of these things, you need to consider calling in experienced contractors to assist with the sump pump and pit on your property:

• Loud vibrating noises from the pump motor
• The sump pump running constantly due to a switch problem or low capacity
• Noticeable rust, especially if the sump pump is 7 years old or older
• A stuck or failed motor
• Infrequent cycling
• Recurring power outages

Of course, if your battery- or water-powered sump pump has stopped working altogether, it’s time to look into the cost to replace your sump pump and get your plumbing back up and running optimally. If you’ve recently been impacted by a flood and your sump pump is no longer living up to standards, then a repair, replacement or installation could make all the difference.

How Many Years Does a Sump Pump Last?

If you take good care of your sump pump and your overall plumbing system with regular maintenance, you can potentially have a basement sump pump continue working for 10 to 15 years. The motor in pedestal sump pumps can even make it for 20 to 25 years when cleaned properly on a routine basis.

Even if you have a battery backup, thorough sump pump maintenance is necessary to keep all components, including the check valve and motor, working at the highest level and capacity. The costs of installing a sump pump can quickly add up, and if you can avoid sump pump replacement for at least a decade, it will benefit your home improvement budget and leave room for other project costs.

Since we’re all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you the peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.