How Much Does It Cost To Install Or Replace A Sump Pump?

Sump Pump Cost

Sump pump installation costs $1,011 on average with most homeowners spending between $490 and $1,170. If a sump pump and pipework are already in place, you can expect to pay about $490 for replacement, or $280 if you do the project yourself. If you need a complete system built, it will cost between $2,500 to $5,500 for labor and parts. Your final cost will depend on the type of pump you need, the kind of floor in your basement, and if you currently have a drainage system in place.

Table Of Contents

1. Sump Pump Cost
2. Sump Pump Installation Cost
3. Sump Pump Replacement Cost
4. Sump Pump Installation Cost Factors
5. Sump Pump Cost By Type
6. Why You Need A Working Sump Pump
7. Signs You Need A New Sump Pump
8. Sump Pump Sizing
9. Sump Pump Maintenance
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Best Sump Pump
12. DIY Or Hire A Pro?
13. Sump Pump Installation Near Me

Sump Pump Installation Cost

The cost to install a complete sump pump system including a sump basin, pump, and drains will cost between $2,500 to $5,500 for labor and parts. If there is more than one pump and the installation includes very long drainage lines, it can go as high as $10,000 to $15,000.

Basement Sump Pump System Cost

If you have water issues in your basement, you can install a pedestal or submersible sump pump to keep your basement dry and mold-free at the cost of $490 to $1,170 installed. If all the pipework is already in place, you can save about $900 on the price by replacing the pump yourself. In this cost guide, we focus on water-drainage sump pumps and not waste removal pumps.

Who Installs Sump Pumps?

To properly install a sump pump, hire a plumber that is licensed and insured. A plumber is experienced in sump pump replacement, as well as complete system installs which include the basin, the pump, and the drains.

How Long Does It Take To Install?

A simple sump pump installation can take from 8-10 hours. Variables for this include how close the pump is to the correct electrical outlet, how much concrete needs to be jackhammered, and the length and type of drain installed.

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Sump Pump Replacement Cost

The cost to replace a submersible sump pump ranges from $490 to $1,170, and a plastic pedestal type of sump pump costs between $490 and $600 installed. If you’re replacing an existing pump, it’s best to go with the same HP and size as the previous pump so as not to need to install wider pipes or require a higher voltage from your GFI outlet. You can upgrade and enhance the old pump’s capabilities though.

• Consider buying a sump pump battery backup in case of a power outage.
• Invest in a sump pump alarm, so you’ll know when the water level is rising, and the pump is about to start.
• If you have chronic issues with water in the basement, consider having two sump pumps to double your draining power.
• Buy a sump pump filter to keep the drain free of clogs and debris.
• Seal the sump pump basin with a radon cover and an exit gas pipe if radon is coming into the home via the water.

Labor Cost To Replace Sump Pump

Plumbers charge $45 to $80 per hour or more, depending on many variables. If a sump pump takes from 8–10 hours to install, the labor cost will be $360 to $800. A minimum service call charge may apply $75 to $150, plus mileage costs if you live far out of town.

Sump Pump Float Switch Replacement

If your sump pump is having trouble switching on and off correctly, you will likely need to replace the float switch. The average cost to replace a float switch is between $35 to $70 not including labor costs.

Cost To Replace Sump Pump Check Valve

The average cost to replace a sump pump check valve is $15 to $30 for just the parts. A check valve is installed to prevent water from flowing back into your sump basin when your pump is off. A broken check valve will cause the sump pump to work too hard which can lead to burning up the engine of your pump.

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Sump Pump Installation Cost Factors

A sump pump basically takes the water that flows into your sump basin and pumps it out and away from the house, but there is never a straightforward job and price for a sump pump installation. Too many factors change the cost, each depending on your specific set of circumstances. Here are some of the things that affect the cost of installing your sump pump.

• Type of Floor in Your Basement – If you have a dirt basement, digging the sump basin will be easier and faster and cost $300–$500 or $5–10/LF, depending on how deep the pipes need to be buried. Using a jackhammer or concrete saw to break up the concrete will cost more, as will finishing out the new concrete around the new basin. Another option is to dig inside the basement walls and place the pipes there.
• Available Drainage System – Digging or updating an existing drainage system costs $4,000 to $12,000. It involves removing a 24-in.-wide swath of concrete and soil from the inside perimeter of the basement, adding gravel, drain tiles and a basin and replacing the concrete. The higher the amount of water you need your pump to get rid of, the wider the drainage pipes must be.
• Quality of Your Existing Sump Basin – Is it a plastic one or just a hole dug in the basement? It should look like a large trashcan and be made of heavy plastic. Choose one that won’t flex or collapse. They cost about $23 for a 17” basin and $30 for a 30” one. A heavy-duty tall basin costs about $60.
• Quality of the Pump – A cast-iron pump will be better quality than a plastic one, but it also costs close to double the price. The cheapest pump is a 1/3 HP non-submersible pedestal sump pump currently at $60, while the most expensive is about $450–$500 for a ½ HP, combo, backup pump system.
• Horsepower Required – The longer the distance you need to pump away water, the more horsepower you will need. 1 HP pumps run at about $200–$250. Most homeowners opt to buy pumps with 1/3 HP costing $180–$288.
• Sump Pump Installation Labor – Simply replacing the pump will cost about $150 while installing an entire system can cost about $4,000 because you usually have to include carpentry and electrical work costs as well.

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Sump Pump Cost By Type

When it comes to the best sump pump for your home, you get to choose from a primary submersible or pedestal sump pump and then decide how it will be powered.

A Primary Pump. This is the pump that sits in most basements. It is hooked to a basement drainage system and can pump thousands of gallons of water in an hour to keep your basement dry. There are two types of primary pump.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

A pedestal sump pump has a submerged pump base but it sits above the sump basin. On average, a pedestal pump costs $60 to $170. Like a toilet's tank flush, a pedestal sump pump is activated to pump out water when water reaches a certain level below the basement floor. The water is pumped out and away from the home, thus avoiding flooding inside the house.

Submersible Sump Pumps

A submersible sump pump is entirely underwater in the sump basin and is usually installed while the house is built. A new pump will cost $60–$420 and must be able to fit inside the sump basin. It runs quietly under the water and lies safely out of the way of curious children.

Sump Pump Battery Backup Cost

Sump pumps run on electricity, so if the power goes off during a severe storm, your pump will fail when you need it most. Having a sump pump backup model will enable the pump to keep working, even when the power goes off. Also, a battery backup can provide some extra power to the pump. A good sump pump backup system can cost $150–$500.

Battery-Powered vs. Water-Powered Sump Pump

A water-powered sump pump only needs flowing water to operate. The flow of water through the pipe creates a suction that draws the water out of the basement. The water flow can come from your city’s water system. Despite the lower cost of $100–$390, these are being phased out or banned in certain cities because of the amount of water wastage, and even if permitted, they must be inspected every year by a licensed inspector.

A battery-powered sump pump is run by a battery—usually a deep-cycle, marine-type battery. At $150–$500, it’s very efficient and can be connected to a smart app for ongoing monitoring. It will also pump more water than a water-powered pump.

Combination Sump Pump

This is a combo unit of a primary sump pump and a battery backup—the best of both worlds at the cost of $270–$450.

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Why You Need A Working Sump Pump

A sump pump keeps your basement dry by pumping out any water that seeps in—sometimes through minute cracks in the concrete foundation, sometimes through bigger ones, causing inches of standing water in a basement. The pump sends all that water away from the house to a higher ground level or a municipal storm drain, thus avoiding humidity in the home and mold and mildew problems.

Too much water pressure can erode the foundation and walls by causing them to crack. If you experience flooding issues every spring or summer, install a sump pump backup to ensure that all water is pumped out of the home at all times, no matter how much water is present.

Signs You Need A New Sump Pump

• Noise – As mentioned above, strange noises can indicate that your pump is about to kick the bucket, and it’s prudent to install a new one before it breaks down forever, and you have no immediate Plan B.
• Electricity – Your current pump might be using up far too much electricity just to function normally, so it makes more sense to install a new one that is energy efficient.
• Broken – It might be cheaper to install a new pump than repair an old one and keep paying for repairs over the next few years.

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Sump Pump Sizing

The size of pump needed is not based on the size of the basement, or even of your home. It’s based on the amount of water it needs to deal with. If you always have a wet basement, you’ll need a stronger pump than a homeowner in a drier area. The deciding factor boils down to horsepower. The more water you deal with, the more horsepower you need. The following prices are based solely on horsepower.

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Sump Pump Maintenance

Sump pump repair and maintenance costs $200 to $870, depending on the type.

Keep the pump properly maintained for the best output. Every year:

• Perform visual inspection and look for any debris that may have collected in and around the pump. Remove any collected debris.
• A clogged pump. If you don’t have a sump pump cover, the pump could be accumulating dirt and debris which clogs the pump and keeps it from working correctly. This problem may be fixed by purchasing an airtight cover.
• Pour a few gallons of water into the basin, just enough to initiate the sump pump switch or float. If the pump does not turn on, inspect it again (after you unplug the unit) and remove any obstructions. If it still doesn’t work, check the discharge pipe and remove any blockages. The discharge pipe may need to be cleaned out. Perform the same checks on your backup sump pump.
• Water level. If there is no water in the sump pump basin, your basement drainage system may not be working or hooked up correctly. In this case, disconnect the hoses and call your plumber.
• Strange noises. While sump pumps do make noise when they run, it should be a regular, mechanical noise. If you start hearing odd noises like thumping, gurgling, or a rattling sound, it’s time to call the plumber. It’s possible you may only need to have the motor repaired, saving the cost of a new installation.
• Continuously running. A sump pump should cycle off and on during wet periods. If you notice that it hasn’t turned off, have a plumber do a service/maintenance call to see if it’s past its prime.
• Cold weather. When the temperature goes below freezing, the hose extension can freeze, causing the hose to burst and then flood the basement during a slight thaw. When winter weather hits, remove the hose extension from the pump. If you’re hit with an unexpected freeze, and the hose extension does become clogged with ice, just unplug it and let it thaw into the pump basin. Turn the pump off.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sump pump? How does a sump pump work?

A sump pump keeps your basement dry by pumping out any water that seeps in—sometimes through minute cracks in the concrete foundation, sometimes through bigger ones, causing inches of standing water in a basement. A sump pump basin is installed in the ground to collect this water, and the sump pump kicks into action once it reaches a certain level in the basin. It sends the water away from the house to a higher ground level or a municipal storm drain, thus avoiding humidity in the home and mold and mildew problems.

How long does a sump pump last?

Generally, a sump pump will last for 10 years. The life of a pump can depend on how often it’s used. If you have significant issues with water in your basement and the pump is working more often than not, it may not last 10 years.

How much does it cost to install a sump pump and French drain?

The cost to install the sump pump is about $1,000 on average unless you do it yourself. The costly part of this drainage system is the French drain. A shallow French drain costs $10–$16 a linear foot. The 6’ deep French drain costs $12,000 for a 1,500 sq. ft. house. It’s easy to install while the house is under construction, but much more expensive to connect to an existing home. It can also be called a footing drain, as it is situated at footing level. An interior French drain costs $3,000. This will catch the water before it enters your basement and works in conjunction with your pump. ^[5]

How much does a sump pump cost?

A sump pump from Lowes rests in the $65–$620 price range, while a sump pump from Home Depot can cost from $58–$500, and their state-of-the-art Wayne Basement Guardian Smart Wi-Fi Combination Sump System is offered at $1,700.

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Best Sump Pump

There is a sump pump for large or small basements available as an above-ground or in-ground unit and manufactured with plastic or cast iron. Consult a professional for the best pump that fits with your water issues and budget.

Some factors to consider before choosing your pump:

• Buy the pump based on its durability and the amount of water you need to pump daily/weekly. If you get a unit that’s too powerful, you could wear out the motor quickly because it would be switching on and off too often.
• Choose which mechanism you’d prefer to turn the pump on or off (manual, automatic or switchless).
• Make sure the power cord is long enough to reach the outlet.

According to various sites, the two best sump pumps are

• Zoeller Sump Pump M53 submersible, with a pumping capability of 2700 GPH and 1/3 HP costs $170.
• WAYNE CDU980E submersible, which pumps 4600 GPH and has 3/4 HP, costs $165.

Basement Watchdog submersible sump pump, pumping 4400 GPH with 1 HP, rates very highly too and costs $170.

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DIY Or Hire A Pro?

Sump pump installation can be a DIY job, but you’ll need all the time and tools needed to:

• Pick the right spot for your sump basin and pump
• Install or have access to a GFI (ground fault interrupter) outlet
• Dig a hole at least 6” deeper and 10” wider than your sump pump
• Attach the adapters
• Install the sump pump check valve to prevent backflow of water into the house’s water system
• Install pipes to channel the water at least 4’ away from the house

It’s a wet, dirty job. You should know and follow safety measures for working around water and electricity. The job will take any number of days depending on the installation factors mentioned above.

Sump Pump Failure Insurance

It would be wise to buy insurance to cover sump pump failure, although the insurance company will not pay out if you haven’t maintained it well to keep it operational. According to Zacks, “Sump pump failure coverage takes the form of a rider or endorsement attached to a standard homeowner's insurance policy. Premiums are relatively cheap, and you can receive up to $10,000 to replace or repair anything resulting from a flood or backup and pump failure, including pipes, drains, sewer fittings and the aforementioned appliances.” ^[4]

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