How much does sump pump maintenance and repair cost?

Sump pump repair cost

Sump pump repair costs $200 to $870 on average, depending on the type. Emergency sump pump repairs cost $50 to $150 more after-hours. A sump pump maintenance plan costs $100 to $250 per year. Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour plus parts for sump pump service.

• A sump pump extracts water away from the home's basement or foundation to prevent flooding, moisture, mold, or mildew problems.
• Plumbers often recommend a new sump pump installation for $500 to $1,200 due to the comparable costs.

Average cost to repair a sump pump

Plumbers and handymen charge $45 to $150 per hour, plus parts to repair a sump pump. The following table shows the average cost for sump pump repair.

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Submersible or sub pump repair cost

Submersible or sub-pump repair costs $200 to $1,000. Submersible pumps sit entirely underwater in the sump basin and are more difficult and expensive to repair.

Pedestal sump pump repair prices

Pedestal pump repairs cost $100 to $480. Pedestal pumps sit above the water basin, making them easier and cheaper to repair.

Cost factors to repair a sump pump

The following factors affect the cost of sump pump repair:

• Labor –
  • Handyman prices are $50 to $80 per hour.
  • Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour or a flat rate.
  • Emergency repairs cost $50 to $150 more after-hours.
• Pump type – Submersible and pedestal pumps are the most common types.
• Age of unit – Older units are more costly and challenging to repair. Replacement may be more cost-effective.
• Accessibility – A sump pump located in a cellar or crawlspace takes longer to repair, increasing labor costs.
• Pump material – Plastic pumps are cheaper and lighter but not designed for high pressure. Metal pumps are stronger and last longer but cost twice as much as plastic.
• Type of floor – Repairing a pump on a cement floor requires drilling and increases the labor costs over a dirt or gravel floor pump repair.
• Location – Regional price differences may impact labor costs, permit prices, and insurance rates.

Sump pump repair part prices

*Materials only.

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Sump pump maintenance cost

Sump pump maintenance costs $100 to $250 per year for cleaning, testing, and weatherizing. Purchasing a multi-year service plan may reduce the annual cost. Routine maintenance extends the pump's lifespan and improves its dependability.

• Cleaning – Sump pump cleaning should be performed annually as part of a routine maintenance plan to ensure the system is clear of debris.
• Clearing – Annual maintenance should include clearing the check valve and float trigger. This check valve prevents water in the discharge pipe from emptying back into the sump pit. A float trigger turns the pump on or off, depending on the water level.
• Testing – Test the system quarterly to ensure it will work properly during a flood.
• Weatherizing –
  • During the winter, remove the hose connecting the sump pump to the discharge pipe to avoid water freezing in the hose.
  • During the rainy season, test the sump pump monthly with a bucket of water.

Additional costs and considerations

• Insurance – Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover sump pump failure and repairs. Separate water overflow policies are available.
• Filters – Sediment filters cost $10 to $30 and prevent clogs and debris from damaging the sump pump. Filters must be cleaned or replaced every six months to one year.
• Reserve pumps – In flood-prone homes, a second reserve pump costs $1,000 to $4,500 and assists the main pump during heavy rainfall. Back-up pumps come in water-powered, battery-powered, and Wi-Fi-enabled models that alert the homeowner if the system stops working.
• Battery back-up – A battery back-up system costs $150 to $500 to install to keep the pump working during a power outage.

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Sump pump replacement cost

Sump pump replacement costs $500 to $1,200, depending on the location and pump type. Submersible sump pumps replacement costs $500 to $1,200 on average, while pedestal sump pump replacement costs $500 to $600.

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Signs your pump needs repairing or replacing

The following warning signs indicate a sump pump needs repairing or replacing:

• Motor – The most common sump pump problem is typically a worn-out motor. A pump motor that constantly sucks up sediment may also get stuck. A filter helps prevent the problem but requires regular cleaning or replacement.
• Rust – Visible rust indicates corroded batteries or iron bacteria that may cause water drainage problems.
• Infrequent use – A sump pump that is rarely used has a reduced life expectancy. Regularly activate the pump to extend the lifespan.
• Constant running – The float switch may fail on a pump that runs all the time.
• Irregular cycle – A pump that cycles on and off frequently may have an incorrectly adjusted float switch or a wiring malfunction.
• Long-running cycle – A long-running time indicates the pump has insufficient horsepower for the amount of water it must extract or the distance it must pump it.
• Unfamiliar noises – Excessive pump motor noise may indicate a failed bearing. Rattling or grinding noises may mean the impeller fan is damaged or jammed.
• Excessive vibration – A damaged or bent impeller causes the pump to wobble and vibrate. Fixing a bent impeller is complex, and a sump pump replacement is recommended instead.
• Zero function – Failure to turn on may indicate an electrical power problem. Check the plug outlet and electrical box for a possible blown fuse.

How to fix a sump pump

Follow these troubleshooting steps to fix a sump pump:

• Confirm the sump pump is plugged in and has power.
• Check the float switch – Pour water into the sump pit to confirm the float switch rises, triggering the pump to remove water from the pit.
• Clean the sump pit to remove any loose items or debris.
• Test the check valve – Pour water into the sump pit and confirm the pump removes the water from the pit. If the water returns to the pit, replace the check valve.
• Clean the impeller – Unplug the sump pump and remove the screen from the bottom of the unit. Remove any debris that could block the impeller rotation.

Frequently asked questions

Who do you call for sump pump issues?

Call a handyperson or plumber for sump pump issues. Always rely on a professional for work around water and electricity for safety.

Do plumbers fix sump pumps?

Plumbers fix sump pumps, but repairs are not always cost-effective. Plumbers often recommend replacing a failed sump pump instead due to the comparable repair and replacement costs.

How often to service a sump pump?

A sump pump needs annual servicing to avoid flooding and water damage. Homeowners can perform routine maintenance quarterly, like cleaning the filters and testing to ensure the pump functions properly.

Do all basements need a sump pump?

Some basements stay dry without using a sump pump. However, homes in areas with excessive snow, rainfall, or high groundwater levels often need a sump pump or drainage system to prevent flooding or moisture damage.  

• A basement french drain costs $4,000 to $12,000.
• Waterproofing a basement costs $3 to $9 per square foot and may prevent the need for a sump pump.

How long do sump pumps last?

Sump pumps last 7 to 10 years on average if properly maintained. A sump pump that runs frequently or must displace a large volume of water may only last five years.

Does homeowners' insurance cover sump pump failure?

Homeowners' insurance typically does not cover sump pump failure or water damage. Homeowners must purchase separate coverage for water backup and sump pump overflow.

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Finding a sump pump repair service

Before hiring a plumber near you to repair a sump pump, be sure to:

• Get at least three estimates from local plumbers to compare.
• Look for licensed plumbers with experience repairing sump pumps.
• Browse their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask

• Do you make sump pump repairs as well as replacements?
• How many sump pump repairs have you completed in the last year?
• Do you charge an hourly rate or a flat fee?
• Do you charge a separate fee to diagnose the problem? If yes, is the fee applied to the repair cost if I hire you to perform the repairs?
• Do you offer routine inspection and maintenance services?
• May I have a copy of your insurance policy for my records?
• Will you provide a list of references with contact information?
• Do you guarantee your work or offer an extended warranty?

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