How much does an ejector pump cost?
How much does an ejector pump cost?
$850 – $3,000 average total cost (pump replacement)
$2,000 – $5,500 average total cost (install new system)
Sewer ejector pump cost
A sewer ejector pump costs $850 to $3,000 on average for a replacement or $2,000 to $5,500 to install a new system. Ejector pumps cost $150 to $2,000 for the unit alone and remove wastewater from basement bathrooms or washing machines, pumping it into the septic tank or local sewage system.
| Project | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| Replace existing pump | $850 – $3,000 |
| Install new system | $2,000 – $5,500 |
*Including labor and materials
Sewage ejector pump cost by material
The price of sewage ejector pumps depends on the material. Plastic pumps are lightweight, rust-proof, and inexpensive but break more easily than metal pumps. Cast iron pumps with thermoplastic bodies are better at resisting corrosion, especially if you have a water softener that uses salt.
| Material | Average cost (unit only) |
|---|---|
| Plastic | $150 – $500 |
| Cast iron and plastic | $180 – $700 |
| Stainless steel | $200 – $850 |
| Cast iron | $200 – $2,000 |
Sewage ejector pump price by capacity
The cost of an ejector pump also depends on its capacity, or the rate at which it pumps water. The higher the gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH), the more expensive the pump will be. You'll need a higher horsepower if you're further down the municipal sewer line.
| Gallons per minute (GPM) | Gallons per hour (GPH) | Average cost (unit only) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 3,000 | $150 – $250 |
| 75 | 4,500 | $300 – $350 |
| 90 | 5,400 | $400 – $450 |
| 110 | 6,600 | $500 – $900 |
| 190 | 11,400 | $1,500 – $2,000 |
Ejector pump installation cost factors
The cost to install an ejector pump depends on whether it's a simple pump replacement or a new install. If you're installing a new system, the contractor will need to cut out a slab, install new drain lines, and pour new concrete.
| Factor | Average cost (new install) |
Average cost (replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Pump unit | $150 – $2,000 | $150 – $2,000 |
| Labor | $1,850 – $3,500 | $700 – $1,000 |
| Total cost | $2,000 – $5,500 | $850 – $3,000 |
The following factors affect the installation cost:
Voltage – Pumps are typically either 120V or 230V. Adding a subpanel costs $400 to $1,500 if you need to add more circuits to support a new pump.
Energy costs – Running an ejector pump costs $30 to $60 per month, depending on local electrical rates and how much waste your pump has to handle.
Tank cleaning – Pumping a septic tank costs $300 to $700 or $500 to $1,000 for pumping and cleaning.
Maintenance & repair – Plumbing inspections cost $100 to $200 for a basic visual inspection. Common repairs may include:
Sewer line cleaning costs $150 to $500 for a basic drain snaking or $250 to $800 for hydro jetting.
Sewer line repair costs $150 to $3,800 total.
Septic tank system repairs cost $600 to $3,000.
Backup pump – Some homeowners install a battery-powered backup ejector pump. If your home is prone to power outages, this ensures your plumbing lines will keep working if the electricity goes out.
To reduce the risk of damage or repairs, avoid flushing wipes or feminine hygiene products. Even "flushable" products can clog your plumbing system and put extra strain on the pump.
Labor
Ejector pump labor costs are $700 to $1,000 for a basic pump replacement, while new sewer ejector pump installation costs $1,850 to $3,500. New installations cost more because the contractor needs to break up any existing concrete in the basement, install new plumbing, and pour concrete afterwards.
Sewer ejector pump replacement cost
The cost to replace an ejector pump is $850 to $3,000 with materials and labor, which is less than a full installation of a new system. During a pump replacement, the plumber or contractor will remove and dispose of your old pump and install the new one.
Ejector pump vs. other pumps
Sewer ejector pumps and grinder pumps remove waste from a home and pump it into the local sewer system or septic tank. Sump pumps, on the other hand, prevent flooding by pumping water out of a basement.
| Pump type | Average cost (unit only) |
|---|---|
| Sewer ejector pump | $150 – $2,000 |
| Grinder pump | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Sump pump | $100 – $800 |
Grinder pump
Grinder pumps cost $1,000 to $3,500 for the unit alone. This pump type also removes home waste like an ejector pump but grinds the waste before it enters the sewer system. Grinder pumps can handle more waste at one time and are typically used in commercial waste systems.
Sump pump
A sump pumps costs $600 to $2,500 with installation or $100 to $800 for the unit alone. This pump type is meant to prevent flooding and water damage in homes and is not connected to the sewer system.
Sewer ejector pump FAQs
What is an ejector pump?
A sewage ejector pump is a sewer system pump that helps remove waste from basement drains. Homes with bathrooms and washing machines in the basement or septic tanks need an ejector pump to make sure the sewage system doesn't get backed up.
Ejector pumps sit in a pit in the basement with a float attached, similar to a toilet tank. Once the contents reach high enough to lift the float, the pump turns on and forces the waste into the main sewer line.
Do I need a sewer ejector pump?
If you have plumbing in a basement or below the level of the community sewer line, you will need a sewer ejector pump. Without a pump, gravity will eventually cause an overflow. Smaller models can handle a single bathroom or washing machine, while larger pumps can handle multiple bathrooms.
How long does an ejector pump last?
Ejector pumps last 7 to 10 years on average but can last 20 to 30 years with regular inspections and proper usage. To help your pump last longer, prevent clogs by only flushing moderate amounts of toilet paper. Don't flush too much at once, and never flush wet wipes or feminine products.
What maintenance does a sewage ejector pump need?
Sewage ejector pumps shouldn't need any regular maintenance besides a yearly inspection as long as you're careful about what you flush. During the inspection, a plumber will clean the pump and oil the motor to make sure it runs properly.
Getting estimates from ejector pump installers
Before hiring a local plumber or sewer service near you, follow these steps:
Get at least three installation estimates to compare.
Look for plumbing companies with 5+ years of experience.
Check out sewer company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Verify their insurance, license, and bonds.
Avoid the cheapest bids as quality may suffer.
Get a written estimate, contract, and warranty before the job begins.
Never pay in full before the installation starts.
Questions to ask plumbers
Ask these questions to find a high-quality pump installer:
How long have you been in business?
Do you have any relevant plumbing certifications?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will it take to install the pump?
What type of ejector pump do you recommend?
Will there be any cleanup afterward, and is that included in your estimate?
What other fees or charges can I expect?
Do you offer a warranty? What does it include?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.