How much does sump pump installation cost?
How much does sump pump installation cost?
$600 – $2,500 total cost installed
Sump pump installation cost
Sump pumps cost $600 to $2,500 with installation on average, depending on the type, size, and installation difficulty. Sump pump prices are $100 to $800 for the unit alone and $500 to $1,700 for labor. Replacing an existing sump pump costs $400 to $700.
| National Average Cost | $1,600 |
| Minimum Cost | $450 |
| Maximum Cost | $4,000 |
| Average Range | $600 to $2,500 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Sump pump cost by type
The two main types of sump pumps are pedestal and submersible. Pedestal sump pumps typically cost less and last longer than submersible pumps, which are more versatile and powerful. Most sump pumps run on electricity, but some are battery- or water-powered.
| Type | Cost (unit only) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestal | $100 – $400 |
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| Submersible | $100 – $800 |
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Pedestal sump pump
A pedestal sump pump costs $100 to $400 on average for the unit alone. This sump pump type has a submerged base but sits above the sump basin. A pedestal sump pump activates when water reaches a certain level below the basement floor and prevents water from flooding the house.
Submersible sump pump
A submersible sump pump costs $100 to $800 on average and is completely underwater in the sump basin. This pump type runs quietly under the water but is often more expensive because it must be built of more durable materials than a simple pedestal pump.
Water- and battery-powered sump pumps
Water-powered sump pumps cost $100 to $700 for the unit alone and do not require electricity because they use the flow of municipal water to create suction. Despite their lower price, water-powered pumps are usually harder to install, less powerful, and need annual inspections.
Battery-powered sump pumps cost $150 to $800 on average. This pump type is powerful, easy to install, and can be connected to an app for continuous monitoring and alerts. However, the batteries need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
Some sump pumps run on electricity but have a backup system that runs on batteries in case of power outages
Sump pump replacement cost
The cost to replace a sump pump is $400 to $700 on average. The installer will only need to remove the old pump and install a new one, which does not require any digging or electrical work.
Before replacing the entire pump, determine if the system has a faulty float switch or check valve, which cost less to replace:
Float switch – If you just need to replace a float switch, you'll spend $35 to $70 for materials alone. You may need to replace the float switch if your sump pump is having trouble turning on and off correctly.
Check valve – Replacing a sump pump check valve costs $15 to $30 for parts alone. A check valve prevents water from flowing back into your sump basin when the pump is off. A broken check valve will cause the sump pump to work too hard, which can damage the engine.
Sump pump installation cost factors
Sump pumps are relatively inexpensive, but installation labor typically costs more than the unit itself, often making up 65% to 80% of the total project cost.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $100 – $800 |
| Labor | $500 – $1,700 |
| Total cost | $600 – $2,500 |
The following factors influence the total cost:
Floor type – Digging the sump basin is easier and faster if your basement or crawl space has a dirt floor. Total installation costs can run $2,500 to $5,000 if installers must use a jackhammer or concrete saw to break up a concrete floor.
Accessibility – Installing a sump pump in a crawl space or hard-to-access basement costs more than a large space or walkout basement.
Drainage system – Digging a new drainage system or updating an existing drainage system costs $4,000 to $12,000. The more water the pump must get rid of, the bigger the drainage pipes must be.
Existing sump basin – If you have a sump basin already, you may pay less. Your installer may recommend replacing an existing basin if it's old, cracked, warped, or flimsy.
Pump material – Metal sump pumps are more durable than plastic ones but cost about double the price.
Horsepower required – The longer the distance you'll need to pump away water, the more horsepower you will need. Drier areas may only need 0.25 horsepower pumps, while homes with frequent flooding need 0.33 to 0.5 horsepower.
Pre-existing water damage – Your contractor may need to dry your home before installing a sump pump if you have water or water damage in your basement.
Flood insurance – A flood insurance policy costs $800 to $900 per year on average, depending on your location and coverage. Adding a rider to your homeowner's insurance policy to cover repairs caused by sump pump failure may cost less, depending on the company.
Consider investing in a battery backup so the pump will continue working even if the power goes out.
Labor
Plumbers charge $45 to $80 per hour or more, depending on the complexity of the job and their experience level. Labor for sump pump installation costs $500 to $1,700 on average, depending on the pump type, whether you have a sump basin already, and whether you have dirt or concrete floors.
Repair and maintenance
Sump pump repair and maintenance costs $200 to $870, depending on the type. Emergency sump pump repairs cost $50 to $150 more for after-hour calls. Sump pump maintenance plans cost $100 to $250 per year.
If you notice any of the following issues, you may need to call your installer for a repair or maintenance:
Dirt or debris clogging the pump
Flooding or pooling water
Strange noises
Continuous running
A frozen hose extension
Sump pump FAQs
What is a sump pump?
A sump pump is a device that helps keep your basement dry by pumping out any water that gets in. The pump sits inside a basin in the ground and turns on once the water reaches a certain level in the basin. Then it sends the water away from the house to higher ground or a storm drain.
Is a sump pump worth it?
Sump pumps are worth it for the following reasons:
They can prevent flooding and expensive water damage to your home.
They help prevent mold and mildew growth.
They can prevent infestations from pests such as rodents, termites, and other insects.
Does my home need a sump pump?
Consider installing a sump pump if your home meets any of the following criteria and the moisture or flooding issues cannot be remedied by regrading your yard or updating the drainage system:
Your house is in a low-lying or flood-prone area.
You notice water in your basement.
Your yard has poor drainage.
Your area experiences excessive rainfall or snow.
How long does a sump pump installation take?
A simple sump pump installation takes 8 to 10 hours. The installation may take longer if the installer needs to jackhammer any concrete, install additional plumbing, or perform any electrical work.
How long does a sump pump last?
A sump pump typically lasts 5 to 30 years, depending on the type and how often it needs to run. Pedestal pumps last 10 to 30 years on average, while submersible pumps last 5 to 20 years. The following signs indicate that you need a new sump pump:
It's making strange or loud noises.
Its electricity usage is higher than average.
It's already had one or more repairs.
Who installs sump pumps?
Experienced plumbers install sump pumps. Some companies specialize in sump pump installation and repair. Make sure to hire a plumber who is experienced in sump pump installation, replacement, and complete system installations. This includes the basin, the pump, and the drains.
Getting estimates from sump pump installers
Before hiring a sump pump installer near you, follow these steps:
Get 3+ estimates from local contractors.
Look for licensed plumbers with experience installing sump pumps.
Browse reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a company that's insured, bonded, and reputable.
Avoid the lowest quotes as quality may suffer.
Get a written, detailed estimate before the installation.
Follow a payment plan instead of paying in full before the job is done.
Questions to ask sump pump installers
Ask these questions to find the best available sump pump installer:
How long have you been installing sump pumps?
What is your service area?
Are you licensed and insured?
Do you offer a warranty? What does it include?
Can you provide references from past jobs?
Do you perform repairs as needed?
How long will the installation take?
How many people will be working on this job?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.