How much does it cost to install a sump pump ¹?

A sump pump ¹ is a small pump ² placed in a low basement or crawlspace that helps prevent flooding. Sump pumps ¹ are installed in sump pits dug in the lowest level of the basement. In the case that water does get near in the pit and the sump pump ¹, the pump ² will kick on and pump ² the water away from the building via sump pipes that either dump the water outside or back into the home’s waste water system. Sump pumps ¹ can be installed in houses with underground basements or crawl spaces and are often installed in new construction houses that may or may not be at risk for flooding and water damage. Installing a sump pump ¹ can be a costly process, but it can prevent flooding and water damage in the long run. The average cost of installing a new sump pump ¹ is $550-$1100.

Types

There are two main types of sump pumps ¹: pedestal and submersible. A pedestal pump ² sets the pump ² on a tall stand so that it isn’t directly in the water in the pump ² pit, and then a pipe connects to the bottom of the pit and pulls the water out. On the other hand, a submersible pump ² sits in waterproof casing in the water of the sump pit. When the water level rises, water comes up through the bottom of the pump ² and is pulled through towards the outlet pipes ³ on top. The biggest factor in choosing which kind of pump ² to use is the size of your basement and the sump pit:

Brands

Materials

Sump pumps ¹ also come in two main materials: plastic and cast iron.

Installation considerations

The type of floor for the sump pump ¹ is also an important factor and can affect the labor costs. Because sump pumps ¹ are installed in basements, they are often placed on dirt or gravels floors that are fairly easy to dig through and build a sump pit. However, a cement floor can take longer to dig through and increase the labor costs by one to three hours, but it does allow the sump pump ¹ to have a sturdy foundation.

Battery-powered vs water powered

Sump pumps ¹ can be powered by water or battery. Battery-powered pumps ² are fairly self-explanatory; water-powered pumps ² work when water from the input pipe pushes the flooded water through to the output pipe:

Other materials costs include a plastic sump pump ¹ basin to keep the pump ² clean; basic basins average $20-$30. A drain (around $200) and drainage pipes ($100-$250 on average) may also be required.

Labor

On average, plumbers charge $45-$65 per hour and can install a sump pump ¹ in 8-10 hours for a total cost of $360-$650.

Enhancement and improvement costs

• In the case of a power outage, a sump pump ¹ may stop working. A battery-powered backup costs around $150-$200 and can be easily installed in an emergency to start the sump pump ¹ working again to remove excess water.
• A sump pump ¹ filter can help keep smaller debris and particles away from entering the system and potentially causing damage. They average $15-$35.
• A sump pump ¹ alarm monitors the water levels in your house and gives a warning when the levels are in danger of triggering the sump pump ¹. These systems typically are installed by the sump pump ¹ or a tub or sink and cost $15-$30 each, although more advanced systems can cost up to $100.
• If you live in an area prone to flooding or if you store valuables in the basement, you may want to install two sump pumps ¹ side by side, which can double your water removal speeds and give you a full-power backup if the first pump ² goes down. Many contractors offer a discount when installing two sump pumps ¹ at once.

Additional considerations and costs

• In general, sump pumps ¹ are typically not covered by insurance. This means insurance likely won’t cover a broken sump pump ¹ or a pump ² that backs up and floods the house. Talk to your insurance agent for specific details in your coverage.
• In cold areas, sump pumps ¹ are susceptible to freezing during winter, which can cause major damage and lead to flooding. To prevent this, remove the outside extension hose when the weather drops below freezing. You should also regularly check the discharge hose throughout the winter to make sure it is free of ice and debris.
• It is possible to install your own sump pump ¹, which can save on labor expenses, but only experienced and knowledgeable DIY-ers should attempt this project on their own.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Sump pump: A mechanical device used to remove water from wet areas such as basements and crawlspaces in order to help prevent flooding

² Pump: A device used to move air, liquid, or gas by mechanical means