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The average cost of installing a sump pump is $550 - $1,100.
In this guide
TypesBrands
Materials
Installation considerations
Battery-powered vs water powered
Labor
Enhancements
Additional Considerations
FAQ
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:
| Type of pump 2 | Pros | Cons | Lifespan | Best Use | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestal | Less expensive Last longer Easier to repair | Louder Not as effective as solids | 25-30 years | Basements with a shallow or narrow sump pit | $80-$180 |
| Submersible | Quieter Not much overheating Come in larger housepower | Expensive Harder and more expensive to repair | 5-15 years | Basements with room for a large sump pit | $135-$300 |
Brands
| Brand | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everbilt | Durable Resists corrosion | More expensive | $228 (submersible), $78 (pedestal) |
| FloTec | Heavy-duty motor Corrosion resistant | Bulky | $130 (submersible) |
| Wayne | Less expensive Design minimizes air locks and debris Easy to install | Large | $145 (submersible), $60 (pedestal) |
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:
| Type of pump 2 | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Battery-powered | Powerful Easy to install | Shorter life span Needs to be charged or replaced more regularly |
| Water powered | Runs for nearly an unlimited time | Can’t be used in homes with wells Harder to install May not pump 2 as much water |
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.
FAQ
- How much does it cost to install a sump pump?
The average cost to install a sump pump ranges from $550 to $1,100 depending on the size of the pump.
- How do you build a sump pit?
A sump pit is literally a hole just large enough to hold the pump with a plastic lining. This can be dug by hand with a shovel or with a tool. A trench is dug around the perimeter of the home, usually laid with pipe to drain into the pit.
- How does a sump pump work?
Sump pumps work by detecting a preset water level in their pit or pedestal. When water reaches this height, they pull the water up out of the pit and pump it out through a pipe or hose to an area directed outside of the house.
- What is a check valve on a sump pump?
Check valves prevent water from returning back into the pit after it has been pumped out. This prevents the pump from simply recycling the same water over and over again.
- Do you need a plumber to install a sump pump?
A handyman is likely qualified to install a sump pump, provided that the trench has been dug. If pipes need to be laid or fit, a plumber may be necessary.
- How do you install a sump pump?
A sump pump itself is easy to install. It’s lowered into the pit and a pipe or hose is attached and run several feet up where it is vented out of the house. In a home without a pit, one needs to be dug, and a trench made to direct the water to this location.
- How long do sump pumps last on average?
A sump pump can last anywhere from 5 to 30 years depending on whether it is a submersible pump or a pedestal pump. Pedestal pumps tend to last longer than submersible pumps.
- How much does it cost to replace a sump pump?
The average cost of having a pump installed is around $550 to $1,100. If you are only swapping the pump and not doing any pipe fitting or hole digging, this cost will be on the lower end.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full 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
3 Outlet pipes: A long hollow cylinder which enables the escape or release of water, gas, steam, air, etc
How much does it cost to install a sump pump in my city?
Cost to install a sump pump varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
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Last modified: See change history
Methodology and sources
