By Katie Flannery | Updated Oct 14, 2021 12:50 PM

If you need to move water away from your home’s foundation and prevent it from seeping into the basement, you need a sump pump. A sump pump is installed at the lowest point in the basement in a sump hole or pit. Any water that makes its way into the house will flow to this lowest point. The sump pump will then activate and draw moisture away from the foundation. Sump pumps are essential to prevent flooding and water damage in your home.

According to HomeAdvisor, sump pump costs range from $639 to $1,977, with the national average at $1,257. A pedestal pump costs approximately $60 to $170, while a submersible pump costs between $100 and $400. Labor can run between $45 and $200 per hour for installation. Remember that submersible pumps take longer to install than pedestal pumps and will cost more in labor. The initial installation will involve digging, electrical upgrades, and plumbing costs. Sump pump replacement is less expensive than installing one for the first time.

Several factors affect overall sump pump cost. Prices can differ from the national average due to flooring type, pump location and accessibility, geographic location, type of sump pump, labor costs, permit fees, pump size and quality, and the drainage system.

If the basement has a dirt floor, digging the sump pump pit will be easier and faster than digging through a concrete floor. Digging through a dirt floor costs between $300 and $500, or $5 to $10 per linear foot, depending on how deep the drainage pipes need to go. Sump pump installation in a concrete floor averages between $2,500 and $5,000 since jackhammers and other specialized equipment are required to break through the surface.

Installing a sump pump in a hard-to-reach area like a crawl space will significantly add to the project’s cost by several hundred dollars. If the plumbing in that area is complex and densely packed, it will increase the price.

Sump pump cost will vary because of geographic location and the cost of labor in different regions. Large, urban areas have higher labor costs than more rural areas. Permit fees and the cost of materials also depend on where you live. To get the price that’s right for you, get multiple quotes from reputable professionals in your area.

There are two types of sump pumps, pedestal and submersible, but they both work in the same way. Inside the pump, there is a float that will lift as the water level rises. When the water gets to a certain level, the pump will activate to draw it in and pump it out of the drain. These sump pumps can be powered by battery, water, or both. The battery- and combination-operated sump pumps cost approximately twice as much as the water-powered pumps.

Sump pumps can be made of plastic or metal. Plastic sump pumps resist corrosion, but they don’t handle high pressure very well. Metal pumps are more vulnerable to corrosion, but they’re stronger than plastic units. Metal sump pumps are typically double the price of plastic ones.

Labor costs typically run between $45 and $200 per hour for installation. Replacements usually take around an hour, while a new installation can take between 2 and 4 hours. Sump pump installation requires electrical and plumbing work, and some cities may require a permit for this type of project. Check the local laws to be sure if you need a permit. The average rate for a permit is between $50 and $200.

The size of the sump pump you need for your home is not based on the basement’s square footage but on the amount of water it needs to remove. Basements prone to flooding will need a stronger sump pump, regardless of basement size. The more water the sump pump needs to remove, the more horsepower you need. Here are the three common sizes of sump pumps.

Updating the drainage system or digging a new one can cost $4,000 to $12,000. The drainage system calls for removing a 24-inch area of dirt and concrete from the inside perimeter of the basement. Gravel, drain tiles, and a basin are added before replacing the concrete. If you have a powerful sump pump that needs to remove large amounts of water, the drain pipes will need to be wider to accommodate the amount of water.

When budgeting for sump pump costs, there are additional price factors and considerations. These can include sump basin quality, flood insurance, maintenance, repairs, battery backup, reserve pumps, and filters.

The sump pump basin should be made of heavy-duty plastic and look like a trash can. It should be strong and not flex or collapse. The basin is installed below the floor, and the sump pump goes inside. The sump pump will activate and push the water out via the drainage pipes as the basin fills with water. A 17-inch basin costs around $23, and a 30-inch one runs about $30. A tall basin costs approximately $60.

Even with an actively working sump pump, there is always a risk of flooding. For peace of mind, consider adding a rider to your insurance policy for approximately $700 per year. Most flood insurance policies will include building and contents coverage.

Sump pump maintenance can cost up to $250 a year to get the pump checked and ensure it’s running correctly. Sump pumps should be inspected to check for debris that may clog the pump. One way to avoid clogs is to purchase an airtight cover for the sump pump. If the pump isn’t turning on as it should, a professional may need to be called to remove any obstructions. If you notice that there is no water in the basin or if the sump pump is making strange thumping, rattling, or gurgling noises, call a plumber. A sump pump should cycle on and off during wet periods. If the pump is constantly running and not cycling off, call a plumber to see if the pump needs to be replaced or repaired.

The average cost of sump pump repair is $510. A plumber or sump pump pro can repair the check valve, float switch, discharge pipe, pump motor, or lifting handle. Weigh your options and determine whether purchasing a new sump pump would be worth it in the long run instead of paying for repairs over time.

A battery backup sump pump will ensure that a pump keeps working, even if the power goes out. Sump pumps with battery backups cost $1,220 to install in a basement, yard, or crawl space. Models that run on water pressure with a battery backup can cost a few hundred dollars more.

If you live in a wet area at risk of heavy flooding, consider having multiple sump pumps in your basement. If one pump is not enough to remove all the water it needs to, having pumps in reserve to help can make all the difference in keeping your home dry.

A filter can extend the life of a sump pump by filtering out sediment and other particulates. A sump pump filter can also keep clogs and debris at bay. These filters cost an average of $15 to $35.

There are two types of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible. These types of pumps can be water powered, battery powered, or a combination of both.

The base of a pedestal sump pump is submerged, and the rest of the pump is above the basin. Pedestal sump pumps have a 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower motor. These pumps can remove up to 35 gallons of water per minute. The motor is on top of a pedestal, and a hose goes down into the basin. The hose will draw the water up and out of the hole and out through the drain. Pedestal sump pumps are easy to access and service since they sit outside the basin, but it means they’re loud when they’re running. Pedestal pumps can cost from $60 to $170, and the average lifespan is approximately 20 to 25 years.

A submersible sump pump sits entirely underwater in the basin. This type of sump pump can have up to a 3/4 horsepower motor and drain up to 60 gallons of water per minute. Since the water muffles the sound of the motor while it’s working, a submersible unit is quieter than a pedestal pump. They are more challenging to access and service since they will need to be removed from the water. These sump pumps can cost between $100 and $400, and the average lifespan is around 5 to 15 years. Some higher-quality pumps can last from 10 to 30 years.

A water-powered sump pump only needs water to work. Flowing water through the pipe creates suction that will drain the water out of the basement. The water flow commonly comes from the city’s water system. Some areas of the country are banning and eliminating water-powered sump pumps due to the amount of water waste. These types of pumps usually need to be inspected yearly by a licensed inspector. The average price of a water-powered sump pump is $100 to $390.

A battery-powered sump pump operates on a marine-type, deep-cycle battery. These sump pumps can remove more water than a water-powered unit, and a smart app can monitor it. These efficient pumps can run from $150 to $500.

There are a few red flags that will alert you if a sump pump needs to be replaced. If the basement is flooded, that is an obvious sign that the sump pump is not working correctly. If it’s making strange noises, is not working at all, or if the pump isn’t working while all the other electrical outlets in the house are, there may be an electrical issue inside the pump.

By their nature, sump pumps make noise when they work. Any unusual sounds or noises can be a clue that something is wrong. Water cannot be removed from the basement if the impeller is bent, and flooding will soon be a genuine concern. If you hear strange gurgling, thumping, or rattling coming from the pump, it may need to be replaced.

If the sump pump isn’t working and the float switch has been checked, it may need to be replaced. It may be cheaper to replace the broken pump than keep paying to get it repaired.

If the sump pump is on but doesn’t pump water, there could be an electrical issue inside the pump. If a working sump pump uses excessive energy, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with an energy-efficient model.

A sump pump prevents basement flooding and damage to a home. In the end, the cost of the pump and installation is worth the benefits of installing a sump pump.

A sump pump will impede flooding by directing water away from the basement and foundation. This will prevent water damage to your home and belongings. By draining the water away from your home, the sump pump can also put a stop to pooling water and excess moisture.

Mold and mildew grow when an area is damp. Mold and mildew can cause structural damage to a home and severe health issues to those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory illnesses. Sump pumps remove the problem of standing water and excess moisture where mold and mildew thrive.

Damp basements make a good home for insects and rodents—especially destructive pests like termites, who can be especially attracted to moist wood. A sump pump helps keep a basement dry and can help eliminate the risk of insects and pests making themselves at home and threatening your comfort, health, and safety.

When water builds up around a home’s foundation, it can cause stress and cracks in the foundation. Since a sump pump removes and drains water away from the foundation, it aids in eliminating the dangerous pressure around the basement walls. This can result in fewer foundation cracks, and you’ll spend less on foundation repairs.

Excess humidity can cause musty odors, growth of mold and mildew, and damage to the interior of the basement and appliances. By installing a dehumidifier and draining it to the sump pump basin, the sump pump can eliminate water in the basement that leads to excessive humidity levels.

Standing water can cause electrical issues, wire damage, and damage to electronics. Standing water can even cause an electrical fire. A sump pump can help keep your electronics and your home safe by eliminating standing water and moisture issues.

Sump pumps in a basement are a positive addition to a home. It signifies the homeowner has taken an active role in eliminating any potential water problems in the basement. Potential home buyers may see a sump pump as a worthwhile addition if the house is in an at-risk area for flooding.

Installing a sump pump is a dirty job. If you have the knowledge, experience, and the tools to install one, you’ll need to pick the right spot in the basement for installation, have access to or install a ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlet, excavate a hole that is at least 10 inches wider and 6 inches deeper than the sump pump, attach the adapters, install the pump check valve to divert the backflow of water into the home’s water system, and install drainage pipes to direct the water at least 4 feet away from the house. Working with electricity and water can be a dangerous combination, and many homeowners will opt to hire a professional to complete the installation. If a DIYer doesn’t install the sump pump properly or makes an electrical or plumbing mistake, the repairs could be costly. The price of hiring a sump pump contractor may be worth the extra money for peace of mind.

Asking a professional the right questions about sump pump costs can minimize miscommunication, save money, and get the desired results. Here are some questions to ask a sump pump professional.

Deciding on sump pump installation while staying within your budget can be a daunting process. Here are some frequently asked questions about sump pump costs to help guide you in your decisions.

On average, a sump pump can last about 10 years. Some better quality pumps can last between 10 and 30 years.

You can, as long as you have extensive plumbing and electrical knowledge. Specific tools, skills, and knowledge are required to get the job done right. Many homeowners prefer to hire a sump pump contractor for installation to know that the pump will be installed correctly and, and a pro will offer a warranty—and peace of mind.

In most cases, a homeowners insurance policy does not cover sump pump replacement. You can add a rider to the insurance policy to cover damage to your home, belongings, and the cleanup if the sump pump fails. The additional rider does not cover repair or replacement of a sump pump.

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