How Much Does An Ejector Pump Cost?

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins

The plumbing system of your home relies mainly on gravity to get the job done correctly. However, the sewage ejector pump must be installed in homes with finished basements so that waste can be moved “up” through the drainage system’s discharge pipe. Choosing the right pump for your basement remodel or any other space where you can’t use gravity to flush waste is very important.

An ejector pump costs between $300 and $800. However, most people will pay around $450 on average. The price you pay depends on the strength of your pump and how many gallons of waste it moves per hour.

If you’re trying to figure out how much your ejector pump will cost, you’re in the right place. This cost guide will provide you with the cost information and information regarding what precisely an ejector pump is and the differences between that and a sump pump.

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How Much Does An Ejector Pump Cost?

Cost Of Ejector Pump
LowNational AverageAverage RangeHigh
$150$450$300 – $800$2,000

Pumping 7200 gallons of water per hour (GPH) with a large, more durable sewage pump can cost around $800, compared with a cheaper, smaller pump that moves 3000 gallons per hour (GPH). Ask your plumber or contractor for the cost of the system aside from the labor so you know how much the pump itself costs.

The plumbing throughout your entire home, including the pump, can be checked by a plumber for a reduced maintenance bill. The costs of tune-ups are often reduced by purchasing a maintenance package. One-year agreements for plumbers cost around $130.

An ejector pump ensures the plumbing system’s delicate balance, protects the remodeled basement investment, and provides essential peace of mind that the system will function as intended.

What Is The Purpose Of A Sewage Ejector Pump?

Plumbing is most often located in the ceiling and runs in between the joists, and connects to other pipes at the edges to prevent water from pooling and waste from being dumped. In a basement, however, water pipes are installed below the sink, shower, and toilet. But, in a ceiling, they function without the benefits of gravity for other plumbing functions in the house.

It’s not impossible to solve this issue, though. The installation of sewage ejector pumps ensures that homeowners will not experience sewage overflow problems in the future. The plumbers also install sewage ejectors at the same stage as the pipes in bathroom toilets.

How Do Ejector Pumps Work?

In most cases, sewage pumps consist of an electric motor and a float. Homeowners may also choose to install a backup pump just for safety. Various models are equipped with a sensor that alerts homeowners when a problem is detected.

Unlike other sewage systems, which push sewage through the plumbing via a pump that pushes the waste up, other models shred the waste prior to sending it through the plumbing, increasing the likelihood that the waste will move smoothly through the pipes. The majority of sewage pumps are equipped with a tank that holds a certain amount of sewage.

In line with the sewage, the float rises and signals the pump to cycle on. Upon turning the pump on, the sewage flows from the tank into the plumbing pipes, where it joins the main sewer lines and is discharged from the house. A float moves towards the bottom of the tank, and the pump shuts off as soon as it reaches it.

Installation Costs For Complete Ejector Pumps

An ejector pump installation in your home will be more expensive since you must install pipes and a pump pit. Generally, plumbers charge about $2,500 for an entire pump installation, including labor and parts.

Cost Of Sewer Ejector Pump Installation

Ejector Pump Installation Costs
ServiceCost
Ejector Pump$150 – $2,000
Installation Fees$650 – $1,200

You can buy sewage ejector pumps for as little as $150, but the cost will depend on how much horsepower you require. Gallons per hour (GPH) can be increased by using machines with more horsepower.

Models that cost between $200 and more than $2000 are available from even the best brands like Liberty Pumps and Zoeller. A plumber or handyman with extensive knowledge of pump installation is the best person to consult before you purchase the pump.

Another $650 to $1,800 will be spent on the installation of your sewer pump, with the national average being $1,200 for parts and labor.

Can You Install The Pump Yourself?

Installing an ejector pump yourself starts by ensuring that the correct plumbing fixtures are in place and are in good condition. It is not necessary to have a full waste reservoir. Perhaps you should get someone else to install the new pump and clear out the old one.

When you handle waste in an unprofessional manner, you and your family may become ill. Additionally, if you are unsure of how to install a sump pump by yourself correctly, you might consider paying someone to do the job so that sewage won’t leak.

Pricing Of Cast Iron vs. Plastic Pumps

You should know which types of pumps are within your price range when you are shopping for pumps. Most of the time, pumping systems made of plastic are more affordable, but this is because they contain plastic parts that are cheaper.

In other words, even though you might pay less upfront for your plastic pump, it may end up costing you more at the end of the day. On the other hand, cast-iron pumps can corrode, whereas thermoplastic pumps can crack as well as become brittle over time.

The Cost Of Running Your Sewer Pump

It depends on how much waste your sewer pump pumps, how far the waste has to travel, and how powerful your sewer pump is. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t need to spend more than $30 to $60 per month to operate your ejector pump. The inefficiency of your sewage pump may be to blame for your increasing energy bills.

You might notice a decrease in your electricity bill after replacing your ejector pump. Manufacturers typically offer a 24-month warranty on new sewer pumps. It doesn’t matter when the pump was professionally installed or 36 months after the company made it; the warranty lasts for 36 months.

What Do Warranties Cover?

A warranty provider might replace a part for your pump, but they are not going to cover labor costs if the pump stops working during the warranty period. Thus, you will be required to either install the new pump yourself or hire a plumber to finish the job for you.

A contractor’s personal preferences and the scope of the job can play a significant role in how much it costs to replace your pump. The cost of installing a pump in a waste tank can be greater for plumbing companies.

How Often Do You Need to Maintain Your Ejector Pump?

As long as the sewage pump is adequately maintained and just toilet paper is flushed into the toilet, it should run without failure. Items such as feminine products, disposable wipes, condoms, and other damaging materials are put under unnecessary stress, so they will not have the ability to move upward.

A reputable plumber should also schedule maintenance for the pumps on an annual basis. In addition to cleaning the pump and oiling the motor, the plumber also inspects the float and the condition of the pump and removes any debris lodged in the tank.

How Are Sewage Ejector Pumps And Sump Pumps Different?

Homeowners use sump pumps to remove water from sump basins. Basins are often found in basements and function like sump pits. Water-accumulating homes require pumps such as these. Additionally, they are helpful if you have a lot of moisture in your basement, which is common in areas where there is a lot of rain or snow.

An ejector pump is intended for pumping sewage, whereas a sump pump is designed to move rainwater, condensation, or groundwater. An ejector pump expels water directly into the sewer system, while a sump pump pumps it out of the home. Check this out if your sump pump battery is beeping.

How Does A Grinder Pump Differ From An Ejector Pump?

Similarly, a grinder pump functions as an ejector pump. In contrast, grinder pumps are often more heavy-duty, incorporating blades that break down the solid waste so they can handle more solid waste. Additionally, grinder pumps provide direct connections to municipal sewage mains under pressure.

Choosing The Right Pump

Choosing the right sewer pump for your sewage system configuration is crucial before investing in one. Most homeowners will find an ejector pump perfect for their needs. There may be situations, however, where an ejector pump is unnecessary or ineffective.

A grinder pump will be an excellent upgrade over an ejector pump if you are currently using one. However, ejector parts tend to last longer than grinders, even though they are not the most reliable appliances. The cost of repairing and replacing them is also lower. Thus, an ejector would work just fine if you only need one to pump out the sewer from your basement toilet.

On the other hand, a submersible sump pump may be the best choice for preventing mold and mildew in your basement by pumping condensation and water out. So it really depends on your needs as to which pump would better benefit you.

What Are the Benefits of a Sewage Ejector Pump?

A sewage ejector pump is required for basement plumbing because the pipes and fixtures are below the main sewer line. Therefore, if you plan to install a basement bathroom or move your utility room downstairs, you will need an ejector pump. The prevention of clogs and dangerous sewage overflows in houses with sewage ejector pumps is essential.

What If Sewage Overflows?

Having an overflowing sewage system might damage your home if it is not working correctly. In addition to sanitizing anything that is touched by raw sewage, it must also be disposed of. As well as the affected sheetrock, you have to remove the flooring as well. Once that is done, you can begin rebuilding the space. You and your family could become sick if you do not.

Why Do Pump Systems Fail?

Wear and tear is common among plumbing system components. In contrast, if you flush, you are more likely to have a plumbing disaster:

  • Diapers
  • Cat Litter
  • Condoms
  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Toys

Anything else not made to go in there putting stress on your pump sooner will cause it to break. Remember that flushable wipes aren’t always flushable, especially if you have cast-iron pipes. Therefore, it’s best not to flush any wipes at all and use septic-safe toilet paper.

How Long Do Ejector Pumps Last?

Typically, sewer ejector pumps last between seven and ten years. Depending on how well you maintain your pump, you may need to make some repairs from time to time.

An ejector pump, for example, uses a float valve that typically wears out before the pump needs to be replaced. Another potential problem includes a broken check valve, a worn tank, a lid, and damaged pipes. Take a look at the differences between a sump pump and ejector pump.

Advice On Sewage Ejector Pump Costs

It is a necessity for many homes that have bathroom facilities under the main floor to have a sewer pump installed. Having said that, you shouldn’t have to break into your savings every time you need to fix one of the problems.

There are warranties that offer its customers a variety of home insurance options that cover their septic system, which can be especially useful in the event that their sewage ejector pump breaks down. There may however be a 30-day waiting period before most companies will allow you to make use of your coverage.

This is why it’s important to shop around for contractors before you decide who you’re going with as far as a company goes with installing your ejector pump. It will make all the difference short and long term for how much you’re going to pay for the pump. For instance, some companies include maintenance costs, while others will charge you $300 flat each time they come out.

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Related Questions

What happens if the ejector pump fails?

You might have problems with your sewage pump if it breaks down, making your basement filled with sewage. When you have a water softener that drains into the sewage ejector system, there is an exceptionally high risk of a damaging backup occurring.A sewage ejector tank alarm may prove to be a useful addition. In the event that there is a failure of the pump, the alarm will be set off, which will sound loud. If that happens, make sure you stop using all water and contact your plumber immediately before you have more issues.


Why does my ejector pump smell?

It is most likely that a strong sewer odor is coming from your basement as a result of a dry-out floor drain, a bad seal around the ejector pit, or a poorly vented appliance. Even a damaged sewer line can cause this issue.When the basement is not used for a long time, sewer gas is released into the basement, stinking up the whole space. However, sewer gas is nothing to mess with. It can make you extremely sick, which is why it’s essential to have the issues addressed immediately.


Are sewage ejector pumps reliable?

In most cases, a good sewage ejector pump can have a life of 8-10 years when it has been appropriately maintained, but in many cases, it can serve you for up to 30 years if it is properly maintained!Some homes use an ejector pump to remove all the waste from the house, and there are other homes where ejector pumps are used if your house has a bathroom.

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Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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