2022 Sump Pump Cost: Repair & Installation Prices

Xiao Faria Da Cunha
by Xiao Faria Da Cunha
As we head into the cold weather, it’s time to talk about sump pumps. The average sump pump repair cost is $1,268 for the materials and labor. It costs an

As we head into the cold weather, it’s time to talk about sump pumps.

The average sump pump repair cost is $1,268 for the materials and labor. It costs an average of $3,750 to repair a basement sump pump because of how thick the floor is. You will pay $55 per hour for sump pump repair, on average, and sump pump alarm repairs cost another $45.

There are a few different factors that affect these pricings. This article will cover everything you need to know about sump pump prices and related costs. You will feel more comfortable requesting a quote by the end of this read.

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What is a Sump Pump?

First thing first, what is a sump pump, and what does it do? The sump pump works almost every day to pull water away from your foundation. They are usually installed in the basement or even the crawl space, which are the lowest in your house.

The sump pump connects to the wastewater drain. Whenever water enters the basement or the foundation, the pump pulls it away and allows it to leave via the drain.

A malfunctioning sump pump could easily lead to a flooded basement, resulting in other more severe mold and deterioration issues. That’s why installing the right sump pump and keeping it in good condition is critical for your home.

Sump Pump Installation Cost

The national average of a sump pump installation cost is $1,205. Depending on the type of pump and the state you are in, the price can be as low as $275 or as high as $3,850.

Remember, these pricings include the sump costs already. When it comes to labor, the type of pump you choose doesn’t affect the final price as much as other fixation installations.

However, other factors affect the sump pump installation costs. These include:

  • Type of floor
  • Pump location
  • Your geographical location

These factors decide how challenging the installation is and how long it will take, affecting the final quote you receive.

Type of Floor

As we mentioned, sump pumps are usually installed in the basement. In other words, we will be working with cement or concrete floors. Both materials require heavy hammering, and thus more intensive labor.

On average, installing a sump pump in the basement costs somewhere from $2,500 to $5,000, including pump cost. Naturally, the thicker the floor, the higher the price.

Alternatively, you may install the pump in a crawlspace. In this case, you deal with dirt or gravel. Since both are much easier to dig, the cost is usually much more affordable.

Pump Location

There are more to pump locations than flooring materials. Since the pump needs to stay at the lowest place in your house and connect to a wastewater drain, its position is quite restricted.

If you have a pedestal pump, simply place it near an opening of the drainage. However, with a submersible pump, you need to sink it into the reservoir, which usually has more complicated and dense plumbing systems.

As you could imagine, the more difficult the plumbing system, the higher the cost. Therefore, finding the right type of pump and placing it in the right place could bring you significant savings.

Geographical Location

Like all subcontracting works, your geographical location determines the hourly charge you will receive. The same job may cost you twice in a larger city compared to a small town.

Typically, handyman work costs way less in rural areas due to a lower cost of living.

How Much it Costs to Replace a Sump Pump

In some scenarios, replacing a sump pump might be your best choice. The replacement cost for sump pumps varies depending on the type of pump needing replacement. We’ve put together a comparison sheet for your reference:

Sump Pump Replacement Cost by Type

TypePrice (Low)Price (High)
Pedastal$400$900
Submersible$800$2,000

If you do decide to replace your sump pump, make sure you consult a professional first. In most cases, you should be able to purchase the same unit you are using. Nonetheless, sometimes the situation may require you to go with something different.

Measuring for a replacement sump pump has proven to be quite challenging for many homeowners. Besides, a wrong measurement could cost you more time and money.

Check with your local professionals and see if they offer a free consultation session. Most of them would willingly do the measuring and recommendation without any charge.

How Much Does a New Sump Pump Cost?

All the pricings we provided above already included the cost of a sump pump. Naturally, we now ask the vital question. How much does the sump pump itself cost?

Sump Pump Cost by Types

TypePrice (Low)Price (High)
Pedastal$58$170
Submersible$100$400

Each type of sump pump has its pros and cons. Let’s take a more in-depth look into what type suits your home the most.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

A pedestal pump has an easier installation and a longer lifespan. It is the most common sump pump seen in homes. All you need to do is placing it somewhere in the basement on a pedestal and connect it to the wastewater drain with a hose that goes down the reservoir.

Pedestal pumps use a lower-power motor. It pulls the water upward through the hose and then transfers it to the drain.

  • Pros: the pedestal pumps have an incredible lifespan of up to 25 or 30 years. It is also much cheaper.
  • Cons: It’s cumbersome and could get in your way. It’s also quite loud. Because the motor is weaker, pedestal pumps are only suitable for areas with light flooding.

Submersible Sump Pumps

As the name suggests, a submersible pump sinks into the reservoir. The motor has much stronger horsepowers, and some even come with a battery backup system.

Submersible sump pumps are newer to the market but have quickly gained motion because they are invisible, quiet, and efficient.

  • Pros: Much quieter. Invisible and out of your way. Less prone to clogging. Suitable for more severe floodings.
  • Cons: A shorter lifespan of 5-10 years. More expensive. 

Plastic and Metal Pump Alternatives

Many homeowners have chosen to go with a plastic or metal pump for different reasons in recent years.

For example, a plastic pump is much more resistant to corrosive fluids yet breaks easily under higher pressure. In the meantime, metal pumps are more pressure-resistant yet are also more prone to corrosion.

Eventually, choosing the right sump pump is a game of loss and gain. Evaluate according to the rainwater composition in your region and the flooding severity in your home and make a wise choice.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Sump Pump?

In general, sump pump repair costs somewhere between $118 to $1,200, although the pricing most frequently falls between $308 to $732.

Naturally, the cost differs slightly according to the sump pump category. However, most professional labor will charge $45 to $65 per hour for a sump pump repair.

Sometimes fixing a sump pump will lead to other costs, such as restoration charges for a flooded basement or mold removal charges. Always shop around, so you know you are not getting overcharged.

Signs Your Pump Needs a Repair

Like all other appliances in your home, sump pumps also give warning signs when something is wrong. Typical signs include:

  • Lifespan limitations: If you’ve had the same pump for over seven years, it’s time to inspect. It doesn’t matter if you have a pedestal or submersible pump in this case.
  • Rust: rust is often the most visible sign that a repair is overdue. As with all other appliances, rust can cause severe problems. Any rust that simple scrubbing can’t take care of is a warning for deteriorating materials.
  • Unusual noises: Sump pumps make noises when they are running. That is normal. However, if you catch any unusual or unfamiliar noises, it’s best to call for a repair.
  • Jamming: A sump pump contains a few pieces that can get stuck. For example, a stuck valve caused by accumulated debris would prevent water from leaving and cause buildups.
  • Constant Running: Again, your sump pump should only be running when working, meaning flooding present. If your pump never seems to turn off, chances are 
  • Not Running: The opposite of constant running is the absence of functionality. If your sump pump is not on as it’s supposed to, then something is wrong.

Pedestal Sump Pump Repair Cost

Since pedestal sump pumps have a less complicated setup, naturally, the repair cost is lower. Since the motor is out of the water, repairs usually take a much shorter time to complete.

On average, a pedestal sump pump repair is between $80 to $180. If all you need are minor repairs and adjustments, you can even do everything yourself.

Submersible Sump Pump Repair Cost

On the other hand, submersible sump pumps are slightly more challenging to repair. Therefore, we recommend hiring a professional for this job, especially since the pump itself is sealed and water-proofed.

It usually costs between $135 to $300 to repair a submersible sump pump.

Sump Pump Maintenance Costs

The best way to avoid costly repair is to conduct regular maintenance. Every homeowner should know that. Regular sump pump maintenance should cost no more than $250.

We’ve collected three of the most common, regular sump pump maintenance routines for your reference.

Sump Pump Maintenance Routines

TaskContent
CleaningSump pumps buildup debris, dirt, and other particles. Leaving these unattended could lead to a clogged pump. Sometimes debris will interfere with the floater and stop your pump from accurately detecting the water level.
ClearingIn contrary to cleaning, which focuses on cleaning inside the pump, clearing focus on the lines outside the pump. Clearing ensures your pump doesn’t have to work extra hard to push water through.
TestingBefore entering the heavy rain season, it is best to conduct a sump pump testing. During testing, a technician pours water into the pit to make sure the sump pump is functioning.

Additional Sump Pump Accessories

Of course, there are accessories helpful for tracking sump pump conditions and extending lifespan. Below are the four most common types of accessories available in the market.

Battery Back-up

Some newer model submersible sump pumps come with battery back-up by default. If you live in severe storm areas, having a battery back-up can be a lifesaver.

The best backup battery for your pump is a marine battery, the same used for boats. Marine batteries start as low as $50 to $80 and can go up to $679.

There are four different types of marine batteries in the market:

  • Wet cell (flooded)
  • Gel cell
  • AGM
  • Lithium

The wet cell batteries are the most affordable but require regular maintenance and don’t handle vibration very well. Most generally speaking, a gel cell or AGM battery works the best with a sump pump.

Sump Pump Alarm

Sump pump alarms can extend a pump’s life span. The most basic model costs less than $30, and more comprehensive ones fall between $115 to $380. When the water hits a certain level, and the pump can’t keep up, the alarm goes off and alerts you before the pump overpowers.

Sump Pump Alarm Cost by Type

TypeAverage CostPros & Cons
Standard$15 to $30Pros: cost-effective and easy to set up

Cons: may rust over time, can only be heard in close distance

Phone Auto-Dialer$100 to $250Pros: Sends alarms to your phone so you won’t miss it

Cons: expensive, requires a landline to work, may jam outgoing phone connection

Wifi Auto-Dialer$300 and abovePros: runs over your wifi and is often compatible with smart home assistants

Cons: one of the most expensive types of alarms, difficult installation, requires a UPS system for power alerts

Cellular Alarm$50 to $250Pros: Newest technology, cost-effective, easy installation, runs on the cellular network to avoid service interruption

Cons: Doesn’t work in rural areas where cellular services are weak or nonexistent

Reserve Pumps

Reserve pumps are useful if you live in a massive flooding area. They are backups in case your main pump gets overwhelmed or breaks down. Usually, you would use the same product as your main pump for the reserve.

Filters

Depending on the flooding condition, sometimes homeowners need to install filters to keep debris and dirt away. If a pump repeatedly sucks up sediment and other materials, it’s lifespan will be severely shortened.

Sump pump filters go from $12 to $100. More industrial level filters can go up to $300.

Do You Need to Hire Sump Pump Installers?

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Related Questions

We’ve covered all the necessary numbers of sump pump installment, replacement, repair, and maintenance. Now we just need to go over a few details homeowners always wondered.

Does Homeowner’s Insurance cover my Sump Pump?

One question we always get is about insurance coverage. Unfortunately, in most cases, you need to purchase additional coverage to cover your sump pump. A default homeowner’s insurance does not cover it.

Can I Install a Sump Pump by Myself?

You certainly can, and there are quite a few guides you can use. In general, a pedestal pump is a lot easier to install compared to a submersible pump. If you are doing the installation yourself, you will need to get a permit. Check with your local HOAs regarding the permit fee.

On the other hand, installation materials typically cost $300 to $400.

How Do I Know Which Pump Unit to Get?

If you are doing a replacement, chances are you just need to purchase the same pump you had before. But if you are getting a new pump or trying to upgrade, it’s best to consult a professional.

Incorrect sizing of the pump is a costly mistake.

What’s the Average Lifespan for Sump Pumps?

Pedestal pumps last up to 20 years, but submersible pumps can only last 5-10 years. Most pumps can work for seven years without any issues. After that, you should at least conduct an inspection.

How Can I Extend the Lifespan of My Sump Pump?

Conducting regular maintenance and installing a filter and a pump alarm are two of the most effective ways to extend your pump’s lifespan.

Xiao Faria Da Cunha
Xiao Faria Da Cunha

With a deep passion for content and creative writing, Xiao Faria da Cunha finds a strong sense of accomplishment in creating quality home guides that resonate with homeowners. When not writing, you can find Xiao creating art masterpieces.

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