How Much Does it Cost to Install a Sump Pump?

Water damage is no joke. Did you know that a clean water flood — one that comes from a water line that spills clean water into your basement — can cost upwards of $1,600 in repairs? Imagine the extra expense that comes from water pouring into your basement or crawl space during heavy rains, when all that water brings in mud, debris, and pathogens that can put your family at risk.

A sump pump is a very good way to prevent this problem from happening. A sump pump sits in a basin in the affected area and when the water reaches a certain level, it activates, immediately pumping water out of the house through pipes that route it back outside. A properly-installed sump pump can save you from thousands of dollars in damage.

Here’s what homeowners need to know about sump pumps, the type that might work best for the home, and the costs of installation.

Types of Sump Pumps

There are numerous types of sump pumps, each made with a specific purpose and location in mind.

• Submersible. This sump pump is placed in a sump pit, where water accumulates. The sensor in the submersible pump detects when the water level is too high and activates the pump, sending excess water into a drainage area. Submersible pumps can move enormous amounts of water the moment the sensor detects a problem. It works very well for areas prone to significant flooding and severe weather.
• Pedestal. This pump is mounted above the sump basin, right above the water line in the basement. The water sensor detects when the water reaches a certain level, and then the motor kicks in. It moves large volumes of water, which makes it good for areas that experience significant rainfall or large amounts of snow. But because the pump sits above the pit, it is possible that debris can build up in the pit and cause problems. A pedestal pump must be checked often.
• Water-Powered. These sump pumps don’t require electricity, which makes them great for areas where severe storms often knock out the power. When the water levels in the basin rise above the level you set, the float rises and opens up a valve. The suction created then sucks the water out and sends it outside. As long as the water supply remains constant, this will keep working, even if your power is out for weeks. Check it often to make sure the water pressure is where it should be for your particular pump.
• Combination. These pumps have the primary as well as a backup pump. There is a battery that supplies power to the backup pump in the event of electrical failure. It starts working when a float switch activates, which then start the spin of the impeller — that sends water to the sides of the pipe, creating a low pressure at the pump’s center. The result is that water rushes to fill the void and is immediately ejected into the drainage system.
• Battery-Powered. These pumps are triggered by a float switch, which starts up the battery and then ejects water out of the basin. Though these are powered by electricity to save battery life, the moment the power goes out, the battery is ready to work. If you live in a rural area that is prone to power outages during storms, this is a great option. Keep in mind that you’ll need a powerful battery if you live in an area where the power might be out for days or weeks.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Sump Pump?

The installation cost of a sump pump can run from $200 to $4,000, depending upon the complexity of the job. Let’s look at what contributes to the final cost.

Initial Purchase Cost

The sump pump you choose can cost anywhere from $80 to $1,200, depending upon the type and the horsepower. The higher the horsepower, the more water it can move, and the more expensive it will likely be. The most basic pump in a small basin will be on the lower end of that price scale.

Installation Cost

Installation costs can range widely. This is because the installation complexity depends upon many factors, including whether the contractor must drill and create a sump basin, how easy the area is to access, any prior damage that must be repaired, and the like. The lowest installation cost will run a few hundred dollars for a straightforward job, but your new sump pump could cost up to $4,000 if you need to run plumbing lines or more electrical wiring to make way for the new appliance.

The installation costs in the chart below are based on ideal circumstances and an “easy” install.

Maintenance Costs

The maintenance costs for your sump pump are likely going to be the same no matter which type of pump you choose. The pump must be inspected and tested each year to ensure that it is ready to work in the event of a flooding event. You might see higher maintenance costs if your sump pump is difficult to reach to perform a thorough evaluation.

Cost of a Sump Pump Installation

Sump pump installation might be rather straightforward if you have plenty of space to work with, such as an open basement that allows plenty of room to move around and find the best place for the sump basin. But if you are asking a contractor to install a sump pump in a tiny basement or even a crawl space, the costs of labor can easily go up to compensate for the difficulty that installation will bring.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the materials purchased in addition to the pump itself, such as the pipes, drainage options, and the tools you need to install them can negate the savings you might realize if you chose to go the do-it-yourself route.

In general, professional installation of a sump pump will run around $1,200. That includes the pump itself, the materials, and the installation.

Factors Affecting Sump Pump Installation Cost

In addition to the cost of the sump pump, you might find that other factors influence the final cost. Here’s what to look for.

Pump Type, Quality, and Horsepower

The type of pump you choose, the quality of it, and the horsepower it provides are all major factors in the cost. Some pumps are easy and straightforward to install while others take a little more ingenuity. Your contractor can let you know what horsepower you need for your home and even whether you need more than one pump. They can then guide you through the quality of pumps and help you choose the one you are more comfortable with installing in your home.

Installation Complexity

How complex the installation is will help determine your bottom line. For example, if you need a sump pump in an area that requires extra plumbing or electrical work, the cost of hiring a plumber or an electrician in addition to a general contractor can raise your costs significantly. A sump pump installed in an area with difficult access, such as a hard-to-reach crawl space, will also add some extra to your bottom line.

If you are simply replacing an old sump pump, you might see much lower installation costs. That’s because all the contractor needs is already right there, and most of the time, you won’t have any additional work on the basin or main pipes.

Basement or Crawl Space Size

Many basements and crawl spaces need sump pumps to control the potential for flooding in those areas. But getting to the space can sometimes be tough. A basement or crawl space that is already flooded or very damp will be harder to work with than one that is dry.

The general condition matters as well. If the crawl space truly lives up to its name and the contractor can only work in a limited space or strange position, they will likely charge much more than they will for an installation in a large basement where they have plenty of comfortable room to move around.

Preparing the Floor

The type of floor you have could lead to higher demolition costs to install the basin, and that drives up the price. For instance, a basement floor made of thick concrete must be broken apart to make room for the basin, sump pump, and all other components.

A crawl space made of dirt might seem like it would lead to a cheaper cost, but the basin might need to be reinforced with a ring of concrete or other materials, which can actually make it more expensive than the demolition of the concrete floor.

The only way to know for sure what your situation will be is to ask the contractor directly and get a quote for the work.

Geographic Location

Where you live and the local labor costs can play a role in your bottom line. Some local areas will have high costs, such as an urban area where the work is in high demand; rural areas might see lower labor rates. The area of the country matters as well, as you can usually expect things to cost a bit more in California, for instance, than they do in Alabama.

Local building codes might also come into play, as some areas require permits for any work involving sump pumps, plumbing, etc. Look into your local permit requirements to determine if this is an expense must take into account.

Additional Features

Battery backups, water level alarms, pump filters, and the like can drive up the cost of the sump pump. However, some of those additional expenses — such as a battery backup — can save you a great deal of money in a severe weather situation. Smart home integration can also be a wonderful feature, as it can allow you to look in on the sump pump virtually and get alerts when the water levels are rising or the sump pump activates.

Contractor Fees

Always get a firm quote from a contractor before work begins. Keep in mind that a contractor’s quote might be higher than expected due to existing water buildup or damage from that water. Drying a basement or crawlspace might be included in the quote, and that’s never cheap.

The contractor should charge you for the actual cost of all materials, as well as the cost of their labor, based on the job or by the hour. Make sure to understand every line of your quote before you sign a contract.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

It is possible to install a sump pump yourself, but it’s not the recommended unless you are very experienced in the world of do-it-yourself home improvement. That’s because improper installation of a sump pump can lead to serious problems that cost even more serious cash to correct; for instance, the resulting water damage from an incorrect basin or installation could easily cost much more than hiring a professional to install the sump pump in the first place.

If you need a sump pump in a hard-to-reach area or a place where water might suddenly overflow the basin (such as a basement during a serious storm), professional installation might be best. Calling in the pros is definitely best if you live in an area prone to sudden and severe flooding — think a house on the Florida coast during hurricane season!

However, those who have strong DIY experience will need to have some plumbing experience and be knowledgeable about how to test a sump pump. Those who are well-experienced can expect to do the job in less than a day, though floor prep might take a bit longer. Expect that the cost will be that of the sump pump itself plus the variety of pipes, materials, and tools it will take to prepare the basin and make all the plumbing connections.

Cost-Saving Tips

There are several ways to save on the cost of a sump pump beyond going the DIY route. Here’s how.

• Choose the right type. The last thing you want is to choose a submersible when you need a pedestal. Make sure the pump type is exactly what you need for the particular location and potential water events. You also want to make sure you have a pump with the proper horsepower.
• Get several quotes. Reach out to several contractors. Make sure their quotes are for the same things; for instance, if you need a submersible pump, make sure all quotes are for that type of pump. You want to be able to compare apples to apples to figure out which quote is best.
• Ensure regular maintenance. Annual maintenance on your sump pump is essential. Remember, this is a system that absolutely must work at a moment’s notice – floods don’t take their sweet time, so your sump pump has to be ready to defend your home. Maintenance will help ensure that when it really needs to work, it does.
• Get assistance for problems right away. In the same vein, any problems with your pump mean it won’t do the work it is meant to do. If you notice any issues with your sump pump, get in touch with a professional right then. Waiting could mean a serious rain event gets to your home before the technician does!
• Check on the pump regularly. Even though you are getting annual maintenance, it’s important to look in on the sump pump on a regular basis. Debris filling the basin or other worries can lead to problems, so catch them quickly by doing a cursory check of your pump every month, at least. Always check it after heavy rains or storms.

Conclusion

Consider a sump pump as insurance for your home. When it does its job correctly, it can prevent the significant costs that come from a flooded basement, garage, or crawl space.

It’s important to understand all the factors that go into the cost of a sump pump and installation so you can make an informed decision on which one you need. A good contractor can guide you through the process and ensure that your home stays as safe as possible from heavy rains and storms.