How much is a sump pump? What are the average installation and replacement costs? This guide provides estimated prices.

A sump pump is an important piece of equipment that comes in handy when water tables rise. Such a rise in water table may be due to heavy rains among other reasons.

Whatever you want to use a sump pump for, you’ll need to first find out its cost.

Here, our goal is to help you determine its cost.

Sump Pump Replacement and Installation Costs

A homeowner having moisture issues will require efficient moisture management systems installed. One of the most common is the sump pump.

You’ll need to first get the right sump pump before calling for installation. Sometimes, people rely on the expert recommendations of these technicians on the type of pump to get or buy.

Whatever option you choose, one thing is sure, you’ll want to have your sump pump installed by a professional. This brings us to the area of focus we’ll be dwelling on; the cost of installation for the sump pump.

For most people, the installation costs will be part of their primary concern. Here, we’ll be providing you with all the cost information you need.

Sump pump installation costs will be determined by the type of installation you want. New installations mean sump pumps are installed for the first time in such a location.

This could be a new home or an existing home where it’s being carried out for the first time. This might cost more to install as provisions need to be made for smooth installation.

In the case of replacement, the old or non-functional sump pump needs to be removed and replaced with a new one. This may require making some adjustments for existing infrastructure.

Whatever it is, the difference in costs will be a couple of hundred dollars.

How A Sump Pump Works

This will be unnecessary for readers who already have an idea and only want to know about the cost details. If you fall under this category, you may want to skip this section to where the cost details are provided below.

For readers seeking to grasp what this equipment is about, you may want to begin by knowing how it works.

A sump pump is designed to evacuate or move water out of a place you want to keep safe. This may include your home’s basement among other areas. Flood-prone areas are most vulnerable to rising water tables.

For such, a sump pump will need to be installed.

A sump pump will save you the stress of having to worry about water evacuation. This is usually installed into a basin (a carved hole below your basement surface) and automatically comes on when it detects rising water levels.

Average Cost To Install Sump Pump

The cost details of a sump pump depend on a variety of factors.

First, there are different types of sump pumps. The type you buy will determine the cost incurred.

These sump pump types include pedestal sump pumps, submersible sump pumps, water-powered backup, and battery-operated backup.

  • Purchase Cost

You’ll incur a cost of around $100 to $1,000 to purchase a sump pump. The variation in prices is determined by the power rating (horsepower) as well as its flow rate.

Sump pumps designed for residential use cost around $100 to $400.

There are other types of sump pumps specially designed for commercial use. These have higher power ratings and flow rates. Such pumps cost around $500 to $1,000 or more depending on the type you choose.

  • Installation Cost

When looking at the cost of sump pump installation, one needs to take into consideration the many variations or factors that affect pricing.

In other words, asides from the national average, there’s never a definite sump pump installation amount. At best, you’ll get an average range for installation costs.

The national average cost for sump pump installation is about $1,257. The cost range for such pumps is between $639 and $1,977.  Labor costs take up a substantial part of installation costs which is understandable.

So, example, a typical sump installation procedure may attract labor costs within the $45 to $200 range per hour.

Factors Determining Sump Pump Installation Cost

To have a better grasp of cost, you’ll need to understand cost determining factors.

One of these influencing factors has been mentioned earlier as the sump pump type. Others include your basement material, permits, drainage, and cost of installation.

Let’s further elaborate on these cost-determining factors.

  • Pump Type

Sump pump type impacts on cost. When it comes to the types available, attention is paid to the horsepower rating, the material used in making such pumps (durable materials cost more), and their size.

Other considerations include switch type and backup battery among other things.

All of these add up to the total cost and will be seen in price variations from one sump pump type to the next. You’re left to choose what best serves your needs and budget.

  • Pump Location

Pump location has a lot to do with accessibility. There are installation jobs where the point or area where the pump will be installed may present a challenge reaching it.

This will require making special provisions which might take up much time in addition to creating significant discomfort to technicians.

All of those are transmitted to the cost of the project. You might have to pay more compared to similar installation done within an area that’s readily accessible.

To know whether this will affect your sump pump installation costs or not, you’ll first need to call for assessment of the area.

  • Type of Flooring

Another factor that determines the cost of a sump pump in the basement material. This plays a crucial role in sump pump installation costs.

During sump pump installation, there’s a need to dig through the ground in order to have the sump pit in place. A harder floor will require more labor getting through the concrete layer.

However, job sites with dirt floors tend to be much easier to dig through.

So, it’s logical to expect a lower labor cost for a dirt floor compared to one having concrete. Such will typically attract higher labor costs.

  • Permits

Permits may be necessary for sump pump installation.

Such permits attract fees, and fees vary from one location to another. You’ll need to find out what applies to yours and how it adds up to the final cost of your sump pump.

  • Drainage

What are the drainage requirements of your city?

Some cities require drainages to be at a certain distance from your home. This may require purchasing drainage lines or extension hoses to channel out water. This increases installation costs.

  • Cost of Installation

The average cost of having a sump pump installed starts at around $1,050. Actual installation costs may vary significantly with a minimum cost of $75 and a maximum of around $2,875.

The average cost to install a sump pump and drain tile is between $7,000 and $12,000. You can save money on this if you already have a pump to install.

How much does it cost to replace a sump pump? If already have the pipework and sump pump in place, budget around $500 for a replacement.

$1000 should cover the cost to install a battery backup sump pump ($150 – $200 for the pump itself and $650 for an installation)

  • Geographical Location

Project costs are also impacted by geographical location.

There’s always a difference in the prices of sump pumps based on location. To take advantage of these variations, consider asking for multiple quotes.

How long does it take to install a sump pump? On average, complete installation usually takes around 10 hours.

Are There Ways To Cut Down On Installation Costs?

If you’re working on a tight budget, you might be concerned about how best to cut down on sump pump installation costs. Your best bet is if you’re experienced enough and can have it installed.

Otherwise, it will be necessary to seek professional help.

It’s very important to focus more on getting a perfect installation job done than being hooked on low cost. If you’re good enough, a DIY approach should serve your needs.

You’ll need to be wary of uncertified technicians as these may end up complicating issues.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Sump Pump?

When calling for sump pump replacement, it’s assumed that your pump is damaged beyond repair and needs to make way for a new one.

Using the help of a professional, the average cost will be around $450 with a typical cost range of $300 to $600. A DIY replacement procedure on the other hand may cost around $200 to perform.

In the case of a DIY project, homeowners can avoid extra expenses incurred by labor.

Here, they only need to get the necessary supplies needed for the work. While this may sound attractive to a lot of people, you must have the skills necessary to perform the replacement job.

When a replacement job is shabbily done, it won’t last and will easily develop problems. This may end up requiring further expenses in rectifying the mistakes done.

With this said, let’s proceed to other cost aspects of sump pump installation.

Factors Affecting Sump Pump Replacement Costs

Multiple factors affect sump pump replacement costs.

These include your preferred installation choice (DIY Vs hiring a pro), the replacement location, labor, permit requirements, and the time or duration of the installation.

What more? The type of pump also matters.

What replacement supplies are needed? This question needs to be adequately answered to have an idea of replacement costs. Also important to costing is your location.

All of these factors are put together to give a picture of the cost dynamics of sump pump replacement. With this said, let’s have a brief discussion of each.

  • Preferred Installation Choice

Before a replacement is done, one primary consideration to be made is what installation approach to take. Speaking of the choice of approach, there are two main options; the DIY, and the professional installation option.

These two serve different purposes.

Homeowners who are DIY-inclined are likely to adopt this approach as they find satisfaction in getting things done themselves. The most important benefit derived is cost reduction.

Here, the basic things needed are just the replacement supplies. Labor costs (which are quite substantial) are eliminated.

On the other hand, having a professional carry out your sump pump replacement job might be more costly, but has its many benefits. One of such is a professionally executed job with little to no post-installation issues.

  • Replacement Location

Sump pump replacement location is likely to have an impact on total costs. When it comes to installation and replacements, accessibility is vital.

If the previous sump pump was installed in a difficult-to-reach area such as a crawlspace, then it’s likely that a replacement job will require using or visiting the same spot.

Areas with accessibility issues are likely to attract greater costs than normal. So you shouldn’t be surprised when sump pump replacement fees climb significantly due to accessibility problems.

  • Labor

Labor is a crucial aspect of sump pump replacement costs. Labor typically takes up a significant portion of sump pump replacement costs.

However, it must be said that replacements require far lesser labor than new installations. This is because there will be no need to drill through concrete or dig basement floors to install.

All that’s needed is to have the old sump pump loosened and dislodged for the new one which will sit in its place.

At most, a few adjustments will be made. However, there are times when significant remodeling may be necessary especially when changing the type of pump.

For example, a homeowner may decide to change from a pedestal to a submersible pump. More labor will be expended for such installations as a different system is being replaced.

  • Permit Requirements

Unlike what’s obtainable or common with new sump pump installations, replacements don’t require obtaining permits. This is because no major excavations or plumbing layout are necessary.

  • Duration of Installation

The duration of installation matters. Most technicians or plumbers charge hourly rates for sump pump replacement jobs. As such, the longer they spend on the job, the more likely the cost of the job will be higher.

  • Type of Pump

We earlier mentioned that the type of pump involved can influence replacement costs. Pumps have different capacities and sizes.

So, while some may take a few hours to install, others may take longer due to adjustments being made to replace with a different pump type.

  • Replacement Supplies

Replacement supplies attract a certain amount of costs. However little these are, they still impact overall installation costs.

  • Geographical Location

Your location impacts the cost of sump pump installation due to varying labor costs which are influenced by the living costs within the area.

For instance, the costs of sump replacements in urban centers or cities are likely to be higher compared with those for suburban or rural areas. This is tied to the living costs within such areas.

Why Sump Pump Replacements Cost Less

Unlike in situations where new installations are to be made, sump pump replacements are much cheaper.

The reasons are simple! Sump pump replacements aren’t as complicated. A new pump only needs to be bought and fixed in place. Of course, you’ll need to remove the damaged pump.

Sump replacements are also less technical to handle. As a result, you can have it fixed using a DIY approach.

However, you’ll need to know exactly what you’re doing to get the job done correctly.

  • You’ll Need to Know When to Replace

Sump pump replacement is only necessary when the current one is damaged beyond repair.

Another possible cause for replacement is when the issues with your sump pump become too frequent. Identifying certain signs helps you take action.

The most common of these include electrical faults as well as noise.

These aren’t normal conditions and need to be probed further. In the case of electrical faults, you’re likely to find your sump pump not working despite all other electrical outlets functioning.

Noise is another pointer to the likelihood of an issue with your sump pump. When noise is heard, it’s necessary to find solutions to it. However, when it persists, a new sump pump will be necessary.

Sump Pump Replacement Vs New Installation Costs

To have a better understanding of sump pump replacement costs, you’ll need to make a side-by-side comparison with a new installation.

Due to the nature of the project, sump pump replacements aren’t as demanding as new installations. It should take an experienced plumber anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to complete the installation work.

New installations on the other hand will require new electrical fittings, laying of plumbing pipes, installation of sump basins as well as digging of drainage systems among others.

Job completion might take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours or might even take a day or two.

Of course, this will reflect in the cost of installation. You’re likely to attract a much lower fee for sump pump replacements, against typically higher fees for new installations.

This understanding gives you a better idea of how to proceed in achieving your desired goals.

Conclusion

Every sump pump comes with an operational lifespan after which it tends to become increasingly problematic.

Fixing or repairing such pumps won’t do a lot to help as they’re likely to break down frequently. The best solution for such is to have them replaced.

This is our focus here. Above, you’ll find all the basic installation and replacement cost information. In many respects, the terms “installation” and “replacement” are similar and can be used interchangeably.

We have highlighted any key differences when the need arises.

The above factors will largely determine the cost of sump pumps. Your peculiar need will have to be guided by what’s obtainable. It all boils down to what decision(s) you make.

Here, we’ve been able to provide you with tips to enable you to make better choices.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *