On average it costs around $200 nationwide to install a standard sump pump, not including the pump itself. Labor and material costs may go up to $450 in older homes with galvanized lines or if the existing pit has a sealed lid and radon pipes. If the plumber needs to dig or reroute electrical lines, labor and material costs can jump to $1000 or more.On top of labor and material costs, youll have to pay for a new sump pump. If youve got a broken pump, youll probably just have to replace it most plumbers wont troubleshoot a faulty pump. So lets dig in and figure out what kind of sump pump you should get and what its going to cost you.
You can choose from two kinds of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible.Submersible sump pumps sit underground in the (charmingly named) sump pit and dont have any moving parts above the basement floor. Pedestal pumps have a motor above-ground with a hose that runs down into the pit. The hose has a float switch to track the water level.Both submersible and pedestal pumps are an effective way to remove water from your basement. Pedestal sump pumps last longer, since theyre easier to service and clean and the motor isnt near water. But submersible pumps are quieter, out of the way and arent as prone to clogging.Most â Â-horsepower sump pumps can pump over 200 gallons of water per minute. But if you have a lot of water problems and basement flooding, you may need a ý- or þ-horsepower pump. Higher-powered pumps often come with a battery backup and can get pretty expensive. You may also want to get an extra backup sump pump in case the first one fails and you know youll be facing a lot of basement water problems.
| Sump pump options | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Pedestal sump pump | $70$400 |
| Submersible sump pump | $140-300 |
Most people buy their new sump pump through their plumber. You can buy one yourself and potentially save some money, but its usually more convenient to buy through your plumber and go with their recommendation. Youll also get their warranty.
Labor costs for a sump pump installation can be as low as $200 for a simple pump replacement to thousands of dollars if you need a new sump pit.By far the biggest impact on labor costs is digging. If a crew has to come in, break up your concrete floor with an electric jackhammer, excavate a hole in your basement, line the pit, then install the sump pump, youll almost certainly be paying more than $1000 and potentially up to $5000. This is not a minor home improvement project.Prices also vary based on whether you just need the pump replaced or the whole sump pump system, where the pit is located and if theres power nearby. Your existing check valve, electrical lines and piping can also affect costs: will they need to be repaired, replaced or moved? If they cant be re-used, youll be looking at a higher price tag.The good news is that most plumbers wont charge for the initial consultation and estimate, so you can get an idea of your options and their costs before you commit.
Beyond the sump pump itself, installations in most home basements require 1 ý-inch PVC pipe and a check valve. That usually costs around $50. A check valve sits on the outside of the pump along the discharge pipe and keeps water from draining back into the sump. It also keeps debris and pests out.Some older homes may have 1 ü-inch or 1 ý-inch galvanized lines, which will add another $100 on average in additional material costs.
Just switching out an old pump for a new one takes an hour or less. But if theres any digging required or electrical has to be moved, your plumber may be in your basement all day.
A sump pump removes excess water thats collected under your home because of leaks, external irrigation, drainage issues or upward seepage from ground water. Removing water from a wet basement prevents long-term foundation problems like cracks and fissures. It also keeps things from getting moldy.The 'sump' is the lowest point in a basement. Water runs down to this basin and is captured there. A sump pump is an electric mechanism that pumps the collected water out of the sump basin and safely out of the house.
Radon is a poisonous gas that can seep into your home from the water and soil around your house. It gets in through cracks in your concrete foundation wall, from the dirt under your sump pit, or through rim joists, trim, and other narrow openings in your basement. It can then get trapped and collect inside your home, where it puts you at serious risk of lung cancer.In areas with a lot of radon, building codes generally require radon mitigation systems. That usually means completely sealing the lid and adding a special sealed discharge pipe to keep any gas from escaping and rising into your home.If you already have a radon mitigation system in place, repairs and sump pump installation can get more expensive. Sealed sump pump lids usually have an inspection plug that can be used for routine cleaning and maintenance, but to fix the sump pump your plumber may need to remove the entire cover, replace all the parts and discharge piping, then reseal everything after theyre done. That means more time, material and labor costs you can expect your plumbers estimate to rise to around $400, not including the pump itself.