How Much Does an Ejector Pump Replacement Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $850 - $3,500
Ejector pump replacement costs average around $2,300, but can increase depending on the pump material and type.
If your ejector pump is making strange noises, cycling constantly, or you’re finding dirty water in your bathroom or washing machine, chances are you need a new sewer ejector pump. The average cost of an ejector pump replacement is $2,300, with prices ranging from $850 to $3,500, including labor and parts. Costs depend mainly on the type of pump you have, its size, and its material. Learn more about how much it costs to replace an ejector pump and what factors will impact the price.
- Average
- $2,300
- Low end
- $630
- high end
- $4,300
Ejector Pump Replacement Cost Factors
If you’re experiencing irreparable issues with your sewage ejector pump, it’s best to get it replaced as soon as possible. Here are some cost factors to consider when looking into swapping out your old or damaged ejector pump for a new one.
Material
Ejector pumps are constructed from a variety of materials, all of which play a big part in how much they cost. Ejector pumps can cost anywhere from $150 for a wallet-friendly plastic model to $2,000 for a top-of-the-line cast-iron unit. When deciding on a new ejector pump, choose one that is most suitable for your needs and budget.
| Pump Material | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | $325 | $150 – $500 |
| Plastic & cast iron | $440 | $180 – $700 |
| Stainless steel | $525 | $200 – $850 |
| Cast iron | $1,100 | $200 – $2,000 |
Capacity
The size or capacity also factors greatly in the cost of a septic pump replacement. A sewer ejector pump’s capacity relates to the rate at which it moves water and waste and how far it takes to move them. In other words, the higher the gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH) required, the more expensive the pump will be.
How far your plumbing is located below your sewer line will determine the horsepower (hp) you need in an ejector pump. Most residential homes require an ejector pump with 1/2 hp. If you’re located further below a municipal sewer line, you’ll need a pump with higher hp.
| Gallons Per Minute | Gallons Per Hour | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 3,000 | $200 |
| 75 | 4,500 | $325 |
| 90 | 5,400 | $425 |
| 110 | 6,600 | $700 |
| 190 | 11,400 | $1,750 |
Type
When it comes to sewer ejector pumps, there are two main types: standard sewage ejector pump and a sewage grinder pump. Both have the same purpose in that they help remove solid waste and gray water from your home. However, a grinder pump is more powerful and is designed to grind up solid waste before it’s passed into the sewer line. This feature makes a grinder pump more expensive than a sewage ejector pump, with costs ranging between $1,000 and $2,500 for the unit alone. Grinder pump replacement costs average from $2,000 to $4,000 for labor and installation.
Labor
Replacing a sewer ejector pump requires the services of a plumber or septic tank repair professional near you. Installation costs vary depending on the size and type of your tank and the complexity of the job.
Standard ejector tank installation costs from $650 to $1,200. More complex fixes, such as the replacement of the entire ejector pump system, including digging a new pit and replacement of a sewer line cost considerably higher between $2,500 and $3,100.
Ejector Pump Ongoing Expenses
Once you’ve successfully replaced your ejector pump, it’s likely you’ll face the occasional ongoing expense. Here are some common factors to consider to keep your ejector pump and overall sewer system flowing smoothly:
Maintenance
Regular upkeep is key to maintaining a properly functioning sewer ejector pump. If you’re handy, there are things you can do yourself like checking the oil, checking the pump’s seals to make sure they’re not leaking, and cleaning the pump’s vents. It’s also a good idea to have a plumber inspect your pump system at least once per year. This type of inspection costs $100 to $200, on average.
Repairs
If you notice signs of a clogged sewer line such as stinky smells and slow-flushing toilets, your ejector pump may need repairing. Common repairs include fixing a damaged pump impeller—the part of the pump that moves wastewater from the home—or an impaired motor. Labor costs for repairs, if done by a plumber, range from $45 to $200 per hour.
Operation
Operating costs for your ejector pump vary depending on the price of utilities, your pump’s capacity, and how much wastewater and solids your pump has to handle. Expect to spend from $30 to $60 per month.
DIY Ejector Pump Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro
Unless you’re experienced with replacing sewer ejector pumps and have successfully done so before, experts highly recommend you leave this task to the professionals. Without the expertise of a certified plumber or sewer specialist to handle the job, you risk damaging your sewer line and, not to mention, a costly, unpleasant mess. An incorrectly installed ejector pump can lead to sewage backups in your system, overflows, and potentially replacing your sewer line.
Costs of Common Ejector Pump Add-Ons
In addition to replacing and installing a new ejector pump, there are a few other add-ons to consider to help with its day-to-day operation.
Cleaning
Keeping your ejector pump and septic tank clean is vital to their overall maintenance. Costs to pump your sewage tank range from $290 to $550. Snaking your sewer line costs from $150 to $500.
Power Supply
Need more circuits to support your ejector pump? Consider adding a power subpanel. Prices vary between $400 and $1,500.
Backup Pump
It’s not unusual for homeowners to ensure extra peace of mind with a backup ejector pump, especially if you live in an area with a high volume of brownouts or blackouts. Consider installing a battery-powered backup pump, which costs $600 on average.
How You Can Save Money
There are several things you can do to help keep the costs down when replacing a sewer ejector pump:
Check the switch: A failing ejector pump could be due to nothing more than a bad switch. You can replace this yourself for around $20.
Watch what you flush: Avoid flushing things that could put extra strain on your ejector pump. Solid objects, paper towels, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene pads are all common culprits of clogged sewer drains.
Shop around: When looking for a local plumber or sewer repair specialist, do a little price comparison. Labor costs vary according to different companies, so get a few quotes before deciding on the best one for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
The difference between an ejector pump and a sump pump lies in their purpose and design—an ejector pump functions to remove liquid gray water and soft solid sewage waste from your home. If you have a laundry room or bathroom in your basement, an ejector pump for your sewage tank prevents sewage from backing up in your washing machine or bathroom’s drains.
A sump pump is designed to remove excess groundwater that may enter your home, either due to flooding or periods of heavy rain.
You will need an ejector pump if your plumbing is below the level of your municipal sewer line. Regular plumbing moves wastewater via gravity, whereas plumbing located below grade can’t rely on gravity to move sewage waste. An ejector pump is needed to provide extra movement to push sewage and wastewater through the pipes. Otherwise, gravity will cause a sewage overflow to occur.
With regular maintenance and proper upkeep, your ejector pump can last for 30 years or longer. However, that is the best-case scenario and requires annual plumbing inspections and pristine usage. With daily wear and tear, ejector pumps generally have a lifespan of seven to 10 years, on average.