How Much Does a Sewer Ejector Pump Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,500 - $3,500
Installing a sewer ejector pump costs about $2,500 on average. Costs may range to over to over $6,500 for a high-capacity and powerful grinder pump installed by a professional.
Installing a sewer ejector pump costs $2,500 on average. Costs range from $100 for a low-capacity plastic pump that you install yourself (although this is one home improvement project that’s best left to the pros) to over $6,500 for a high-capacity and powerful grinder pump installed by a professional.
If you want to install a washing machine in the basement or build a guest bathroom down there, you’ll need a sewer ejector pump to defy the laws of gravity by directing wastewater up toward the sewer main line of your home.
- Average
- $2,500
- Low end
- $100
- high end
- $6,500
Sewer Ejector Pump Cost Breakdown
The average new sewer ejector pump costs around $2,500 for the pump and installation. You can find sewer ejector pumps at different prices, primarily based on what materials they are made from and their capacity.
Pump Type
A standard sewer ejector pump itself costs around $100 to $2,150, but you may have other options, depending on your property and your household’s needs. If your home isn’t on a septic system, you may want a more powerful grinder pump. If you’re concerned about rainstorms and flooding, a sump pump may be right for you. You can also install a backup pump to keep your system running smoothly, even when the power goes out.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Sewer ejector pump | $100–$2,150 |
| Backup pump | $600–$1,200 |
| Sump pump | $100–$3,500 |
| Grinder pump | $1,000–$6,500 |
Capacity
A sewer ejector pump’s capacity is typically measured by gallons per hour (GPH) and maximum flow rate, or horsepower. The sewer line sits at a certain elevation, and the sewer ejector pump needs to have enough capacity and horsepower to pump solid waste and wastewater up to the sewer line. The average home, which is around 2,385 square feet, needs about 1/2 horsepower and 5,000 GPH maximum capacity, but you should consult with a pro to decide which size is best for your needs.
| Capacity (GPH) | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| 3,000 | $200–$250 |
| 4,500 | $300–$350 |
| 5,400 | $400–$500 |
| 6,600 | $800–$850 |
| 7,200 | $850–$1,200 |
| 11,400 | $1,500–$2,000 |
*Not including labor.
Material
Sewer ejector pump costs also vary by material. While plastic ejector pumps tend to cost the least, they are also not as durable as other materials, like cast iron. Stainless steel and cast iron are more expensive options but are usually longer-lasting. To strike a balance between budget and longevity, some people opt for a combination plastic and cast iron model.
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Plastic | $150–$500 |
| Plastic/cast iron | $200–$700 |
| Full cast iron | $200–$2,000 |
| Stainless steel | $250–$850 |
Labor
Installing a sewer ejector pump costs about $650 to $2,500 total, or you may be charged an hourly rate of $50 to $200. It takes several hours to install a sewer ejector pump, so plan about 10 hours of working time, which could span multiple days. Replacing an existing pump usually costs up to $1,200, but installing a new pump and corresponding pipes will cost closer to $2,500 plus the cost of parts.
Sewer Ejector Pump Cost by Pump Type
The type of wastewater management device you purchase depends primarily on what you need this kind of tool for. If flooding from storms is your biggest concern, you might need a sump pump. For homes in areas vulnerable to power outages, you might want to buy an ejector pump and a backup pump. If you’re looking for a particularly powerful ejector pump, a grinder pump could be the answer.
Sewage Ejector Pump
A sewage ejector pump costs about $100 to $2,150 for parts and labor, depending on what capacity you need and what material you choose. A standard sewage ejector pump is responsible for directing sewage and wastewater from a basement up toward the sewer main line or toward the septic tank for homes that have septic systems.
Battery-Operated Backup Pump
A backup ejector pump costs about $600 to $1,200 for the pump and installation. Sewer ejector pumps and similar devices, like sump pumps, don’t work when the power goes out. So if your area is prone to storms or rolling blackouts during heatwaves, it can be worth the additional cost to have a backup system.
Submersible Sump Pump
A submersible sump pump costs anywhere from around $100 to $3,500 for the sump pump and professional installation. While a sewage ejector pump is meant to handle wastewater from appliances and plumbing in the home, the sump pump instead manages outside water to keep it from flooding into your house.
Grinder Pump
A grinder pump costs about $2,000 to $4,000 for the parts and labor. This is a powerful type of waste management tool that grinds up or shreds the waste before the waste continues on through the main sewer line and to the municipal sewer system. A grinder pump is commonly needed when the home sits at a lower altitude than the main sewer line. Unlike a sewer ejector pump, the grinder pump isn’t a great choice for homes with septic systems because it can grind the waste too much for the septic system to filter it out before it goes out to the leach field.
Sewer Ejector Pump Ongoing Costs
Running a sewer ejector pump comes with some regular, ongoing costs to budget for. From monthly utility prices for running the device to the cost of keeping it clean, here’s what you can expect to spend to operate, maintain, and repair your sewer ejector pump.
Maintenance
Sewer ejector pumps are fairly easy to maintain with an annual inspection/cleaning service, which costs about $100 to $150 per year. If you have a septic system, you can also expect to spend about $175 to $600 every few years for the cost to pump the septic tank. Failing to schedule these professional services can cause sewage and wastewater to back up into the bathtub or basement drains in your home, or the wastewater can flood into your yard.
Operating Costs
Running a sump pump will add about $30 to $60 to your monthly utility bills, totaling about $360 to $720 per year.
Repairs
If the pump is installed incorrectly or becomes clogged with items that shouldn’t be flushed or poured down the drain, you may have to pay for repairs. Expect to spend about $50 to $200 for a plumber or sewer line specialist to repair the pump or plumbing.
If the pump clogs or breaks, you may also have to pay $1,300 to $5,000 on sewer line replacement costs. That’s why it’s important to only flush human waste and toilet paper and to make sure to install a sewer ejector pump with the proper maximum capacity for your household’s needs.
DIY Sewer Ejector Pump Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’re replacing an existing sewer ejector pump, you could save about $650 to $2,500 in labor. However, you have to meet building codes, which are required for safety and sanitation. If anything goes wrong with the installation, it can cause smelly and toxic sewage to back up into your home’s drains. This is not only expensive to fix, but it also puts you at risk of some unpleasant illnesses if you are exposed to raw sewage.
Keep in mind that installing a new sewer ejector pump can take up to 10 hours even for an expert, and it may require some special tools to open the concrete slab for the sewer ejector pump and refill the area with concrete. Not to mention, you’d need some serious plumbing skills to install new pipes.
Instead, the safest and most efficient option is to hire a local sewer service. These pros will ensure your sewer ejector pump is installed correctly and will even help you decide which type and capacity is right for your needs.
Cost of Common Add-Ons
Whether you’re considering a new sewer ejector pump or you’re planning to replace one that’s worn out, there are other projects that might be time- and money-saving to take on at the same time.
Septic tank pumping cost: $250–$1,250
Plumbing inspection cost: $100–$1,400
Basement refinishing cost: $15,000–$75,000
Septic system cost: $3,500–$11,700
Tips to Reduce the Cost of a Sewer Ejector Pump
A sewer ejector pump is an important part of any home, especially if you plan to install any appliances, like laundry machines, or an extra bathroom in your basement. Although this is a worthwhile investment, you can still save on some of the costs of a new or replacement sewer ejector pump with a few key tips:
Consider material: Although steel and cast iron pumps cost more upfront, they have longer life spans than plastic pumps. This could save you money in the long run.
Choose the pump: Rather than buying a pump through the installer, you may be able to save by purchasing a pump yourself, then hiring a pro to install your chosen product.
Keep up with maintenance: Save yourself time and money on frequent sewer ejector pump replacements by maintaining the pump with annual inspections and cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a couple of similar alternatives you may consider for a sewage ejector pump, including a grinder pump or a submersible sump pump. Submersible sump pumps protect your home from flooding from outside water, though, rather than handling wastewater from inside. A grinder pump macerates, or shreds, solid waste before pumping it onward to the sewer line.
A residential sewer ejector pump will last about 5 to 10 years, while a commercial sewer ejector pump should last about 5 to 15 years. If you keep up with annual inspections and cleanings, your sewer ejector pump could last up to 30 years. It’s also important to hire a skilled sewer company to install the sewer ejector pump, as improper installation will shorten the life span of the pump.
Sewer ejector pumps need to be cleaned at least once a year by a professional. You shouldn’t attempt to clean it yourself because it can release sewer gasses that are toxic to humans and can be fatal. But to keep the system as clean as possible between professional inspection and cleaning services, be sure to only flush human waste and toilet paper. Avoid flushing items that can clog the system, like paper towels, grease, oil, or menstruation products.