A sump pump battery backup costs $900 on average, but prices often range from $600 to $1,200 depending on the pump type and professional labor costs in your area.
The average cost of a sump pump backup battery comes out to $900. However, the price can range from as little as $300 to as much as $1,800, depending on the type of backup system you select. A battery backup system is highly beneficial for people with homes in areas that have frequent power outages, as it will power your sump pump, even if your electricity fails. Dive into the different types of battery systems and cost factors to back up your battery budget as well as your sump pump.
The cost of a backup battery for your sump pump may seem expensive, but you can budget for it by figuring out the type of battery, pumping capacity, package features, material type, and the labor costs needed to install it.
There are a few different types of batteries to choose from when purchasing a sump pump battery backup. AGM, or absorbent glass mat, batteries come in standard or deep-cycle designs.
| Battery Type | Average Cost | Average Life Span |
|---|---|---|
| Standard design | $100–$200 | 3–5 years |
| Deep-cycle design | $200–$400 | 10+ years |
A standard lead-acid battery is often less expensive and offers a high amount of electricity. However, they don’t last as long as deep-cycle batteries. The more expensive deep-cycle or marine batteries have a longer run time which is great during long power outages. With proper maintenance, these batteries can last for 10 or more years.
Depending on your home’s requirements, you’ll need to choose between a high-capacity or low-capacity backup.
| Pumping Capacity | Average Cost | Gallons Pumped per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Low capacity | $200–$400 | 1,000 |
| High capacity | $400+ | 2,200 |
A low-capacity backup is more cost-efficient, however, it can only pump up to 1,000 gallons per hour. A high-capacity backup is more costly but offers a higher pumping capacity, which means it’s faster at removing water from the area.
Depending on the sump pump backup system you buy, there may be some additional parts you’ll still need to purchase. Some systems do not include the battery, which can cost between $120 to $200 when purchased separately. The initial package doesn’t usually include a discharge pipe or a check valve either, which can cost between $10 to $40.
| System Part | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Battery | $120–$200 |
| Discharge pipe | $10–$50 |
| Check valve | $10–$40 |
A battery backup for your sump pump can be made from cast iron, stainless steel, or plastic. The more durable materials often have a higher price point, but they can withstand more severe conditions and have a longer life span.
| Cast Iron | Stainless Steel | Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| $100–$2,600 | $200–$600 | $50–$500 |
| Long life span | Medium life span | Short life span |
| High durability | Medium durability | Low durability |
A cast-iron backup system is the most durable and can outlast severe weather conditions. A stainless steel system is also highly durable and corrosion-resistant. A plastic system has the lowest cost, the shortest life span, and less durability.
When hiring a local sump pump pro to install your system, expect to pay between $45 to $200 an hour. Due to the complexity of a battery backup sump pump system, it can often cost more to install than a system without a battery backup.
The total cost often ranges from $640 to $2,000, with the average coming out to $1,220.
It’s important to keep up with annual maintenance for your sump pump to ensure everything is working correctly. Technicians will inspect the parts to make sure they’re working, unplug and clean the unit, and test the unit as a whole.
If they find any issues with your sump pump, you can expect to pay:
$250 for the maintenance checkup
$500 on average for repairs
Between $310 to $750 to replace a sump pump if it needs major repairs
Choosing to install a battery backup for a sump pump yourself can save you some money. You’ll need to purchase the required parts for the backup system, along with some basic tools including a screwdriver, handsaw, and utility knife. The total cost of installing the system yourself will range between $160 to $600, and you’ll need to set aside about half a day to install it.
While completing the installation yourself can save you money, it will require you to work with electrical systems. If you don’t have knowledge of these systems, consider hiring a local sump pump installer to do it for you. They’ll be able to tackle any electrical issues and ensure everything is working properly.
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Start by calling a plumber if you want to install a sump pump battery backup. Talk to them about your situation and needs. Sometimes, electricians or waterproofing contractors will install a battery backup, and in that case, the plumber you call should be able to point you in the right direction.
If you live in an area that has frequent power outages, it’s a good idea to install a sump pump battery backup. A sump pump requires electricity to move water out of the home. The battery backup will ensure that your sump pump has a supply of electricity, even if the power is out.
A sump pump battery backup can typically run for 6 to 24 hours. The factors that affect its runtime include the battery capacity and pump usage.
When purchasing your backup system, take these factors into consideration to determine which system is best for your home. If you live in an area with frequent and long-lasting power outages, consider a longer-lasting backup battery.
Yes, you can add a battery to your existing sump pump. There are batteries available that can be plugged into your existing system; however, most battery backups come as a complete system and act as a replacement for your existing sump pump.
