How Much Does Sump Pump Installation Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,200 - $2,500
The average cost of sump pump installation ranges from $1,200 to $2,500, with a national average of $1,500. The location of your sump pump makes a big difference in cost.
If your home is at risk of flooding, a sump pump is essential. It protects your home from water damage and provides you with much-needed peace of mind. Installing a new sump pump typically costs $1,200 to $2,500, with an average cost of around $1,500, depending on factors like type, location, and whether or not you hire a pro. These systems have the critical job of collecting rainwater and diverting it to a safe area, like a basin or storm drain. We break down the costs, so you can budget accordingly and get the ball rolling on your sump pump installation.
- Average
- $1,500
- Low end
- $800
- high end
- $4,000
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Sump Pump With Labor?
The cost to install and run a sump pump varies depending on the type of sump pump you have. For example, pedestal sump pumps cost around $60 to $170, while submersible pumps can cost anywhere from $100 to $400. Additionally, submersible sump pumps take longer to install. Sump pump installation pros typically charge $45 to $200 per hour, so you'll also want to factor in labor costs when budgeting for a sump pump installation.
| Cost Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| New unit | $60 – $400 |
| Labor (per hour) | $45 – $200 |
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Sump Pump by Location in Your Home?
The right location can make the difference between a dry space and expensive water damage. If needed, a pro should install a sump pump at the lowest point in your house to collect all of your home's water flow—doing so pulls the water away from your foundation and prevents flooding. The cost of installing a sump pump varies by location in your home.
| Sump Pump Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crawl space | $3,900 |
| Basement | $1,200 |
| Outdoors | $1,220 |
Crawl Space Sump Pump Installation Cost
Many crawl spaces are only about one to three feet tall. This space constraint makes installation difficult because installers often have to use hand tools rather than full-sized digging equipment to access the space. They also can't move around as freely, which can further extend installation times. It costs around $3,900 to install a sump pump in a crawl space.
Basement Sump Pump Installation Cost
It's typically easier to install a sump pump in the basement rather than a crawl space since installers can comfortably stand and use full-sized tools to do the job. It usually costs around $640 to $1,900 to install a basement sump pump, but costs can reach as high as $4,000 if plumbing issues crop up, or your pro encounters a difficult floor to dig through.
Outdoor Sump Pump Installation Cost
If your yard is prone to flooding, then you can install a sump pump outside. For this, you'll need a submersible pump that can work in hot and cold temperatures. The average cost to install a sump pump outside is $1,220.
How Much Do Sump Pumps Cost by Type?
The type of sump pump you have affects the overall cost of installing it.
| Sump Pump Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Submersible | $100 – $400 |
| Pedestal | $60 – $170 |
| Reverse | $100 – $400 |
| With battery backup | $100 – $1,000 |
Submersible Sump Pump Costs
Submersible sump pumps usually feature a three-quarter horsepower motor that can remove up to 60 gallons of water per minute. They're more powerful than pedestal sump pumps, which makes them the preferred option for areas that flood often. They're also quieter than pedestal pumps, but they cost more to install and repair. Submersible pumps typically cost around $100 to $400 per unit.
Pedestal Sump Pump Costs
Pedestal sump pumps come with a one-third to one-half horsepower motor that can remove up to 35 gallons of water per minute. These pumps work well for areas that only experience mild flooding since they pack less power than submersible pumps. They're also more prone to clogging and louder than submersible pumps, but they're easier and less expensive to service. Pedestal pumps usually cost $60 to $170 per unit.
Sump Pump Features To Consider
Depending on where you live, you might want a sump pump with additional features, like a battery backup or alarm, which prove particularly helpful in areas at high risk of flooding.
Sump Pumps With Battery Backups
If you live in an area prone to flooding or power outages, you might want to invest in a sump pump with a battery backup. A battery backup can help protect your home from flooding when your power goes out because the battery works independently of your home's electrical system. Sump pump battery backups cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending on size, type, and capacity.
“They also make pumps that use incoming water pressure to turn the turbines and make them work,” says Joseph Wood, Expert Review Board member and Boston-based Master Plumber. “Just keep in mind that they’ll work at a reduced rate during a power outage.”
Sump Pumps With Alarms
Some sump pumps come with alarms that alert you when there's more water than your pump can handle—including WiFi-enabled units that will alert you on mobile devices. These alarms are ideal for regions that experience a lot of rain and flooding. They give you a heads-up before your pump stops working. Submersible sump pumps often have alarms.
Reserve Sump Pumps
Homeowners in areas that experience heavy flooding should also consider investing in a reserve sump pump. If water overpowers your primary pump, you can turn on your reserve pump to help with the overload. You can purchase a reserve pump for around $100 to $400.
What Factors Influence the Cost To Install a Sump Pump?
Several key factors affect the cost of installing a sump pump.
Battery Backups
Battery backups are great for people who live in regions that experience frequent power outages. Sump pumps with battery backups cost an average of $1,220 to install. A combination unit that runs on municipal water pressure can cost $100 to $200 more to install because it needs to connect to your home’s water supply. If your home relies on well water with an electrical pump, a water-powered backup pump won’t work during a power outage.
Concrete Flooring
Your home's flooring can significantly affect your sump pump installation costs. Concrete flooring is usually the most expensive part of the installation since installers need to jackhammer through the floor to create space for the reservoir. If you have concrete floors, you can expect to pay an additional $2,000 to $3,000 for installation compared to a gravel or dirt substrate.
Installation Location
You should install pumps in the lowest area of your house, which could be your basement or a more hard-to-reach area, like a crawl space. If it's difficult for installers to access the area, you'll face higher installation costs. Complicated plumbing at the installation site can also increase costs.
Labor Costs
If you hire a professional to install your sump pump, you'll need to pay labor costs in addition to the cost of the pump. Installers usually charge around $45 to $200 per hour, and new sump pump installs typically take two to four hours to complete.
DIY vs. Hire a Pro?
Installing a sump pump yourself will save you money on labor costs, but it's a tricky undertaking that can result in significant flooding and water damage if not executed correctly. For that reason, we don't recommend installing a pump yourself unless you know exactly where to put it, how to hook it up, and how to troubleshoot any potential installation problems.
If you're not well-versed in all things sump pumps, then look for sump pump installation services near you to find a pro to take on the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
A small sump pump running infrequently uses an average of 10 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month. The average cost for electricity is $0.171 per kWh. The size and use frequency affect how much electricity it uses. Sump pumps average one-third to one horsepower (hp) motors. One hp is equal to 745.7 watts. Watts multiplied by the time your pump is running divided by 1,000 equals your average kWh. Multiply kWh by your average cost of electricity. In areas with high rain or a marsh basin, the average cost can be as high as $15-$25 a month.
Sump pump replacement costs are lower than installing a sump pump in a new location. Installation times are shorter for replacements since installers don't usually need to drill or dig new holes and any required plumbing and electrical are already in place. It typically costs $300 to $750 to replace one.
If you notice any new sump pump noises, such as persistent clanging or gurgling, then you likely have a sump pump problem on your hands. Foul odors coming from the pump can also indicate problems. Additionally, if your unit turns on but doesn't pump water, you might have to address electrical problems. In any of these cases, it's a good idea to hire a professional to address the issue.
Some sump pumps are powered by water rather than electricity. Water-powered sump pumps generally use one gallon of city water to pump out two gallons of water from its basin. Therefore, if you're looking at a potential 10,000-gallon flood, your sump pump will need to use 5,000 gallons of city water to prevent it.
Pedestal sump pumps last for 20 to 25 years, while submersible pumps last five to 15 years. However, a manufacturer's warranty can give you an idea of how long your sump pump will last. Typically, smaller parts start to break down within two years of the end of the warranty. Most home insurance policies will not cover water damage if the appliance (sump pump, hot water tank) is passed the recommended replacement date.
Not everyone needs a sump pump. They're best for homes susceptible to flooding in the event of light to moderate rain, fast-thaw snow, or near an estuary where the water table is prone to fluctuation. If your home is at low risk for flooding, you probably don't need to worry about installing a sump pump.