How much does sump pump installation cost?

Depending on the type of sump pump you need, buying a unit from a retailer can cost as little as $50 to over $2,000.

There are two types of sump pumps — primary and battery backup — that are important in keeping your home and possessions safe. Primary units operate using electricity, while battery backups can operate during power outages to ensure safety in all scenarios. In addition, these pumps come in two designs: submersible and pedestal. 

Without a sump pump, a basement may be unable to drain water from storms, spring thaws, burst pipes and seepage. These units are a proactive measure. To avoid damage, purchase a unit before a flood emergency. Both submersible and pedestal designs work best when they automatically turn on after detecting high water. A non-automatic sump pump requires you to activate it manually.

Both submersible and pedestal pump systems have pros and cons, but the decision will depend on your sump pit size, budget and power available.

Remember: On top of the cost of the pump itself will be the cost of installation. A plumber will need to install the pump, drain, discharge line and pipe (likely a PVC pipe) and any additional plumbing as necessary.

Submersible sump pump pricing

Home improvement retailers sell submersible sump pumps ranging in price from around $50 to $2,100. This includes a wide range of different brands and styles, including pre-assembled systems and others with a backup battery and turnkey operation.

A submersible pump is placed below the waterline at the bottom of your basement’s sump pit. Because of this, a submersible unit requires a larger sump pit to fit. Still, there are several benefits to a submersible sump pump, one of the main ones being that it operates more quietly because it’s underwater. This is particularly good for a homeowner who spends time in their basement. 

The main drawback of submersible pumps is that they are typically more expensive than pedestal pumps. But if you need to pump water a greater vertical distance to reach the drainage system pipe, installing a higher-horsepower submersible pump as your primary unit is the right choice.

Pedestal sump pump pricing

Pedestal sump pumps cost approximately $75 to $240 at retailers. They may be less powerful than their submersible cousins, but there are many situations in which they’re the right choice. For example, if your sump pit is too narrow or is not deep enough to accommodate a submersible unit, a pedestal sump pump might be the way to go. 

The pedestal pump’s motor rests above the waterline, and therefore is louder than a submersible unit and can take up more space. However, a high-quality pedestal unit is still a reliable choice for homeowners. On average, it lasts two to five times as long as submersible units, according to the Basement Health Association. 

Another benefit is that sump pump maintenance is easier on a pedestal unit. Because it is easily accessed and doesn’t need to be pulled up from underwater, it's more convenient for a pro to fix a pedestal pump sump than a submersible unit.

Related content: How much do plumbing services cost?

Battery backup sump pumps

Without electricity, a sump pump is useless — that’s why owning a battery backup sump pump is crucial for protecting your basement from flood damage. This is especially important because power outages often occur during heavy rain or severe winter storms (for example, if you don’t have a reliable full-home generator, you will need a backup unit).

Some retailers also sell pumps that have primary and backup capabilities. This may save you money on the overall cost and provide more convenient installation.

Another backup option is a water-powered backup sump unit, which runs on your municipal water supply pressure and doesn’t require electricity. 

While the type of pump is a major cost factor, there are other considerations to account for in estimating your sump pump installation cost. For example:

• Do you need to dig to install the pump? If so, this may require equipment and expertise that can add cost to your project.
• What type of floor do you have? If you have a gravel floor, good news — this is a fairly trivial task. However, if your basement has a concrete floor, the pro will need to use stronger tools to break through. This means additional equipment rental, a higher cleanup cost and more hours of labor. 
• Is it easy to access the sump pit site? The sump pit needs to be located in your basement or crawlspace to ensure water will flow into it in the event of basement flooding. If this is in a cramped area, has a low ceiling or is surrounded by mechanical units like HVAC systems, the installation costs could go up.
• What are the labor rates in your area? Labor (and materials) are more expensive in certain parts of the country compared with others. If you live in a high-income area like a large city, you may pay more for sump pump installation than if you live in a rural area.

When you’re contacting sump pump installation pros, ask them to explain the cost factors involved in your project.

Not sure if you really need to spend the money to install a sump pump in your home? Keep an eye out for these signs:

• You live in an area that experiences flooding. If your home has a basement or crawl space, and your area tends to experience flooding, consider getting a sump pump. You could save yourself a lot of money in potential water damage restoration costs.
• It starts to make unusual noises. A sump pump may be audible, but it should be predictable. If you notice excessive noise, there could be a motor or impeller problem that requires repairs or a replacement unit.
• It doesn't activate. Something is probably wrong with the float switch. If it’s irreparable, you’ll likely need a brand new sump pump.
• It runs too often. If there’s a switch problem or the float is stuck, the sump pump could run excessively. The problem could also stem from the pump being too small or underpowered.
• It’s vibrating excessively. If the pump sucks up hard objects like gravel, the impeller can get damaged and off-balance. This will cause the entire unit to vibrate and wobble, which can cause the pump to fail eventually. 
• There’s rust. If you notice rust, you may need repairs, new parts or a replacement unit. 
• It’s old. If the unit is more than seven years old, you may need someone to replace it.

To save money on future repairs, make sure you maintain your pump sump. For example, test it before the rainy seasons. It’s important to regularly test the sump pump between storms to ensure it’s working correctly to handle a potential flood. 

Make sure the unit turns on, there's nothing clogging the valve and there's nothing in the discharge pipe. Also, check to see if there is any debris in the pit. 

If you need help maintaining, cleaning or troubleshooting your pump, contact sump pump repair professionals near you.

The best way to find a sump pump installer in your area is by searching for plumbers or waterproofing contractors in your area. Go online to read their reviews and ratings. Then, select three to five professionals to contact and have some questions ready:

• When are they available to do the project?
• Can they provide a free estimate or walk-through?
• Can they get deals on new pumps?
• What could you do beforehand to make sure the cost is as low as possible?

Also, have the following information ready:

• The type of floor you have
• The type of pump you want to install
• The number of floods your basement has experienced
• Any information on the current pump unit (if present)

Compare their free estimates to make the best decision. Be sure your installer has the proper license and credentials in your area.

Keep your crawl space or basement flood-free — and your home and possessions safe — by installing a sump pump. Start your search for a sump pump installer in your area on Thumbtack today.