How Much Does it Cost to Install a Sump Pump in 2024?

Installing a sump pump costs an average of $1,160 nationwide, with a range of $490 to $2,000.

Sump pump installation cost typically falls between $490 and $2,000, with a national average of $1,160. For a unit only, the price runs from $60 to $465.  

A sump pump system is essential for homes at risk of flooding. They collect rainwater and redirect it to a safe area, such as a storm drain or basin, and eliminate or minimize the chances of damage from basement flooding. The total cost of installation depends on the type of sump pump you’re working with, its power, and the person doing the job – a professional or you, yourself. 

In this cost guide, we’ll cover:

Average Cost of Sump Pump Installation

Sump pump installations can cost quite a bit. The figures will especially grow if you’re installing a sump pump in a space that hasn’t previously been prepped for installation. While the unit prices are pretty affordable, professional installation and material costs, if you’re DIY-ing, can make it a pricey project. 

National Average Cost$1,160
Typical Price Range$490 – $2,000
Extreme Low-End Cost$290
Extreme High-End Cost$4,740

The cost of installing sump pumps varies with the type of pump, labor rates in your area, and the time it takes to install that specific pump. Factoring all of that in, the price of sump pump installation cost ranges from $490 to $2,000, covering the unit and labor involved, which makes an average of $1,160

The lower end of this range represents a simple pedestal pump installation cost of $290. While the higher end is the cost of installing a submersible pump which involves more labor for digging, electrical adjustments, and plumbing, at $4,740.

If you’re going the DIY route, a sump pump unit costs $280 on average, where the cost can range from $60 to $465 for different pump types. 

Sump Pump Installation Cost Estimator by Type

Homeowners may choose from two types of sump pumps, each with a different price point. 

Pedestal Sump Pump

Pedestal sump pumps come with a motor and a pump and are designed to handle small volumes of water. This is the most inexpensive type of sump pump in the market, typically ranging from $60 to $180 per unit. They take no more than two hours for complete installation. 

This type of sump pump is loud, prone to clogging, and takes more space than submerged pumps since the motor sits atop the sump basin. They sit in the area you want to keep dry. But pedestal sump pumps have a longer lifespan and are ideal for areas with minor water issues or low-level flooding. This is because they come with a ⅓ to ½ horsepower motor that removes up to 35 gallons of water per minute. 

Submersible Sump Pump

These sump pumps have the motor and pump combined into a single unit and are more expensive to install and repair than pedestal pumps. As the name implies, a submersible sump pump is submerged into the basin which saves space and makes less noise. They have the power to tackle large volumes of water but have a shorter lifespan than pedestal pumps.

Submersible sump pumps cost around $90 to $400 per unit and are highly recommended for areas that are very prone to flooding. They come with a ¾ horsepower motor that can remove up to 60 gallons of water a minute. 

Sump Pump TypeAverage Cost 
Pedestal sump pump$60 – $180
Submersible sump pump$90 – $400

Other Factors That Affect Cost

Here are all the factors that influence the final price you pay to install a sump pump:

Floor Type

The type of floor directly affects the labor cost and, eventually, the overall cost of the installation. For instance, digging up a dirt floor in the basement is easier and quicker than drilling through a concrete floor. 

The cost can go as high as $4,700 to install a sump pump in a concrete floor because you need jackhammers and other heavy, specialized equipment to demolish the surface. 

Installation Site

You must install sump pumps in the lowest point of your house, which mostly is the basement, so they can pull and collect all the water flow and redirect it away from your home’s foundation. The cost of sump pump installation varies by the location of installation in your home.

  • Crawl Space: The cost of sump pump installation may also go up if the area is complex or hard to reach, such as certain crawl spaces with inaccessible corners that are difficult to reinforce. Most crawl spaces are just 1-3 feet tall, which makes it difficult to maneuver large digging equipment. Contractors have to use hand tools, which takes more time and effort. It typically costs about $3,900 to install a sump pump in a crawl space. 
  • Basement: The most common and easiest location for sump pump installation is the basement. Installation pros can easily move around and use full-sized equipment for the task. It usually costs around $640 to $1,915. The price may also increase if the installation location has complicated plumbing.
  • Outdoors: You can also install a sump pump outside if your yard is prone to flooding. Though only a submersible pump will work outdoors because it can handle temperature extremes. On average, it costs around $1,220 to install a sump pump outside. 

Pre-existing Damage or Buildup

If your house has water buildup or damage before installation, the contractor will ask you to dry the house before they can install the sump pump. You can call in a pro for a home inspection to get your house checked for any remnants of damage. 

This might not always be the case if the damage is minimal. But if isn’t, the drying process for closed-up spaces like basements can take considerable time and money. 

Sump Pump Features

You might need to explore sump pumps with additional features when estimating the cost.

  • Sump Pump with Battery Back-Up: These pumps come with a battery backup to save your home in case of a power outage. The battery will keep working independently, for as long as the backup capacity allows. Such sump pumps are ideal if you live in an area prone to serious flooding. They cost $100 to $1,000, whereas the models that run on water pressure and have battery backup will cost a few hundred dollars more. 
  • Reserve Pump: A reserve pump is your backup if the water overpowers your primary pump. It’s a great investment for homeowners in areas that get heavy flooding. Reserve pumps cost around $100 to $400.
  • Sump Pumps With Alarms: These pumps feature alarms that go off when the water level is above your pump’s handling capacity. Some of these pumps are also Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled, so they will send you a mobile notification. They are useful in areas that experience lots of rain and flooding. 

Flood Insurance

Many homeowners invest in flood insurance along with a new sump pump as a backup in case the flooding is severe. Flood insurance costs around $800 per year

Labor Costs

Labor costs typically run from $50 to $160 per hour for installation. A new installation can take two to four hours, while replacements are usually around one hour of work. Sump pump installation involves a mix of plumbing, digging, prep work, and electrical work. If the replacement pro needs to completely overhaul your property to prep the sump pit, the cost can go up.

Here are some services related to sump pump installation that might be of interest to you.

Concrete Removal

If you’re installing a sump pump outside, or your basement floor is paved with concrete, you will have to remove a part of the surface. Cutting and hauling away large, heavy pieces of concrete is no joke, and is also not recommended. 

Calling in a pro for concrete removal costs somewhere between $679 and $2,848 or $2 to $6 per square foot

Home Inspection 

If your house has experienced water damage before, it’s always a good idea to have it inspected before installing a sump pump. This is because the installation site needs to be fully dry and problem-free. Homeowners pay around $240 to $435 for a home inspection that usually takes no more than three to four hours to complete. 

Or, you can just get your installation area inspected for mold, mildew, and asbestos – the common culprits of silent damage after flooding. A mold inspection will cost somewhere around $350 and $930, while asbestos testing runs from $235 to $785

Plumbing Repairs

If there’s a fault in the plumbing system causing a leak, or your sump pump installation site has complicated plumbing, you might need to hire a plumber. Hiring a certified plumber for standard plumbing work cost $275 on average. 

Water Damage Restoration

Flooding, rain, and storms can leave your house with serious damage. Especially if you live in an area that receives plenty of it and isn’t prepared to handle so much water. Water damage restoration involves extracting dirty water and cleaning the site of damage, followed by repairs. 

The cost to hire a water damage restoration pro typically ranges from $1,270 to $5,376 where the cost varies depending on the location, the severity of the damage, and the class of water damage. Want to learn more about water damage restoration? Check out this handy guide.

Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost

DIY sump pump installation will save you considerable money on labor costs if you’re experienced, but it’s not as straightforward as you might think. If not executed correctly, your installation can easily result in significant flooding and water damage. 

The process involves digging a basin or pit for the sump pump to sit in, laying the right tracks, and connecting the correct hoses and drainage pipes to it. The cost of a sump pump unit ranges from $60 to $465, or an average of $280. Hiring a professional, by comparison, can cost between $490 and $2,000

You’re likely to experience complex issues during the installation process. This could range from plumbing, electrical, and even structural problems that you might not be equipped to handle. It is a dirty and potentially dangerous job. For that reason, we recommend leaving this job to a trained and experienced professional. 

The price of hiring a professional contractor is worth the money for your peace of mind and security.

Cost of Sump Pump Installation by Location

Your location plays an important role when estimating the total cost of a project. The cost to install a sump pump widely varies in different areas because contractor rates and permit fees depend on where you live. 

If you reside in a rainier location, the cost will be high because only a large, submersible unit will be able to handle the large volume of water it encounters. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you expect a sump pump to last?

An average-quality sump pump, with minimal maintenance, can last about 10 years. A good quality pump will last 10 to 30 years with average maintenance.

How much power do sump pumps need?

Usually, ½ and ⅓ horsepower sump pumps use 1,300 to 2,900 watts of power to fire up, followed by 800 to 1,050 watts of power to run.

When should I replace my sump pump and what does it cost?

Your sump pump needs a replacement if:
• It is turned on but is not pumping water. This issue is from electrical problems. 
• It is noisy. Damaged impellers can cause noise and can interfere with pumping.
• It isn’t turning on. You can try replacing the float switch first, which cost $35 to $70 on average. If it still doesn’t work, replace the sump pump.
• There is an odor. Sump pumps can smell bad when they’re not operating correctly. It could be from a broken check valve burning the engine. Replace the check valve to see if it resolves the issue, it costs around $15 to $30. If not, replace the sump pump. 
Sump pump replacements cost less than new installations because the surface, pit, and connections have already been prepared. Expect to pay just for the new unit and some labor of installing the machine in place, if there is no other repair or replacement needed. The average cost would be around $360 – $940.

Final Thoughts 

Living in a flood-prone area is not easy. You can either spend money on safeguarding your property or restoring it. We think staying one step ahead and installing a sump pump is your best bet. Call in a pro to take on the job so you don’t have to worry about flooding and water damage anymore. 

Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.

Main Photo by: BRE Group / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

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Farah Nauman

Farah Nauman is a freelance writer and an accountant based in Pakistan. She spends most of her time combating the South Asian heat and being a mom to her three fluffy cats and a dozen little Aloe Veras in her house.