How many watts does a sump pump use? The electricity usage of a sump pump comes down to its size and therefore, a larger sump pump will use more energy and electricity as compared to one that is smaller in size. Now you might be questioning yourself how many sizes of sump pumps are available for use?
Well, let me answer your question that you will find a sump pump of varying sizes, which are mostly measured using sump pumps horsepower. The smallest size available these days is a 1/4 hp sump pump, while the largest is the 1 hp sump pump.
How Many Watts Does a Sump Pump Use?
Below I have listed different types of sump pumps ranging from the smallest to the largest one along with their energy consumption in watts.
1/4 hp Sump Pump Watts Usage
Firstly we have the smallest 1/4 hp sump pump, which might be available in a small size but definitely offer you the best performance output. These pumps operate at around 500 to 600 watts and are one of the most energy-efficient sump pumps you will usually find in the market.
1/2 hp Sump Pump Watts Usage
You can also shift to a larger size if you feel that the 1/4 hp pump will not be able to fulfill your domestic requirements. The 1/2 hp sump pumps are an ideal choice in this regard as they will offer you the required speed and power to complete all your domestic tasks. These pumps operate at almost 1000 to 1050 watts. However, their energy usage might vary a little from the specified number depending upon the design and model of the pump.
3/4 hp Sump Pump Watts Usage
You will be surprised to know that the wattage consumption of this particular sump pump is less than you would expect from its large size and therefore, it has also made its name among the energy-friendly sump pumps available for regular use. I suggest using these pumps if you have commercial needs as they are extremely powerful despite their low energy consumption. This pump consumes around 1500 watts depending on the design, build, and model of the pump you are using.
1 hp Sump Pump Watts Usage
Finally, the 1 hp sump pump is the largest and strongest sump pump available these days in terms of size and power respectively. These sump pumps are generally used for large heavy-duty applications and offer both residential and commercial applications. I highly suggest using such pumps in residential areas with a relatively high water table, where increased speed and power are required to pump out the water in case of seepage.
On average, a sump pump of this size consumes around 2000 watts of power. However, as mentioned earlier the actual usage might vary a little from the one described above depending upon the model as well as the design of the sump pump that is being used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps does a typical sump pump use?
Similar to the power, the electricity consumption of a sump pump is also dependent upon its size and horsepower and therefore, a 1/4 hp sump pump consumes around 3.5 to 3.8 amps on average. Similarly, the number increases as you move up the charts, and the 1/2 hp sump pump runs at around 6 amps, which is less than the 3/4 sump pump, which has an average consumption of around 8 amps. Finally, the largest 1 hp sump pump consumes around 10 amps depending upon the power use and speed.
Does a sump pump need a dedicated circuit?
Yes, a sump pump does need a dedicated circuit that should contain both a circuit breaker and an interrupter. Therefore, it is often recommended to go for a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), which contains both these components. The circuit breaker prevents the breaker from tripping and interrupter at the same time reduces the occurrence of electric shocks. Hence, offering you multiple benefits and enhanced protection.
How much does a sump pump cost?
The sump pump itself is relatively cheaper and will only cost you around $100 or $200 depending upon the model you are purchasing. However, the installation cost of the sump pump is extremely high as it requires you to purchase pipes as well as carry out excavation, which can increase the overall cost of the installation. This including the technician’s fee can raise the cost by up to $1000.
Conclusion
The sump pump is a highly useful machine that can be used to pump water from the underground aquifers and wells without any inconvenience. The amount of power consumption of a sump pump is highly dependent on its size and horsepower and therefore, you should carefully monitor these components.
On average a 1hp sump pump consumes around 2000 watts, while the smallest ¼ hp sump pumps use around 500 watts of power and are extremely energy-efficient.
Adam Wilson is the plumbing products Editor for Mechanics Gear, covering everything related to plumbing. He have 15 years of experience as a plumber and written about plumbing gear for over two years and plans to continue writing for a long while to come. Since he started sharing his plumbing knowledge on Mechanics Gear, he loves nothing more than relaxing in his home and and writing his plumbing experiences. Adam Wilson likes finding new plumbing products and dive into, from manuals, forums and different plumbing groups.