Living in an area where the problem of heavy rain damages your home base is not easy. However, there is a solution that reduces this problem to a greater extent. With a sump pump, you can even make your basement a worthy living place with new furniture and even cover the floor with carpet.
But before deciding on having a sump pump, it is important to get the answer of how much a sump pump costs. To get an answer, keep reading this article.
How Much Does a Sump Pump Installation Cost?
Basically, the cost of a sump pump is not just about the sump pump price but the installation process depends on two major factors, i.e., sump pump cost and the installation cost. It costs you a bit high because you need professional help and tools for installation. Even if you do it by yourself, you need to pay for tools for installation and electricity to run many tools. However, if you are replacing the pump by yourself, you have to pay almost half.
The approximate cost for installation and a new sump pump with professional help is $1200. In contrast, if you already have prepared space and do it by yourself, it costs you $250-$375, which is less than half. However, these factors are the primary factors that determine major price, but so many other factors add to cost.
Factors in Calculating Sump Pump Cost
1. Type of Floor
The labor cost varies based on the floor type and increases or decreases the overall payment. For example, if your basement has a concrete floor, it will need more time and effort to dig, which ultimately adds to the cost. This also tells you how much does a sump pump cost. It raises the price to $2,500 and $5,000, which is relatively high. In contrast, a soft mud floor makes the digging process quick and easy, reducing the overall cost. This will cost you almost $300 and $500.
2. Pump Location and Accessibility
An easy-to-access location for sump pump installation reduces the cost. On the other hand, if you want to install the pump in a congested place where the digging and installation are challenging, it will cost you a few hundred dollars. The reason for this addition is extra labor which needs more time and other tools.
3. Geographic Location
Your living location also affects how much does it costs to install a sump pump because the standards of the area decide the labor cost. For example, the labor cost is higher in urban areas while the price drastically reduces in small towns. This factor highly influences the cost; therefore, consider it before setting your budget.
4. Type of Sump
There are two types of sump pumps available in the market, i.e., pedestal and submersible. However, the working efficiency of both sump pumps is the same, but their power source is different, which determines how much does a sump pump cost. One works with a battery while the other has a combination-operated feature. The second option almost costs double. If you have a limited budget, pick the battery-powered sump pump.
Irrespective of this, the manufacturing material also decides the cost. You can get a sump pump with plastic manufacturing or a metal one. The metal one can catch rust and corrosion while the plastic one cannot stand the pressure. Both have cons, but the iron one costs almost twice the cost of the plastic one. It is on you to pick the one based on your budget and needs.
5. Labor and Permits
The standard cost of labor is $45 and $200/hour and the time duration varies based on the complexity of the task. For example, suppose you are just looking for a replacement. In that case, it takes less than an hour, while installation on a new location takes 2-3 hours of labor. Due to this, the cost becomes double.
Furthermore, some states ask for proper legal permission to install such devices. If you are living at a location that needs a permit, you have to pay $50 and $200. Due to this addition, the cost of installation increased.
6. Pump Size and Quality
The size of your sump pump depends on the water you want to remove. But ultimately, it affects the installation cost. There are three following standard sizes available in the market:
- 1/4 horsepower: This will cost you $60 and $170, but it works only for wet basements and not flooded ones. Also, if you have a limited budget, you can go with this.
- 1/3 horsepower: This is the standard size as this can work almost for all situations. It will cost you $60 and $500. However, if the water quantity is so high, you should go with the next one.
- 1/2 horsepower: You can remove 3,000 gallons of water with this size. However, it will cost you $90 and $340, which is a bit high.
7. Drainage System
If you want to update the whole drainage system, you need to install a powerful sump pump. Setting up a new drainage system will cost you $4,000 to $12,000, which is a massive addition to the total cost. So if you are going for new drainage, consider this point as it will almost double the overall cost.
Additional Sump Pump Installation Costs and Considerations
Some other factors add to cost and tell how much does a sump pump cost. However, these are not that essential but improve the effectiveness of the sump pump.
- Sump Basin Quality: This part of the sump pump should be of good quality. So if you go without a quality basin, it will collapse. A 17 inches quality basin costs you $23 while a big size costs you $30
- Flood Insurance: You can take $700/ year insurance for flooding. This insurance will give you mental peace and save money in case of an accident.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance increases the lifespan of your sump pump. For a yearly plan, it takes $250, which is better to pay the total replacement cost.
- Battery Backup: This addition saves you from a lot of trouble when electricity goes out. It costs you $1,220, but this is a one-time investment.
- Filters: Having a filter saves your sump pump from frequent repairs and also increases its lifespan. This small part costs you $15 to $35, which is not that high.
Sump Pump Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Two factors let you choose between both services, whether you want to do DIY or hire a professional, i.e., danger and the cost. The cost of hiring a professional is relatively high, but you get desired results in the end due to experience. While if you do it by yourself, you just have to pay for the tools. The second factor is danger, as the sump pump combines water and electricity, which is not safe. So if you are non-experienced and have the wrong tools, this can be deadly. In contrast, a professional person knows how to handle this and what it takes. So here, both options can work based on the conditions.
If you are experienced and have all the necessary tools, DIY is a money-saving option for you. On the other hand, it can be dangerous if you are new to this; at this level, hiring a professional will work for you. Otherwise, you can ruin things and end up taking help from an experienced person, and this time you have to pay extra. Choose one after observing your expertise and requirements.
FAQs Related To Sump Pump Installation
How long does a sump pump last on average?
The average lifespan of a sump pump is ten years. However, proper maintenance can add to this and increase your sump pump’s lifespan. Instead of this, several high quality companies make sump pumps with a 30 years lifespan.
Does homeowners insurance cover sump pump replacement?
Generally, homeowner insurance doesn’t count this problem. You have to take additional insurance for your sump pump protection. If you don’t want to do this, the homeowner insurance will cover the home damage due to a broken sump pump but not the sump pump repair cost.
Is a sump pump worth it?
If you live in a place where heavy rain is a daily thing and your home is prone to get flooded, you need a sump pump. A sump pump removes extra moisture from the basement and makes it liveable. Also, it protects your house’s base and is worth your money.
Concluding Sump Pump Installation Cost Estimate
A sump pump is essential in wet areas because constant water in the basement can damage the house. However, it is necessary to consider the water quantity to finalize the sump pump size and then look at how much does a sump pump cost. Lastly, consider all the factors to get the total installation cost.
Each step needs your attention to reduce installation costs and get the desired results. Ask for professional help or do a DIY while considering the budget and expenditure. If you suffer from a wet basement and want to turn it into a comfy place, go for a suitable sump pump.
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.