Sump Pump Installation Cost Calculator

Sump pump installation costs $350–$3,100 total depending on pump type and scope of work. The pump itself costs $100–$600. Installation labor runs $200–$500. Sump pit excavation and construction adds $500–$1,200 if a pit doesn't exist. Discharge line installation costs $200–$500. Battery backup adds $150–$400. A basic submersible pump installation with existing pit costs $350–$1,000. A full system with new pit, pump, discharge, and backup costs $1,200–$3,100.

Submersible sump pumps are the best choice for most homes at $150–$500. They sit inside the pit, run quietly, and handle solids better than pedestal pumps. Pedestal pumps ($100–$350) are cheaper and easier to service but noisier. Battery backup pumps ($150–$400) are essential if you lose power during storms. Water-powered pumps ($200–$600) use municipal water pressure and never need batteries but increase water bills. For most basements, a submersible with battery backup is the ideal combination.

Sump pumps last 7–10 years on average. Submersible pumps last 7–10 years. Pedestal pumps last 10–15 years (motor stays dry). Battery backup pumps last 5–7 years (batteries need replacement every 3–5 years at $100–$200). Signs of failure: unusual noises, running constantly, cycling on/off rapidly, visible rust, or not turning on. Replace before failure — a failed sump pump during a storm can cause $10,000–$50,000 in water damage.

You need a sump pump if: your basement floods or has standing water, you see water marks on basement walls, your area has a high water table, your home sits at the bottom of a slope, your basement smells musty (indicates moisture), or your area gets heavy rainfall. Many building codes require sump pumps in new construction. Even if your basement seems dry, a sump pump provides insurance against unexpected flooding from storms, broken pipes, or rising groundwater.

DIY sump pump replacement (in an existing pit) is manageable for handy homeowners and saves $200–$500 in labor. Steps: disconnect old pump, remove from pit, place new pump, connect discharge pipe, plug in, and test. However, installing a new sump pit requires jackhammering concrete floor, excavating, and running discharge lines — this should be professional work ($500–$1,200 for pit alone). Electrical work for hardwired pumps also requires a licensed electrician.

Sump pump discharge should go to: a yard area 10–20 feet from the foundation (most common), a dry well or rain garden, or a municipal storm drain (where permitted). Never discharge to: the sanitary sewer (illegal in most areas, $1,000+ fine), your septic system (overloads it), a neighbor's property, or within 10 feet of the foundation (water returns to the pit). The discharge line ($200–$500) should slope away from the house and include a check valve ($30–$50) to prevent backflow.

Sump pit installation costs $500–$1,200 including excavation and construction. The pit is typically 18–24 inches in diameter and 24–36 inches deep. Installation involves: jackhammering the basement concrete floor, digging the pit, placing a plastic or fiberglass basin ($50–$150), adding gravel base for drainage, and patching the concrete floor around the basin. Existing pits may need upgrading if too small (under 18" diameter) or deteriorating. A properly sized pit reduces pump cycling and extends pump life.

Yes, battery backup is highly recommended at $150–$400. Power outages often coincide with heavy storms — exactly when you need the pump most. A battery backup runs 8–12 hours on a full charge, long enough for most outages. Alternatives: water-powered backup ($200–$600) uses municipal water pressure and runs indefinitely but wastes water. Generator backup ($500–$3,000) powers the whole house. At minimum, install an alarm ($30–$50) that alerts you when water rises above the pump level.