If you live in an area with a lot of rain and moisture, you’re probably already familiar with the damage that water can do to a house. Fortunately, installing a sump pump is a way to prevent water damage even during flooding.
Sump pumps are a convenient and straightforward way to keep water out of your basement, and despite their high initial cost, these products are guaranteed to save you money in the long run. Here we’ll learn how much you will need to install a sump pump.
What Is A Sump Pump?
A sump pump guards against flood and water damage in your basement or other ground or below-ground level floor. It consists of a motor unit with water-level or pressure sensing valves that can pump water from one area and discharge it into another area that is far away from your home. Sump pumps are underground and are typically installed in a pit (also known as a “basin”) beneath the floor.
Water drains into and collects in this pit before being pumped out. As a result, sump pumps are a discreet and convenient way to eliminate unwanted water from your home. There are many designs of sump pumps available, allowing you to select the one that best meets your needs, but they all work on the same basic principles and mechanics.
A sump pump is required if your basement, crawl space, or other ground-level structure is prone to flooding or water buildup. If left unattended, water can cause severe damage to your belongings as well as your home’s infrastructure.
How Much Is A Sump Pump Installation?
Sump pump installations can be costly, especially if you’re installing one for the first time in an area that hasn’t been prepared for it. While the cost of an average sump pump unit is relatively low, the cost quickly rises when you factor in the price of professional installation or, if you’re going the DIY route, any materials you’ll need to buy.
In general, for an expert installation, prepare to pay about $1,200. For a single unit, expect to shell out between $250 to $375.
Factors Determining How Much Is A Sump Pump Installation
1. Sump Pump Types
There are two main sump pumps, each with a different price range.
Pedestal Sump Pumps
Pedestal sump pumps are the cheapest, ranging from $75 to $200 per unit. They are made up of two parts: the motor and the pump. The installation cost is also significantly lower, with a high-end price of around $800.
Because pedestal pumps sit above the basin and are not submerged, their motors are not waterproof, but they are louder and require more space. On the other hand, Pedestal pumps are durable and have a longer lifespan than submersible pumps. In addition, because they are best equipped to handle small volumes of water, they are the best option for places with only minor flooding or water issues.
Submersible Sump Pumps
When most people think of a traditional sump pump, they think of submersible pumps, which combine the motor and pump into a single unit. As the name connotes, a submersible sump pump is submerged within the basin, saving space and reducing noise. They are designed to handle large quantities of water and should be completely waterproof and rust-proof.
Due to the submersion element, these units are less durable and could have a shorter lifespan than pedestal pumps. They are more challenging to reach in maintenance or malfunctioning issues. Pedestal sump pumps could therefore be said to be easier to fix and less strenuous to maintain and repair. This article’s unit and installation prices are for submersible sump pumps.
2. Cost of replacing vs. New Installation
Because the additional preparation work has already been done, replacing an old sump pump will always be less costly than installing a new one. If you’re replacing a sump pump, expect to pay closer to the unit price plus labor (between $200 and $600), especially if nothing else needs to be replaced or repaired. The average cost of repairing a sump pump is $475, with high costs averaging $550 and low prices averaging $400.
3. Extra Features or Units also affects pricing
As a precaution, some homeowners purchase battery backups, pump filters, water level alarms, and even pump backups along with their sump pump. While each of these will help save your home from water damage if your sump pump fails or the power goes out during a storm, they will cost you extra to buy and install.
4. Flooring preparation also affects the cost:
Your sump pump installation may cost more depending on the type of flooring you have and the complexity of your crawl space design or basement (for example, if the lowest point of your basement is not easily accessible). If you have a concrete basement floor, you must first remove the section of the floor where the sump pump will be installed.
5. Pre-Existing Water Buildup or Damage
If there is already water damage or buildup in your home, your contractor may ask that you dry it out first before installing a sump pump. While not always necessary, depending on the extent of the damage, the process of drying your basement or crawlspace—especially during a rainy season—can be time-consuming and costly.
6. Location and Permits
Expect variations in sump pump installation cost in places with known flooding, rainfall, or humidity issues—especially if you’re trying to install during the rainier season, when contractors may be juggling numerous jobs. Before installing a sump pump, some places may require city or local government licenses.
This is frequently related to your pump’s drainage point because if the water is not drained into an area that can handle a large volume of water, it might cause harm. Accidentally draining into a spot where it would compromise the structural integrity of a sidewalk or road is one such case. Some municipalities may also require a drainage point located at a certain distance.
Conclusion
Having considered factors that determine how much is a sump pump installation, it is important to note that installing one is an unavoidable step in keeping the property secure. Water damage can cause warping, toxic mold growth, and weakening your home’s structural integrity, whether through rot or foundation cracks.
Learning how much is sump pump installation and installing it can keep your home dry, undamaged, and mold-free, whether you’re dealing with floods, heavy rain, or regular basement moisture.