New pit or new pump
If you already have a pit, replacing a worn-out pump is a smaller job. If you do not, the contractor cuts through the floor at the lowest point, digs a pit, sets a liner in gravel and runs a discharge line out of the house. A new pit is often paired with an interior drain, which feeds water to it from around the basement.
Choosing a pump
Submersible pumps sit inside the pit, run quieter and are the most common choice for basements. Pedestal pumps have the motor above the pit, which makes them easier to service but louder. Pump capacity should match how much water comes in. A contractor can estimate that from the size of the drain system and how fast the pit fills in a storm.
A check valve on the discharge line keeps pumped water from falling back into the pit. The discharge should end well away from the foundation, at a spot where the ground slopes away, and must follow local rules. Many municipalities do not allow sump water into the sanitary sewer.
- Submersible or pedestal pump
- Cast iron or thermoplastic housing
- Vertical or tethered float switch
- Check valve on the discharge
- Sealed lid to reduce humidity and radon entry
Battery backups and alarms
Storms that raise groundwater are often the same storms that knock out power. Ida left about 1,100 Scarsdale customers without power in 2021, and a pump does not run without it. A battery backup pump sits beside the main pump and kicks on if the main pump fails or loses power. A high-water alarm warns you if the pit fills. For a basement that floods whenever the pump stops, both are worth the money.
When to replace
Signs a pump is wearing out include running constantly, cycling on and off quickly, strange noises, visible rust and a pump that does not start when you pour water into the pit. Pumps are mechanical and wear out, so plan for replacement every several years rather than waiting for a failure during a storm. Test yours each spring and fall.
Electrical work
A sump pump should be on a dedicated, properly grounded outlet. Some homes need a new circuit. Leave electrical work to a licensed electrician or a contractor who brings one, and do not run the pump on an extension cord.
Noise, smell and radon
A sealed, gasketed lid on the sump pit cuts down on pump noise, keeps debris out and stops damp air and soil gas from rising into the basement. If your home has a radon mitigation system, the sump lid is often part of it, so ask the contractor to reseal it properly after any pump work.
Typical sump pump costs
National figures from Fixr. Not quotes.
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Sump pump installation | about $800 to $2,000 |
| Digging a new pit | about $500 to $1,200 |
| Replacing an existing pump | about $350 to $1,000 |
| Adding battery backup | about $150 to $250 |
National figures, rounded, not quotes. Your price depends on whether a pit exists, pump type, discharge length and electrical work.
Sources: Fixr, sump pump
Questions homeowners ask
How long does a sump pump last?
It varies with use and quality, but pumps wear out and many need replacement within roughly a decade or less. Test yours regularly and replace it before it fails during a storm.
Do I need a battery backup sump pump?
If your basement takes water whenever the main pump stops, a battery backup is strongly worth considering, because heavy storms often cause power outages.
Can my sump pump drain into the sewer?
Many municipalities do not allow sump pumps to discharge into the sanitary sewer. Ask your contractor where the line will go and whether it meets local rules.
How much does a sump pump cost to install?
Fixr lists most installs at about $800 to $2,000. Replacing a pump in an existing pit costs less, and adding a new pit or interior drain costs more.
Other services
Basement waterproofing
Diagnosis and a fix for basements that leak, seep or stay damp.
Interior drainage and French drains
Perimeter drain channels under the basement floor that feed a sump pump.
Exterior foundation waterproofing
Excavation, membranes and footing drains that keep water off the wall.
Foundation crack repair
Injection and sealing for leaking cracks in poured concrete walls.
Crawl space encapsulation
Sealing damp crawl spaces with vapor barriers, drainage and dehumidifiers.
Grading, gutters and window wells
Outside fixes that keep rain and runoff away from the foundation.