Cost For Sump Pump Installation
Living in areas that are regularly exposed to heavy rains and flooding can be an ongoing cause for concern. Certainly, if your property has ground floor levels like basements or low-lying land where excess water collects.
Preserving the structural integrity of your home or land should be at the forefront of any proprietor’s mind, so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on all associated costs of installing a sump pump on your property.
Initial Sump Pump Installation Cost
The cost of installing a sump pump installation can vary anywhere between $1200 and $2,500, depending on a number of factors such as the brand, make, and model of the sump pump, the location where you are installing the sump pump and whether or not you choose to bring in professionals to help with the installation process will all impact the price point of installation.
Naturally, installing a sump pump as a DIY project will save on labor costs. We understand your temptation to give it a go, particularly as the initial figures mentioned may have induced a teary-eyed moment, but hold your horses, as we truly believe initial sump pump installation costs should be considered more of an investment, ultimately saving money further down the line.
There is no disputing that spending up to $2,500 on a water drainage system for your home may appear expensive at first, but it is worthwhile considering the possible savings if you are confronted with the price of structural damage to your property and its foundations.
The truth is that once your home’s foundations have been impacted, the expense of repairs will make the initial investment in a sump pump pale in comparison.
So let’s take a quick look at the many aspects and varying factors that affect sump pump installation prices.
Factors Affecting Sump Pump Installation Cost
The installation cost can depend on a few factors.
Installation Location
The sump pump’s installation placement within the house or on your land may affect expenses. For example, installing a sump pump in crawl spaces poses specific technical difficulties because of the size and access limitations, which will likely lead to increased labour expenses.
However, installing a sump pump in a basement will likely be simpler and less expensive depending on factors like the floor plan and the accessibility of the piping, especially if a pedestal pump is used, as it won’t require breaking through any concrete flooring to hide the pump.
Sump pump installation in a crawl space typically costs around $3,900. On the other hand, putting a pedestal sump pump in a basement is usually less complicated and costs between $640 and $1,900. The average cost of installing an outdoor sump pump to alleviate yard flooding is approximately $1,220.
Professional Installation
Professional installation is frequently advised, especially for complicated installations or specialised pump systems. However, some homeowners may choose to install a sump pump themselves to save money on labour, if you have the toolbox and the know-how, go for it!
To those without extensive plumbing and building experience, hiring a trained technician or professional plumber guarantees that the pump is positioned, plumbed, and connected appropriately, ultimately minimising the risk of installation issues further down the line whilst maximising the effectiveness and efficiency of the pump.
Should I Buy a Submersible Sump Pump or Pedestal Sump Pump?
As with all new gadgets and toys, it will come as no surprise that the make and model of the sump pump will have an impact on the total cost of installing your system.
Compared to submersible pumps, which are placed underground inside the pre-dug sump pit, pedestal pumps sit above the ground, perched on top of a separate pedestal. Opting for a pedestal pump will prove cheaper initially, as there is no additional cost required to dig a sump pit for the pump to rest in.
However, because of their above-ground design, pedestal pumps are left more exposed to the elements putting them at risk of pest damage and rusting caused by humidity, which often leads to them requiring regular maintenance, incurring further costs in the process.
Purchasing a higher-spec submersible drainage system with features like alarms or battery backups provides longer-term convenience and protection.
Ultimately choosing between pedestal pumps and submersible pumps boils down to your property’s specific needs and design.
The price range for a stand-alone submersible sump pump unit, without installation costs, can vary drastically between $170 to $900.
On the other hand, above-ground pedestal sump pumps are significantly cheaper, ranging from $75 to $210 per unit.
Additional Features And Installation Costs For Sump Pumps
Labor costs and installation services should not be overlooked and are worthwhile taking your time over. Homes with concrete floors are likely to require additional labour and equipment such as jackhammers for installation, generally resulting in higher overall costs compared to homes or land with gravel or dirt floors.
Even if installing a new sump pump system yourself could seem like a more affordable option, there are many potential hazards involved, especially for inexperienced users. Inadequate installation can result in expensive repairs, water damage, and flooding. Employing a qualified installer will guarantee correct installation, setup, and operation, ultimately reducing the possibility of problems and optimising the efficiency of the sump pump system.
Professional installation services for licensed plumbers typically charge hourly rates ranging from $50 to $300, depending on the complexity and location of the job. Take your time to shop around and find a reliable company to complete the job, if you’re opting to call in a professional in order to prevent plumbing issues further down the line.
The size of the sump pump and how often it is used are two factors that affect how much electricity is used; high-usage pumps might incur a monthly expense of $15 to $25.
For houses in areas that are prone to power outages, battery backup systems can be a sound investment to ensure your sump pump remains in action, even when your electricity doesn’t. Prices for battery backup packs cost on average $300 – $500, depending on wattage and brand.
Pump defenders can be added to improve the lifespan of the system by filtering water so that the pump requires less regular maintenance checks and unclogging. Prices for pump defenders range from $230 and $350.
Sump Pump Replacement Costs
It is important to identify the warning signs that your sump pump is starting to fail. Odd sounds, unpleasant smells, and inefficient water pumping are telltale signs that it might be time to start browsing for a replacement.
The good news is that labor costs for installation (particularly when replacing a submersible pump) have already been paid for. If you need to replace your sump pump for any number of reasons, such as wear and tear or a mechanical breakdown, the only cost you need to consider is the stand-alone unit itself, which is as simple as buying a new one between $170 to $900.
If you want to maintain the effectiveness and efficiency of your sump pump systems, you need to take into account additional maintenance costs beyond installation. If a new sump pump is regularly tested and cleaned, it will most likely survive longer and require fewer expensive repairs or part replacements.
Conclusion
To conclude, homeowners looking to safeguard their properties against water damage should take time to know the expenses involved with sump pump installation, replacement, and running costs.
By taking into account variables including installation location, pump type, extra features, and labour expenses, you can make well-informed judgments that will guarantee your sump pump system operates at its best for its full life span.
Prioritising the correct installation and maintenance of a new sump pump is essential to maintaining the structural integrity of your home and lowering the danger of flooding and other water-related problems, whether you choose professional installation or do it yourself.
With the surge in heavy rains and unpredictable weather patterns, investing in a reliable sump pump system can provide long-term security and peace of mind, without the ongoing worry about the cost of repairs to your property through water damage.
*All figures are average prices in AUD at the time of article publishing.