Sump pump replacement cost and when to replace

What sump pump replacement costs

Angi reports a national average of $531 to replace a sump pump, with a typical range of $309 to $755, based on more than 5,000 projects. HomeGuide puts a straight swap at $400 to $700, and Fixr gives $350 to $1,000 including the pump and labor. A replacement takes about one to three hours.

Angi lists labor at $45 to $200 per hour. If there is no pit, the floor has to be cut and a basin set, and the job moves into new-installation pricing.

Pedestal vs submersible, and backup options

Pedestal pumps have the motor above the pit. The City of De Pere notes they suit narrow or deep pits but are louder and less powerful. They are the cheapest option, and they tend to last longer.

Submersible pumps sit in the pit. They are quieter, and Fixr says they have more power for basements that take on more water. De Pere says most residential pumps run between 1/3 and 3/4 horsepower.

Battery backup charges from the same outlet as the main pump and takes over when the power goes out, according to Fixr. HomeGuide says the batteries need replacing every three to five years.

Water-powered backup uses city water pressure, so it needs no battery. It needs a municipal water connection, and it uses water every time it runs. De Pere warns that this can raise your water bill and says it is still researching whether state rules allow these units. Ask your plumber about local approval before you buy one.

How long sump pumps last and when to replace

Lifespan estimates vary. Angi says 7 to 10 years and treats a pump older than 10 as near the end. Fixr gives 15 to 30 years for pedestal pumps and 5 to 15 years for submersibles. HomeGuide gives 10 to 30 years for pedestal pumps and 5 to 20 for submersibles. Fixr notes that maintenance and exposure to significant flooding affect how long a pump lasts.

Replace or have the pump checked when you see:

• The pump running constantly or cycling on and off rapidly
• Grinding, rattling or unusual vibration
• A float that sticks or has to be freed by hand
• A burning smell, smoke or a tripped breaker
• Water in the basement while the pump sits idle
• Frequent repairs on a pump near the 10-year mark

Fixr lists professional maintenance at $100 to $300 per visit. Angi puts repairs at $400 to $550, so on an older pump a repair can cost nearly as much as replacement.

Where the water can go: discharge rules in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, local ordinances set where sump water can go, and the Green Bay area is strict about the sanitary sewer. NEW Water, which treats wastewater for 18 municipal customers in the region, says flows to its plants can run 3 to 5 times normal in wet weather. It names sump pump connections to the sanitary sewer as one of the causes. Local codes say:

• Ashwaubenon bans sump discharge to the sanitary sewer. Water goes to a storm sewer if one is available, or onto the ground at least one foot from the building. Discharge into a public street is banned from November 1 to March 31.
• Kaukauna requires discharge to a storm sewer if one is available, or to grade at least three feet from the building and never across a sidewalk. From November 15 to April 15, discharge to grade must be directed to the backyard.
• De Pere is requiring foundation drains to be disconnected from the sanitary sewer and routed to a sump pump. The work needs a plumbing permit and inspection.
• Fox Crossing requires discharge at least 2 feet from the building and at least 10 feet from a neighbor's property.

A common thread runs through these codes: discharge that ices a sidewalk or street, ponds water or runs onto a neighbor's lot can be ruled a nuisance. The village or city can then order a storm lateral. Check your town's page under service area before moving a discharge line.

Spring-thaw readiness

De Pere points to spring snowmelt and rain as the time basements take on water. Before the thaw:

1. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and confirm the pump starts, empties the pit and shuts off.
2. Check that the check valve holds and the discharge line is clear of ice and snow at the outlet.
3. Make sure the outlet points where your local code allows during the winter months.
4. Test the backup pump and note the battery's age against the three-to-five-year replacement guide.
5. If the pump is past ten years old or showing warning signs, replace it before the thaw rather than during it.

If water keeps beating the pump, the problem may be drainage rather than the pump. See the French drain cost guide and the sump pump replacement service page.

Get sump pump quotes

Ask each installer for the pump model and horsepower, whether the quote includes a new check valve and discharge piping, whether a permit is needed, and the warranty terms. To budget, use the basement estimator. Then send your address through the quote form on the home page, and independent local plumbers and waterproofing contractors will quote you directly.

Common questions

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