Cost to Replace a Sump Pump – 2021

| Last Updated: August 24, 2021

National Average Improvement and Repair Cost

Pro

DIY

Hours:

1.8

2.5

Cost:

$ 517

$ 200

Would you do this project? According to our survey, 34% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.

The average price to Replace a Sump Pump noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.

How much does it cost to install a sump pump? Install a sump pump and lower the cost and mess of water damage in a basement. Pay a plumber $517 or do it yourself for $200.

Anyone who has experienced a flooded basement knows the mess and damage that storm water can create. A submersible sump pump is the best way to drain that floodwater away, protecting appliances and other things that might be damaged. The unit has a waterproof pump and motor that sits in a pit or tank in the floor, where it’s plugged into an electrical outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter. As rain or storm water rises, the pump is activated and brings the water out and away from the basement through a discharge pipe.

Here’s how much it costs. A plumber will charge $517 to replace a 1/3 hp. Submersible sump pump, which includes labor and material; but you can buy one and make the swap for $200, the cost of the sump pump replacement, and save 61 percent. If you do it yourself, buy a replacement pump that is similar in design to the old unit, so hooking it up won’t require any modifications.

You can make the replacement in about two hours, which includes time to thoroughly clean the inlet in the pit and remove any debris or dirt that may have accumulated there. Use a bucket to test the new installation by slowly pouring water into the pit to make sure the pump starts.

Here’s a link to Wikihow with how-to instructions Install a Sump Pump.

Make a habit of checking a sump pump every three months to see that it’s working and remove any dirt or debris that may have collected in the bottom. This is particularly important to do in the spring and fall when the rainfall is at its heaviest.

That sums it up. Knowing the average cost to replace a sump pump lets you compare doing it yourself with what you can expect to pay a contractor. 

Welcome! We hope you’ll find the job costs of home improvement projects useful when you’re deciding whether to do a job yourself vs. hire a contractor. We’re the authors of 20 home improvement books, most notably Home Improvement for Dummies©, Bathroom Remodeling for Dummies©, Carpentry for Dummies©, Plumbing for Dummies©, and Painting and Wallpapering for Dummies©. Our most recent book Fix It and Flip It is in its second edition. We’ve appeared as home improvement experts on television programs such as CNN, Dateline, the Today Show, HGTV and many others.