How Much Does It Cost to Replace or Install a Sump Pump?

By Geoffrey Sperring

December 08, 2025

Do you put on rubber boots to visit your basement after a heavy rain because of water leaks or flooding? If so, you need to either install a sump pump or replace the existing unit if it's not working properly.

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What Is a Sump Pump — and How Does It Work?

A sump pump is a small, motorized device placed in a pit or sump basin situated at the lowest point of a home's basement or crawl space where groundwater can collect. The pump is attached to a discharge pipe equipped with a float switch, which detects rising water levels in the basin and turns the pump on. A check valve inside the discharge pipe opens automatically when the pump starts running so water can flow outdoors to a designated discharge location or into the municipal drain system.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Sump Pump?

There are two standard types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal.

Submersible pumps are installed in the sump basin and covered by water. These pumps typically last for up to 15 years.

Pedestal pumps have a long shaft so the motor stays above the basin water level, and these can last for up to 30 years.

To ensure reliability, you should inspect the sump pump annually and remove any debris around the intake.

What Does Sump Pump Replacement Cost?

The sump pump replacement cost for a unit of the same size costs between $350 and $1,000 (CAD 482 and CAD 1,378), including labor. Increasing the size of the sump will raise the price. Depending on the age and condition of the existing unit, sump pump repair may be possible, typically running between $200 and $500 (CAD 276 and CAD 689).

What Are the Cost Factors Involved in Sump Pump Installation?

The costs associated with a new sump pump installation depend on the type of pump chosen, as well as materials and labor for the sump basin, piping and other elements.

Pump Types and Their Costs

Here's a look at the average costs for the two standard types of sump pumps:

Pedestal. Usually limited to 1/3 or 1/2 horsepower, pedestal pump prices vary from $85 to $239 (CAD 117 to CAD 329).
Submersible. Residential submersible sump pumps vary in price from $47 (CAD 65) for a 1/3 horsepower up to $279 (CAD 385) for a 3/4 horsepower model.
Standard pedestal and submersible sump pumps run on electricity, so they stop working when the power goes out. However, backup options are available to keep your basement from flooding during a power outage:
Battery-operated systems. These are often sold as combo kits that include a main pedestal or submersible electric pump, a smaller battery-operated pump, battery case and charger. Prices for
these systems vary from $219 to $568 (CAD 302 to CAD 783). You also need to purchase a battery, costing between $219 and $265 (CAD 302 and CAD 365).
Water-powered pumps. Water-powered pumps use household water pressure to create a vacuum and suck water from the sump basin. According to This Old House, prices for these backup pumps range from $200 to $900 (CAD 276 to CAD 1,240).

Cost of Pumps Made From Different Materials

The housing material plays a major role in the durability and lifespan of a sump pump. The most common materials used include:

Cast iron. Usually painted, cast-iron pumpsare tough but eventually corrode. Prices for 1/3 to 1 horsepower pumps vary from $77 to $1,391 (CAD 106 to CAD 1,917).
Aluminum. Although not as strong as cast iron, aluminum sump pumps withstand corrosion better. Costs vary from $72 to $264 (CAD 99 to CAD 364).
Plastic. Pumps with plastic housings are rust- and corrosion-resistant but can crack and break, so they're less durable. These pumps typically cost between $60 and $279 (CAD 83 and CAD 384).

Installation Labor Costs

Labor costs account for a large portion of the cost to install a new sump pump. Plumbers charge between $75 and $150 (CAD 103 and CAD 207) per hour for the work. The labor costs for the installation of a sump pump can range between $300 and $4,000 (CAD 413 and CAD 5,512) and include charges for installing these elements:

Sump basin. If there's no sump basin in the basement or the current one is too small, you should allow between $500 and $1,200 (CAD 689 and CAD 1,654) to install or resize one.
Pump and discharge piping. The cost to install the pump together with aboveground discharge piping is between $150 and $400 (CAD 207 and CAD 551). If the discharge pipe is buried, the cost could rise to $2,000 (CAD 2,756).
Discharge line. Collected water should be sent at least 10 to 20 feet away from the house through a discharge line with a downward slope so it doesn't backflow. Your local authority may have specific requirements for the line placement, such as directing it to a municipal storm drain.
Permit. You may need a plumbing permit for a sump pump installation, which can cost between $50 and $300 (CAD 69 and CAD 413).

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How Much Does It Cost to Have a New Sump Pump Installation?

According to FIXR, the average cost to put in a new sump pump, including installation, is between $800 and $2,000 (CAD 1,102 and CAD 2,756). Most people spend around $1,400 (CAD 1,929) for a new sump pump with aboveground drainage. This cost covers the installation of all piping and a check valve. If it's necessary to install a new sump in a thick concrete floor, plus a combination backup sump pump, alarm and underground drainage, the cost could increase to $4,000 (CAD 5,512).

Who Installs Sump Pumps?

A qualified handyman can install or replace an existing sump pump, provided no plumbing work is required. However, you'll need a plumber to dig a trench and install underground piping. You may need an electrician to install a new power outlet for the pump. While an experienced DIYer could handle many aspects of installing a sump pump, it's best to hire a professional, especially if installing a sump basin is necessary.

What Size Sump Pump Do I Need?

The size of the pump needed depends on the maximum inflow of water into the sump or basement. Sizing the pump accurately is important — a pump that's too large will short cycle, while a too-small pump won't keep up with the inflow of water and may result in flooding.

Factors to Consider When Sizing a Sump Pump

When sizing a sump pump, a plumber considers several factors, including:

Size and capacity of the basin. The sump basin should be large enough to accommodate the maximum inflow of water. Typical diameters are 18 and 24 inches, while the depth is a minimum of 24 inches. Some local codes may require a depth of up to 36 inches. A larger basin allows the pump to run for longer periods and not short cycle.
Water inflow. A plumber estimates the inflow in gallons per minute by measuring the increase in the water level in the sump over a period of 1 minute (in inches). To get the volume in gallons per minute, they multiply this figure by the basin diameter.
Head calculation. The head is the height in feet that the pump must push water, although the calculation also considers the vertical and horizontal length of the pipe, as well as the diameter and number of bends.
Pump size. Using all the above information, the plumber selects a pump with the required capacity in gallons per hour (or minute) at the specific head.

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