Cost to Install a Sump Pump
A sump-pump installation creates a pit in the basement, sets a basin in gravel, places and levels the pump, and connects a discharge pipe and check valve to manage basement moisture. The work is hard because it includes excavation, drilling, discharge piping, pump testing, and sealing the cover when a radon mitigation system is present.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- Basement moisture needs to be managed.
- An existing sump pump is worn or damaged.
- An older pump is being replaced, and the existing discharge pipe needs assessment.
- A homeowner is upgrading the basement moisture-management system.
DIY or call a pro?
A licensed professional should install a sump pump because the work involves hazardous materials and suits professionals rather than DIY. Proper grounding is necessary to prevent electrical shock. Consult a licensed professional when the installation modifies electrical circuits or structural concrete, and wear safety glasses and gloves during excavation and installation.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I install a sump pump myself?
- Hire a professional. This is a hard job involving hazardous materials, excavation, electrical grounding, and potentially electrical-circuit or structural-concrete modifications. A licensed professional should perform the installation.
- What makes sump-pump installation cost more?
- The price can rise with the size of the installation, labor time, and required materials. Haul-away of old material can also add to the job, while a small installation may be affected by a minimum or trip charge.
- Why does a sump pump need a weep hole?
- The pump needs a 3/16-inch weep hole drilled at a downward angle to prevent air-locking. Omitting it can interfere with pump operation.
- What should be checked before installing a sump basin?
- Choose the sump pit location in the basement first. If there is a radon mitigation system, the sump cover needs to be sealed; when replacing an old pump, assess the condition of the existing discharge pipe.
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