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A sump pump itself isn’t a major investment and costs about as much as a good juicer. The higher amount of money you spend on it is due to its installation. The installation charges are higher! This blog will highlight these factors in detail!
A sump pump is a wise and necessary investment for anyone who owns a home with a basement. For people living in an area where there are high rainfall records throughout the year, it is indeed a necessity.
Water is a cruel customer and can enter your basement without any invitation during heavy rain, or it can chronically enter due to compacted soil conditions, a high water table, drainage issues, or condensation from poor ventilation. Whatever the cause of the entrance, it is no doubt a serious issue that can damage the structure of the building or whatever’s in your basement and also allow toxic mold to grow.
Having a sump pump helps the cause, as it is typically installed in a pit under the basement floor. When the water enters the basement and tries to rise, the pump removes it before it reaches floor level.
There are two types of submersible pumps:
A pedestal pump that remains above the floor and is not waterproof features a motor mounted on a shaft extending above the floor with an impeller that reaches the water. A pedestal pump is usually more noisy as it does not have the luxury of being surrounded by water.
A submersible pump, on the other hand, sits entirely underwater and is usually noise-proof because it operates underwater. These pumps are more liked by customers and are mostly used because of their unique features. According to a report, at least 90 percent of sump pumps available online are submersible pumps!
What Is the Cost of a Sump Pump?
The price range of sump pumps cost ranges from as low as $50 and can reach up to $500 or $600, with the average cost being $125. That’s even less than you pay for a good-quality vacuum, or equal to a good juicer machine. The more you spend, the more expensive models you get with exceptional qualities that justify the additional cost.
Some important features you get with a higher price:
- Cast iron or stainless steel core: A higher-cost sump pump comes with a metal core that is more durable than a plastic core. Metal efficiently avoids burnout by dissipating heat from the motor.
- No-screen intake: Pumps with filter screens frequently clog and need maintenance regularly. Pumps with impellers, on the other hand, can handle particulate matter up to 1/2 in. in diameter and do not clog easily.
- Solid mechanical float: a solid mechanical float is one more feature you get for a high price; it tells the pump when to come on. A mechanical one is more reliable than a pressure switch or a hollow float because it does not fill with water.
- Alarm: The alarm you get alerts you when water rises above a dangerous level, giving you time to proactively react to prevent a flood.
- Stainless steel pedestal: The partially submerged pedestal is on the bottom of the sump pit. Stainless steel is more durable and resilient than plastic and is also corrosion-resistant.
- Wi-Fi connectivity: WiFi connectivity is another feature that comes at a high price. You can monitor the basement water situation using this feature on your device.
These are some of the features you get with high costs, but there are more features, such as pumping power that ranges from one-quarter to one horsepower (hp). You get a more powerful pump by spending more. More of the factors, like the size of the pump, the size of the pit, the length of the drainage pipe, and the elevation of the pipe outlet, all depend entirely on your needs.
Other Costs To Consider
Sump pumps have other costs that are higher than the pumps themselves. Installation costs are one such cost that typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. Various factors that influence this cost include:
Electrical Connections
Most sump pumps need to be plugged into a 20-amp GFCI outlet on a separate circuit. You are also required by law to install a new outlet on a new circuit because it is against fire codes to use an extension lead. Along with it comes the cost of hiring a professional electrician to perform the job safely!
Making the Floor of the Basement Ready
A basement floor may be simply dirt or hard soil, but in most cases, floors are concrete-based. Concrete slabs are really thick—up to six inches. Force and expertise are required to break through them.
Accessibility
The sump pit must be at the lowest point on the floor for effective results. If it is placed next to a wall or under a heavy piece of stationary equipment, accessing it could require extra labor.
The cost of installation also depends on where your drainage point is. This can be easy if a sewer drain is nearby and open to the pump’s drainage. Conversely, if it is not nearby, you have to install new plumbing or run an outflow pipe outdoors through a hole in the wall.
Clearing Existing Water Damage
If the basement has already flooded, it needs to be cleaned and drained, and the existing water damage needs to be remedied. That doesn’t need to happen before the pump is installed. But as it’s related to the installation, it’s important to figure out the budget first.
Backup Power Supply
In areas where there are heavy rains or floods, homeowners have to install a backup power system to ensure pumping continues when there’s a power outage. This could be a battery pack or a backup pump that operates on battery power. Either way, it is an addition to the bill.
Permit Requirements
If the installation involves changes to the home’s existing plumbing system, you will need a permit. Depending on community rules or regulations, you may also have to file a drainage plan and obtain a permit before pumping water outdoors. Permit fees are typically $100.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
If you’re prepared to dig your own pit and drain your sump pump outside, you can save on labor costs, typically $1,000 to $1,500, by hiring a nonprofessional. But if the work requires getting a permit or getting the pumps drained to the sewer line, you are better off hiring a licensed and certified plumber to ensure it’s done according to plumbing codes. A professional plumber could cost up to $2000.
Wrapping Up
Sump pumps are a luxury to have in your basements as they do not allow dangerous water levels to destroy the infrastructure and allow mold to grow. These pumps are not that expensive but their installation costs are higher because of several factors like hiring professional costs, electrical connection costs, alternative power supply arrangements, and clearing existing water damages among others. But having a sump pump is more beneficial even at a bit higher cost as it saves your belongings and infrastructure from heavy water!
