Jamie is a meticulous researcher who has published 2,000+ personal finance articles. Her expertise is trusted by major brands like Bankrate and Rocket Mortgage.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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A flooded basement is a nightmare scenario for most homeowners. Not only does it leave a portion of your home uninhabitable, but it can cost thousands of dollars to fix. Just 1 inch of water in your home can cause up to $25,000 in damages, according to FEMA.[1]
Installing a sump pump is one way to protect your home from heavy rainfall and flooding. But before buying a sump pump, it’s a good idea to understand how one works, the different types you can choose from, and the costs involved.
Keep reading to learn more about how you can protect your home from water damage.
What is a sump pump?
A sump pump is a self-activating electrical pump that’s installed at the lowest point in your house, which is usually the basement floor or a crawl space. It protects your home from moisture intrusion by removing rising groundwater and surface runoff.[2]
The biggest benefit of adding a sump pump to your home is protection from flooding, mold, and mildew. Doing this can improve the air quality in your home and reduce humidity. It also protects any belongings in your basement and keeps your foundation safe, which can increase your property value and save you money by preventing water damage.[3]
A sump pump needs replacement every seven to 10 years, though you’ll want to check it annually for signs of deterioration. Various factors affect how long your sump pump lasts, including the type of pump you have, how often you use it, and the amount of water it has to displace.[4]
You can preserve the life of your sump pump by keeping it clean and regularly replacing the float switch that activates the pump. It’s also a good idea to have a licensed plumber inspect it annually and look for signs of potential problems.
How a sump pump works
When the sump pump is placed, the installers will dig a sump trench, also known as a sump basin, at the lowest level in the basement. The purpose of the sump trench is to catch any flowing water. The sump pump will either sit at the bottom of or beside the trench, and once the water reaches a certain level, the pump expels any excess water to a discharge point. It’s a good idea to have the water discharge at least 20 feet from the building.
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Who needs a sump pump?
A sump pump is a useful way to protect your home from water damage and flooding, but not every home needs one. Here are a few signs your home could benefit from a sump pump:
You have a basement or crawl space. You may want to install a sump pump if you have a finished or unfinished basement or crawl space. Even if you’ve never had problems with water intrusion, a sump pump is the best protection against emergency flooding.
You’re at high risk of flooding. If you live in a climate with a lot of heavy rain or a high risk of flooding, you may want to install a sump pump. And if your home is in a flat or low-lying area, you’re also at greater risk for flooding.
Your foundation is vulnerable to excess groundwater. If you have poor soil drainage, yourfoundationis at risk for excess groundwater. Excess water can seep into your basement without a sump pump, crack the foundation, and cause issues in your home.[5]
Types of sump pumps
Here are the different types of sump pumps you can choose from:
Pedestal sump pump: Pedestal sump pumps sit above the water line, so they don’t get wet. This makes them easier to access, but they can also be quite noisy.
Submersible sump pump: Submersible pumps are at the bottom of the sump pit, so they’re much quieter when activated. They’re also better protected against water and dust.
Water-powered sump pump: These are typically used as backups and only kick in if the primary pump fails. They use your municipal water supply to create water pressure and pull water out of the sump pit if the main sump pump fails. Most sump pumps require electricity to run their motors, while water-powered sump pumps don’t.
Which sump pump is best?
Most people will choose either a pedestal or a submersible sump pump for their homes. Here are a few things to consider when deciding between the two:
Cost: A pedestal pump is one of the most affordable options, costing between $60 and $200. In comparison, a submersible sump pump typically costs up to $600.
Capacity: If you live in an area where heavy rainfall is common, you’ll want a sump pump that can handle large volumes of water.
Alarm system: If the water level rises too high or the sump-pump system fails due to a power outage, look for a sump pump with an alarm system.
Consider a combination sump pump: If you have the room, you can consider purchasing a combination sump pump. This device includes a primary and backup pump in one unit and can be more cost-effective.
Cost of a sump pump
A sump pump can cost between $60 and $600 depending on the following factors:
Type of sump pump: The type of sump pump you choose can affect the cost. For example, a pedestal sump pump is less expensive than a submersible.
Installation: Getting your sump pump professionally installed will add to the overall costs. The average installation fee is $1,500, but costs can range between $1,500 and $2,500.[6]
Horsepower: You can expect to pay more for a sump pump with more horsepower.
Additional features: Any additional features, like an alarm, battery upgrade, or check valve, will increase the overall costs.
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How a sump pump affects insurance
It’s unclear how installing a sump pump will affect your insurance premiums since a standard homeowners insurance policy doesn’t usually cover sump-pump failure. But you can purchase an additional water backup or sump pump failure coverage policy. If your sump pump fails and your basement floods, this coverage will pay for the resulting damages.
Additionally, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover water damage from flooding. A sump pump could save you money from possible flood damage in the long run. If you live in a low-risk flood zone, it could also save you from having to purchase flood insurance.
Sump pump FAQs
Sump pumps can be an important purchase for your home. Here’s some additional information about how sump pumps work and why you might want one.
Why would you need a sump pump?
A sump pump moves water away from your home and protects your basement from flooding. Installing a sump pump is a good idea for anyone with a basement that’s at high risk of flooding.
What does a sump pump drain to?
A sump pump drains water through a discharge line into the ground outside your home. Ideally, the water should discharge into a grassy area that slopes away from your home or directly into the city’s drainage system.
Is a sump pump under a house really necessary?
Not every home needs a sump pump, but you should consider one if you have a basement or crawl space and you’re at elevated risk of flooding.
Can a sump pump help prevent basement flooding?
Yes. A sump pump collects water that enters the basement and directs it away from your home. But sump pumps can fail due to overuse, so it’s important to test them regularly to ensure they still work.
Angi. "How Much Does Sump Pump Installation Cost?."
Jamie Johnson
Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer whose work has been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance. For the past six years, she's dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
Jamie has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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