How Much Does Sump Pump Repair Cost in 2025?

Sump Pump Repair Cost Factors

A sump pump protects your home from flooding and water damage. Repair costs depend on the type of pump, labor rates, accessibility, and more.

Type of Sump Pump

The type of pump, whether pedestal or submersible, can influence repair costs due to differences in design, complexity, and component accessibility. In addition to the type of pump, features such as brand, pump capacity, and extra features may influence repair costs. If your repair necessitates replacing the entire unit, you can expect varying costs between pedestal and submersible models.

Submersible

Submersible units cost $150 to $1,500 each, and repairs average $200 to $1,000. Submersible pumps are entirely enclosed within the sump pit, and their motor and other components are likewise submerged underwater during operation. These units are compact and complex, often featuring a sealed design to protect components from water damage—as such, repairs may involve removing the unit from the pit and reinstalling it.

With numerous moving components and additional features creating more potential failure points, submersible sump pump repairs can be costly and labor-intensive. Submersible models are also more prone to electrical issues, such as corrosion and short circuits.

Pedestal

Pedestal sump pumps generally cost between $100 to $500 to repair, and most repairs are straightforward and less time-consuming than for submersible models. These models are simpler in design, with the motor, float switch, and impeller housed in a basic configuration above the stand, which makes it easy to access for repairs. Fewer parts also equate to fewer potential failure points, making breakdowns less likely to begin with.

Cost by Part

Sump pumps have various components that may break or fail, such as motors, impellers, and float switches, and each carries its own potential repair cost. For example, float switches sometimes fall out of position and only require a basic adjustment, costing $75 to $125. In comparison, motor repairs start at $150 for basic fixes but can cost $300 or more, depending on the underlying problem. Some components, like batteries, can’t be repaired and require replacement instead.

Parts may have different costs between pedestal and submersible models. Repair and replacement prices can also vary between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts of aftermarket options.

Labor 

Hiring a local sump pump repair pro for repairs costs about $45 to $200 per hour. Many sump pump failures occur in emergency situations where your home is currently threatened by flooding—in that case, plan for a higher rate to account for an urgent or after-hours response.

The time to diagnose your sump pump’s problem may add to labor costs, especially if the issue involves complex or hard-to-access parts. Minor fixes, such as faulty float switches in pedestal pumps, may cost as little as an hour, while major repairs can take four hours or more.

Accessibility

Sump pumps located in the basement, garage, or similarly easy-to-access areas usually cost less to repair. Some sump pumps are installed in low-ceiling crawl spaces, beneath decks, or in concrete pits, which poses challenges for accessibility and repair and can result in additional hours of labor.

Ongoing Maintenance

Yearly maintenance costs $150 to $250. Regular professional maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and minimizes the risk of water damage and costly repairs.

During a maintenance service, contractors normally fill the sump pit to ensure it properly detects and discharges water. They’ll clean the air hole in the sump pump's discharge line and listen for any noises coming from the motor. If needed, they’ll replace the battery at an extra cost.

Signs Your Pump Needs Repairing or Replacing

A faulty sump pump often shows obvious signs, whether it fails to stop flooding in your basement or if your technician uncovers problems during a sump pump inspection.

Warning signs for faulty sump pumps can each indicate a range of underlying problems. See these average repair costs by associated symptoms.

Rust

Constant moisture exposure can cause rust on the pump and surrounding plumbing. Modern pumps are less likely to develop rust if made with rust-resistant materials or sealing. Any rust that can't simply be scrubbed away could signal compromised parts that need replacement.

Strange Noises

Pedestal and submersible pumps have normal operating sounds, but grinding, clicking, humming, and other sounds may stand out. Humming, clicking, or grinding suggest a mechanical jam or resistance against the motor due to issues such as clogged impellers or air locks. Some noises may only need cleaning or adjusting to resolve, while others may require component replacements. Call a sump pump service professional to assess any unusual sounds you’re unsure of.

Not Pumping

If the pump doesn’t discharge water, it may have a clogged discharge pipe, faulty float switch, or jammed impeller. In some cases, the sump pump may have burnt out or reached the end of its lifespan.

Foul Odor

Unpleasant smells usually point to bacteria or mold buildup, often due to stagnant water in the sump pit. Simple cleaning or flushing is relatively inexpensive, but widespread mold or bacteria may require more labor time and materials.

Jamming and Sticking

There are a number of device components that could get stuck, either from collected debris, caught air, or from lack of use. Stuck valves and faulty float switches can incapacitate your pump until they’re addressed.

Wiring

Moisture can cause corroded electrical connections, exposed wires, and short circuits, which are more likely in submersible sump pumps. Intermittent pump function may also point to the control switch or connections to the power supply.

Constant Running

Stuck float switches, faulty pressure switches, and improper sizing can cause your sump pump to run continuously or irregularly. Debris and stuck or missing check valves can also keep the motor, which may lead to burning the motor out.

Sump Pump Repair vs. Replacement

If your sump pump is relatively new, repairs are usually more cost-effective than replacing the unit altogether. Minor repairs are a fraction of the cost of a sump pump replacement. If your sump pump is still under warranty, the manufacturer may cover the cost of repair.

Replacement is more advantageous if the pump is old, experiencing frequent or costly breakdowns, or otherwise shows significant signs of wear. A new model can often provide better flood protection and overall value, especially if your current pump is at risk of failure in the event of a flood.

Does Repairing a Sump Pump Increase Home Value?

Repairing a sump pump won’t necessarily reflect an increased home value, but it can contribute to its marketability and appeal. A sump pump in good condition is most valuable in areas prone to storms, heavy rainfall, and power outages since it offers protection against basement flooding and structural water damage.

Budgeting for Sump Pump Repair Costs

Repair costs can add up quickly, but strategic budgeting can help save money. Try these tips:

• Get detailed estimates from several plumbers to compare rates and included services.

• Check for promotional discounts or special offers.

• Prioritize based on urgency—if your home isn’t actively threatened by flooding, avoid calling a plumber for emergency repairs, which usually carry higher rates.

• Schedule regular maintenance for your sump pump to catch and resolve problems early.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.