Sump pumps are crucial for keeping your house dry and free from mold and free of mildew. They can be used to pump out groundwater and flood waters that could threaten the foundation and basement.
Sump pumps will only work if they are in good condition. If you don’t take care of your sump pump, it may lose power or stop working altogether.
It is better to entrust the repair of the sump pump to experts. Companies that offer such services abound; for example, you can google “sump pump repair services in Toronto” and find a specialist in your city.
Sump pump repairs cost an average of $475. The high-end pumps can be repaired for as little as $550, while the low-end ones are more expensive at $400.
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Sump pump repair costs by type
There are two main types: submersible and pedestal sump pumps.
Pedestal sump pump
When using a pedestal sump pump, the drawtube of the pump rests in the sump pit at the bottom. However, the motor remains dry above the water.
A pedestal sump pump is more cost-effective to install and maintain than submersible sump machines. The motor is not submerged in water, so it last longer. However, pedestal pumps tend to have lower pumping capabilities than submersible ones.
You can expect to pay around $400-$475 for pedestal pump repair.
Submersible Sump Pump
The sump pit is where the submersible sump pump rests, with the whole pump and waterproof motor.
More people use submersible sump pumps than pedestal pumps. They are considered stable because they sit within an enclosed sump pit. These pumps also take up less space in the basement. The cost of submersible sump pump installation is more than that of pedestal pumps. Also, repairs can be more expensive.
The cost of submersible sump pump repairs will be at the higher end of the pricing spectrum, around $475- $550 or more.
Sump pump repair cost factors
Type of sump pump
Submersible sump pump repairs can be more complicated than repairs to pedestal sump.
Age and Condition of Sump Pump
The average life expectancy of a submersible pump is seven years. Pedestal sump pumps last for a few more years, usually around 10 years. It is possible to get parts if your sump pump is old. The sump pump repair may also be complicated by other problems, such as corrosion.
Problem Size
Sump pump performance is only as good as the discharge lines. Clogged or frozen discharge lines can indicate that there is a problem beyond the sump pumps and may need to be addressed outside.
Electrical work
All sump pumps need to be plugged into the GFCI outlets that are located close by them.
An electrician should repair or replace any electrical problem.
A replacement GFCI outlet costing $140-$160 per outlet will require a wire.
Common Sump Pump Repairs
Sump Pump Float
According to the level of the sump pit, the plastic float causes the pump to turn off or on. Similar to a toilet tank float, the sump pump’s float must be able to move freely for it to work. The sump pump float should not be removed without a minimum of service calls.
The broken or jammed float switch
The float switch activates when the sump pump’s float is turned on. It is possible to manually remove the switch from jammed switches. You can replace the switch if the switch is damaged.
Inoperable Sump Pump Impeller
Although sump pumps are protected from debris, they can still be damaged by foreign objects and block the impeller that delivers the water. To repair a submersible sump pump’s impeller, you must remove it from the sump pit.
Maintenance of Sump Pumps
A homeowner can do many sump pump maintenance chores annually.
- Unplug the sump pumps
- The sump pump cover should be removed.
- The sump pump should be removed.
- The check valve should be removed.
- Use a soft cloth for cleaning the housing.
- Clean the inlet screen with a wire brush. Cleaning the inlet screen should be done every three to six months if your sump pump is frequently running.
- If the manufacturer recommends, you can lubricate or oil your sump pump.
- Replace the check valve on the sump pump, then place it back into the sump pit. Finally, replace the cover.
Sump pump replacement cost
Sometimes, it is cheaper to replace than repair the sump pumps, especially when the expected life expectancy is exceeded.
Replacement costs for pedestal sump pumps range from $400-$900, with an average cost of $650
Sump pumps can be replaced for as little as $800 or $2,000, with an average cost of $1.400.
How to choose the right Pro for Sump Pump Repair
Depending on the location, there might be waterproofing professionals who are trained to work with sump pumps or other residential waterproofing systems. A majority of plumbers are capable of basic repairs to sump pumps.
