Do this first
- Don't step into water that could reach outlets, a furnace or a water heater. If the panel is upstairs or dry, shut off power to the basement.
- Find the source. Water rising from the floor or walls during rain points to groundwater or the sump. Water near a pipe, heater or washer points to plumbing. Shut off the main water if it's a leak.
- Check the sump pump. Is it running? Is the float stuck? Is the pump plugged in, and is that outlet's breaker on?
- Photograph everything before you move it, for insurance.
Signs your sump pump is failing
- It runs constantly, even in dry weather
- It cycles on and off quickly
- Grinding, rattling or loud humming
- Rust on the housing, or moisture in the motor
A pump that hums but doesn't move water often has a jammed impeller or a stuck float. A pump that can't keep up during heavy rain may be undersized, or its discharge line may be blocked or frozen.
What sump pump work costs
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Replace a pump in an existing pit | $350 – $1,000 |
| New pump, pit and discharge line | about $1,400 |
| Battery backup pump | $150 – $250 |
| Water-powered backup pump | $200 – $900 |
| Above-ground discharge pipe | $150 – $400 |
Submersible pumps typically last 5 to 15 years. If yours is near that age, replacing it before the next storm season costs far less than a flooded basement. A battery backup keeps it running when storms cut the power.
Drying out and cleanup
Get water out and air moving within a day. Wet carpet pad and soaked drywall usually have to be removed. If water came from outside or a sewer line, treat it as contaminated. See water damage first steps for cleanup and restoration costs.
Sources
- This Old House, How Much Does a Sump Pump Cost?, updated March 2026