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We recommend the best products through an independent review process, and advertisers do not influence our picks. We may receive compensation if you visit partners we recommend. Read our advertiser disclosure for more info.

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How Much Does an Ejector Pump Cost?

Average National Cost
? All cost data throughout this article are collected using the RS Means construction materials database.
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$850 - $5,500

Find costs near you.

Updated On

February 17, 2024

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What do you do when you want to install a basement bathroom or laundry room but aren’t sure how you’ll connect your appliances to your sewage system? The answer is easy: you install an ejector pump. An ejector pump will pump wastewater out of your basement and into your septic system so that you don’t have to worry about solid waste backing up into your basement.

This cost guide will provide the most accurate ejector pump cost data possible. We spend hours going over real plumbing quotes, browsing brands online, and reviewing our construction materials database.

Ready to call a professional plumber to have your ejector pump installed? Use our tool below to get started.

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You can typically expect to pay $68–$450 for emergency plumbing, depending on the severity of the problem at hand.
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Ejector Pump
Generally, you can expect to pay between $850–$5,500 for a new ejector pump, depending on the type of pump you need.
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Highlights
  • Depending on the project’s scope, you can pay anywhere from $850 to $5,500 to install an ejector pump.
  • Ejector pump installation is not easy, so installation is best left to the professionals.
  • The average cost to install an ejector pump is $2,500.

How Much Does It Cost to Install an Ejector Pump?

The cost to install an ejector pump is $2,500 on average, but you could pay anywhere between $850 to $5,500 depending on the size of the pump you need, the type of pump, and the scope of the project.

If you just need to replace an old ejector pump, then you’ll be closer to the average cost — but if you’re installing an ejector pump for the first time and need to install drain lines, drill into the concrete, and re-concrete the area, then you’ll be closer to $5,500 or more.

LowNational AverageHigh
$850$2,500$5,500
Cost data includes average material and installation. All cost data in this article were gathered from RSMeans construction materials and labor database and bids from top contractors.

If you want to buy just the ejector pump and do installation or replacement yourself, you can expect to pay between $180 and $1,500 for a residential unit. However, we don’t recommend DIY installation. Without professional installation, your pump may not work correctly, and you could end up with raw sewage all over the floor, among other plumbing problems.


How Do Ejector Pump Costs Differ by Type of Ejector Pump?

Ejector pump installation costs depend on the type of ejector pump you install. The basic sewage ejector pumps cost between $180 and $1,500 and are the most affordable. Grinder pumps are the most expensive because they have more power and can handle more waste.

Type of PumpAverage Price Range
Grinder Pump$1,000 – $5,000
Sewage Ejector Pump$180 – $1,500
Submersible Sump Pump$300 – $3,500

Cost data include average materials, not labor costs and installation.

Grinder Pump

Grinder pumps are the most expensive ejector pumps because they shred the waste before it’s discharged into the sewer system. As a result, they can handle more waste at one time. Grinder pumps cost between $1,000 and $5,000 just for the unit.

If you don’t need this type of pump, you should opt for a traditional wastewater ejector pump. For example, if you have a septic tank, you don’t need a grinder pump — this type of pump shreds the waste too finely.

Submersible Sump Pump

Submersible ejector pumps are slightly more expensive than regular pumps at an average of $300 to $3,500. Designed to be submerged in water, these pumps can handle tougher wastewater jobs. Consult your plumber if you are wondering if this type of pump is right for you.

Sewage Ejector Pump

Buying a new ejector pump costs between $180 and $1,500, making this type of pump the least expensive option. This type of pump can be used to move wastewater out of a bathroom or basement laundry room, which is important to keep the entire system from backing up.

Check out the difference between a sewage pump and a grinder pump with this video:


How Does Material Affect Ejector Pump Pricing?

The material your ejector pump is made of can affect the cost. Plastic ejector pumps tend to be the most affordable at $200 to $500 but are also the most likely to break. Cast iron, on the other hand, is the most durable material and will likely last longer. This longer durability increases the cost to $2,000 but may be worth the investment.

Type of Sewage Ejector PumpAverage Price Range
Cast iron pump$200 – $2,000
Plastic pump$200 – $500
Plastic + cast iron pump$200 – $700
Stainless steel pump$250 – $850
Cost data includes average materials, not installation.

Which Factors Impact Ejector Pump Cost Estimates?

The type and size of the ejector pump are the most important cost factors to consider as you shop for the perfect ejector pump for your home, but there are also some other factors you should consider. The brand is one factor that could save you money, but you should also consider the cost of tank cleaning and pump maintenance during an ejector pump replacement.

  • Brand
  • Max capacity
  • Tank and pump cleaning

Brand

One way to save money on an ejector pump installation is to choose the pump yourself and hire a plumber to install it. For example, at Home Depot, a ½ horsepower pump by Superior is about $350, but a unit of similar size by Wayne is $220.

The one caution to choosing your own brand is to make sure you get the right size pump for your home. If you get a pump with insufficient capacity, it may back up and overflow. You can consult your plumber before buying a pump to ensure you get the right capacity.

Sewage Ejector Pump BrandAverage Cost
Everbilt$225 – $850
K2$230 – $530
Superior$200 – $350
Wayne$180 – $420
Zoeller$220 – $1,500

Cost data includes average materials, not installation.

Maximum Capacity

Maximum capacity is directly related to the horsepower of your sewer ejector pump. The gallons per hour (GPH) indicates how much water a pump system can move — the higher the GPH, the more water the pump can transfer. However, more capacity also means higher costs, and you’ll have to pay more for a higher-capacity pump.

The farther your ejector pump has to move waste, the more capacity you need. For example, a new ejector pump with 5,400 GPH that costs an average of $450 for the unit can move wastewater up to 10 feet, which should cover most basement ceiling heights in American homes.

Gallons Per Hour (GPH)Average Price Range
3,000 GPH$200
4,500 GPH$350
5,400 GPH$450
6,600 GPH$850
11,400 GPH$2,000
Cost data includes average materials, not installation.

If you’re ready to get connected with a pro, then click your state below and we’ll get you connected with a local plumber with experience in installing ejector pumps.

Tank and Pump Cleaning

If you are installing a new ejector pump, you might also consider cleaning your septic tank. Septic tank cleaning costs between $300 and $600 on average and can increase the lifespan of your plumbing systems. Plus, if there are any problems with your tank or any other component, your plumber will identify the problem so that it can be fixed.


What Are the Benefits of Installing an Ejector Pump?

You need a sewage ejector pump if you have a basement bathroom or laundry room with plumbing below the sewer line. If you have one of these rooms and no ejector pump, waste can get stuck in the pipes and cause major problems in your home.

  • Can be installed in the basement
  • Waste won’t get stuck in the pipes

You Can Install Basement Laundry or a Bathroom

If you want to finish your basement, add a bathroom, or move your laundry down there, you’ll likely need to install an ejector pump. The ejector pump will ensure that all waste from the basement is pumped into the main sewer lines to prevent backups or clogged pipes. You can easily set up a bathroom or laundry room by installing an ejector pump.

Waste Won’t Solidify in Your Pipes

If you have a laundry room or bathroom in your basement and don’t have a sewage ejector pump, you can run into some major problems. The ejector pump pushes all waste out of your laundry room or bathroom and into the main sewer line. Without this critical appliance, your sewage can back up or overflow, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage and a smelly mess to clean up.

how much does an ejector pump cost
Image source: Canva

Should You Hire a Pro To Install an Ejector Pump or DIY?

Ejector pump installation is no easy task. It involves choosing the right size pump, and you must drill into the concrete to place the pump basin. We recommend you work with a professional plumber to install your ejector pump.

Doing Ejector Pump Installation Yourself

If you already have an injector pump installed and are just replacing an old one, you may be able to get away with doing it yourself — as long as you can find a pump that is the same size and fits in the location where your current pump is set.

If you don’t already have an injector pump installed, this project is too big for the average handyperson. Instead, you will want to contact a professional plumber to install your ejector pump. Injector pumps have to be placed into the ground of your basement, which means you may have to drill up to 30 inches into the concrete to ensure enough space for the sump basin and pump.

Hiring a Professional for Ejector Pump Installation

If you want your ejector pump installed correctly, it’s best that you use a professional plumber to do the job. Plumbers can help you ensure your ejector pump is installed in the right spot and that you have the right size pump for the job.

To hire a professional plumber, follow the steps below:

  1. Find local experts near you: Use our tool below to connect to the best plumbers in your area.
  2. Get a quote from a few options: We always recommend you get at least two quotes from different plumbing companies — brands and labor costs can differ depending on the company.
  3. Consult them about their recommendations: Talk to your plumber about your home project so that they can help you choose the right ejector pump size.
  4. Choose the quote that best fits your needs: Consider each quote you get and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
  5. Have your ejector pump installed: Your plumber will set up a time to install your ejector pump. It can take up to 10 hours to install your pump, so the plumber may need multiple visits to your home to finish the installation of the ejector pump.

So, Is Installing an Ejector Pump Worth It?

The purpose of an ejector pump is to remove sewage from your home; if you don’t have one, sewage can back up and overflow in your basement. Since this is something that most homeowners want to avoid, the ejector pump is worth the cost. You will definitely need an ejector pump if you are setting up a basement bathroom or laundry room.

Installing an injector pump is not easy, and you should ensure it’s done properly. This will help you avoid having problems in the future — improper installation is one of the most common problems that leads to ejector pump failure. Be sure to have this pump installed by a professional plumber.

Ready to get an estimate for your ejector pump? Use the tool below to connect to your area’s most reputable plumbing experts.

Get Free Estimates From Professional Plumbers
Match with a plumbing expert to help you with installation or repair.

FAQs About Ejector Pump Cost

Now that you know how much an ejector pump costs and who can use one, check out our most frequently asked questions about ejector pumps.

How long does an ejector pump last?

The average ejector pump has a lifespan of 7 to 10 years — but if you regularly maintain your ejector pump and install it correctly, the pump can last up to 30 years or more. That said, routine maintenance is key to getting the most out of your ejector pump.


What happens if an ejector pump fails?

If your ejector pump stops working, you will have a nasty sewage mess to clean up. Without the help of an ejector pump, sewage can clog your pipes and back up to overflow all over your floor. The most common problems with ejector pumps are clogged parts, broken float switches, improper installation, or small tank size.


Should I get a sump pump or ejector pump?

If you are setting up a basement bathroom or laundry room, you will need an ejector pump to remove waste from your home. If your main concern is groundwater getting into your home, you should install a sump pump. If you are confused about which one to install in your home, talk to your local plumber and they will provide recommendations.


What is the difference between a sump pump and an ejector pump?

The main difference between a sump pump and an ejector pump is the presence of sewage. An ejector pump is designed to remove sewage waste from your home, while a sump pump is designed to disperse water that enters your home from the ground or through rain.


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Alora Bopray

Alora Bopray

Staff Writer

Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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photo of Roxanne Downer

Roxanne Downer

Editor

Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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