Sump pump installation costs (insurance, how much, house)

[FBone]

I was just quoted $2400 for complete sump pump installation without drain tiles or battery back-up pump.

Does that seem reasonable? The plumbing company has done excellent work for me in the past and has been in business for 110 years.

Estimate does seem high, though.

[BobKovacs]

Depends. Is there a sump pit already, or do they need to tear up the floor and install one? Where are they piping the water to? They can't legally tie into the sanitary sewer, so they need to pipe the water separately to somewhere that it won't flow back toward the house (like to the curb). Is there power available near the proposed pump location?

I could see it costing $2,400 in some circumstances, but I could also see that being a complete rip off in others.

[timneh5]

I had a sump pump put into a crawl space (sandy floor), with no battery backup. The hole and piping were both new and the pipe does not go out to the curb. An electric line was also done. Plumbing: $600 and Electric: $150. This work was done in 2006.

[FBone]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

Depends. Is there a sump pit already, or do they need to tear up the floor and install one? Where are they piping the water to? They can't legally tie into the sanitary sewer, so they need to pipe the water separately to somewhere that it won't flow back toward the house (like to the curb). Is there power available near the proposed pump location?

I could see it costing $2,400 in some circumstances, but I could also see that being a complete rip off in others.

Thanks for your reply.

There is no pit and they will need to tear up basement floor. The water will be piped to my side yard about 40ft from the pit. There is no dedicated line but the circuit box is nearby.

[eastwestman]

Even if the quote sounds a bit high, you must also be weary of a quote that is too good to be true. You get what you pay for. If this plumbing company has provided excellent service to you in the past, that might be reason alone to go with them.

I've paid plumbers over $100 for half an hour of work to clear stubborn clogs that I gave up on. Considering how much work is involved with this sump pump installation, $2400 doesn't sound unreasonable.

[FBone]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll get another estimate just for comparison. I'm willing to pay a small premium but dont want to be gouged either.

Anyone know a good plumbing contractor in Monmouth County? [Edit: I'll start a new thread]

[FBone]

Received 4 more estimates today:

$775
$850
$1085
$1500

Guess that answers my question. Basement waterproofers were least expensive.

[ez2do4now]

Originally Posted by FBone

Received 4 more estimates today:

$775
$850
$1085
$1500

Guess that answers my question. Basement waterproofers were least expensive.

Make sure to inquire with your township building codes. A new sump pump will likely require permit application, detailed plan drawing showing sump pump location, depth of pit drum (usually 3 feet), rough plumbing, size of pipes, vent pipe to allow noxious air to flow to exterior (I think vent pipes have to be 3 inches diameter), GFI outlet, and sump pump alarm. Application and plan have to be approved before work starts, inspection after rough plumbing work is done, and final inspection after completion.

Think of the township requirements are 'insurance' that everything will be done properly and prevent plumbers from doing a half arse job.

[blackandproud]

Originally Posted by FBone

Received 4 more estimates today:

$775
$850
$1085
$1500

Guess that answers my question. Basement waterproofers were least expensive.

I need both the sump pump and basement waterproofing. If you don't mind, how much did you pay for the waterproofing?

[FBone]

Originally Posted by blackandproud

I need both the sump pump and basement waterproofing. If you don't mind, how much did you pay for the waterproofing?

They said the sump pump is all I need. Since my basement floor slants to one corner I probably wont need french drains either. They suggested installing a sump pump first and see if that solves the problem before spending more money. I only get a small puddle in that one corner. And my basement is unfinished.

I asked them if a permit is required in my city and they said no. But I will call Building Dept tomorrow to confirm.