Replace a sump pump

If you’ve ever had to deal with a flooded basement, you know the mess and damage that storm water can create. A submersible sump pump is the best way to drain that floodwater away, protecting appliances and other things that might be damaged. The unit has a waterproof pump and motor that sits in a pit or tank in the floor, where it’s plugged into an electrical outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter. As rain or storm water rises, the pump is activated and brings the water out and away from the basement through a discharge pipe.

A plumber will charge $528 to replace a 1/3-horsepower submersible sump pump, which includes labor and material. But you can buy a sump pump and make the swap for $190, the cost of the pump, and save 64 percent. If you do it yourself, buy a replacement pump that is similar in design to the old unit, so hooking it up won’t require any modifications.

You can make the replacement in about two hours, which includes time to clean the inlet in the pit and remove any debris or dirt that may have accumulated there. Use a bucket of water to test the new installation by slowly pouring water into the pit to make sure the pump starts.

To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and www.m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

Pro Cost -- DIY Cost -- Pro time -- DIY Time -- DIY Savings -- Percent Saved

$528 -- $190 -- 1.7 -- 2.5 -- $338 -- 64 Percent

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