Sump Pump Installation & Replacement
New pits, failed pumps, battery backups. Keep the water moving before the spring thaw.
Free estimates from an independent, local foundation contractor. This site is a referral service.
Sump pumps keep a lot of Michigan basements dry
Many Lansing-area homes rely on a sump pump to move water from the footing drains away from the house, especially during snowmelt and spring rain. When a pump fails, water can be on the floor within hours.
Common sump jobs
- Replacing a failed or noisy pump in an existing pit
- Installing a new pit and pump, which means cutting the concrete floor
- Adding a battery backup or a second pump
- New check valve, float switch or discharge line
- Tying a new interior drain tile into the sump (see waterproofing)
Warning signs
- The pump runs constantly or cycles on and off rapidly
- Loud grinding or rattling
- Water standing high in the pit
- Visible rust or a pump that's many years old
Typical sump pump costs
HomeGuide: $600–$2,500 installed (about $1,600 average), $400–$700 to replace a pump in an existing pit, and $2,500–$5,000 when the installer has to cut through a concrete floor (HomeGuide). Angi lists $1,200–$2,500 for a sump pump in its waterproofing guide (Angi, 2026).
Sump pump FAQs
How long does a sump pump last?
HomeGuide's guide puts typical life at roughly 5 to 30 years depending on the type and how often it runs. Submersible pumps tend to wear out sooner than pedestal pumps. A pump that runs constantly every spring will wear faster.
Do I need a battery backup?
If your pump runs often, a backup is worth considering. Spring storms that bring heavy rain can also knock out power, which is exactly when the pump needs to run. Ask about a battery backup or a second pump.
Where should the sump water go?
Away from the house, to a spot where it won't flow back toward the foundation. Many communities don't allow sump discharge into the sanitary sewer. Ask the installer where it will discharge and whether that meets local rules, and keep the outside line clear of ice in winter.
How do I test my sump pump?
Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit. The float should rise, the pump should start, and the water level should drop quickly. Do it before spring thaw.
Prefer to talk?
Call and describe what you're seeing in the basement or crawl space. You'll be connected with a local foundation and waterproofing contractor that serves your area.
Estimates are provided by the contractor. Repair methods, pricing, warranties and scheduling are set by them, not by this website.