How much does sump pump repair cost in Virginia?

The short answer

What you pay to fix a sump pump depends almost entirely on which part failed. No Virginia agency publishes repair prices, and quotes vary by region and by how fast you need someone, so this page explains what moves the price and what a fair written quote should spell out. Check the free fixes first: a tripped outlet, a jammed float or a clogged inlet screen costs nothing if you find it yourself.

What failed sets the price

Think of sump pump repairs in four tiers, from cheapest to most expensive.

Nothing is broken. In Wayne's troubleshooting chart, the fixes for a pump that will not start include clearing debris from the inlet screen and removing whatever obstructs the switch.^[1] If a plumber finds a tipped pump or a float caught on a cord, you pay for the visit and little else. See why won't my sump pump turn on to check these yourself.

A switch or valve. In Wayne's chart, the remedy for a failed switch is to replace the tether switch or replace the pump,^[1] and a faulty check valve is removed, examined, and replaced if necessary.^[1] On pumps with a separate float switch, these are small parts plus labour.

A new pump. In the same chart, a failed motor, worn bearings or a broken impeller all mean replacing the pump.^[1] The pump's horsepower, housing material and switch type drive the part cost, and so does how long a warranty you want with it.

Electrical work. Wayne's chart and safety notes say low supply voltage, a bad GFCI outlet, or an outlet the pump's cord cannot reach all call for an electrician.^[1] That is a second trade, and often a second bill.

What else raises the bill

Discharge piping. A new pump may not line up with old piping. Wayne's installation instructions say rigid PVC pipe is required and flexible hose should not be used in a permanent installation,^[1] and that a check valve is required to prevent back-flow.^[1] If your current setup has neither, a good plumber will price fixing it.

Permits. Virginia's building code exempts from permits ordinary repairs such as replacing plumbing fixtures and well pumps without altering the water supply, drainage or vent systems,^[5] and other repair work the building official deems minor and ordinary.^[5] Whether a sump pump swap counts is the local building official's call: Pittsylvania County lists sump pumps among the work that needs a building permit.^[6] Ask your county or city before work starts, and ask the plumber whether the quote includes the permit fee.

Timing and access. A call in the middle of a storm, a pit full of silt, or a pump in a tight crawl space all add time.

A backup pump. Adding a battery backup pump is a separate job with its own parts. In Fairfax County, the county lists battery backups for sump pumps on the approved list of practices for its Flood Mitigation Assistance Program grants, and "Grants are limited to one battery backup per pump."^[7] Check whether your own locality offers anything similar.

Check the warranty before you pay

Wayne, for example, offers warranties of one year on some models and up to five years on its stainless steel and cast iron models,^[1] and Wayne will repair or replace a defective product free of charge during the warranty period and pay the return shipping.^[1] Labour is another matter. Goulds' warranty says the seller is not obligated to remove the defective product or install the replacement, or pay for either.^[2] Maintenance counts too: "Lack of proper routine maintenance will void warranty."^[1]

What a written quote should show

DPOR, Virginia's licensing agency, advises that you get at least three written bids or estimates using identical plans and specifications,^[3] and warns: "Beware of any bid substantially lower than the others."^[3] Ask each plumber to spell out:

• What they found wrong, and the part they will replace.
• The pump or part by brand and model, and its warranty.
• Whether discharge piping, a check valve or a new outlet is included.
• Whether a permit is needed and who pulls it.
• Haul-away of the old pump, and any after-hours charge.

A sump pump job does not have to be large to need a licensed contractor. Virginia's contractor law, Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100, defines its smallest licence class, Class C, as work where "the total value referred to in a single contract or project is over $1,000 but less than $30,000."^[4] DPOR's consumer guide puts the line at work valued at $1,000 or more;^[3] where the two differ, the statute is the rule, so the line is anything over $1,000. The same section adds: "The Board shall require a master tradesmen license as a condition of licensure for electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractors."^[4] And "Virginia law requires all licensed contractors to provide a written contract for residential work."^[3] On Loclis, plumbing work needs a licence at any job size, and an unlicensed quote is refused. A business that needs to see the pit first can book an estimate visit, and a paid visit fee comes off its price. See pricing for how Loclis charges.

Stop and call a pro if

• The outlet trips again as soon as you reset it, or the pump is hardwired.
• The pump hums, grinds or runs without moving water.
• There is water on the floor and the electric panel is in the basement.
• Rain is coming and the pump is not working.

For more, see should I repair or replace my sump pump, sump pump installation costs, plumbing repair answers and licensed plumbers near Blacksburg. When you are ready, describe the job once and get quotes from licensed plumbers.