How Much Does an Ejector Pump Cost?

Last Updated on April 12, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

For homeowners and business owners alike exploring the total costs of installing an ejector pump system, this comprehensive guide delves far beyond just the initial pump purchase price to examine the complete installation expenses, lifetime operating costs, maintenance requirements, and long-term value considerations.

Getting a holistic understanding of the range of ejector pump pricing enables making an informed investment in a system properly specified to your property’s needs, avoiding both underspending on inadequate solutions and overspending on needlessly overpowered equipment.

While certainly representing a major plumbing investment, a properly sized and maintained ejector pump provides many years of reliable service life transporting wastewater away from below-grade areas and preventing hazardous backups and flooding. When equipped to property requirements, ejector systems offer tremendous utility.

How Much Does an Ejector Pump Cost?

On average, a residential ejector pump suitable for a typical home will cost $300 to $1,000+ depending on the pumping capacity required, construction materials, and features included. Heavy-duty commercial and industrial pumps range from $1,000 up to $5,000 or more for high-volume high-head configurations.

The large gap reflects commercial pumps being built for much higher flow rates, head heights, run times, and durability. Critical applications demand robust design. Backup units are also wise for large properties to avoid interruptions. Location-specific labor and product availability influence costs.

Always compare multi-brand quotes rather than settling on the first estimate. Advanced controller technology has made ejectors much more affordable in recent years.

Today’s Homeowner reports that the average cost to install an ejector pump is $2,500, with a range of $850 to $5,500, depending on the size of the pump, the type of pump, and the scope of the project. The cost of just the ejector pump can range from $180 to $1,500 for a residential unit.

A Reddit user mentioned that the cost of installing an ejector pump can range from $500 to $10,000, depending on location, company overhead, and materials used. In this case, a plumber took about 5 hours to chip up the concrete and install the pump, and the GC (General Contractor) is trying to tag the job at $3,000.

Made-in-China.com lists a Steam Ejector Pump/ Jet Vacuum Pump of the Pulp & Paper Industry with a price of US$5,000 per piece, but the search results do not provide information on the type of ejector pump or its specifications.

The average cost of an ejector pump is around $2,500 for the pump and installation, according to Angi.

Homeguide writes that the cost to replace an ejector pump is $850 to $3,000 with materials and labor, which is less than a full installation of a new system.

Ejector Pumps and Their Purpose

Ejector pumps provide an engineered solution for effectively collecting and “lifting” wastewater from below-grade building areas up to the main sewage drainage lines and out towards municipal sewer connections or septic systems at higher elevations.

The basic components involved in a complete ejector pump system consist of:

• A wastewater sump basin or holding tank
• The ejector pump unit itself
• Electrical supply and float switch controls
• Piping to convey flows in and out

This assembled arrangement utilizes the natural vacuum effect created by flowing water to provide the “lift”. Here’s a quick overview of the operating principle:

When drain water flows into the holding tank, floating switches activate the ejector pump once the water level reaches a set minimum depth. The pump then pressurizes fresh incoming water from a secondary feed pipe. This pressurized stream entering the holding tank creates a strong vacuum effect that sucks the sewage up through the primary discharge pipe. By overcoming elevation, waste is ejected from basements or other low points to drain freely with gravity into sewers.

Due to this functionality, ejector pump configurations are most commonly utilized for waste drainage in:

• Home or business basements
• Underground infrastructure such as sewers and tunnels
• Parking garages, elevator pits, and metro stations
• Areas with high groundwater tables where traditional gravity drainage cannot occur

By efficiently collecting and evacuating graywater away from the lowest building points, ejector pump systems prevent backups of sinks, showers, and appliances onto interior spaces, guarding against flooding damage, unhealthy standing water, and overflow hazards. Proper setups provide robust wastewater management for challenging building sites.

Factors That Impact Ejector Pump Pricing

Several critical details influence the pump itself’s price, required ancillary components, and professional installation costs:

Pump Flow Rate and Capacity – The greater the pump’s rated gallons-per-minute (GPM) capacity and maximum pumping head height in feet, the larger and more powerful the pump unit must be. This necessitates more robust materials and construction to withstand pressure, naturally resulting in higher costs. Always match pumping power to property requirements.

Pump Build Construction and Durability – Commercial and industrial grade ejector units made from durable cast iron or stainless-steel components last significantly longer under constant use but also carry a higher initial price than lower-cost plastic residential models not intended for extreme duty cycles. The premium for heavy construction is often well worth it for commercial applications demanding reliability.

Brand Reputation and Quality – Top manufacturer brand names rightfully command an added cost premium, but deliver value through better warranties, increased energy efficiency, lower maintenance demands, and ultimately longer service lifetimes. Cutting corners on the pump itself is risky.

Installation Complexity and Customization – Straightforward new construction installs are the most affordable. Challenging retrofits into crowded existing basements or workspaces often requires extensive custom plumbing modifications driving up labor demands. The specific property variables play a major role in overall costs.

Carefully balancing these factors allows properly specifying the correct pump technology for your site requirements without needlessly overspending.

Installation Cost Considerations for Ejector Pumps

The pump unit itself is only one line item in a comprehensive budget. Professional installation work including materials and labor typically adds:

• Residential – $200 to $800
• Commercial – $500 to $5,000

The scope of site-specific custom plumbing tasks required will largely dictate overall installation costs:

• Modifications to existing below-grade drainage infrastructure to integrate the new ejector system properly.
• Running all new PVC or stainless discharge and intake piping.
• Installation of valves and unions for serviceability.
• Electrical supply with control panel and wired float switches.
• Permits and inspections to comply with codes.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a French drain installation, the LifeSource water system, or toilet wax ring replacement.

Reputable plumbers possess the expertise to handle the various intricacies most efficiently while avoiding future problems. Attempting extensive DIY ejector installs risks costly hazards if improperly assembled. Always factor total pump plus installation costs when budgeting.

Maintaining Ejector Pump Systems

Beyond just purchasing the ejector unit and installation fees, homeowners and businesses should anticipate ongoing ownership responsibilities and expenses including:

Electrical Supply and Usage – Ejector pumps obviously require an electrical supply and consume power whenever cycling on to transport wastewater up to the sewer line. More frequent pump activation equals greater energy costs over time.

Preventative Service Contracts – Most experts strongly recommend paying for annual maintenance service appointments with experienced technicians, costing around $150+ on average. This professional maintenance prevents many issues and maximizes equipment lifespan through proactive upkeep.

Eventual Repairs – Over years of use, worn pump shaft seals, impellers, bearings or float switches will inevitably require replacement at some point. Parts and skilled labor typically run $200+ per repair incident. Having a backup unit helps avoid disruptions and mitigates risk.

Staying diligent on regular maintenance minimizes lifetime ownership costs. But occasional repairs should be budgeted for. Undetected failures risk extremely expensive interior flooding damages.

Matching Pump Performance and Capacity

Selecting the properly sized ejector pump for your unique residential or commercial needs ensures the reliability and value essential for justifying your investment. To avoid spending excessively on overcapacity while still providing adequate flow rates, consult qualified plumbers to specify:

Residential Homes – Look for ejector pumps rated for 5-15 gallons per minute (GPM) flow which suit most typical household plumbing fixtures and sporadic intermittent use patterns.

Commercial Buildings – To manage heavier use in restaurants, offices, malls etc., larger 15-100+ GPM capacity commercial units are required to keep up with demand.

Sizing ejector pumps for adequate flow while not exceeding outlet sewer line capacities prevents pump overload and burnout while still providing sufficient head pressure and volume to maintain uninterrupted service. Oversizing units generally just wastes energy.

Consult engineering experts when specifying large commercial waste volumes. Let science and data guide your investment.

How to Select the Right Ejector Pump

Consider:

• Peak flow rate and head (vertical distance to discharge point)
• Durability for environment and typical waste
• Energy efficiency and noise rating
• Warranties and local servicing reputation
• Compliance with codes and regulations

An accurately specified and installed system brings reliability and value.

Additional Potential Costs to Keep in Mind

• Building modifications for pump access/installation
• Plumbing and electrical permits
• Backup generator for power outages
• Sewer lateral inspections or repairs
• Business interruption costs if pump fails

Determine full scope and local requirements at the start to avoid surprise expenses.

Tips for Controlling Ejector Pump Costs

Strategies for savings:

• Size appropriately to needs to avoid overspending
• Compare energy ratings – efficiency cuts operating costs
• Seek reputable brands that back products
• Request quotes from multiple installation companies
• Follow maintenance schedule for longevity

Some legwork upfront keeps budgets on track and prevents unexpected breakdown costs long term.

Investing in a properly specified and maintained ejector pump brings value and peace of mind by keeping your property’s vital wastewater systems running smoothly even in challenging installations.

Final Words

Investing in a properly sized and thoughtfully installed ejector pump system with regular maintenance schedules delivers tremendous utility and value for properties requiring robust below-grade waste drainage capabilities.

While certainly a major plumbing investment, the sheer reliability and protection from backups and flooding hazards provided by quality ejector setups quickly offsets their costs.

With some diligent upfront planning and research, a new ejector system can provide many years of nearly trouble-free service life keeping your property’s basement or infrastructure clear of wastewater. The small added initial cost of proactive lifetime maintenance goes a very long way. Consult engineering experts to ensure your new ejector pump solution is engineered right the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the downsides of ejector pump systems?

Frequent cycling from overcapacity size leads to premature wear. Improper installation risks leaks and corrosion. Failure creates sewage backup hazards. Odor when pump runs. Requires professional service and electrical supply. Alarm notifications important. Annual maintenance essential to avoid problems.

What is the lifespan of an ejector pump with proper maintenance?

When sized correctly and maintained according to manufacturer specifications, most quality residential ejector pumps will provide 10-15 years of service, while heavy duty commercial models can operate reliably for 15-20 years or longer before requiring replacement. Proper maintenance is key.

What types of materials should never be flushed an ejector pump system?

Avoid flushing grease, oils, paper towels, wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, coffee grounds, and other dense materials that could clog impellers. Also restrict use of toxic cleaners or chemicals that could damage components. Ejector pumps are only for standard wastewater intended for sewers.

How often does routine maintenance need to be performed on an ejector pump installation?

Most manufacturers recommend inspecting and servicing residential ejector pump units at least once annually. Tasks include checking and clearing obstructions, testing switches, refilling oil levels on lubricated units, and examining pipes and fittings for leaks. This prevents most repair issues and maximizes operational lifespan.