Is a sump pump expensive to run?

A pump that cycles constantly in dry weather usually signals a stuck float or drainage problem — fix that before blaming the power bill. At typical use it adds about $4.01 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $2.80 in the cheapest states to $10.43 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a sump pump use?

Sump Pump typically draws about 800 running watts. Because it has a motor or compressor, it briefly spikes to around 2,000 watts at startup, which matters for generator and breaker sizing but not for energy cost. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a sump pump use?

At typical use (800 W for 1 hour a day), a sump pump uses about 0.8 kWh per day — roughly 24 kWh per month, or about 3% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running a sump pump?

A pump that cycles constantly in dry weather usually signals a stuck float or drainage problem — fix that before blaming the power bill. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Sump Pump?

A sump pump only draws power while ejecting water, so cost scales with how wet your basement season is, not the calendar. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a sump pump costs about $4.01/month ($48.12/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 1

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a sump pump

$48/yr

Per day: $0.13
Per month: $4.01
Energy per year: 292 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does a sump pump use?

At 800 W for 1 hour a day, a sump pump uses about 0.8 kWh per day — roughly 24 kWh per month and 292 kWh per year. That's about 3% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps a sump pump draws.

Cost to run a sump pump by electricity rate

Same 800 W appliance, 1 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$2.80	$33.61
US average	16.5¢	$4.01	$48.12
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$10.43	$125.15

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Measure what a sump pump really costs you

The estimate above uses typical wattage and hours. A plug-in energy meter logs the kilowatt-hours this appliance actually uses — leave it in for a week, multiply by your rate, and the estimate becomes a measurement. A whole-home monitor does the same for every circuit at once, but its sensors install inside the panel.

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Plug-in power meter

P3 International Kill A Watt P4400

Best for: Measuring what one plug-in appliance really uses

Check price on Amazon(paid link)

Whole-home energy monitor

Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor (16 circuit sensors)

Best for: Measuring hardwired and 240 V loads, or every circuit at once

Check price on Amazon(paid link)

Energy meter and monitor picks

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, a sump pump drawing 800 watts for about 1 hour a day costs roughly $0.13 per day, $4.01 per month, and $48.12 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Sump Pump?

How much electricity does a sump pump use?

Cost to run a sump pump by electricity rate

Measure what a sump pump really costs you

P3 International Kill A Watt P4400

Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor (16 circuit sensors)

Frequently asked questions