utility · 800W typical

Running a sump pump costs about $0.04/month.

That's the typical sump pump at 800W, run 0.2 hours a day at the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh. Change any of those and the number moves — use the calculator below to see yours.

Estimated cost

$0.04/month

$0.00 per day$0.48 per year240 Wh monthly

Wattage

Hours / day

Your rate

A sump pump draws full power only while the thermostat/compressor is running — about 0.0 effective hours at 800W across your 0.2-hour window.

How you use it

Cost shifts with how long it's on.

The same sump pump can cost very different amounts depending on usage patterns. Three common scenarios, at the US-average rate.

normal basement

$0.04

per month

occasional cycles after rain

0.2 hrs/day·$0.48/yr

heavy rain day

$0.79

per month

near-continuous during storms

4 hrs/day·$9.64/yr

Where you live

$0.07 spread between the cheapest and priciest states.

Same appliance, same hours of use, different zip code — the monthly cost varies this much.

State	Rate	Monthly	Yearly
Hawaii	41.2¢	$0.10	$1.20
California	31.4¢	$0.08	$0.92
Massachusetts	30.8¢	$0.07	$0.90
Connecticut	28.7¢	$0.07	$0.84
Rhode Island	27.9¢	$0.07	$0.81
New Hampshire	24.6¢	$0.06	$0.72
Alaska	24.3¢	$0.06	$0.71
New York	22.3¢	$0.05	$0.65
Maine	22.1¢	$0.05	$0.65
Vermont	21.5¢	$0.05	$0.63
Michigan	19.3¢	$0.05	$0.56
New Jersey	19.1¢	$0.05	$0.56
Maryland	18.4¢	$0.04	$0.54
Pennsylvania	18.1¢	$0.04	$0.53
District of Columbia	17.8¢	$0.04	$0.52
Wisconsin	17.4¢	$0.04	$0.51
Delaware	17.2¢	$0.04	$0.50
Illinois	16.9¢	$0.04	$0.49
Ohio	16.6¢	$0.04	$0.48
Nevada	16.3¢	$0.04	$0.48
Indiana	15.8¢	$0.04	$0.46
Virginia	15.7¢	$0.04	$0.46
Minnesota	15.6¢	$0.04	$0.46
Colorado	15.4¢	$0.04	$0.45
Alabama	15.2¢	$0.04	$0.44
West Virginia	15.2¢	$0.04	$0.44
Florida	15.1¢	$0.04	$0.44
New Mexico	14.8¢	$0.04	$0.43
Texas	14.8¢	$0.04	$0.43
Arizona	14.7¢	$0.04	$0.43
South Carolina	14.7¢	$0.04	$0.43
Kansas	14.6¢	$0.04	$0.43
Georgia	14.2¢	$0.03	$0.41
Iowa	14.1¢	$0.03	$0.41
North Carolina	13.9¢	$0.03	$0.41
Missouri	13.6¢	$0.03	$0.40
Oregon	13.4¢	$0.03	$0.39
Tennessee	13.3¢	$0.03	$0.39
Kentucky	13.2¢	$0.03	$0.39
Mississippi	13.1¢	$0.03	$0.38
Oklahoma	13.1¢	$0.03	$0.38
South Dakota	12.7¢	$0.03	$0.37
Montana	12.4¢	$0.03	$0.36
Nebraska	12.2¢	$0.03	$0.36
Arkansas	12.1¢	$0.03	$0.35
Washington	12.1¢	$0.03	$0.35
Louisiana	11.9¢	$0.03	$0.35
Wyoming	11.6¢	$0.03	$0.34
North Dakota	11.5¢	$0.03	$0.34
Utah	11.4¢	$0.03	$0.33
Idaho	11.3¢	$0.03	$0.33

Efficient vs. inefficient

A $0.48/year difference across the wattage range.

Swapping a high-draw model for an efficient one pays for itself. Here's what that looks like annually at typical usage.

Most efficient

500W

$0.02 per month

$0.30 per year

Typical

800W

$0.04 per month

$0.48 per year

High draw

1300W

$0.06 per month

$0.78 per year

When it hits hardest

shoulder peak

Heaviest during spring rains and autumn storms.

Ways to cut the cost

1
Replace check valve every 3-5 years
Failing valves cause pump to work double — cuts kWh 30-50%
2
Divert gutters away from foundation — reduces pump triggers
Can cut pump cycles 50-70%
3
Keep sump pit clean of debris
Clogged intakes force pump to strain

Real-world wattages

Pulled from actual spec sheets.

Brand	Model	Watts
Zoeller	M53 1/3 HP Submersible	540W
WAYNE	CDU980E 3/4 HP	1110W
Superior Pump	92301 1/3 HP	520W

Picks that actually move the needle

Three products worth comparing if you're thinking about upgrading or supplementing what you have.

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy, we may earn a small commission — it never changes the price you pay, and we only recommend picks we would stand behind.

Zoeller M53 1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump

Cast iron housing, efficient motor

$170-220

Sump Pump Battery Backup System

Keeps running during outages (when most needed)

$200-300

Check Valve Replacement

Failed check valve causes pump to re-lift water = double work

$15-25