Sump pumps are known to be powered by electricity unless you are planning on investing in a water powered pump. So the most common question asked by a lot of our readers is, how much electricity does a sump pump use?
The amount of power used during operation varies from pump to pump. If you have a pump with a large horsepower motor, then you can expect to use more power per hour compared to a pump with a smaller horsepower motor. You can also expect your pump to burn way more electricity when actively pumping water than when not in use.
An average sump pump will use about 10 kwh of power per month. During operation, you should ensure that your circuit isn’t being overloaded or you might risk tripping your breaker.
Understanding Sump Pumps
What is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a device that is used to remove water from basements and crawl spaces. It is typically installed in a sump pit, which is a hole that is dug in the lowest part of the basement or crawl space. When water enters the sump pit, the sump pump automatically turns on and pumps the water out of the pit and away from the foundations of the home.
Sump pumps are essential for preventing water damage to your home and protecting your belongings. They are especially important in areas that are prone to flooding or heavy rain.
Types of Sump Pumps
There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal.
Submersible sump pumps are installed inside the sump pit and are designed to be completely submerged in water. They are typically more expensive than pedestal sump pumps, but they are also more efficient and longer-lasting.
Pedestal sump pumps, on the other hand, are installed above the sump pit and are not designed to be submerged in water. They are less expensive than submersible sump pumps, but they are also less efficient and have a shorter lifespan.
When choosing a sump pump, it is important to consider factors such as the size of your basement or crawl space, the amount of water that typically enters the sump pit, and your budget.
Overall, sump pumps are an important investment for any homeowner who wants to protect their home from water damage. By understanding the different types of sump pumps and their capabilities, you can choose the right sump pump for your needs and ensure that your home stays safe and dry.
Read: Best Sump Pump For Above Ground Pool
How Much Electricity Does a Sump Pump Use?
If you are planning on using a larger pump with about a 1 HP motor, then you can expect your monthly cost to be around $30-$40 to operate. While on the other hand, using a smaller pump with 1/4 HP will cost roughly $10-$20 per month to function. However, it is best to keep in mind that the coat will get a bit higher during the wet spring months or months when snow begins to melt, due to the increase in ground water.
Avoid Starting and Stopping Your Pump
Due to the fact that sump pumps have powerful motors, they tend to use additional power when starting, so there will be an increase in electricity usage if the pump is constantly being turn on and off.
What you can do is adjust the check valve heigh and the drain rate to see if you are able to force the pump to operate longer, which will prevent the pump from restarting as often.
How to Decrease Monthly Costs?
If you are trying to survive on a very tight budget yet are facing the problem of a high monthly power bill, then it will pay to keep an eye on your sump pump. There are ways to reduce the cost.
The first thing we recommend doing is to lessen the number of times your pump starts and stops. If your pump is capable of running until the basin is dry it will consume less power to operate.
Another thing you might want to do is check if there are any clogs in the drain lines. If sediment has built up, this will cause the motor to work even harder to pump the same amount of water.
Another option is to look at getting a smaller pump, particularly if you only have a relatively small basement. A larger, more powerful pump will always use more electricity, contributing to a higher monthly bill, but might not actually be required for your particular situation.
Conclusion
The amount of electricity a sump pump uses depends on various factors such as its size, horsepower, and how often it’s used. The larger the sump pump, the more electricity it will consume. However, it is important to note that the cost of operating a sump pump is still relatively low, with most pumps costing between $10 to $40 per month to operate.
It is recommended to use a smaller sump pump with 1/4 to 1/3 horsepower during dry seasons to save on electricity costs. These smaller sump pumps are also energy-efficient and can save homeowners money in the long run.
If you plan to run a sump pump from a generator, it is crucial to ensure that the generator is appropriately sized to handle the power requirements of the sump pump. A small 1/4 HP sump pump will usually use around 600 watts and require around 3.5-4 amps, while a larger 1 HP sump pump can use as much as 2000 watts and 10 amps.
In summary, a sump pump is an essential tool for preventing water damage in homes, especially in areas prone to flooding. While the cost of operating a sump pump may vary depending on the size and horsepower, it is still relatively low and should not be a significant concern for most homeowners.