Sump Pump Electricity Cost Calculator
Estimate sump-pump electricity cost from running watts, cycle duration, cycles per day, and rate.
Estimate sump-pump running cost
How this calculator works
Sump-pump energy depends more on total runtime than horsepower alone. Water-table conditions, rainfall, drainage, pump capacity, head height, check-valve performance, and basin size all affect cycling.
Reliability and flood protection are more important than minimizing a small amount of electricity. Never disable or undersize a required pump to save energy.
An 800-watt pump running one minute per cycle, 24 cycles per day, uses 0.32 kWh and costs about $0.06 per day at $0.18/kWh.
How to get a more accurate estimate
- Observe cycle length and count during representative wet conditions.
- Investigate rapid short-cycling and failed check valves.
- Maintain backup power and alarm systems appropriate to the flood risk.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn off a sump pump to save power?
No. Flood prevention and safety come first. Diagnose abnormal cycling instead.
Why does rainfall change the result?
Rainfall and groundwater can change inflow and therefore the number and length of pump cycles.
Does this include a battery backup?
No. Charger standby and backup-pump operation can be estimated separately.
Results use the values you enter and the formula shown above. Real bills can include taxes, minimum charges, tiers, time-of-use pricing, cycling losses, and other adjustments. Use a recent bill or a plug-in energy meter when accuracy matters.