Comments on: How much electricity does a sump pump use?

By: Marianna

Marianna — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:05:25 +0000

There are different sizes, but on average they use 2 Amp, which – at 110 Volts – equals 220 Watt. But the pump wouldn't run all the time (unless you have a serious flooding problem which should be addressed at the source, not "pumped away"). A float switch inside the pump turns it on when the water level reaches a certain height, and off when the water is gone.
I would say, money-wise and over time, it costs you as much as a standard light bulb.

By: Ed W

Ed W — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:05:25 +0000

With a standard size sump, 120Vac, you will pay less than $1.00 per month to run it unless you have a severe standing water problem.

By: MOT

MOT — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:05:24 +0000

COMPARED TO THE ALTERNITIVE OF HAVEING A POOL UNDER THE HOUSE, NOTHING. THAY ONLY RUN WHEN WATER IS PRESENT & THEN STILL NOT MUCH COST!

By: neenanson

neenanson — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:05:24 +0000

On the pump it should say the the watts. If the watts are not label ed on the pump, then multiply the amps times the volts= watts. Just take that number and multiply it by the cost of kw/h. You will find that number on your last hydro bill.

By: Thomas S

Thomas S — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:05:23 +0000

Somewhere on the pump there will be a label saying how many watts or amps it uses then just do the math.

By: warren914

warren914 — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:05:22 +0000

It will depend on the size of the pump and its frequency of use. The pump should be labelled with operating voltage and current requirements. If there is no water to pump it won't use any electricity.

If the pump operates on 120VAC and uses a standard outlet for power you can measure and track its electrical consumption. I use a Kill A Watt meter, purchased from eBay. Here is information.

http://www.p3international.com/products/special/P4400/P4400-CE.html
http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/killawatt-review.html