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How Much Does a Grinder Pump Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $2,000 - $4,000
The average cost to install a grinder pump is $3,000, and homeowners commonly pay between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on the pump type, pump size, and labor costs. A local plumber can assess your needs and give you an estimate.
How we get this data
Photo: PC Photography / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: PC Photography / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Cost Insights
The average cost to install a grinder pump is between $1,500 and $5,000, or $3,000 on average.
Centrifugal pumps cost between $300 and $1,500 on average, whereas Semi-positive displacement (SPD) pumps are more expensive at $2,000 to $2,500.
After you purchase the pump itself, labor will add between $500 and $1,500 to the total project cost.
Adding a sewage lift pump or upgrading your home power system for the pump can also increase costs.
Installing a grinder pump costs anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000, but the average price is $3,000. A grinder pump isn’t exactly glamorous, but it is important for many households. Grinder pumps mash sewage waste from your home into a fine slurry, which is transferred to a septic tank or central sewer system. If this sounds a lot like a garbage disposal, that’s because the processes are fairly similar. Here’s how much you should budget for grinder pump installation based on several different cost factors.
Sewer Grinder Pump Cost Breakdown
Like many projects, grinder pump installation costs generally break down into two categories: materials and labor.
Types of Sewer Grinder Pumps
The biggest cost factor here will be the grinder pump itself.
| Type | Average Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Centrifugal pump | $300–$1,500 | Standard option, easy to operate, rarely break down |
| Semi-positive displacement (SPD) pump | $2,000–$2,500 | Highly efficient, better for larger applications where vertical distance is a challenge |
A brand new grinder pump starts at just $300, but these are more affordable models with plastic cutting blades. The average price for a mid-level conventional grinder pump is $1,000 to $2,500.
From one homeowner to another
It can be hard to find a good plumber, but I found one! I've hired Nick with Plumb Poppin twice and was extremely pleased with both jobs he completed for me. One of the jobs required busting through our slab to replace pipes that had gone bad. He took the time to explain what he had to do to fix the problem, and patiently answered my questions. It was a messy job and he cleaned the areas afterward so well you couldn't even tell the work had been done. He also installed a water filtration system for me. He was on time, has an excellent attitude, is very knowledgeable and quick thinking if a problem pops up. (I live in an older house.) His prices are more than reasonable and he backs up his work! I wouldn't hesitate to hire him, and will be using his services for any future issues I have.
Review of Plumb Poppin LLC, in Villa Rica, GA
Labor
There is also labor to consider, as some units will attach easily to pre-existing sewage systems. Others will need new lines, new pressure systems, and, in some cases, additions to the household power system.
Once you have purchased a unit, the installation will add another $500 to $1,500 to the overall cost. Installation mainly involves labor, including digging out an appropriate space for the grinder pump and any associated pressure-building connections.
A local plumber may also have to run some plumbing lines between the grinder pump and the rest of the sewage system. The average cost to install a sewer line ranges from $50 to $250 per linear foot.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Install a Sewer Grinder Pump?
Beyond the pump itself and labor, you may have to factor in some additional costs to get your final price.
Adding a Sewage Lift Pump
Not all grinder pumps are equal when it comes to their ability to lift and move waste. Your system may need a bit more “get up and go” to ensure the slurry arrives at its desired location as quickly and efficiently as possible. In this case, you’ll need a sewage lift pump that works in concert with the grinder pump.
A low-head lift pump starts at around $500 and increases to $1,000. Your preferred technician will look at your system and let you know if you can get by without an additional lift pump.
Your Household Power System
Grinder pumps are extremely powerful, obliterating even the toughest of hygiene and waste products. In other words, they use up a lot of power. High-powered grinder pumps use 1HP to 2HP of power, and your home system may not like this power draw.
Hiring an electrician near you to upgrade your household power system costs $1,000 to $3,000. If you live in an average-sized home, you can get by with a grinder pump that uses less power, somewhere in the one-half HP range. Talk to your sewer system specialist to find out if a low-powered grinder will suit your needs.
Monthly Energy Bills and Maintenance
Now here is some good news: Grinder pumps may have an insatiable hunger for power, but they also include sensors that allow the pump to operate only when filled to a predetermined threshold. Energy bills increase with a grinder pump, but only by around $30 because of this design.
Additionally, grinder pumps require minimal maintenance. Traditional septic systems need to be routinely pumped to clear out any lingering waste, but grinder pumps do this on their own. With regular use, you’ll have to hire a specialist to take a look at your grinder pump just once every eight to 10 years.
DIY Grinder Pump Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
You should not install a grinder pump on your own. Installation is complex and often requires working with electricity, which is very dangerous for anyone not licensed and trained in electrical work. Improperly installed grinder pumps can cause a ton of damage to your home down the road, too.
A qualified contractor can source the pump, acquire any necessary permits, excavate the ground for the pump and associated components, and safely run it to the rest of your sewage system. Additionally, a specialist may outsource any other work you may need, such as upgrading a power line.
Sewage system specialists charge, on average, $75 to $100 per hour, and installing a grinder pump takes anywhere from six to 10 hours of work (not exactly an easy day’s DIY).
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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