Sewage ejector pump vs. septic aerator: running cost
A sewage ejector pump is cheaper to run: about $16 a year versus $126 for a septic aerator at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $110 difference.
| Sewage ejector pump | Septic aerator | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,000 W | 80 W |
| Watt range | 600–2,000 W | 40–500 W |
| Typical use | 15 minutes a day | 24 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 91 kWh | 701 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 18¢ | 1.4¢ |
| Cost per day | 4.5¢ | 35¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.37 | $10.51 |
| Cost per year | $16 | $126 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $40 | $305 |
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What drives the difference
- Sewage ejector pump: Sewage ejector and grinder pumps of 1/2-2 hp draw 0.8-2 kW but run only a few minutes a day.
- Septic aerator: Aerobic treatment units run an air pump continuously; linear diaphragm pumps draw about 40-120 W (350-1,000 kWh a year), older rotary compressors 250-500 W.
Ways to cut either cost
Alerts you before a failing pump floods the basement.
See options on AmazonMoves the same air with a fraction of the power of rotary vane compressors.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a sewage ejector pump or a septic aerator?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a septic aerator costs about $126 a year versus $16 for a sewage ejector pump. That's $110 more, or 7.7× as much.
How many watts do sewage ejector pump and septic aerator use?
A sewage ejector pump typically draws 1,000 W (range 600–2,000 W). A septic aerator draws 80 W (range 40–500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.