Water pressure booster pump vs. sump pump: running cost
A sump pump is cheaper to run: about $16 a year versus $34 for a water pressure booster pump at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $19 difference.
| Water pressure booster pump | Sump pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 700 W | 800 W |
| Watt range | 300–1,200 W | 400–1,300 W |
| Typical use | 45 minutes a day | 18 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 192 kWh | 88 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 13¢ | 14¢ |
| Cost per day | 9.4¢ | 4.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $2.87 | $1.31 |
| Cost per year | $34 | $16 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $83 | $38 |
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What drives the difference
- Water pressure booster pump: Residential booster pumps draw about 500-1,000 W while running, only when water is being drawn.
- Sump pump: A 1/3 hp sump pump draws about 700-900 W while pumping; run time varies hugely with groundwater, from near zero to several hours a day in spring.
Ways to cut either cost
Protects the basement during outages.
See options on AmazonDiverting roof water away cuts how often the pump runs.
See options on AmazonMatches motor speed to demand, often using 30-50% less than on/off pumps.
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 water pressure booster pump or a sump pump?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a water pressure booster pump costs about $34 a year versus $16 for a sump pump. That's $19 more, or 2.2× as much.
How many watts do water pressure booster pump and sump pump use?
A water pressure booster pump typically draws 700 W (range 300–1,200 W). A sump pump draws 800 W (range 400–1,300 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.