Short answer: a sump-pump quote can include a pump replacement only, a new pit and pump, weeping-tile disconnection, discharge piping, storm connections, concrete work, permits, electrical work, or restoration. The City does not publish a London-wide contractor average. For an approved sump pit and pump with existing weeping-tile disconnection, the current grant maximum is 90% of eligible cost up to $4,000.
Why “the cost of a sump pump” can be misleading
The retail pump is only one component. A new system may require locating the foundation drain, cutting and restoring concrete, excavating a pit, installing a liner and pump, adding a check valve and discharge pipe, providing electrical supply, routing water to an approved outlet, obtaining permits, and completing inspection. A replacement pump in an existing pit is a different project from disconnecting weeping tiles and building a new system.
Ask the contractor to state what exists now, what will change, and which work is included. A one-line “sump install” total makes both quote comparison and grant review harder.
Cost components to request separately
| Quote line | What should be clear | Grant-planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment and investigation | How the existing weeping tiles, pit, discharge, and sanitary/storm connections were verified | Diagnostic work and construction eligibility should be confirmed with the City |
| New sump pit and primary pump | Pit/liner, pump specification, check valve, alarms, labour, and concrete work | Current combined category is capped at $4,000 when tied to existing weeping-tile disconnection |
| Additional weeping-tile disconnection | Length, access, connection method, and restoration | Separate current maximum: $2,400 |
| Battery backup | Backup pump/controller, battery, installation, testing, and maintenance requirements | Separate $1,400 maximum only when installed with a new sump pump under the current program page |
| Discharge or storm connection | Route, outlet, trenching, pipe, frost/grade considerations, and restoration | Storm private drain and storm building sewer are separate categories with separate caps |
| Permits and inspection | Who applies, who pays, and which inspections are included | Required approvals must be in place; never assume a permit is optional |
| Electrical | Dedicated circuit, receptacle, panel work, and electrical permit responsibility | Confirm whether each cost is eligible before including it in grant math |
| Restoration | Concrete, flooring, walls, paint, landscaping, and cleanup | Cosmetic restoration should not be assumed eligible |
Current City caps that can appear in a sump-related project
| Approved work type | Current maximum |
|---|---|
| Sump pit and pump with existing weeping tile disconnection | $4,000 |
| Additional weeping tile disconnection | $2,400 |
| Storm private drain connection | $7,000 |
| Storm building sewer | $3,000 |
| Battery backup installed with a new sump pump | $1,400 |
| Reverse-grade driveway sump pit and pump | $4,000 |
The grant is the lower of 90% of eligible cost or the applicable cap. Separate caps do not mean every project qualifies for every line. The proposed scope must fit the program and receive written approval before construction.
Illustrative out-of-pocket calculations
These examples show only the formula. They are not contractor price ranges and do not predict approval.
| Eligible pre-tax line | With 13% HST | 90% calculation | Estimated grant after cap | Estimated homeowner amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 sump category | $3,390 | $3,051 | $3,051 | $339 |
| $4,500 sump category | $5,085 | $4,576.50 | $4,000 cap | $1,085 |
| $1,200 eligible battery line with a new sump | $1,356 | $1,220.40 | $1,220.40 | $135.60 |
For a project with more than one category, calculate each line separately. Do not apply one combined cap to a bundled total. The London Basement Project Estimator does this item by item.
Battery backup: the eligibility detail that changes the quote
The current City program page says a battery backup system is eligible when installed with a new sump pump and lists a maximum of $1,400. It also says battery backup installed for an existing sump pump is not eligible. A contractor quote should make the new primary sump and backup scope clear rather than presenting an ambiguous battery line.
How many estimates do you need?
Under By-law A.-7562-160, plan for:
- one estimate when the quoted amount is below $5,000;
- two estimates when it is from $5,000 through $10,000; and
- three estimates when it is above $10,000.
Each estimate should cover the same comparable scope and identify labour, materials, permits, and each proposed work type. See the contractor comparison checklist.
Questions that improve the quote
- Is this a pump replacement, a new pit and pump, or a weeping-tile disconnection project?
- How was the existing foundation-drain connection confirmed?
- Where will the sump discharge, and is that route compliant?
- Which concrete, flooring, wall, or landscaping restoration is included?
- Who obtains and pays for permits and inspection?
- Is battery backup being installed with a new primary sump?
- Which line items does the contractor believe are grant-eligible, and has the City confirmed the proposed category?
- What maintenance, testing, warranty, and power-outage procedure will the homeowner receive?
Frequently asked questions
How much can the grant cover?
For the current sump pit and pump category with existing weeping-tile disconnection, 90% of eligible cost up to $4,000. Related work may fall under separate current caps.
Is backup for my existing sump eligible?
Not under the eligibility statement on the current City program page. The battery system must be installed with a new sump pump.
How many quotes are required?
One below $5,000, two from $5,000 through $10,000, and three above $10,000 under the program by-law.
Primary sources
Run your actual line items
Enter each pre-tax quote amount and see the cap, HST, quote count, and estimated homeowner portion.