A good sump pump service is indispensable, especially if you want something to help you control flooding and mildew. The way a sump pump works is that it acts as a safety measure to ensure that your house and its foundation are not at risk of flooding and causing mold or deteriorating the integrity of the house’s structure.
Typically, a sump pump is installed underground in the basement so that when the water level rises to a certain point, it pumps out the excess water away from the house.
In this article, we will look at the 10 best sump pumps. We’ll also talk about the pros and cons of each, including a buying guide, so continue reading to know more.
Zoeller M53 Mighty Mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 Hp
The Zoeller M53 Mighty Mate is a submersible pump that is the first choice for many contractors and plumbers because of its exceptional quality and performance.
It comes with a 1/3 HP cast iron housing and a 9 feet long power cord, so you don’t have to worry about the pump placement anywhere in your basement. It also has a plastic vortex impeller which increases its value and durability.
Pros:
- Easy assembly and installation
- It comes with the entire inventory, so you can take it apart and build it up as you please.
- The Zoeller M53 pump has a 3-year warranty.
Cons:
The metal-air hole in the pump might get clogged after prolonged use.
Superior Pump 91330
This sump pump is made of thermoplastic, which aids in its durability and reliability. The Superior Pump 91330 has a 1/3 HP utility pump that can move approximately 2,400 gallons of water every hour.
It is, without a doubt, the best sump pump for basements. Much of this is credited to its power to pump water for up to 25 inches of vertical height. This pump is constructed with the highest industry-grade materials and lasts many years. The base of the pump is also designed to fit into a standard floor drain up to 6 inches perfectly.
The Superior Pump 91330 is constructed with high-quality materials such as heavy-duty stainless steel and copper windings for the motor, including electronic split capacitors.
Pros:
- It comes with a suction screen that can filter even large debris
- The Superior Pump 91330 is CSA certified
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- It does not come with a garden hose adaptor.
WAYNE CDU980E Submersible Cast Iron
The WAYNE CDU980E is the best submersible sump pump on this list. It can pump up to 5,490 GPH, keeping your basement as dry as you need, causing no risk to your house or its foundation even during heavy rainfall or melting snow.
It comes with 3/4 HP and is made of industry-grade materials such as stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion for the housing, and cast-iron volute for all its fasteners for more durability. The suction is constructed at the top, so the pump does not face any clogging issues with prolonged use.
You can think of the WAYNE CDU980E as a lifetime investment because it is built to last!
Pros:
- The WAYNE pump comes with a 1-1/2″ NPT discharge which follows major building guidelines.
- There is virtually no noise for such heavy-duty machinery
- It comes with a 5-year warranty
Cons:
- It might be a bit complicated to install for new users.
Simer Geyser II 1/4 HP Submersible Utility Pump
The Simer Geyser II is best known for its use as a commercial sump pump. It is a versatile sump pump that can remove water from almost anywhere in the house. It is also lightweight and portable, so you can move it around and place it anywhere you need.
It is a 1/4 HP submersible sump pump made of corrosion-resistant thermoplastic that can pump 1260 gallons per hour. The pump is designed for efficiency with a cord wrap feature, allowing easy and accessible storage.
Pros:
- The body of this pump is constructed with thermoplastic to give it more durability.
- It comes with a self-cleaning screen
- It also has a thermal overload inbuilt protection
Cons:
- It does not come with a float switch.
Zoeller M57 Basement High Capacity Sump Pump
The Zoeller M57 is an automatic sump pump that runs on 3/10 HP. It is typically used for sump pits or cleaning septic tanks in residential areas. It can even pass big chunks of debris up to 1.2 inches.
It can pump out 43 Gallons per minute at 5′ TDH and is made of cast iron for longevity. The handle of the pump is made of industry-grade stainless steel for easy and efficient movement.
Zoeller pumps give its customers the reliance they need because they make sure to test all their products at the factory. This is the kind of dependability that customers look for in their water pumps.
Pros:
- It comes with an integral float switch
- The Zoeller M57 is priced reasonably; given its high performance
- It has a compact float system
Cons:
- It is quite a heavy pump.
Zoeller M98 Horse Power Model M98
The Zoeller M98 is a 1/2 HP pump primarily used in residential buildings or septic tanks. This model of the Zoeller pump is automatic, meaning that the performance is more reliable and efficient. It also comes with an integral float switch with a 1½-inch discharge.
This submersible pump can easily remove ½-inch debris chunks and solids, which is why they are great for emergency pumping. The M98 pump comes with a plastic vortex impeller, making it all the more efficient for use.
The pump’s body is entirely constructed with cast iron for maximum durability. On top of the solid full-body cast iron built, it is fully covered with an epoxy finish, making the equipment corrosion resistant.
Pros:
- It comes with an automatic feature for thermal overload protection
- It comes with a square neoprene ring which is completely watertight
- With this pump, you can expect to pump at least 72 gallons per minute.
Cons:
- It can be a little noisy.
WAYNE WaterBUG
If you’ve been looking for a versatile device that will help you successfully remove water from wherever you place, the WAYNE WaterBUG is the device you need. This model is compact and lightweight, so you can easily use it even in small and tight places without any difficulty.
This pump is constructed with their proprietary Multi-Flo Technology, which helps select the best option out of a list for the most efficient way to remove the water from the area.
You can be assured to have a super dry basement in no time at all because this pump will remove up to 1350 Gallons Per Hour.
Pros:
- It features a top discharge feature, so there is no chase for clogged suction.
- All discharge outlets are made with brass which is corrosion resistant
- It comes with a filter for all the debris
Cons:
- It is not an automatic pump, so you will have to monitor it when using the pump closely.
Liberty Pump 257
The Liberty Pump 257 can pump up to 50 gallons per minute with a cap discharge heat of a staggering 20 feet. It can also easily pass ½ inch of solid debris, so you don’t have to worry about clogging. The design of this pump is such that the energy usage is reduced by a considerable margin, as much as 40%.
This automatic pump features a VMF switch that you can operate magnetically. The feature is handy if you use the pump in small 10-diameter pits.
Pros:
- It has a 10 feet-long power cord, so you can easily plug it into any power socket without much difficulty.
- It comes with a 3-year warranty.
- The pump housing is cast iron, and the motor is encased in permanent thermal lubrication to prolong its life.
Cons:
- This model with the VMF button is not a good choice for effluent applications.
WAYNE WSS30V
It is a 1/2 HP WAYNE WSS30V sump pump that is great for those days when you unexpectedly encounter heavy rain that can potentially flood your house or your basement. You can easily fit this pump into any slump pit of 16 inches in diameter or more.
It doesn’t matter whether you still have electricity running in the house or not; you can still use this pump to help remove all the water from your basement area. The WAYNE pump comes with a battery backup that can power up to 5,100 GPH pumping with just a single charge.
Pros:
- The pump is already preassembled, so installation does not take time.
- It comes with an 8-foot-long power cord
- You get a 5-year warranty with every purchase
Cons:
- The battery alarm is deafening.
WAYNE RSP130
The WAYNE RSP130 is a fully submersible sump pump that can pump up to 3060 gallons per hour. It can maintain a high suction power of 2460 gallons per hour even at 10 feet deep. One of the reasons is its base suction, which helps with the pump’s efficiency at which it can remove all the water necessary.
The body of the WAYNE RSP130 pump is made of corrosion-free materials and sealed with thermoplastic for durability. The pump also has a polycarbonate impeller resistant to corrosion because it is glass reinforced.
Pros:
- It comes with a Tether Float Switch
- It has a debris screen that can help filter out all the big chunks and avoid clogging the machine
- The WAYNE RSP130 pump is powerful and super quick with its performance
Cons:
- These pumps tend to take up quite a bit of apace, so you have to consider the placement well beforehand.
Zoeller Aquanot 508
The Zoeller Aquanot 508 is a high 12-volt power slump pump that can be sued in case of any water removal situations you might encounter in your basement or house. The construction of this pump includes a whole non-corrosive body that you can use for a long time.
It comes with a control box that can protect the battery from overcharging or burning out. It is fully equipped with indicators and an automatic alarm system, so you never have to worry about the state of your battery or the pump.
The best part is that it has an LCD screen which displays everything you need to know about the machine, including the voltage of the battery. It also has a cooling plate for safety measures.
Pros:
- It comes with an integrated check valve
- The discharge is quick to disconnect with an aluminum seal pocket.
- The pump has a reliable float switch.
Cons:
- The parts required to mount the machine are PVC, which might not be readily available for many people.
Types of Sump Pumps
Whenever there is a flood or risk of flooding in your basement, the best defense you can put up is a sump pump which will help remove all the water from your basement. Depending on what you need, you can also find a sump pump for the pool or get an outdoor sump pump.
The good news is there are many different types of sump pumps, so you can find one that meets the requirements of your house.
Primary sump pumps:
All standard pumps typically found in most residential buildings are known as primary sump pumps. Usually, these primary sump pumps are powerful and can pump out at least a few thousand gallons of water every hour.
Under this type, there are two different subtypes:
Submersible sump pumps:
As the same suggests, these pumps are fully submersible and can be placed at the bottom of the pit in your basement. This is one of the most sought-after types of primary pumps because you can submerge them underwater and work from the hole, which saves space, makes it more convenient, and also keeps the pump cool.
It’s also a quiet pump because it sits underwater; hence, the noise gets reduced when it reaches the surface level. It is pretty expensive compared to the pedestal ones but very high performance.
Pedestal sump pumps:
These pumps work the opposite of how a submersible pump works. They come with impellers that can be placed in the sump basin while the actual motor is placed outside the basin.
These motors are much cheaper than the submersible ones and can be easily accessed. You can also use them in smaller sump pumps because you don’t have to place the entire motor underground.
Backup sump pumps:
These are alternative pumps installed in homes and used in a power outage. Since most primary pumps run on electricity, you can have a backup pump that will do the work when the power is out. They typically run on hydropower or have battery backup.
These backup pumps are entirely optional and are available in two different subtypes:
Water Powered backup sump pump:
These backups use the city water to create a type of suction that increases pressure in the sump pit line. This suction power draws out the water and removes the unwanted water from your house.
The good thing is that you never have to worry about running out of power or battery since the city water supply is virtually endless.
Battery-powered backup sump pump:
These are much more expensive than the water-powered ones but are more popular because of their convenience. With a backup battery pump, you don’t have to worry about plugging in the pump to a power socket on the wall.
Using a submersible pump, you can place the battery near the pump or outside the sump basin. You only need to consider that you may run out of battery power if you don’t keep it charged.
Multi-use submersible utility sump pumps:
These portable pumps can quickly move around from one place to another. They are also multi-functional and have many added features depending on your requirements.
The only drawback is that they are not automatically run, so you need to power these pumps manually.
Buying Guide
As discussed above, many kinds of sump pumps might make it hard for you to decide which one to buy. While the type of sump pump you buy entirely depends on your individual needs and preferences, you need to consider a few key factors.
Let’s take a look at the primary things to consider before buying a sump pump:
Horsepower
The most crucial factor is the pump’s HP. The higher the HP, the more gallons of water per hour it can remove. Hence, this depends on the condition of water logging or water accumulation in your house and gets a pump that will do the job efficiently.
Core Material
Since power units like these pumps are a little investment and a primary need in many households, durability is a major buying factor. Most sump pumps are constructed with heavy-duty materials to ensure their longevity.
Always look for pumps made of materials like long-lasting thermoplastic or industry-grade cast iron with some coating on top that prevents corrosion from the water.
Not just the outer body, but also consider what the insides of the motor are made of. Stainless steel is corrosion resistant, so it’s an excellent material to check for when it comes to the internal parts of the engine.
Basin Space
Most sump basins in residential buildings are about 30 inches deep and 18-14 inches in diameter. In most cases, these sump basins can fit pumps that allow for pumping between 26 to 30 gallons of water.
The smaller your basin, the more difficult it will be for your pump to work because the basin will fill up pretty quickly and need the pump to keep running.
Also, if you are planning on getting a submersible pump, you will have to consider the side of the basin even more since the pump needs to be underground in the water.
Switch Type
You will find that sump pumps have digital and manual switches which you can flip to turn your pump on and off. Whichever one you go for depends on your preference. The main job of these switches is essentially the same- to run the pump on and off as needed according to the water levels.
However, digital switches seem to do a better job removing all the water from your sump, unlike manual switch pumps, which turn off after reaching a certain water level. This means that you might still experience a certain level of flooding.
Debris filter
You’re probably aware that in most cases, you will be faced with water accumulation filled with small or large chunks of debris. Some sump pumps come with an inbuilt debris filter which screens out the junk and sucks in only the water.
The problem is that the suction holes can get clogged with prolonged use. Other pumps also feature a no-screen intake debris filter, which means that it can suck in the solids and eject them out with the water they are currently removing. Pumps with this feature are much more expensive but are more convenient in the long run.
Alerts
This additional feature warns you about the status of the pump and the process of removing water. More advanced pumps even have an alert system that alerts you when the water level rises.
Power Source
Another critical point to consider is the power that these motors consume. These days you will even find energy-efficient pumps that run on low amperage. This will save you a lot of money on your power bill.
You can also consider getting a backup battery to help power the pump when you need to or when there is no power.
What is the best sump pump to buy?
According to our research, the best pumps are submersible ones with high horsepower and a large capacity to pump out water. Also, consider if you can operate the pump via battery because you might also need to use the unit during power outages.
Submersible pumps are more convenient to use and operate, making them more user-friendly, although you will need to have a more extensive basin to submerge the pump underground.
How do I choose the right sump pump?
Before you buy a sump pump, make sure that you consider the size of the sump basin, how much water gets accumulated in the sump and how much you will need to pump out, and also the frequency at which you will need to use the pump.
Accordingly, you can decide if you want to get a pump you can submerge in the water or a pedestal if you have a smaller basin. The amount of water you expect to remove from your basement will also play a massive role in how much HP you want your pump to be.
Do sump pumps smell?
Yes. If you don’t use the sump pump for long durations, it can develop an unpleasant odor. If you don’t keep your sump pump running, bacteria and mold can start to grow, which produces this smell.
How often does a sump pump need to be cleaned?
It would be best to clean your sump pump at least once every year.