Having a crawl space sump pump will save you thousands of dollars in water damage caused by unexpected basement floods. It also prevents mold formation and bad odors in the house. This article brings you the best sump pump models of different brands for you to choose from. Go through the guide on different types and important factors to consider when buying a sump pump.
Types of Sump Pump
Depending on the priority of the pump, it may be used as a primary pump or a backup pump. The primary pumps are of two types, namely pedestal pumps, and submersible pumps.
- Pedestal Sump Pumps: These pumps have the motor above the waterline and are quite louder than the submersible ones. But the sound can be reduced by adding a lid. They come in cast iron or plastic for you to choose from depending on the requirement. However, pedestal sump pumps cannot handle debris in the water such as gravel or pebbles.
- Submersible Sump Pumps: These work entirely underwater and usually generate less noise. They have stronger motors and come in cast iron for more durability. They can remove leaves and pebbles from the water.
- Backup Sump Pumps: The backup sump pumps are used to pump out the water during a power outage or if the primary pump fails. It may be either a battery backup or a water-powered sump pump.
What Are the Main Components of a Sump Pump?
A sump pump contains six main parts which are:
- Ground Water Collection System: This directs the excessive groundwater to a sump basin.
- Sump Basin: This component collects the water for removal.
- Primary Sump Pump: The power may vary from ¼ to 1 horsepower and the type may be either submersible or pedestal.
- Discharge Pipe: This pipe carries the discharge water away from the home to a suitable location.
- Check Valve: This prevents the backflow of discharge water through the outlet.
- Backup Sump Pump System (optional): It turns on to remove water in case of a power failure or if the primary pump fails.
Features to Consider
There are some features to consider when purchasing a crawl space sump pump. It is recommended to go for a sump pump that follows the standards of The Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association (SSPMA Standards). Go for a durable and sturdy sump pump that can have long-term use even under rigorous conditions. Here are some other important factors to consider when looking for a new sump pump.
- Resistance to Clogging: The rate of pumping water slows down or stops completely of the intake port clogs with debris. Housing the sump pump in a durable plastic sump liner is better since it can be inspected and cleaned easily. The design of the impeller is also important so that it doesn’t trap small pebbles and debris in the impeller blades. Check your sump pump for these anti-clogging features and avoid sump pumps with screened intakes that can clog easily.
- Powerful Motor: It is the motor that ultimately determines the power of the sump pump. Low-priced sump pumps usually have motors with a rating of around 1/6 hp. More powerful motors have a rating of ½ or 1/3 hp. They last longer since they don’t need to run at high RPMs or run for a long time to pump a high volume of water.
- Cast Iron Motor Housing: Plastic motor housings are commonly found in cheaper sump pumps. But it is not the ideal build since they don’t last long with the heat generated during operation. It may expand and even cause the motor’s bearings to burn out. Cast iron housing can dissipate heat and even undergo high heat without distorting itself.
- Float and Switch: It is the float switch that detects the rise in water levels and gives the signal for the motor to turn on. Ball-on-wire float switches malfunction more easily than column-type float switches. Hollow floats are more likely to malfunction in case they are punctured. So, go for a column-type solid float that cannot sink.
Crawl Space Sump Pump Maintenance
Like most other household equipment, your sump pump under the house also needs occasional maintenance to keep it going. Here are some useful tips on maintaining your crawl space sump pump.
- Check the basin and sump pump pit for any cracks or leaks. Remove everything from the pit and fill it with some water to find any possible leaks.
- Next, check the outlet and eliminate any risks of the power cord getting wet.
- Inspect the drain pipes and test the lines by dumping a bucket of water down the pipe. If there are no clogs, the water will flow into the discharge point without delay.
- Test the check valve by pushing it up and down. It will be working correctly if it flows freely without getting stuck in the middle.
- If you find any oil leaks, consult a sump pump expert to determine whether you can repair them or need to replace the pump.
- Test the sump pump alarm regularly to make sure that it sounds properly.
- If you have a backup sump pump, test the battery every year to confirm that it is in the right condition. There could be some common battery problems such as the battery not holding charge or not delivering enough power to the pump. To test the battery, disconnect the pump from the primary power source. Then add some water to the pit and check whether the pump starts. If you have a gas-powered backup pump, check the fuel level once every few months.
- Conducting a test flood is the only way you can completely confirm that the sump pump is working well. Fill the sump pump basin with some water and check whether the sump pump is working properly.
What Are the Best Crawl Space Sump Pumps?
Here are some sump pump recommendations that you can use to remove water from your crawlspace or basement. They are selected as the best based on positive user feedback in terms of reliability and performance.
Zoeller M53
Zoeller is a popular brand in the industry for its reliable sump pumps. This submersible sump pump with a power of 3/10 hp is ideal for both residential dewatering as well as effluent septic tank systems. It comes with a thermoplastic base and a cast iron switch. This Zoeller pump can be installed easily even by someone without prior knowledge.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Less noise level
- Durability and reliability
Superior Pump 91250
This ¼ hp utility pump has the ability to remove up to 1,800 gallons of water per hour. It can lift the water to a vertical height of 25 ft. It comes in a tough thermoplastic construction and a discharge of 1-1/4 inch NPT. The removable suction screen can handle solids of up to 1/8 inches. Superior pumps are reliable since they are factory tested before releasing to the market.
Pros:
- Higher suction ability
- Excellent overall performance
- 1-year limited warranty
- Durable construction
SumpMarine Automatic
This submersible sump pump is easy to use by simply plugging it in. the durable ½ hp oil-cooled motor can move up to 2,000 gallons of water per hour. It can be submerged up to 16.5 ft and can pump water up to a height of 23 feet. It comes with hose adapters that allow you to connect 1.25 and 1.5-inch hoses to adjust the flow rate.
Pros:
- Versatile with multiple hose fittings
- Light in weight
- Easy to use
- Quiet operation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Crawl Space Sump Pump?
You need a sump pump if you experience water problems in your sump pump. If you are purchasing a new house, ask the previous owners about flooding to make sure whether you need a sump pump. If there are no major flooding concerns, you can try some other sump pump alternatives such as improving the gutters, grading the ground, and installing French drains.
How Many Sump Pumps Do I Need?
If you live in a region with frequent storms and heavy rains, it is always a good idea to have more than one sump pump. If the work is too much for a single pump, it may get overwhelmed and break down, causing the basement to flood. Having two sump pumps will reduce the workload and pump out the water efficiently. You should also consider having a suitable backup sump pump either battery or water powered. It ensures that your property is safe from water damage even during a power outage.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Crawlspace Sump Pump?
The average crawlspace sump pump installation cost is around $1,200. The cost to install a sump pump is the addition of both the sump pump unit and the cost of labor. Accordingly, a professional installation will cost you something from $600 to $1,800. You can try DIY installation methods if you need to reduce this by eliminating the cost of labor.
Conclusion
Most modern sump pumps usually have a notification system to inform the user right away if the pump is not working. This may either be an alarm system or a digital notification to your phone via email or a smart app. Select the best sump pump based on these advanced features in addition to the water removal requirement.