The usage of the pump, climatic conditions, and the drainage situation are important factors when choosing the best water powered sump pump for your application.
When choosing the best water powered sump pump, it is important to consider the main features and installation procedure. These backup pumps automatically turn on when they detect flooding during a power outage. It might be confusing to select the best backup pump due to the numerous options available in the market. This guide brings you the most recommended water-powered sump pumps and all the important factors that you need to consider when choosing a suitable pump.
The Best Water Powered Sump Pumps
These are the best water-powered backup sump pumps that you can use for your home. They are selected based on positive user feedback on their performance and reliability.
- Zoeller Model 503
This water powered sump pump helps you to prevent flooding in your basement even during a power outage for a few hours. The cost of operation is very less compared to others. This model is highly recommended for people who already have a Zoeller sump pump. But it can be used with any existing brand of the sump pump. The installation process is really fast and takes only 15 minutes with the push-to-connect supply fittings. Then a small functionality test will make sure that the device runs perfectly. It does not use water until the primary system malfunctions or the power goes off. The product is highly reliable with its non-corrosive stainless steel float rod. It has high capacity, high head, and performs at 80 PSI. It can remove up to 2 gallons per gallon used.
Pros:
- Small footprint
- Efficient water usage
- Easy operation
- PVC construction
- On guard 24 hours a day
Cons:
- Complaints about leaking gaskets
- Not ideal as a primary pump
- Liberty Pumps SJ10
This Liberty pump removes 2 gallons of sump water per 1 gallon based on a 5 ft lift. It is powered by the municipal water supply and doesn’t require electricity to operate. It is fully automatic and comes fully assembled upon delivery. The performance might slightly vary with the pressure of the inlet water source and pumping head. It works for 20 – 100 PSI inlet supply pressure. You can easily mount this with the adjustable stainless hose clamps. It consists of an in-built screen with a removable foot valve and a check valve at the water inlet. The item weighs 5 pounds, and the manufacturer provides a standard warranty of 2 years. The following advantages make this another best water powered sump pump.
Pros:
- Cheap alternative to battery-powered pumps
- High reliability
- Durable build
- Easy installation and operation
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Issues with gasket leaks
- Complaints on faulty fault
- Basepump HB1000 – Pro
This is another trusted water powered backup pump in the market that can keep your basement safe. This pump carried many benefits including a built-in battery-powered alarm and high dependability with the ability to run over 10 hours. The special feature of this pump is that it is mounted on the ceiling above the sump. Therefore, it removes more water at a higher rate than other pumps. Due to the hydraulic float system, the pump can easily empty the sump to the bottom. The Pro series provides a higher capacity pumping, backflow prevention, and easy installation with the brass plumbing parts and dual check valve. There is enough water flow to feed it if you can fill a 5-gallon bucket at the outside hose spigot, in less than 30 seconds for the pump without a hose. This test will not give accurate results if you have any water softener, filter, or frost-proof spigot.
Pros:
- Less mechanical problems
- In-built water alarm
- Easy to install
- The setup kit comes with all the necessary parts
Cons:
- Water problems may not turn on the pump
- Basepump RB750 – EZ
This is another best water powered sump pump that informs you with its built-in alarm system during emergency flooding. It is installed above the sump pit and activates when it detects that the water level is above the predefined threshold. This sump pump model is extremely reliable with its powerful system. Maintenance is easy as there is no battery and no charger to plug in. It comes with plumbing parts that save your time and money in the installation. The design meets most local plumbing codes necessary for backflow prevention. You can connect this directly to the home water supply using the push-fit pipe fittings included in the kit. The specialty in this EZ model is that it comes with a brass dual check valve backflow preventer, brass shutoff valve, adapter, and tee. This makes it easy to install, unlike the standard RB750 which does not have these extras. But both these models need a water pipe and a 1-inch PVC pipe for the suction from the bottom of the sump to the ceiling. The pump is made with polypropylene and weighs 6 pounds.
Pros:
- Suitable for both professional or self-installation
- Can be installed easily with household tools
- No electrical connection needed
- Comes with a battery-powered alarm system
Cons:
- It needs a steady water supply for operation
Advantages of Water Powered Sump Pumps
There are many advantages of water powered sump pumps over electric pumps. They can function with the power of water even during a power outage. This makes it a wise choice over the traditional pumps running on electricity. You just need to connect it to the home water supply with steady water pressure. It will then pump the water from your basement to the desired drainage line. Since you don’t need to connect it to a power socket, there will be no impact on your electricity bills. Sump pumps running on water have very few moving parts compared to others. Therefore, the maintenance is easier and they even last longer. The only concern is the correct installation which is fairly easy to do even if you have no prior experience.
Disadvantages of Water Powered Sump Pumps
Despite all the benefits offered by water sump pumps, there are a few downsides that you need to be aware of. You must have specific plumbing lines in your home to use this type of pump. It will not work if you don’t have a constant stream of water from the water supply system of your area. The low pumping volume can be another disadvantage. Even the most powerful pumps cannot exceed the pumping volume of popular electrical models. Almost all these pumps need at least 2 gallons of water for each water input. Although the installation process is easy and straightforward, the connection to the home water supply may cost you some time and money. It may even need the support of a professional plumber. Water-powered sump pumps should be used only as a backup and not as a primary sump pump.
Factors to Consider When Buying
There are some important things to know before you settle on buying a certain sump pump. It is not difficult to select the right sump pump if you stick to the most essential factors. Having an idea of the following aspects will help you in making a better choice.
Usage
Start by checking the average annual rainfall and the groundwater levels in your location. This gives an understanding of whether you are having major or minor impacts from water. The more water in your region, the more operation of the pump. This also depends on the soil type since clay soil tends to retain more water for a longer time. This might add up to the pump’s workload since more water can seep into your basement.
Winter and Snow
In addition to rainy seasons, you should also consider possible heavy snowfalls during the winter. Melting snow can increase the wetness and water creeping into your sump. Some regions usually have significantly more heavy snowfalls than other areas.
Drainage
Consider the location of the drainage and sewer lines of your home before buying a water-powered sump pump. It is necessary to install the pump into the water connection since the pump cannot function without a water line.
How Much Does a Water Powered Sump Pump Cost?
The price of water-powered sump pumps depends on various factors such as the quality of material and technological advancements in the design. On average, the cost of a sump pump of this model will be around $100 – $300. The cost of installation should be added to this if you are getting it done by a professional installer. It is recommended to go for a high-end product even if it means that you have to spend a bit extra. A dependable sump pump will always ensure that your basement is safe from flooding, even during a storm.
DIY Installation
Most sump pumps powered by water can be installed easily since they come with the necessary tool kits. But it may not be as easy as installing a battery-powered pump. If you like to try the installation without hiring an expert, you can try it as given here. Before you start, make sure to read the user manual and identify the key points of the process. It is important since every model of pump is different from one another.
- Mount the pump above the basin using brackets and screws. Check and make sure that you have fixed it sturdily since it may fall due to the weight.
- Connect a pipe with a diameter of ¾ inches from the cold water line to the control valve. Solder to seal the line and keep the pipe fixed in place.
- Cut into the discharge line and connect a PVC pipe coming from the pump. Use cement, super glue, and PVC bond to create a waterproof seal in the pipe.
- Next, disable the backflow preventer inside the line and check whether the water is flowing.
- To test the pump, fill your basin with a few gallons of water. The pump should start its operation when the water raises the float.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Water Powered Sump Pumps Really Work?
Water powered sump pumps are very reliable with their effective performance during power outages. They function for many years than battery-powered backup sump pumps. They have a simple design with very few moving parts. As a result, these pumps almost need no maintenance at all. But they cannot compete with the pumping capacity of electrical sump pumps.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Water Powered Backup Sump Pump?
The installation of a water powered sump pump costs something from $45 to $200 per hour. This may vary depending on the qualification of the installer. The installation will usually take 2 – 4 hours but may increase if the project is complicated.
Are Water Powered Sump Pumps Illegal?
It depends on how you discharge the water from the sump. In a flooding emergency, the last resort might be to let the water drain into the storm system. In certain regions, there are legal restrictions in directing water to this stormwater system. So, make sure to check with the local regulations so that you can connect your sump pump to a proper drainage system.
Which is Better Battery or Water Backup Sump Pump?
Water-powered sump pumps can run regardless of the time limit as long as they have access to a steady flow of water. But battery backup sump pumps can function only until the battery lasts. So, if the power outage lasts even after the battery has worn out, you will have trouble with a flooding basement.
The water-powered pumps will last even up to 20 years or more without any replacement of parts. You just need to test it twice a year by simply lifting the floating or unplugging the electric pump. Battery backup pumps are more likely to fail after prolonged use, especially when the battery needs replacement every three years. Water-powered pumps are significantly less expensive than any battery backup sump pump.
What Size Battery Backup Do I Need for a Sump Pump?
You need to select a battery with an AH rating indicated near the maximum recommended by the manufacturer. This will usually be around 120 AH. If the primary battery runs down in an emergency, you can use a standard vehicle battery to provide power to the backup sump pump.
Conclusion
Water-powered models are the best backup sump pumps, especially when you have to run them during a power outage. They will never fail you as they last for many years with minimum maintenance. You can also go through the user reviews of each product to make sure that there are no hidden downsides to your choice.
If you are using a normal sump pump without an in-built alarm system, try out these best sump pump alarms that you can fix into the system. It will keep your basement safe from flooding by informing you immediately during an emergency.