6 Best Sump Pumps (2024 Guide)
If you have a basement or live in a low-lying area, chances are that you could use a sump pump. A sump pump is an emergency device that uses sensors to detect rising water levels in your basement or crawl space—and then siphons the water outside.
A new sump pump itself costs only between $150 and $400, on average. Hiring a plumber to install it adds another $750 to $1,200 on top of that.
“The good news is, you might not need a professional,” says New Era Plumbing & HVAC president Danny Pen. “With a good how-to guide, you can handle the installation yourself and save quite a bit.”
If you’re considering the DIY route, we researched the best sump pumps on the market today. Below we compare various models, talk about what to look for when shopping, and provide answers to common buyer questions. Here are our top picks.
Top 6 Sump Pumps
- Most Compact: Superior Pump Store 1/4-Horsepower Utility Pump
- Best Submersible Pump: Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate Sump Pump
- Best Power: Wayne Submersible Cast-Iron and Stainless-Steel Sump Pump
- Best Battery Backup: Wayne Upgraded Combination Battery Back-Up Sump Pump
- Most Versatile: Superior Pump Cast-Iron Submersible Sump Pump
- Longest Power Cord: Foting Sump Pump
Compare Top Sump Pumps
| Product | Power | Water Capacity | Cord Length | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1/4 HP |
1,800 gallons/hour |
10 feet |
7.6 pounds |
12 x 7 x 7 inches |
|
|
1/3 HP |
Not listed |
9 feet |
21 pounds |
10.3 x 7.8 x 10.3 inches |
|
|
3/4 HP |
5,400 gallons/hour |
Not listed |
11 pounds |
12 x 8 x 8 inches |
|
|
1/2 HP |
5,100 gallons/hour |
8 feet |
37.4 pounds |
23.5 x 18.3 x 14 inches |
|
|
1/3 HP |
2,760 gallons/hour |
10 feet |
17 pounds |
11.5 x 7.8 x 7.3 inches |
|
|
1 HP |
3,960 gallons/hour |
25 feet |
11.7 pounds |
8.7 x 6.2 x 13 inches |
Most Compact
Superior Pump Store 1/4-Horsepower Pump
- Is factory-tested by the manufacturer for reliability and longevity
- Includes a 3/4-inch garden hose adapter
- The suction screen handles up to 1/8-inch solids
- Has a weaker GPH water output than some competitors
- Some users reported that the unit leaked oil
What People Are Saying About The Superior Pump Store 1/4-Horsepower Pump
We noted that customers with varying needs found this sump pump useful, stating that it operated efficiently and quietly. They added that the pump’s filter did a great job in preventing the unit from getting clogged due to dirt, debris, or algae build-up. We found that customers disappointed in this product wished it would’ve lasted longer, citing reliability and longevity issues.
Best Submersible Pump
Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate Sump Pump
- Discharges up to 43 gallons of water per minute
- Comes with a 9-foot power cord
- Can take in solids up to a 1/2-inch thick
- Manufacturer has not listed the GPH output
- Though easy to install, some customers experienced reliability issues
What People Are Saying About The Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate Sump Pump
Although we found customer feedback was mixed on this product, over 80% of reviewers gave this sump pump a five-star rating at the time of this review. Happy customers mentioned the sump pump installation and affordable price point in their positive reviews. The unhappy customers we noted said that while the pump was heavy-duty, it shorted out after a few years, expecting greater longevity out of the product. Additionally, one user had issues with the flow valve leaking.
Best Power
Wayne Submersible Sump Pump
This sump pump has a 1/3 horsepower motor activated by a vertical float switch to keep your basement dry. It’s designed with quality cast iron and stainless steel, minimizing the risk of air locks and clogs. One feature we particularly liked was that this sump pump works in sump basins that are 11 inches or larger.
- Can discharge water up 20-foot inclines
- Users don’t need to drill a weep hole to install the sump pump
- Has an easy installation process that only takes about 15 minutes
- Though powerful, this model uses more electricity than other sump pumps
- A few users reported that the float switch worked inconsistently
What People Are Saying About The Wayne Submersible Sump Pump
Positively, we found several customers who give this sump pump a four- or five-star rating reported that the unit consistently moved water without any issues, meeting or exceeding their expectations. Some reviews also mentioned that the manufacturer’s Halo mobile app was convenient for remotely monitoring the pump’s status. Negatively, we did see some complaints about the pump’s float switch working intermittently rather than consistently.
Best Battery Backup
Wayne Battery Back-Up Sump Pump
Our team was impressed with this heavy-duty unit, which features a large 16-inch basin and a built-in backup system battery that pumps up to 10,000 gallons of water on a single charge. It has a 1/2 horsepower motor protected by a durable cast-iron and epoxy-coated steel frame, pumping 5,100 gallons of water per hour.
- Powered by electricity but uses a backup battery to work through power outages
- Arrives pre-assembled for drop-in installation
- Assembled in the USA using quality, factory-tested parts
- Expensive
- 8-foot power cord is short compared to other models
What People Are Saying About The Wayne Battery Back-Up Sump Pump
We noticed that aspects of this sump pump that users highlighted included its compact size, fast installation, quiet operation, and overall power. On the other hand, we did see several reviewers who reported that the manufacturer was slow to respond to their inquiries or didn’t respond at all, despite multiple attempts. One user also complained about the plastic threads in the discharge outlet, stating that it was difficult to screw in adapters.
Most Versatile
Superior Submersible Sump Pump
We liked that this model has a piggyback plug that lets homeowners automatically or manually turn on the pump to discharge up to 2,760 gallons of water per hour. It includes a 1/3 horsepower motor inside a heavy-duty cast-iron frame to secure the pump inside the pit.
- Comes with an easy-clean removable screen filter
- With its powerful motor, the pump can move water up 20-foot inclines
- Includes a lengthy 10-foot power cord
- Its cast iron materials make the unit relatively heavy at 17 nearly pounds
- The float is short, which may accelerate rusting of the pump
What People Are Saying About The Superior Submersible Sump Pump
Satisfied users our team found when looking at reviews said that it was an effective pump that performed just as strongly after two years of use as it did on the first day of use. They also appreciated the pump’s effortless installation. Conversely, we also noticed some reports of the sump pump’s cast iron materials prematurely rusting, rendering the unit useless for a handful of customers. Additionally, some users said that the float switch was too short, which lead to excess standing water.
Longest Cord
FOTING Sump Pump
If you need a long power cord to run a sump pump on your pool, in your basement, or elsewhere around your home, this model features a 25-foot cord that reduces the need for an extension cord. It has a compact design that can run nearly 4,000 GPM and 1 horsepower, making it a great choice for heavy-duty jobs.
- Can drain up to 66 gallons per minute
- Is made of durable thermoplastic material that’s corrosion-resistant
- Has a built-in overload protector for added peace of mind
- Has a heavy design that’s not ideal for small jobs
- Does not have an on/off switch
What People Are Saying About The FOTING Sump Pump
Customers we found were extremely pleased with this sump pump’s value as well as its ease of use. Others also complimented how quickly it worked, as well as its ability to drain a large amount of water. However, there were some complaints about lack of clear instructions, while others found that it slowed down the longer it was running.
How Do I Know If I Need a Sump Pump?
Several factors go into deciding whether or not you need a sump pump. Before buying a house, you should research whether or not the area has a history of flooding, but the age of the house can also be a factor.
“Not every home needs a sump pump,” says Caleb Vermillion, a master plumber with Quality Comfort Home Services. “If you don’t have any water getting into your basement, there’s really no reason to have a sump pump.”
However, Vermillion laid out a few warning signs that may indicate that you do, in fact, need a sump pump:
- Frequent basement flooding
- Standing water in the basement
- Mold or mildew in the basement
- Stains on walls or floors that are signs of past water intrusion
“These stains often appear as discoloration, rings, or streaks and indicate that water has been an issue before and might be again,” Vermillion says.
He added that older homes may have less effective waterproofing measures and more foundation cracks, so a sump pump could be a good investment.
Types of Sump Pumps
There are four main types of sump pumps: submersible, pedestal, battery backup, and combination.
Submersible Pumps
Submersible sump pumps are wholly submerged in the pit, or sump basin, below your basement’s floor. Once the pit fills with a certain amount of water, it triggers the pump’s sensor, which turns the pump on and starts the water removal process.
This type of sump pump is typically quieter than other types of sump pumps because its motor is inside the pump, but it’s more expensive than other pumps.
Pedestal Pumps
Pedestal sump pumps sit in a basin that’s level with your basement floor and remove water through a pipe that leads to a drainage area in your yard.
They’re more affordable than submersible sump pumps, but their motor is attached to the outside of the device, making them noisier.
Pedestal pumps also tend to last longer, according to New Era Plumbing & HVAC president Danny Pen. He told us that the pedestal design makes them more durable since the motor remains dry and above water.
“Different types of sump pumps vary in lifespan,” Pen says. “With submersible pumps working well around 10 years, while pedestal pumps can run properly up to 15 years before they start acting up.”
Battery Backup Pumps
Unlike submersible and pedestal models that run solely on electricity through a power cord, battery backup sump pumps have a battery-powered backup pump that kicks on when the main unit can’t run due to a power outage.
The battery on the backup pump can typically last for a few hours on a single charge. While this is enough for short surges, the battery will eventually die if it’s pumping a lot of water during an hours-long outage.
Combination Pumps
Combination sump pumps include the power cord of pedestal and submersible models and the backup battery of battery models, allowing them to work in all situations. They usually sit in a below-the-floor basin like submersible sump pumps, but they’re larger, which means you can’t use the basin you dug for your old submersible sump pump for your new combination sump pump.
Sump Pump Buying Guide
Before purchasing and installing a sump pump, it’s important to understand how each model’s design and specifications impact its performance. Here are a few factors we found that are most critical when buying a sump pump.
Power Source
Most sump pumps are powered by electricity, but some models include a battery backup that powers the device in case of a blackout. For example, we noted that some pumps include a battery that can pump thousands of gallons on a single charge. Models that don’t have a battery backup can pump thousands of gallons of water per hour as long as electricity is available.
Horsepower
The horsepower (HP) of a sump pump’s motor refers to its overall power, with a higher HP motor being able to pump more water per hour than a lower HP motor. Many sump pumps that our team researched contain ½-HP or ⅓-HP engines, though some models contain more powerful ¾-HP engines. While higher HP motors can pump more water per hour, they’re typically more expensive.
Sump Pump Switches
Most sump pumps use either a digital or manual switch to start their motors. Manual models contain floats that rise with the flood water, turning on the pumps when the water reaches a certain level. When the floats dip below the set level, the pump stops.
Other models feature a set of digital sensors. The pump starts working when the water rises to meet the “on” sensor. The pump turns off once the water lowers and reaches the “off” sensor. The benefit of digital switches is that they continue pumping water until they reach the off sensor, even if the water level dips below the on sensor.
Alerts
Many sump pumps we examined come with audible alarms that signal rising water levels in your home.
Material Composition
We found that sump pumps are usually made of plastic or metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or cast iron.
Plastic sump pumps are more affordable but not as durable as metal sump pumps.
Installation
While leaving it to a professional may be preferable for some, DIYers may also want to install the sump pump themselves.
Yaeir Moinzadeh, a contractor and owner of Blue Rise Baltimore Roofing, said installation complexity will depend on whether or not you have a sump pump basin in your home. He said adding one involves digging into the basement floor and possibly installing drainage pipes.
“It’s not impossible, but it’s definitely a weekend project at a minimum,” Moinzadeh said. “An ideal sump pit should be at least 24 inches deep and 18 inches wide for best performance.”
For step-by-step instructions on how to properly install a sump pump in your home, check out the video below.
Sump Pump FAQ
What’s the purpose of a sump pump?
A sump pump is typically placed in a basement to prevent damage brought on by significant basement flooding and give you added peace of mind. It detects rising water levels, pumps that water out of your basement, and directs it away from your home.
Does my sump pump require regular maintenance?
To ensure that your sump pump functions properly, we recommend cleaning its components at least every three months by following these steps:
Reconnect the pump.
Disconnect the pump from the wall outlet or battery.
Disconnect the pump’s discharge pipe.
Bring the pump to your yard.
Scrape off the grime with a sponge or cloth.
If there’s too much grime to remove by hand, use a standard garden hose to blast it off.
Disinfect the pump and its basin by wiping them with bleach, vinegar, or another disinfectant.
Use a shop vac to clean the remaining debris and water from the basin.
Where do sump pumps discharge water?
Most sump pumps send the excess water into a storm drain or dry well.
Do sump pumps smell?
We have found that sump pumps can develop an odor if they haven’t been used in a while. Infrequent use causes the water in the pump’s basin to dry fully, releasing smelly gases into the air. Mold and bacteria growth inside the pump and the basin can also cause a smell.
One step we recommend to eliminate these odors is to create a solution with a ratio of 1 cup of bleach to every 1 gallon of water. Pour this solution into the basin until the pump is activated. To prevent an odor from developing in the future, wash your sump pump regularly and keep the basin full of enough fresh water to cover the drain lines.
How We Selected the Best Sump Pumps
To provide our readers with the best sump pump recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of pumps with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is critical to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
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Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home improvement space, from ceiling fans and floor coating to doorbell cameras and garage door openers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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