6 Best Sump Pumps (2023 Guide)

A sump pump is an emergency device that uses sensors to detect rising water levels in your basement or crawl space and siphons the water outside.

To help you select a pump system that’s right for your home, 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
• Best Entry-Level: AmazonCommercial Submersible Utility Pump

Most Compact: Superior Pump Store 1/4-Horsepower Utility Pump

Pros and Cons

✔ 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 Customers Are Saying

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

Pros and Cons

✔ 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 Customers Are Saying

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 Cast-Iron and Stainless-Steel Sump Pump

Pros and Cons

✔ 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 Customers Are Saying

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 Upgraded Combination Battery Back-Up Sump Pump

Pros and Cons

✔ 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 Customers Are Saying

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 Pump Cast-Iron Submersible Sump Pump

Pros and Cons

✔ 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 Customers Are Saying

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.

Best Entry-Level: AmazonCommercial Submersible Utility Pump

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes a built-in automatic thermal overload protector
✔ Its thermoplastic materials are corrosion-resistant to withstand rust
✔ Comes with a 10-foot grounded and waterproof power cord

✘ Provides limited GPH output
✘ Though the unit offers excellent value, it may be too light-duty for some users

What Customers Are Saying

Given the pump’s entry-level price point, we found several customers impressed with its reliability and power. They mentioned that the pump was effective for draining pools, adding that the 10-foot power cord offered some flexibility with the positioning of the pump. Alternatively, we also did see some complaints about the unit’s inability to pump dense, muddy water, and others wished that the unit pumped water faster.

Types of Sump Pumps

Our research indicates that 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.

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. 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:

• 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.
• Reconnect the pump.

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.

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

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.

Questions or Comments?

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.