If you live in a house that has a basement, you are going to need the best sump pump that you can get to protect your home from rising ground water.
Your home is going to be the one investment that you’re going to spend several hundreds of thousands of dollars on, so you’ll want to take as many precautions as you can to protect it from flooding.
In this guide, we are going to provide you with four options to help you choose what is the best sump pump to buy.
We also will go over features you will want to take into consideration when you go to compare sump pumps. We have a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get right to it!
Best Sump Pump Reviews & Recommendations For 2021
Best Submersible - Zoeller M53 Sump Pump
The Zoeller Mighty-Mate Submersible Sump Pump is designed to be able to pump 34 gallons of water per minute, in a 10 meter deep basement. At a depth of 5 meters, the pump can pump out 43 gallons of water per minute.
This power is all due to the 1/3 horsepower motor that is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 1550 rpm. This affordable sump pump operates fairly quietly, so the unit can run without worrying about disruptive noises while it operates.
The pump features a built-in floating switch and switch made from polypropylene. The shaft of the sump pump is coated with ceramic and carbon to prevent leaking.
The impeller of the sump pump is made from cast iron and it is designed to grind large particles into powder to prevent clogging.
Features
- 1/3 H.P. motor
- 1-1/2" NPT Discharge & Passes 2" spherical solids
- Non-clogging vortex impeller design
- Durable cast iron switch case, motor, and pump housing
- Automatic with float activated switch
When looking at what people had to say about the Zoeller Mighty-Mate Submersible Sump Pump, they had great things to say.
Customers report that they’ve relied on Zoeller sump pumps for years and this model doesn’t disappoint. People were impressed by how much water the pump can move.
People like that the sheer weight of the pump is impressive and it is solidly built. Customers were very impressed by the amount of power this pump produces, which was surprising because of how affordable the pump is.
Though the majority of customers were happy with their purchase, there were some people who were disappointed with the pump.
Some of the disappointed customers commented that the range of the float is not adjustable, but it isn’t long enough to reach the average sump pit.
Other customers commented that this unit was pretty loud, which was a shock to them because it claimed to run quietly. There were a few people who said the float switch on their pump failed shortly after purchase.
Runner Up - WAYNE CDU980E Sump Pump
The Wayne Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump is a submersible sump pump that is capable of moving 4600 gallons each hour (3500 gallons per hour at 10 feet), thanks to its 3/4 horsepower motor.
The unit is constructed from durable stainless steel and cast iron, making the pump nearly indestructible. The motor housing is made from stainless steel, which will protect the motor from damage.
This top suction pump is going to allow the pump to continue to pump water, even if there is a collection of debris at the bottom of the machine. The main draw of this particular pump is that it can filter out said debris without experiencing any clogging while it operates.
The pump comes with a comprehensive installation guide that will help you install the pump quickly and easily.
Features
- Top suction pump design minimizes air locks and clogging from debris in bottom of sump pit
- Stainless steel motor housing and rugged, cast iron pump base
- Fully submersible
- 3/4 HP; max. flow rate is 4600 Gallons Per Hour; 3500 GPH at 10 ft. of discharge lift
- 1-1/2" NPT discharge
- For use in 11" diameter or larger sump basins
- 9" ON level and 4" OFF level
When looking at what people had to say about the Wayne Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump, they had great things to say. Customers were most impressed by how much water the pump can move in a short amount of time.
People also like that while it is running, it is very quiet, which is an improvement over an older sump pump some folks had.
People reported that they were able to install the pump pretty easily. Several customers were impressed by the overall construction of the pump and they were confident that the unit would last a long time.
Some people commented that they had a few problems with their sump pump. Of these complaints, people were upset that their pump wouldn’t turn off as a result of a broken float switch.
Other customers reported that the pump stopped working after the first heavy storm. They went on to say it overheated and it wouldn’t remove water like it is supposed to.
Some people also commented their pump is showing signs of rust on the base only after having the unit for two months.
Best Pedestal - Eco-Flo EPC50 Sump Pump
The Eco-Flo Pedestal Sump Pump isn’t going to be out of sight like the best submersible sump pump, but that doesn’t mean it is going to lack the power as other top sump pumps. This pedestal sump pump is going to move a lot of water – roughly 5000 gallons an hour.
This unit uses a 115 volt capacitor motor that will provide you with 1/2 horsepower. The motor also features built-in protection that will prevent against overheating.
Solids that are smaller than 3/8” can pass through the pump, which allows you to use the pump in most types of water without worrying about the unit getting clogged. The float switch is located on the top part of the pump.
By putting the switch on top, it is going to be safe from damage. When the water level increases, the pump is going to turn on and start removing the water immediately.
Features
- For basement sumps
- Top-mounted adjustable float switch. Built-in Overload Motor Protection
- Pumps 3/8" solids
- 1-1/2" FNPT discharge
- 115 volt capacitor motor
When looking at what people had to say about the Eco-Flo Pedestal Sump Pump, they had great things to say. People were pleased by the installation process and were impressed by how quickly they were able to get it to start working.
They went on to say the only thing they needed to do was adjust the height of the float and that was it.
They also commented that they were happy there was a long power cord that allowed them to place the pump wherever it was needed, without worrying about using an extension cord.
Customers also reported that this sump pump operated very quietly and it worked beautifully.
There were just a few people who weren’t as impressed with their sump pump. Of these critical sump pump reviews, people commented that the shaft on their pump rusted only after a few months.
Another person commented that their pump arrived damaged. They went on to mention the guide bracket was broken, the switch was broken, and it didn’t include an adapter for a PVC pipe.
Runner-Up - Superior Pump 92333 Sump Pump
The Superior Pump Thermoplastic Pedestal Sump Pump features a 1/3 horsepower motor that is capable of moving 50 gallons of water a minute, and there is a 1 1/4 inch discharge that is going to give you optimal flow.
The base is made of thermoplastic that is going to be corrosion resistant. The thermoplastic promotes longevity, but also reliability, thus making this unit last as long as you would expect from other good sump pumps.
The drive shaft of the pump is made from hardened steel and the automatic float switch is made from stainless steel.
The motor is installed into a steel and aluminum motor housing. This is going to protect the motor from overheating with greater efficiency. Because the motor is designed for continuous use, the position of the motor and the fact that it is air cooled means that it will last twice as long as a submersible.
You can adjust the float switch to suit your needs, making it an excellent option if you have a deep sump. There is a built-in impeller that rejects any debris that is larger than 3/16 inch. This means your pump is less likely to become clogged when in use.
Features
- Continuous duty, thermally protected - split capacitor motor.
- Pumps will lift water up to 20' of vertical height
- Tough thermoplastic construction.
- Large 1-1/4" discharge for high capacity pumping.
When looking at what people had to say about the Superior Pump Thermoplastic Pedestal Sump Pump, they had great things to say. People were pleased that this unit was very quiet and were really impressed by the construction quality of the pump.
Some went on to say that for what it is (a sump pump), it is also aesthetically pleasing, which isn’t something that is mentioned when talking about one of these devices. Customers commented that the pump makes quick work out of removing water.
Unfortunately, not everyone who purchased this sump pump was as impressed. Of the critical reviews, people were most disappointed by how the product arrived. A few people said the box the product was in was busted.
Because of the condition of the product box, they were leery of how well the product would work once installed. Customers who did install the sump pump said that the motor was very noisy and they felt the float guide was flimsy and would easily break.
Others commented that the motor develops too much torque and causes the pump shaft to twist and fall out of alignment with the bearings, thus causing the whole unit to be very loud.
What To Look For When Choosing Best Sump Pump
Before you can start looking at the best rated sump pumps, you first need to consider what type of pump you need, as there are several different types to choose from:
Pedestal Sump Pump
A pedestal pump is designed to sit above the water and it isn’t intended to be submersed.
These pumps have an impeller (an internal propeller) that is going to create enough force to pump the water.
These pumps are used to pump clean water, meaning water that doesn’t have solids floating in it.
Submersible Sump Pump
A submersible pump is similar to a pedestal unit, but instead of sitting above the water, the unit will be fully submerged in water.
These pumps tend to be more efficient at pumping water, are not as noisy, and easier to handle.
Effluent Pumps
These pumps are designed to remove grey water, meaning water that is not drinkable, but does not contain waste (human or animal) that is hazardous to consume.
Type Of Switch Mechanism
After choosing the type of pump, you’ll want to consider the type of switch mechanism you want. The float switches can be one of three types:
Tethered
These switches are usually seen on large sump pumps that are in a deep sump basin. These switches allow for longer pump cycles and they can prolong the life of the motor.
Vertical
These switches are better suited for sump basins that are not large enough to accommodate a tethered switch.
They will cause the cycle to be shorter and happen more frequently. Subsequently, this will use more electricity.
Electronic
An electronic float switch is going to take up even less space than the previous two, and are ideal for small spaces. These devices will often include a built-in water depth alarm.
Note: Your sump pump shouldn’t run continuously. If it does, you will want to check to make sure the switch isn’t stuck in the on position. The specific time for run times will vary from product to product.
If you are going to be using the sump pump as a backup, you will want a battery backup sump pump. This will ensure that if there is a heavy storm and the power goes out, your basement isn’t going to become flooded from ground water.
Another thing you’ll want to take into consideration is the strength of the pump.
A sump pump’s strength is going to be measured by horsepower, which can range from 1/6 horsepower (weak) to 3/4 horsepower (strong). The amount of horsepower your pump can generate is going to translate into how much water can be removed per hour.
Finally, when choosing the best residential sump pump, you’ll want to take into consideration the materials used. The pump is going to be in contact with water, so you want a unit that isn’t going to corrode.
The ideal material would be stainless steel, thermoplastic, or epoxy-coated cast iron. There are some options that will use cast-bronze or an alloy, but always stay away from anything made with sheet metal.
Our Recommendation
Purchasing a sump pump is something that has the potential to save you a lot of money down the road, especially if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rain or if there is a lot of ground water. All of these options are great and you can’t really go wrong with any of them.
If you are wondering about how often you’ll have to purchase a new sump pump, there’s no real way of telling you how long these units will last. It all depends on how often the pump is going to be used and how much water it is going to have to move.
Homeowners who live in areas with excessive rain, we recommend purchasing a submersible sump pump over a pedestal because they are designed to be submerged in water, but also move a lot of water quickly and efficiently.
Also, with a submersible, it will use the ground water that it is sitting in to keep it cool, whereas if you went with a pedestal pump, you’ll have to make sure there is plenty of air flowing to keep the motor cool.
Purchasing the best sump pump isn’t necessarily something you can do on a whim. However, with thoughtful consideration, the right pump is going to be a great tool to protect your home.
