Best Sump Pump Reviews – Top Picks of 2024
A sump pump protects your basement from flooding by preventing the accumulation of water around your basement walls. Using the appropriate pipes, the water is collected from all around the outer edges of your basement. The water is then directed towards a basin known as the sump pit and the pump will sit at the bottom of that pit. Usually it is installed in a remote corner of your basement in an unfinished section.
Once the sump pit is filled the sump pump will immediately start to pump out the water, preventing basement flooding as a result. That said, in this article, we will explain to you more about sump pumps as well as give the best sump pumps recommendations.
Top 10 Best Sump Pump Comparison Chart
| No. | Image | Name | Type | GPH | HP | Warranty | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | WAYNE CDU980E | Submersible | 4600 GPH | 3/4 HP | 5-year | Check Price |
| 2 |  | Wayne CDU800 | Submersible | 4200 GPH | 1/2 HP | 3-year | Check Price |
| 3 |  | WAYNE WSS30V | Primary and Battery Backup Combination | 4200 GPH | 1/2 HP | 3-year | Check Price |
| 4 |  | Zoeller M53 | Submersible | 2700 GPH | 1/3 HP | 1-year | Check Price |
| 5 |  | Wayne CDU790 | Submersible | 3800 GPH | 1/3 HP | 3-year | Check Price |
| 6 |  | Zoeller M63 PREMIUM | Submersible | 4300 GPH | 1/3 HP | 5-year | Check Price |
| 7 |  | Superior Pump 91250 | Utility | 1800 GPH | 1/4 HP | 1-year | Check Price |
| 8 |  | Wayne Water Systems VIP50 | Submersible | 2600 GPH | 1/2 HP | 1-year | Check Price |
| 9 |  | Liberty Pumps 257 | Submersible | 3800 GPH | 1/3 HP | 3-year | Check Price |
| 10 |  | Zoeller M57 | Submersible | 2700 GPH | 1/3 HP | 1-year | Check Price |
Contents
5 Best Selling Sump Pump Reviews
Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump
This durable sump pump from Zoeller is a popular choice among contractors and plumbers. This is because it’s easy to operate, uses an automatic float activated switch and it is a fully submersible pump that is very reliable. 
While highly durable and easy to install, this pump does require some maintenance service on a regular basis in order to continue running efficiently.
This means clearing up any debris that may have built up on the base, especially because the two small pipes on the pump need to be kept clean to prevent blockage that could cause an ‘airlock’ situation. Otherwise, if you want a hardy pump that is easy to install and runs quietly, then the Zoeller is the one to get.
Key Features
- This pump acts as a non-clogging vortex impeller with a motor that boasts ⅓ H. P.
- Pump housing
- Cast iron switch case
- 9-foot power cord
- CI and SS fasteners are coated with powder for easy handling
Specifications
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Dimensions: 7.8 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches
- Voltage: 115 volts
- Horsepower: 0.3 HP
- This is a durable, heavy-duty pump that comes highly recommended by contractors and plumbers alike
- It runs quiet so you don’t have to worry about any noise pollution coming from it
- The installation is easy and straightforward
- It can run for 10 to 12 hours a day without a hitch
- It comes at a very reasonable price range
- Float switch range is too short and not adjustable, which means that it can only pump a tiny amount of water at a time
- It always leaves about 4 inches of water at the bottom of the pit.
- The plastic switch is quite weak
- This pump is high-maintenance; you have to keep checking up on it consistently to see if the rubber seal has hardened among others
WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron Sump Pump
This handy and compact sump pump from Wayne is a tough, hard-wearing machine that’s fully submersible. 
It also has an integrated vertical float that has the ability to move an impressive 4600 gallons of water per hour. The float also works to automatically minimize clogging while protecting the switch from getting glitchy, effectively minimizing the need for regular maintenance on your part.
You will be glad to know that this motor is thermally protected to prevent overheating and once installed, it does not require any plumbing changes. It’s constructed from a combination of cast iron and steel with a 1-½-inch NPT discharge as well as a reinforced polycarbonate impeller. Not only that, it also has a stainless-steel motor housing and fastener that are fully resistant to corrosion. It’s really easy to carry and yet totally suitable for larger sump pits of 11 inches in diameter.
Key Features
- Made from durable and long-lasting materials for long-term reliability
- The motor boasts a ¾ HP with a flow rate of 4600 gallons of water per hour
- Features a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel motor housing and fastener
- 1-1/2″ NPT discharge
- Made for larger sump pits that are 11 inches or more
- The switch is easy to spot
Specifications
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 12 inches
- Size: 3/4 HP
- Voltage: 100 volts
- Horsepower: 2 HP
- It comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Corrosion-resistant motor and durable construction
- Portable and easy to install and handle throughout
- Requires minimal maintenance, thanks to the vertical float which prevents clogging while protecting the switch from glitches
- This is a quiet pump
- Unfortunately, this is a high-volume/low pressure pump
- When it rusts, it does so heavily
- The switch also acts up from time to time and can leave the switch on even after you’ve already switched it off
Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump
This matte black pump from Superior Pump is conveniently constructed from thermoplastic, which is resistant to corrosion and dings. It’s mostly suited for utility functions like draining water from swimming pools, fountains and flooded basements. 
This high-capacity pumping is made possible by a large 1-¼-inch male iron pipe discharge thread as well as the thermally protected 3.8-amp motor with ¼-horsepower.
Not only is this pump fully submersible, but it also features a 10” grounded waterproof power cord and carry handle for easy installation and use. Its performance is off the charts too, thanks to a split capacitor motor with a continuous duty capability. Just as its name implies, this sump pump really is superior in its own way. Since it’s durable, you are able to rely on it for your everyday domestic chores.
Key Features
- 10” grounded waterproof power cord that is fully replaceable
- Large 1-¼-inch male iron pipe discharge thread
- The ¼ horsepower motor boasts 3.8-amps
- Comes with a hose adapter, user manual and utility pump
- Made from corrosion-resistant thermoplastic
- Features a portable and sleek design
Specifications
- Weight: 7.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 12 x 7 x 7 inches
- Size: 1/4 HP
- 0.24 HP
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Comes with a convenient carry handle for optimal portability and ease of installation
- It’s backed by a 1-year warranty
- It has the ability to move 30 gallons of water per minute or 1800 gallons per hour
- It boasts fantastic performance
- It has a ‘continuous use’ capability that works great to protect your basement from flooding during torrential rains and snow as well as to dewater the pool
- It comes with a handy user manual and hose adapter
- It effortlessly lifts water
- This pump does not work very well with a normal garden hose
- It only pumps out the expected amount of water when used with a 1 1/4″ pipe or hose
Related Links: Want To Know About Backup Sump Pumps
Liberty Pumps 257 Series Cast Iron Automatic Submersible Sump/Effluent Pump
The Liberty Pumps 257 is a great budget option for anyone that’s looking for a solid sump pump but at a reasonable price. It’s really easy to install, runs quietly throughout and can handle a massive amount of water. It’s constructed from cast iron with a brass/copper-like appearance and a convenient manually-operated VMF switch that you are able to use for smaller pits. 
In fact, it’s actually suitable for sump pits that measure 10 or more inches in diameter.
The permanently lubricated motor design is built for efficiency, while the hard-wearing cast iron body boasts a handy disconnect power cord that is 10 feet long. Because of its long length, it’s quite convenient and handy, especially if the outlet is far away from the sump pump itself. It’s considered to be the go-to pump for basement dewatering and low-head effluent pumping, as you are able to easily adjust it for different on and off levels.
However, it is important to keep in mind that this pump is for dewatering applications and should never be allowed to run dry, as that could lead to costly damage.
Key Features
- The motor on this pump is permanently lubricated and thermally protected
- Features a 10-foot power cord
- The vertical float VMF switch is 7 inches long, magnetically operated and with a 3 ½-inch turn off level
- Easy to operate 18-inch shut-off head
- Rugged cast iron construction with powder coating finish
Specifications
- Weight: 15.22 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 9.6 x 10.5 inches
- Size: 1-1/2″
- Voltage: 115 volts
- Horsepower: 0.33 HP
- Can pump up to 50 gallons of water per minute
- Easy to set up and operate
- It’s practically noiseless
- It’s very efficient at pumping
- Great value for money for a small pump
- It can last for about a decade
- It does not come with a warranty
- The impeller tends to come loose and is not of good quality
WAYNE WSS30V Pre-Assembled Battery Backup Sump Pump System
You know what they say about sump pumps – always have backup. Well, this solid pump from Wayne totally takes care of that problem, as it comes with 12-volt back-up pumps that can pump up to 3300 gallons of water per hour. 
The primary pump suctions water from the top, which effectively minimizes clogging while automatically filtering debris.
It also has an alarm system that alerts you when the back-up system is on through very visible status indicator lights. Furthermore, this heavy-duty pump is suitable for larger sump basins that are 15 inches or longer in diameter. The manufacturer puts it through a million cycles of testing, making it one of the most durable buys and it offers amazing value for money as a result.
Key Features
- Pre-assembled sump pump with a backup system
- Top suction
- Reliable reed float switch
- Two heavy duty check valves
- The backup system is professional grade and can be operated either with a 40-Amp hour or a 75-Amp hour deep cycle battery
- The 12-volt backup batteries can pump up to 3300 gallons of water per hour
- The 1/2 HP primary battery pumps up to 4200 gallons of water per hour
- Top suction design minimizes debris backup and maintenance
Specifications
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 17 x 15 inches
- Horsepower: 0.5 HP
- Batteries: 1 ½-Volt Nonstandard battery
- Comes with a convenient back-up battery and case
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- It’s very quiet yet highly efficient
- Easy and straightforward setup
- Great packaging and shipping facilities
- Fast, efficient and amazing service
- Alarm system lets you know when the backup system has been activated
- The float design could use some improvement, as it tends to wobble all over instead of going up and down
- Its water level sensor is quite questionable
- Rusts quickly only after a few hours
Types of Sump Pumps
- Traditional and Sewage Sump Pumps
Most sump pumps are intended for managing the rising groundwater in your basement and any other crawl space in risk of flooding. These are so called standard or traditional sump pumps.
They are convenient for pumping out excess water that seeps into your home usually after a heavy rainfall and preventing floods. On the other hand, you may opt for the sewage sump pumps, which, unlike traditional ones, are able to pass solids up to 2” in diameter.
That is to say, they can be used for the same purpose as the standard ones. However, their primary function is to pump out sewage waste into the septic tank outside the house. Once you install them, they will run automatically to manage your home sewage system.
- Electric and Battery Backup Sump Pumps
There are primary sump pumps usually found in most of homes. They are able to move excess water away from your home but require electricity to function. As a result, in the cases of blackouts, which are not that uncommon in storms, this type of pump will be useless to you.
On the other hand, there are also back-up pumps that run on batteries and are really convenient in case the power goes out. In addition, you are able to use them as an additional support to the primary pump when you need to drain out a lot of water from your basement fast.
However, the best sump pump combines both features in one device and runs equally efficient on electricity and batteries as well. With this kind of device, you don’t have to worry about your home flooding, as you are protected in all conditions.
- Pedestal and Submersible Sump Pumps
The common types of sump pumps include pedestal and submersible variations as well. The pedestal pumps ones are upright devices with a motor located above the water level, which needs to stay dry in order to function properly.
This type of sump pump is able to pump out several thousand gallons of water an hour but tends to be noisy and overheats from time to time. Submersible pumps, on the other hand, are installed in the sump pits and are able to function underwater.
As they are hidden in the sump basin, these pumps tend to be less noisy, they are not likely to overheat and have a longer lifespan than the pedestal ones.
How to Choose the Best Sump Pump
- Type
As previously discussed, there are several types of pumps you are able to choose from. So, in order for you to find the good sump pump for your home, you have to consider which type is needed in your household.
- Durability
For a sump pump to serve you in years to come, it is of utmost importance to choose the one built out of durable materials, such as stainless steel, bronze and epoxy-coated cast iron. These materials are resistant to corrosion and are waterproof as well.
Also, opt for the trusted manufacturers offering a strong warranty and consult online customer reviews for the best information on different products. These will only help you make an informed decision and reduce the chances of buying a low-quality product.
In addition to that, when you are in search of a sump pump, you need to make sure it complies with the Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association (SSPMA) standards.
- Capacity
The sump pump capacity is measured in gallons per minute or gallons per hour. On top of that, most of the pumps will require water to rise to some predefined level before they are turned on. This level is also known as head pressure.
That said, when you are choosing the right pump for your home, you have to look into the ones that are able to lift water to at least 10 inches, which is considered to be a general minimum.
- Power Source
For the sump pump to be able to serve you when you need it the most, it is important to have an alternative power source when blackouts occur. If you already have a sump pump that runs on electricity, consider purchasing a battery-powered one to serve as a backup.
Even when there is electricity, you are able to use another pump to speed up the draining process, especially during heavy rainfalls. On the other hand, if you wish to have an all in one sump pump, opt for a model that runs on both batteries and electricity.
- Switching System
Different types of pumps have different switching systems, such as vertical, capacitive and diaphragm.
Vertical switches travel vertically in the sump basin and it automatically turns on the pump the water reaches a certain level. This type of switch can be used in sump basins that are 10 inches in diameter and should be installed in a 90-degrees angle.
Capacitive switches have built-in microprocessors that measure the water level and turn on the pump when it reaches a specific height. On the other hand, diaphragm switches use the water pressure to determine when the right time for a pump to start working is.
- Setup
Most of the sump pumps require no special skills or tools to be installed and you are usually able to set them up yourself. However, you need to follow the installation guide and stick to the instructions written in it.
That being said, if you are not certain if you have an adequate wiring system, seek expert advice from an electrician and invest in any improvements that are required.
How to Install a Sump Pump
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Needs a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is recommended for houses located in low lying areas where rain and snow saturate the ground. When the water pressure builds up from groundwater, it flows to a path with least resistance – a basement, storage room, or crawlspace, which then accumulates and floods the area.
Is It Easy to Install?
Installing one is relatively easy, depending on your level of DIY installation, including mechanical work and wiring. Hiring a professional is usually the safest way to install a sump pump, especially if it is outside your comfort level.
Though typically it can be installed in a couple of minutes, as there is usually a complete instructions guide included with each pump. You only need to prepare tools like a screwdriver and channel locks as well as a hacksaw for rigid installation.
Which Size to Choose?
Selecting the sump pump size depends upon your house’s needs. You are able to determine it by considering the two main sump pump components: motor size and pump capacity.
The motor size is measured in horsepower and ranges from 1/6 HP to 1/2 HP, which decides its effectiveness. Its power, in turn, parallels the cost of the pump (higher power means higher price).
What is the Horsepower Requirement?
Typically, the horsepower requirement depends on the area of drainage connected and the depth of both the groundwater and basement.
The pump capacity is measured in gallons per hour (GPH) or gallons per minute (GPM), which determines the capacity of the pump at the proper head. It is also essential to consider how effective it is in handling some solid debris, such as twigs and leaves.
How to Know if the Main Pump Works
To check if your main pump is working, unplug the pump’s plug (if it is a piggyback-style one) and plug it directly into a power outlet to make it immediately run. However, avoid running it for more than a few seconds, as it will cause the pump to overheat and it could damage the pump to run it without any water.
Remember: Do not use an extension cord. It should be plugged into a dedicated outlet that directly connects to the circuit breaker or fuse. If you do not have one near your sump pit, hire a professional electrician to install it for you.
Can My Sump Pump Suck Out Laundry Water?
In any case, do not sump laundry water and water softener discharge using your sump pump into the sump pit. Sump pumps are designed for clear and clean groundwater. So, chemicals or high salinity in water would destroy the seals, screws and even its motor shaft.
It is recommended to find an alternative way to discharge both water softener and laundry water.
Conclusion
Having a best sump pump at home, particularly in houses located near water sources or low-lying areas, is beneficial to keep groundwater or surface water from flooding your space. A sump pump is effective in discharging excess water away from your house with a little DIY know-how, or by just simply hiring a professional to install one for your home. Having a backup is also recommended in case of power outages or main pump failure.
This way, you are able to keep your basement or crawlspace dry without having to worry about water saturating your area. Keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure, especially when dealing with natural calamities like rain or snow.
