Top 10 Best Sump Pump Reviews of 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

But, choosing one from various products is often a daunting task if someone does not know the ins and outs of sump pumps. Certain features act as qualifiers for sump pumps.

Therefore, I am reviewing the best sump pumps, their features, pros, and cons for your benefit.

Here is the list of Best Sump Pumps for each types:

1. Best Submersible Sump Pump: WAYNE CDU980E Submersible Sump Pump
2. Best Pedestal Sump Pump: Superior Pump 92301 Pedestal Sump Pump
3. Best Battery Backup Sump Pump: Wayne ESP25 Upgraded 12-Volt Battery Backup System
4. Best Combination Sump Pump: Wayne WSS30VN Combination sump pump
5. Best Water Powered Backup Sump Pump: Basepump HB1000 Water Powered Backup Sump Pump

Top 10 Best Sump Pumps Reviews

1. WAYNE CDU980E Submersible Sump Pump

When working to its maximum extent, without any height disadvantage (at 0-feet vertical), this top rated sump pump has a powerful motor with the ability to pump around 5490 gallons per hour of water at 0 feet & 4600 gallons per hour at 10 feet after flooding. This feat of sheer horsepower ensures home basements are entirely free from water after the flooding of the basement, thanks to this submersible pump. While this product pumps water vertically from a distance of 20-feet (3-large-healthy-man-distance), it can still move the water way at the flow rate of 3500 gallons per hour.

The scores seem too good to be true, but their one million test cycles of the CDU980E is what makes it a beast compared to other sump pumps. Besides, the device follows standard protocol and comes with an NPT discharge of 1 to 1.5 inches. This feature of the pump makes it super easy for homeowners in to get the pump installed because it suits the built-in plumbing system of US homeowners.

Lastly, the built of this pump is smart, robust, designed for ultimate user satisfaction. The manufacturing company uses steel and cast iron construction, two materials for this sump pump that has the ability to withstand the harsh environment of your home basement and handle flooding with ease.

Despite the relentless submerging, WAYNE CDU980E, with its powerful motor, has your back. Considering the above all facts, we didn’t hesitate to declare the WAYNE CDU980E as the best sump pump for the basement.

2. Superior Pump 92301 Pedestal Sump Pump

Its ⅓ HP motor pumps 3000 GPH water at a maximum level. The strong cast iron base of this pedestal pump makes it a durable one to pick. This pump comes with a float ball and impeller and can handle liquid up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat becomes one of the biggest issues in pumps. Thankfully that’s not a problem with this pump because its cast iron and aluminum body knows very well how to dissipate the heat.

3. Wayne ESP25 Battery Backup System

The Wayne ESP25 is the best battery backup pump found in our testing. It offers a durable build construction with its epoxy finish steel body and a base of cast iron construction. The pump is indeed smart because it has an alarm to let you know the back system’s activity. The battery case is well protected.

Moreover, this sump pump comes with an LED display for your ease of reading. This is a DC sump pump with a 12-volt motor. It reaches the maximum flow rate of 3300 gallons of water per hour. The pump works at a temperature between 33-120 degrees Fahrenheit. And since it uses thermoplastic technology, you do not have to worry about the heat issue.

4. Wayne WSS30VN Combination sump pump

Its durable cast iron construction makes it perfect for the long run. The primary pump uses a ½ HP motor which can reach a flow rate of 3840 GPH at 10 feet height. The backup pump is a DC one and can move up to 2900 GPH at 0 feet. With a single battery charging, this combination can move up to 10000 gallons of water which is an excellent performance

5. Basepump HB1000 Water Powered Backup Sump Pump

The basepump HB1000 doesn’t require electricity or any charger. Hence does not contribute to the monthly electricity bill. With the highest pumping rates in the industry, this water-powered sump pump will absolutely blow your mind.

And its built-in water alarm is loud enough to let you know if anything happens. Its shut-off valve is made of brass which means that it lasts long. Moreover, it is effortless to install. Hence, people with zero experience in plumbing will find their best friends!

Choosing The Perfect Sump Pump – Buying Guide

You now have detailed information about some of the best sump pumps on our list. While reading expert and customer reviews is important at the time of buying sump pumps in order to get proper information, understanding the traits of the sump pump is challenging. It is also difficult to decide if the price is worth paying, and if the price fits your budget. The following section is designed for users who prefer researching before making a hasty decision without information.

Let’s have a look into the information about the features that make some types of sump pumps better than others.

• Durability

Getting the right sump pump for you after thorough analysis of all information for your home is a long-term investment. Most people want one pump to last for years before having to change. In fact, top quality sump pumps last for 10 years or so.

For this reason, purchasing a reliable device can save you years of hassle.

A pump’s durability stems from its design and construction. Always try to look for the sump pump that feature cast iron or steel. Needless to say, these are robust materials for the products, and less likely to fail in the face of calamity.

• Switching System

When it comes to sump pump, you have three options at your disposal here, they are:

1. Vertical Switch
2. Diaphragm Switch
3. Capacitive Switch

In most products, you’ll find the first two types of switching options. Vertical switches comprise of a float and rod. When the water level in the sump pit rises, the float goes up, punching the switch in the face; hence, this type of sump pumps start going to town. While diaphragm one also operates similarly, they focus on water pressure instead.

Capacitive switches are electronic; they use the air-vs-water-presence dynamic to understand whether sump pump should be on or off. However, the first two, i.e., vertical and diaphragm switches, are susceptible to misreading critical situations due to moving parts. So, the third one, i.e., the capacitive one, is the high-end option, but it comes at a cost.

• Strength (Horse Power)

What strength your sump pump requires should depend on two factors. One- the size of your sump pits. Two- the climate and rainfall frequency of your zone. For areas with little water damage in the sump basin, the sump pump with which you can keep your house basement safe are low-power type pumps. We recommend a 1/3 HP sump pump for such sump basins. However, for areas with moderate to high precipitation, our recommendation is to get a pump that has 1, 1/2, or 1/3 HP to prevent heavy water damage due to water pressure.

• Flow Rate

Flow rate or water flow that your sump pumps have or would have is equal to its horsepower or motor size. Better horsepower=better flow rate. Thus, the more flow rate a pump has, the more efficient it would be. The product you’re going to purchase will have terms such as- 4300 GPH, meaning the pump can discharge 4300 gallons of water per hour in your sump basin.

But, you need to understand your needs at first, and then you pick one. There is a simple calculation for understanding the flow rate you need.

Every inch of water inside the 18 inches pit is equivalent to one gallon. Check the number of inches that the rising water reaches in 1 minute. Multiply that by 60, and you get the gallons of water that are to be pumped out. Multiply the result by the safety factor 1.5, and there you go! You got the required flow rate.

For example, the water level reaches 20 inches in one minute. Meaning in one hour, it would reach 1200 gallons (20 gallons * 60 = 1200 gallons). Now the required flow rate would be 1800 gallons (1200 gallons * 1.5). Ease breezy calculation!

Before getting a sump pump, do some background research about the weather condition of your area, then get one accordingly.

• Materials

Most sump pumps available feature three materials.

1. Cast Iron
2. Stainless-Steel
3. Plastic

A top sump pump will come with a stainless steel or cast iron body due to its reliability. If you go for submersible pumps, this type of device will be in a damp condition for the most part. So, cast-iron and steel are excellent to withstand such a hostile environment.

You can choose plastic if you’re considering something reasonably cheap. Without cast-iron or steel, it is nearly impossible to get heavy-duty performance from your sump pump.

• Noise Level

What if you wake up one fine morning by a noisy pump? Well, the start of the day is doomed!

To avoid these issues of noisy mornings, you need to look for a pump that performs silently. Submersible pumps are well known for their slight noise. In case you can not withstand this problem, look for some other alternative.

Keep in mind that the high end sump pumps will have cast-iron with epoxy coating are the ones that ensure little to no noise level.

• Operating Voltage

Powerful sump pump will consume more power while moving water in sump pits. If you have high horsepower pump, be ready to gawk at the power bill. Anyways, most domestic products can operate within 100-250 volts. So, you don’t have to rip your wallet paying power bills.

• Installation

Whether choosing the pedestal or the submersible one, you must make sure that the process of installation is easy. Even for the top quality products, sometime installing it can be quite a pain and you will invariably need the help of an electrician to install it. To make sure your job is easier, find a pedestal or a submersible pump which comes with detailed instructions and is easy to install.

• Warranty

Don’t forget to check the warranty. Most of the manufacturers provide a 3-5 year warranty, though some manufacturers provide just a 1 year warranty. This warranty will keep you safe and stress-free. The manufacturer will take care of the pump if anything goes wrong.

On an average, try to pick something that offers at least a 3 year warranty. If you pick a pump with a 1 year warranty, find out the schemes of warranty extension or customer care in case of a problem like power outages.

• Alert notification

Be smart in this smart era. Tell your pump to notify you when it is needed to turn it on or in case there is an emergency. You think I am kidding? Not at all!

There are sump pumps with special alarming systems that let you know about the emergency. Try to pick one such. I would recommend one with a loud alarm, in case you are a sleeping bear like me!

• Accessories

Some manufacturers provide batteries inside the package with some other essential material, but some do not. It would be beneficial for you if you pick one that has all the necessary items in it.

• Basin Size

You need to understand the size of your sump basin and the size of your pump. If you are going to fit a massive sump pump in a small basin, it would be similar to fitting yourself in your kindergarten pants. So, take care of the sump basin size.

• Power Source

Well, this is entirely up to you. Battery backup ones are the most potent sump pumps, whereas water-powered sump pumps save electricity. Both have some advantages and some disadvantages. Choose as per your needs.

• Indoor or Outdoor

This is again an individual decision to take. If you want to take care of your basement, buy an indoor pump, most likely to be a submersible pump. But if you feel you need to gush out the pooling rainwater from your backyard, you might think of installing an outdoor pump.

Types of sump pumps:

Prior to installing one at your place, it is better to know about the sump pump types and their nature. Unless and until you do not know the details, you will not understand your requirement and will not choose a pump suitable to your needs.

There are generally two types of primary sump pumps.

• Pedestal sump pump
• Submersible sump pumps.

And if we talk about backup sump pumps, we will be encountering two of them.

• Battery backup sump pump
• Water-powered backup sump pumps

Wait, the list is not over. There is another type of sump pump which don’t fall under the upper categories.

• Combination sump pump

Let’s know a bit more about these types.

Pedestal sump pump:

Pedestal pumps are the sump pumps that do not sit underwater in the sump pit like the submersible ones. These are installed and fixed on the floor. This feature makes them easier to access. But the biggest drawback of these kinds of sump pumps is their power. They are not as powerful as submersible sump pumps. Meaning they might take a longer time to gush out the water. That means you might face severe damage during storms.

Submersible sump pumps:

Submersible sump pumps are the powerful sump pumps. They might sit inside your place or outside your place. Irrespective of the location, they are permanently fixed underground and even underwater. Generally, these sump pumps are strong and have a more powerful flow rate. But the position makes it hard for you to access them. In a worst-case scenario, you might realize your pump’s defect after you have a flooded basement.

Battery backup sump pump:

I guess you might have understood by the name what its function is. Yeah, they work as a backup system. The battery backup sump pumps work as additional support to the primary pump. When the primary pump is down due to power outages, internal failure or over use, the backup pump kicks in to work as an alternate solution to the primary pump. These sump pumps come really handy where the power outages are common due to natural disaster like storms, heavy rain fall or floods.

Water Powered Backup Sump Pump:

These are also backup sump pumps that provide additional forge to the regular sump pumps. But they have a great deal for you. These sump pumps do not require any sort of electricity because they are entirely water-powered. Meaning the pace of the running water in the pipe stimulates the suction, and they work well in emptying your sump pit. But the problem with these sump pumps is that they cannot pump as much as the backup battery ones. Houses with wells cannot use them.

Combination Sump Pump:

If you have understood the primary and the backup sump pumps, you will have no hard time understanding the combination sump pumps. These sump pumps are the ones that is a combined solution of the primary and the backup sump pumps. Meaning, if you buy one, you will have a primary sump pump along with a backup sump pump system. These sump pumps are often referred as complete solutions to prevent the basement flooding as no matter there is power or not either the primary or the backup one will be running.

FAQ

• How many GPH Sump Pump Do I need?

There is a simple calculation for you to understand your needs. Check the gallons of water that rise in the basement in one minute. Multiply the number by 60. And then multiply the result by a safety factor of 1.5. Voila, you got the flow rate. Suppose a basement receives 30 gallons of water in one minute. So the flow rate should be 2700 GPH (30 gallons* 60* 1.5 = 2700 GPH).

• What horsepower sump pump do I need?

This is ultimately an individual decision. First, know your requirements and then go for one. Personally, I use a submersible sump pump. But if you feel you need a robust function, you might go for battery backup sump pump as well.

• What kind of sump pump do I need?

Of course, all the high-quality sump pumps come with a float switch. After the water level in the sump pit reaches a certain point, the pump begins to work its magic.

• How many sump pumps do I need?

It is ideal to use two pumps in your sump pit. One for primary usage and another for backup support in necessary situations. In short, one combinations sump pump will work best for almost every possible scenario.

• Do I need a sump pump if I live on a hill?

When it rains in the hills, the soil soaks the water and absorbs it very quickly. Hence, you should install a sump pump if you live in the hills unless you want a wet basement.

Final Verdict

Well, now you have the necessary information about the right pumps. If you don’t want to wake up to a mild Titanic sequence in your house basement or any crawl space, having the high-quality sump pump is your only option for the home basement sump, fountains, or swimming pools. These are possible with water sources nearby or if you have an unusual water table. For areas with heavy incoming water flow in the sump pit, a superior pump is everything you need for your home. Our list features all types of sump pumps, ranging from expensive to budget-friendly, we have it all. Analyze all the information thoroughly before investing in the device.

There are several types of sump pumps like pedestal, submersible, battery backup sump pump, and even water  backup pump(we discussed about the last two on a separate article). Please check our article of best battery backup sump pump for more details.

No matter what type you choose, ensure that the functions are in compliance with the standards of The Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association. Feel free to choose from the products we have mentioned, after reading through all the detailed information. We wish you a home basement free from water, and complete peace of mind – with our top picks!