The Best Sump Pumps: What to Look For
Flooding and damp conditions can damage a home’s foundation or cause mold growth. Many homeowners with basements and crawl spaces install sump pumps to remove excess water and moisture and protect the value of their homes.
But how do you know which sump pump to choose? In this article, we’ll break down sump pump features and list five of the best sump pumps on the market.
4 Main Types of Sump Pumps
When selecting a sump pump, you need to consider the amount of water it must remove, the frequency of use and the electrical access where you’ll have it installed. It’s also essential to determine the correct size for your pump. Typically, sump pumps are divided into these categories:
1. Submersible
A submersible sump pump can operate underwater. If you have a basement that floods, this type of pump may be the best option for you. It requires a reliable power source, but it’s also quieter than other pumps.
2. Pedestal
If you have frequent moisture buildup but don’t typically have high water levels, consider a pedestal sump pump. They’re easy to repair because the motor sits above the pump and is easy to reach. However, if water reaches the motor, it will damage the pump.
3. Battery Backup
When the power goes out, traditional submersible and pedestal sump pumps will not work. A battery backup sump pump is a smaller additional pump that operates on battery power. It’s intended for short-term use during power outages, so it won’t have the same pumping power as your main sump pump.
4. Combination
This style of sump pump offers both a primary pump with an electrical cord and a battery backup pump in one unit. If you experience frequent power outages, this might be a great choice for you. These units are larger than normal sump pumps, so you need to have a sump pump basin that’s big enough for installation.
How Long Do Sump Pumps Last?
A normal sump pump will last for 7-10 years with regular maintenance. Wear and tear through frequent use and the power of your unit — higher horsepower pumps don’t have to work as hard as lower horsepower models — will affect its life span.
Keeping your pump clean, checking for signs of corrosion and scheduling routine service calls with a licensed plumber are all steps you can take to keep your pump operating for a long time.
5 Best Sump Pumps for Basements
Though often used for storage and not always renovated to be lived in, basements are a crucial part of the home in the U.S. If you want to protect this popular home feature, consider one of these quality sump pumps.
1. Zoeller M63 Automatic Sump Pump
This stellar submersible is fully automatic — you don’t have to remember to turn it on or be home to turn it on because its advanced switch technology takes care of that for you. It also features a 3/10 horsepower motor, stainless steel parts to resist corrosion and a Zoeller LED plug that shines in the dark to let you know the unit has power.
2. Superior Pump 92551 1/2 HP Cast-Iron Pedestal Pump
If you need a pedestal pump, this one can handle up to 3,600 gallons per hour (GPH). It has a 10-foot power cord, automatic switch, stainless steel components and a cast-iron base.
3. Wayne 1/2 HP Battery Backup Submersible Pump
Power interruptions won’t stop this pump, which allows you to add on a 12-volt backup battery. When it’s operating on battery power, it can remove up to 10,000 gallons on a single charge. It arrives preassembled for easy installation.
4. Acquaer 1/2 HP Automatic Sump Pump
Not every space requires a heavy-duty sump pump. If you only need to remove a few inches of water every now and then or want an option you can use to empty your swimming pool, consider this versatile pump. It’s made of thermoplastic and has an impressive 19-foot power cord.
5. TripleSafe Combination Sump Pump
This combination pumping system includes three sump pumps in one unit: a 1/3 horsepower Zoeller pump that removes up to 2,600 GPH, a 1/2 horsepower pump that removes up to 6,200 GPH and a battery-powered pump that turns on if the power goes off. If you have serious, consistent water issues in your basement and need relief, this might be the pump for you.
Stay Dry With a Sump Pump
The right sump pump will keep a home safe and dry for many years to come. It protects houses from structural damage and residents from harmful mold growth in the basement and beyond. Whether you’re replacing an older pump or installing one for the first time, there’s a sump pump available that will meet your needs.
