8 Best Sump Pump Reviews
The Ultimate Sump Pump Buying Guide For Homeowners
Like it or not, at some point in its lifespan, your home will experience water damage. Whether it’s faulty plumbing, heavy rains, melting snow, or some other cause, the cost to your home in damage and repairs can easily reach thousands of dollars.
Equip your home with the best sump pump instead of waiting for a disaster. Designed for DIY installation, some basic aptitude is required to connect your sump pump correctly, but most of today’s models can be up and running in minutes. As long as your basement has a sump pit, you should be able to install your new pump within thirty minutes.
Our water treatment experts at iWaterPurification examined dozens of models from top brands to create this handy buying guide. In addition to maintenance tips, pros and cons, you’ll also find the 8 best sump pump reviews below our chart of the top picks.
Best Sump Pump - Top 8 Picks
| Image | Product | View Price |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Superior Pump 1/4 HP Submersible Thermoplastic Utility Pump
| VIEW PRICE |
 | 2. Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 HP
| VIEW PRICE |
 | 3. Wayne CDU790 Cast Iron Submersible Sump Pump with Vertical Float Switch
| VIEW PRICE |
 | 4. Superior Pump 92341 1/3 HP Cast Iron Submersible Sump Pump with Vertical Float Switch
| VIEW PRICE |
 | 5. Liberty Pumps 250-Series Cast Iron Automatic Submersible Sump/Effluent Pump with VMF Switch
| VIEW PRICE |
 | 6. DEKO Submersible Water Sump Pump, 1HP
| VIEW PRICE |
 | 7. Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Thermoplastic Portable Electric Water Removal Pump
| VIEW PRICE |
 | 8. Zoeller M63 Mighty-Mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 HP
| VIEW PRICE |
8 Best Sump Pump Reviews (Full)
With the right sump pump installed in your sump pit, your basement will be well protected against flooding. The selection of pumps included in this review were chosen by our water appliance and water treatment experts, based on the following criteria:
- Horsepower (HP)
- Flow Rate
- Construction Quality
Review
The Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump is our pick for the best sump pump overall. Rated an ‘Amazon Choice’ by over 5000 users, this fully submersible, thermoplastic utility pump is fully equipped to protect your home against water damage. A one year warranty is included for added assurance, but the potential energy savings and peace of mind it provides are truly priceless.
Whether you need to drain your flooded basement, flush your tankless water heater, or drain off excess spring thaw after a long, heavy winter, the Superior Pump 1/4 HP Submersible Pump is versatile enough for a wide range of applications besides being a sump pump.
To convert this utility pump into a sump pump, all you need is a float switch, which is sold separately. Once activated, the large, clog-resistant intakes on the sides and bottom allow for a more continuous, uninterrupted suction.
Capable of pumping 30 gallons per minute up to 25 feet of vertical height, the Superior Pump 1/4 HP Submersible Pump can easily drain excess water through your discharge pipes and away from your home’s foundation. Combined with the powerful motor, the Superior Pump 1/4 HP Submersible Pump can drain even a large inground pool of stagnant rain water in just minutes to within ⅛ inch of the floor.
The submersible, thermoplastic housing is highly durable, with a ¼ horsepower motor designed to drain standing water from just about any environment. The corrosion-resistant housing is also waterproof and heat resistant, significantly increasing its durability and lifespan.
Maintaining the Superior Pump 1/4 HP Submersible Pump is made easier than other models thanks to the removal screen pump. Located on the bottom, it prevents debris from clogging the motor and the vacuum.
A 10 ft replaceable, waterproof power cord is included, fitted with a large 1 ¼ inch male iron pipe discharge., as well as a 3/4 inch garden hose adapter. Even with the additional purchase required, you’ll still spend less overall than you would on a plumber.
PROS
- Suitable for a wide range of applications
- Powerful motor pumps 30GPM removes water quickly
- Fully submersible, thermoplastic housing is highly durable
- UL/CUL listed and CSA certified
CONS
- Float switch must be bought separately
- No On/Off switch (manual)
- 1 yr warranty is modest despite superior quality
Review
Another great option worth considering is our second pick, the float-operated, submersible, Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate. This powerful sump pump has a ⅓ horsepower motor, which is even more powerful than our top pick, the Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump.
While the Superior Pump is a utility pump you can use for a number of applications, the Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate is strictly a sump pump. As such, the float switch here is already included. The float is solid, buoyant polypropylene. Inside, the oil-filled, hermetically sealed motor is protected by a neoprene square ring between the motor and the pump housing.
The pump housing is well made, with a corrosion resistant, powder coated epoxy finish for durability. There are no sheet metal parts that could potentially rust, and carbon and ceramic shaft seal to ensure a long life to the motor.
Perfect for dewatering or draining stagnant water, puddles, spring thaw, or your pool, the Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate needs little maintenance, thanks to its non-clogging vortex impeller design. It costs significantly more than the top pick, but it will quickly pay for itself, saving you time and money in costly repairs and labor.
PROS
- Float switch included, no operation required
- Powerful ⅓ motor pumps 43 gallons per minute
- Corrosive resistant
- Non-clogging vortex impeller design reduces maintenance
CONS
- Significantly more costly than the top pick
- Functions solely as a sump pump
Review
Looking for a brand with history and experience? For over 80 years, Wayne Water Systems, has been a leading provider of residential, water handling solutions. Whether it’s a well system, your lawn, pool, or your basement, Wayne products can be relied on for exceptional performance.
Proudly assembled in the USA, the Wayne CDU790 features a durable cast iron base and epoxy-coated housing that ensures long life and quiet operation. Suitable for sump pits 11 inches or larger, the CDU790 is the perfect replacement pump, with a 1 ½ inch discharge for seamless, efficient drainage and a constant flow.
Optimized for high capacity, the CDU790 has a ⅓ horsepower motor capable of pumping 3800 gallons per hour; 2700 GPH at 10 feet of discharge lift. While the motor is more powerful than the top pick the discharge lift is a maximum of 10 ft, which is half of what the Superior Pump (our top pick) achieves.
Thanks to the top suction design, air locks and clogging are virtually eliminated. You can fully submerge this pump in water without damage to the cord or internal components, which are protected by a ceramic mechanical seal.
PROS
- Powerful motor pumps 63 GPM, more than twice the flow rate of the Superior Utility Pump
- Vertical float requires no manual operation
- Top suction design reduces clogging and air locks
- 3-yr warranty is better offer than other top picks
CONS
- Vertical discharge is 10 ft, only half of the Superior Utility Pump
- More costly option than top pick
- Cannot be used for other applications (can’t attach a garden hose)
Review
If you love the Superior Pump Submersible Utility Pump, you’ll definitely love this next pick from the same company, the 1/3-horsepower Cast Iron Submersible Sump Pump with Vertical Float Switch.
Even more powerful than the Superior 91250 Utility Pump, the 92341 Submersible Sump Pump can pump an impressive 45 gallons per minute and has a 1 1/2 FMPT discharge. Designed exclusively for sump applications, it doesn’t have the versatility of the 92341 Utility pump, but features the same quality construction and a float switch.
The inclusion of the vertical float switch makes it completely self-operating. Once the water level in your sump pit reaches a certain level, the float switch activates the pump to drain the water out of the basin. The 92341 Submersible Sump Pump, however, has been upgraded with a more durable, more efficient stainless steel impeller.
Quality components, including solid copper motor windings, heavy duty stainless steel jacketed shaft seals, double o-ring seals on the motor plate, and electronically controlled split capacitors, ensure a long life to both pump and motor. A 3 year warranty is also included, which is more generous than the 1 year warranty available with the Superior 91250 Utility Pump.
Priced lower than other sump pumps, the Superior 92341 Submersible Sump Pump is a great deal relative to other brands and will easily pay for itself over the years.
PROS
- ⅓ horsepower pump capable of 45 GPM
- More powerful than the Utility Pump
- Fully submersible
- Float switch eliminates need for manual operation
- Durable cast iron construction
- 3 year warranty
CONS
- Not designed for multi-purpose use
- Requires occasional manual maintenance to avoid clogging
- Float arm can’t be adjusted
Review
If you’re looking for a powerful cast iron sump pump that can de-water your flooded basement, the Liberty 250-series pump is the perfect choice for low-head effluent pumping. Built with a durable epoxy powder coat finish, this ‘workhorse’ sump pump is pumps up to 50 GPM, significantly more than the Superior Utility Pump or the Superior Submersible Sump Pump.
A magnetically operated VMF switch mechanism is included for sump pits as small as 10 inches in diameter. The one-piece housing holds a vortex style impeller, greatly reducing clogging. The float on the pump is fixed to the body, so it can operate free of obstructions.
The VMF switch eliminates the need for two separate cords to operate the float switch and pump. On the other hand, there is no way to adjust the float switch so that it doesn’t activate the pump, causing unnecessary cycles. As a result, the pump is extremely sensitive and will react more frequently than you might want.
Overall, the Liberty 250-series is a reliable, highly durable and efficient sump pump best suited for low effluent pumping or de-watering. The VMF switch, vortex style impeller, and powerful 50GPM motor combine to give the pump a maximum discharge head of 21 ft, comparable to the powerful Superior Utility Pump.
PROS
- 21 ft of maximum discharge
- 50 GPM motor
- Magnetically operated VMF switch
- Durable Cast Iron construction
- 3 year warranty
CONS
- Cannot adjust the float arm to minimize unnecessary pump cycles
Review
When you need to remove dirty, stagnant water from a garden pond, pool, or water tank, a submersible sump pump is your best bet. With that in mind, the DEKO Submersible Water Sump Pump is an affordable solution that also passes solids up to 1” inch in diameter.
Equipped with three different outlet sizes, the DEKO Submersible can be adjusted for different flow rates. It’s also compatible with 1-1/4″ and 1-1/2″ garden hoses, ideal for garden irrigation, which makes it more versatile than other sump pumps.
Instead of sitting in the sludge caused by flooding, the DEKO Submersible sits on a rugged stand, and sucks water in through the side intakes, eliminating the potential for clogging. A handle on the top also allows you to easily remove the pump from the sump pit without getting your hands all grimy.
The DEKO’s 1 HP motor has a maximum lift of 16 ft, which is impressive for the size motor. Capable of 3302 gallons per hour, or 55 GPM, this powerful sump pump includes an auto float switch which activates the pump when the water level rises above 4.7 inch, the pump will start.
As for maintenance, the oil-free motor requires none at all. The thermoplastic body is rugged, corrosive-resistant and fully submersible, so it should last several years.
PROS
- Fully submersible, thermoplastic body with a handle for added convenience
- Powerful 55GPM capacity with maximum lift of 16ft
- Versatile application with 3 outlet sizes
- Compatible with 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" garden hose for gardening applications
CONS
- No ON/OFF Switch
Review
The Wayne VIP50 ½ HP Thermoplastic Portable Electric Water Pump is designed for water removal, with a bottom suction for filtering debris as well. It can drain water from your basement, pool, or garden pond down to within ⅛” inch of the surface, which is comparable to the top brands of sump pumps from Superior and Zoeller.
The glass reinforced thermoplastic housing, impeller and volute are rust resistant, with a handle on top for easy access and handling. A 3/4-inch adjustable discharge adapter easily connects to garden hoses. You may, however find the 5/8” garden hose outlet is too narrow, reducing the flow rate when used for gardening purposes.
With its non clogging, vortex design, this electric utility water pump is more portable than most, and easy to install.
PROS
- Pumps 2500 Gallons Per Hour (41GPM) continuously
- 2 outlets for garden hose applications
- Non-clogging vortex design requires little maintenance
- Filters solid debris as well
- High volume discharge
CONS
- Pump will not work in water less than 2 5/8"
- Pressure created by the pump forces the bottom plate off
- 5/8” garden hose outlet may be considered a narrow opening
Review
The final pick for our review of the best pump sump is the Zoeller M63 Mighty-Mate, which is an upgraded version of the M53 Mighty-Mate, which we reviewed earlier as our No. 2 pick.
Priced significantly higher than the M53, the fully submersible cast iron M63 offers an improved float switch, a metal impeller and a lighted power plug. To be sure, the M63 is wieldier and heavier than the M53, but the installation process is the same. A green LED in the power plug lets you know whether the pump is receiving electricity.
Backed by a 5 year warranty, this 43 GPM, ⅓ horsepower motor should last the length of the warranty.
PROS
- Fully submersible, cast iron construction
- 43 GPM Motor
- 5 year warranty
- Improved float and metal impeller
CONS
- Significantly more costly than the Zoeller M53, and other sump pumps
Sump Pump Buying Guide: For Homeowners Who Want To Save Money
If you own a home in a climate where snowfall, rain, and moisture are common, you’ve likely experienced flooding at some point. In fact, it’s estimated that an overwhelming 98% of homes will eventually experience flooding or some other form of water damage over the lifespan of the home [1].
Whether it’s a flooded sump pit, or a failed washing machine, a sump pump is the best way to remove excess water and minimize damage to your basement. A sump pump can not only pump out the excess water, it also is useful for reducing moisture, which can lead to mold and other health issues [2].
How Does A Sump Pump Work?
Many modern homes include a sump pit in the basement. The sump pit is connected to a basin built under the home to collect excess rainfall soaked up by the soil around your home.
Sump pumps are powered by electricity, but activated by water [3]. The electricity powers a motor that drives the pump. An automated flotation system monitors the water level in the sump pit. When the water exceeds a certain point, the pump activates automatically.
Excess water is pumped by the sump pump’s motor through a hose. A discharge pipe draws the water away from your home’s foundation.
Watch Video By Spec Sense:
Key Buying Considerations
Sump pumps operate on the same basic technology. As such, you’ll find that there are several standard features shared among several brands.
While price is an important factor, it’s not always an indication of quality. When you’re researching reviews of the best sump pump, consider the following features:
- Horsepower: Sump pumps range between 1 – 3HP. The higher the horsepower, the faster the pump will remove water. Higher horsepower, however, also requires more electricity.
Voltage Requirement: 110 or 220 Volt are the two standard options you’ll find. - Flow Rate: The rate at which water flows through the pump, measured in gallons per minute or GPM.
Construction Quality: Waterproof, submersible, metal components, and a thermoplastic housing are signs of quality construction. Look for models that feature a TEFC, or totally enclosed fan cooler, to keep the motor from overheating. - Ventilation: Ventilation in the pump’s housing will help keep the motor cool and reduce the risk of overheating, tripping a circuit, and other hazards.
- Diagnostics Monitoring System: Most of today’s water-powered sump pumps feature a diagnostics monitoring system. The system can be patented, or designed for universal compatibility with other sump pumps. This digital interface allows you to schedule a timer, monitor voltage and the overall performance of the pump. Alert messages notify you when a problem occurs.
Sump Pump Maintenance Tips
A quality sump pump is a considerable investment, but worth every penny. Like any appliance, however, wear and tear can impact the performance over time. Even the best sump pump has its limitations, so it’s important to get familiar with the specs of your specific brand.
Excessive voltage, inadequate flow rate, insufficient air flow, or a damaged motor fan can reduce the efficiency of your pump, and expose you to potential harm. The tips below will show you how to be proactive in ensuring your sump pump is safe and reliable.
6 Things Every Sump Pump Owner Should Know
Be sure that your sump pump is upright.
The float arm can become obstructed or jammed if the pump is not level or tilted.
Clean out debris from the interior of the sump pit.
If you notice debris floating around remove it to avoid clogging the pump. If your pump is submersible, it’s a good idea to remove it periodically and clean out the bottom grate, where pebbles and other small obstructions can get lodged.
Fill the sump pit with water.
Pouring a bucket of water into the pit should activate the sump pump. If it doesn’t automatically turn on, repairs may be needed. Remove the pump and refer to your user manual, or contact a plumber.
Inspect the connections to your pump as well as the vent.
When you install your new sump pump, check to see the pipes from your pump are securely fastened and set to drain a minimum of 20 feet away from your foundation. Check the vent hole as well for any blockages that could prevent water from flowing through your outlet tube.
Install a battery back-up system.
In the event of a power failure, or the primary pump is unable to keep up with the air flow, a battery backup can save you money.
Keep your pump product info and specs, user manual handy.
Should the motor, fan,or other component fail, your user manual can help you troubleshoot and save you the cost of hiring a professional. Details of your warranty coverage may also be found
Pour a bucket of water into your pit.
If the pump doesn’t start immediately, repairs may be needed.
Avoid running your sump pump dry.
Test your sump pump every 3 – 6 months.
To test your sump pump, open the pump screen ( or the inlet screen) and clean it of any debris. Depending on your location and the frequency of rainfall, your sump pump might actually require more regular cleanings.
Bleach is very effective at cleaning as well as disinfecting a sump pump, and will not harm the internal components or motor.
References
[1] Water Damage By The Numbers (Water Damage Defense)[2] Mold growing in flooded basements or other damp spots can cause allergic reactions (Washington Post)
[3] How Sump Pumps Work (HowStuffWorks.com)
