10 Best Sump Pumps of 2023

Photo: Wayne

If you’ve got a water accumulation problem in your house, then you need a sump pump to remedy the situation. A sump pump makes it easy to move water away from your water-collecting sump basin to somewhere far from the house.

The advantages of sump water pumping include solving dampness issues and avoiding a flooded basement. Of course, applications can vary, but the main purpose is to pump water from a lower level to a higher level and somewhere safe.

There are different types of sump pumps, such as the pedestal and submersible pumps. As well as different manufacturers like Zoeller, Flotec, and Wayne. So, they all have their differences.

In this sump pump review, you’ll learn how to choose the right pump for the right job. Plus, you get a list of the top pumps in the market.

10 Best Sump Pumps – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Superior Pump 91250 (Best Budget)	Lowest priced sump pump on this list Can deliver up to 30 gallons per minute Pumps water up to a 25-ft height Backed by a 1-year warranty
	2. Zoeller M53 (Cast Iron Submersible Design)	Sump pump made from durable cast iron Features a non-clogging impeller design Includes a float switch for automation Comes with thermal overload protection
	3. Wayne CDU980E (Most Powerful)	Powerful sump pump with 0.75 HP motor Delivers up to 76 GPM up to 30 feet Combines cast iron and stainless steel Comes with a 5-year warranty
	4. Wayne CDU800 (Small Submersible Design)	Small and compact design Durable cast iron sump pump Features a 0.5-HP motor Comes with a 3-year warranty
	5. Liberty Pumps 257 (Submersible Cast Iron Pump)	Durable cast iron construction Submersible pump designed for heavy work Comes with a float switch control Comes with a 3-year warranty
	6. Superior Pump 92341 (Attractive Price)	Sump pump for continuous duty Comes at a low and attractive price Offers a dual-speed operation Comes with a 3-year warranty
	7. Zoeller M63 (Heavy-duty Submersible Pump)	Cast iron pump with anti-corrosion finish Designed for steady heavy-duty work Pumps up to 43 GPM Comes with a 5-year warranty
	8. Basement Watchdog BW1050 (With Dual Float Switch)	Designed for steady non-stop operations Features a dual float-switch for redundancy Comes with a 0.5 HP motor Backed by a 3-year warranty
	9. Little Giant 521252 (Lightweight Submersible Design)	Small, lightweight, and compact Designed for continuous operation Epoxy coated cast iron construction
	10. Flotec FPPM3600D (Pedestal Design)	0.3 HP sump pump Features a pedestal design for flexibility Pumps up to 50 GPM

1. Superior Pump 91250 – Best Budget Sump Pump

Photo: Superior Pump

• Flow Rate: 30 GPM
• Power: 0.25 Horsepower
• Material: Thermoplastic
• Power Cord: 10 feet
• Weight: 7.6 pounds

Superior Pump presents this top-rated sump pump that’s designed for high-efficiency water removal. It’s also the lowest priced offer on this list, making it a favorite for bargain hunters.

It comes with a 0.25-Horsepower engine and can pump water up to a height of 25 feet, at which it works at a 2 GPM (Gallons Per Minute) rate.

For shorter heights like 10 feet, it will reach pumping speeds of up to 20 GPM and its top performance lies at 30 GPM. The package includes a garden hose adapter and a manual.

The downside is its lack of an automatic control system. So you are left to switch it on and off by yourself. On the other hand, it’s very flexible and additionally available in 0.2 and 0.33-Horsepower versions.

As a submersible pump, it features a rugged and durable thermoplastic construction which provides anti-corrosion features. Superior Pump backs it with a 1-year warranty.

Pros:

• Lowest priced pump with 0.25-HP continuous-duty engine
• Lifts water up to a 25-ft height
• This pump is capable of delivering up to 30 Gallons per Minute
• Built using a corrosion-resistant construction
• Backed by a manufacturer’s 1-year warranty

Cons:

• There is no automatic On/Off control system
• It includes no backup battery

2. Zoeller M53 – Cast Iron Submersible Sump Pump

Photo: Zoeller

• Flow Rate: 43 GPM
• Power: 0.33 Horsepower
• Material: Cast iron
• Power Cord: 9 feet
• Weight: 21 pounds

If you don’t mind the rather high cost, then feel free to give this heavy-duty sump pump a try. It’s made from cast iron, weighs a lot, and can handle up to 43 gallons of water per minute.

It comes with a float-activated switch to automate the control process and everything comes covered in a corrosion-resistant epoxy finish. Zoeller also uses stainless steel for the screws and switch arm to guarantee total protection from water.

This pump does have its cons though and these include its high price and heavyweight, which makes it impractical to carry around.

Asides from that, its high power output and ruggedness is a big plus, making it a great buy anytime.

Pros:

• Durable cast iron housing you can rely on
• Comes with an automatic float switch
• Features a non-clogging impeller design
• The motor is thermal-overload protected

Cons:

• It’s heavier than most others
• The price is also much higher

3. Wayne CDU980E – Most Powerful Sump Pump

Photo: Wayne

• Flow Rate: 76 GPM
• Power: 0.75 Horsepower
• Material: Cast iron & Stainless steel
• Power Cord: 8 feet
• Weight: 12 pounds

Wayne offers you an impressive pump in this sump pump review here. Made from stainless steel and cast iron, it combines the best of both worlds to become a rugged, anti-corrosive, and one of the best sump pumps in the market.

The motor is a 0.75-horsepower monster and it can deliver up to 4,600 gallons per hour or 76 gallons per minute. What this means is faster pumping up to a 20-ft. height. It works automatically as well.

For cons, there’s the high pumping rate and high price. All the same, you can get this pump if you want. Just make sure it’s not ‘too much’ for your needs.

You get an 8-ft long power cord and the pump itself comes with a 5-year warranty. You should note however, that it’s designed for sump pits with lots of water.

Pros:

• Features stainless steel and cast iron for best results
• The most powerful pump on this list with 0.75 HP
• Delivers an impressive 76 GPM, the highest on this list
• Pumps to a height of 20 feet
• Wayne backs it with a 5-year warranty

Cons:

• ​It’s overkill for small jobs
• It has a rather high price tag

4. Wayne CDU800 – Small Submersible Sump Pump

Photo: Wayne

• Flow Rate: 70 GPM
• Power: 0.5 Horsepower
• Material: Cast iron
• Power Cord: 8 feet
• Weight: 18.5 pounds

Here’s the second Wayne offer in this submersible sump pumps review. You get a slightly less powerful but still highly efficient machine, and it’s made from cast iron.

The 0.5-horsepower motor delivers up to 4,200 gallons per hour, which translates to about 70 GPM maximum effort. It will deliver 3,150 GPH (50 GPM) at 10-ft height, plus it works up to a 20-ft height.

What you miss with this pump is the stainless steel. It also comes with a shorter 3-year warranty and is a relatively costly pump.

It’s epoxy coated though, fully submersible, and comes with the same 8-ft long power cord.

Pros:

• ​Compact and durable cast iron pump with 0.5-hp motor
• Automatic control system with float switch
• Uses 1.5-inch discharge for fast pumping
• Backed by a 3-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s not a cheap pump
• Shorter warranty than the previous Wayne pump

5. Liberty Pumps 257 – Submersible Cast Iron Sump Pump

Photo: Liberty Pumps

• Flow Rate: 50 GPM
• Power: 0.3 Horsepower
• Material: Cast iron
• Power Cord: 10 feet
• Weight: 15 pounds

The Liberty Pumps 257 pump is a great sump pump that’s offered at a great price. It’s made with solid cast iron and is affectionately termed the ‘workhorse’ sump pump from Liberty Pumps.

This is the kind of pump you need when you’ve got to install a heavy-duty pump that should last for many years. Liberty backs it with a 3-year warranty anyway.

Its downsides include its high price and the lack of a battery backup system.

It features a 0.3-horsepower engine, is fully submersible, works with a vortex style impeller, and comes with a magnetic vertical float system. This is also a great pump for running non-stop operations like a water fountain.

Pros:

• Made from durable cast iron
• Pumps water up to 21 feet high
• Controlled automatically with a float switch
• Backed by manufacturer’s 3-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s not the cheapest of pumps
• Can’t work during a power outage

6. Superior Pump 92341 – Sump Pump At An Attractive Price

Photo: Superior Pump

• Flow Rate: 46 GPM
• Power: 0.3 Horsepower
• Material: Cast iron
• Power Cord: 10 feet
• Weight: 16.9 pounds

Offering a maximum flow rate of 46 GPM at zero feet and down to 1 GPM at a 25-ft height, this sump pump comes with lots of features to make it a good buy.

While it’s not the quietest sump pump in any way, it does offer you the possibility to run it non-stop without issues. This comes as a result of its motor’s thermal protection, in addition to the capacitor-based dual speed of the motor.

Everything else is standard, like its cast-iron body and 3-year warranty. So, if you are considering a more steadily-running pump, then this is one offer to check.

Pros:

• Designed for continuous duty with thermal protection
• ​Offered at a low and attractive price
• Dual-capacitor motor works like double gear motor
• Backed by a 3-year warranty

Cons:

• It offers no backup power solution
• The kit only includes a manual and no accessories

7. Zoeller M63 – Heavy-duty Submersible Sump Pump

Photo: Zoeller

• Flow Rate: 43 GPM
• Power: 0.3 Horsepower
• Material: Cast iron
• Power Cord: 10 feet
• Weight: 28 pounds

For a quality pump that you can rely on, give this Zoeller offer a try. It’s well-made, solid, and guaranteed to last you a long while without an issue.

It offers a maximum discharge of 43 gallons per minute, which is a respectable performance for any 0.3 horsepower pump. Plus it’s fully submersible and float-operated.

It does have its disadvantages too and these include being quite heavy, not having a backup power system, and of course, its high price.

Zoeller backs it with a 5-year warranty, which guarantees the high quality of the all cast-iron construction, stainless steel screws, ceramic shaft seal, and the thermal overload protected electric motor.

Pros:

• Its 0.3-Hp motor pumps up to 43 GPM
• Designed for steady heavy-duty operation
• Comes in a corrosion-resistant epoxy finish
• Features a float-activated automatic control
• Backed by a 5-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s the costliest pump on this list
• At 28​ pounds, it’s a very heavy pump

8. Basement Watchdog BW1050 – Sump Pump With Dual Float Switch

Photo: Basement Watchdog

• Flow Rate: 73 GPM
• Power: 0.5 Horsepower
• Material: Cast iron
• Power Cord: 10 feet
• Weight: 18.5 pounds

The Basement Watchdog offers you a slightly different kind of pump. It’s powerful, it’s quiet, and it’s reliable. If you need a pump that can run for 24 hours non-stop and for 365 days a year, then you’ve got it.

It might not be your original idea of the best sump pump for basement installation, but you need to consider your circumstances to find out what you need.

If a continuous and high flow-rate pump is what you need in your project, then there are few sump pumps can beat this one. It comes with a dual switch system, is water-cooled, features a compact design, and comes backed by a 3-year warranty.

With its 0.5-horsepower motor, this pump delivers over 70 gallons per minute, while a protective cage helps to keep debris away from the float and prevent any malfunction.

Pros:

• Features a dual float switch automated system
• Built for continuous duty 7 days a week
• Ultra-compact pump with powerful 0.5 HP motor
• Backed by a 3-year warranty from Basement Watchdog

Cons:

• It has no emergency power supply
• It’s less energy-efficient than its 0.3-HP model

9. Little Giant 521252 – Lightweight Submersible Sump Pump

Photo: Little Giant

• Flow Rate: 46 GPM
• Power: 0.3 Horsepower
• Weight: 17.6 pounds

Designed for basement sumps, de-watering, and other water transfer applications, the Little Giant 6-CIA is a dependable water pump, designed for continuous duty applications.

It comes with a 0.3-horsepower motor, which delivers up to 46 GPM at a 5-feet head and 29 GPM at a 10-feet head. The housing is from cast iron and the entire thing weighs just 17.5 pounds.

Downsides include a lack of accompanying documentation and the relatively short 1-year warranty.

You are free to use this pump in different situations because it’s waterproof, it can run continuously, and it’s easy to carry around.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact sump pump
• Features overload protection​ for continuous operation
• The epoxy coating protects the cast-iron body
• Includes a 10-ft long power cable

Cons:

• Little Giant offers little documentation for this pump
• The warranty is for only 1 year

10. Flotec FPPM3600D – Pedestal Sump Pump

Photo: Flotec

• Flow Rate: 50 GPM
• Power: 0.3 Horsepower
• Material: Thermoplastic
• Weight: 12.4 pounds

Your project could demand a pedestal sump pump, in which case you’ll get the best from this Flotec pump. It’s made using a Thermoplastic body and includes a float switch.

It’s important to understand that when it comes down to installing the best battery backup sump pumps, it doesn’t matter if you use a pedestal or a submersible pump, all you need is to get your connections right.

The only downsides are the less pumping power and the weaker construction material. On the brighter side though, this pump costs less than most submersible pumps.

Pros:

• Features a pedestal design for your ideal application
• Built using a tough Thermoplastic construction
• The pump produces 50 GPM from just 0.3 Horsepower
• Quick and easy installation

Cons:

• Thermoplastic isn’t as tough as cast iron

How to Buy the Best Sump Pump

The unique functionality and features of a sump pump make it a unique machine that needs understanding. This is additionally important because an understanding of these aspects makes it easier for you to make the right choice.

Following are the most important aspects of a sump pump and the considerations you need to make when choosing a pump.

1. Automatic vs Manual Control

Most sump pumps you’ll find today have one type of automatic switching system or the other. This allows them to either switch themselves on automatically when there’s enough water in the sump or to switch off when there’s little to no water.

There are different technologies used for this. Most models use a float switch system to figure out water levels, while others use the more effective and costlier pressure switches. You’ll also find modern systems with more efficient or electronic control systems.

Your application may also not need an automated system and this means that you’ll either need to find a fully manual sump pump or get yourself an automatic model and break off its float switch.

2. Pedestal vs Submersible

You’ll find two major types or categories of sump pumps and these are the submersible and the pedestal types. The pedestal types such as the Flotec FPPM3600D get mounted above the water level of the sump while the submersible types get mounted below the water level.

Each of these two types has its advantages and disadvantages against over the other type, as you can see below.

• Pedestal. The main advantages of a pedestal sump pump are their lesser costs, their reduced risk of water damage, and that they are easier to repair because they stay above water.Their disadvantages include being less compact because they take up more space. They are also less powerful and their motor runs the risk of overheating after running for prolonged periods.
• Submersible. Submersible pumps are usually more powerful than pedestal types and they are less noisy as well. They are usually well-designed and their housings feature a waterproof material.On the flip side, they cost more than pedestal types because of their water-proofing and anti-corrosion properties. They are also harder to reach for service because they are often submerged.

3. Head Pressure

This is the hydraulic head pressure of the sump pump, which refers to the maximum height that the pump will push the water. In practice, you should get a pump with a head pressure that’s higher than the work you intend for it.

For example, if the total vertical height that you intend to pump the water is just 7 feet, then you need a pump with an 8-feet or more head pressure. The manufacturer will state its pump’s head pressure, so you need to look for it.

4. Horsepower & Flow Rate

These are two more terms that you really need to understand and watch out for. Horsepower refers to how powerful the engine is and this usually determines the pump’s flow rate. A 1/3-horsepower is usually enough for most homes, although more is better.

The flow rate gets measured in either GPM (Gallons Per Minute) or GPH (Gallons Per Hour), but note that it’s dependent on head pressure. So a 2,000 GPH pump could be measured at a 1-foot head, which means it might cut down to 1,500 GPH at 15 feet, for instance.

So make sure beforehand that whichever sump pump you choose can handle the job. Remember it’s better to have more horsepower and not use it than to need more horsepower and not have it.

5. Redundancy & Backups

Some sump pumps come with redundancy technologies that make them able to work even in rough times. The most popular option here is a battery that provides backup power during power outages like in a storm.

6. Cord Length

You should also consider your power outlet and your sump’s exact position, then find a sump pump with enough cable length. A second option is to use an extension cable if the pump’s cable is too short.

7. Material

Body material is only important if you are considering a submersible sump pump. This is to make sure that you get a good quality pump with a waterproof and anti-corrosion housing.

How to Install a Sump Pump

Installing a sump pump is a straightforward affair if you follow the directions properly. Following is a step by step guide that leads you through the steps necessary to install a sump pump successfully in your home.

What you’ll need:

• Electric drill and bits
• A hammer
• Gravel
• Shovel for digging
• Wire Ties
• PVC cement
• Check valves

Step 1: Diagnosis

Check to make sure first that there’s no other way to solve your basement’s water problems. One possibility is making sure that the exterior drainage is working properly. Also, make sure that your home does not include a sump already, especially if it’s a newer home.

Step 2: Location

If you decide to go ahead, then find an ideal location for the sump. It should at least be 8 inches away from the foundation and not too far from a GFCI power outlet. If you don’t have a Ground Fault Interrupter Outlet in your basement, then have it installed by an electrician.

Step 3: Dig a Hole

Once the location is decided, dig a hole for your chosen sump. You need to make the hole about 6 inches deeper and 10 inches wider than the sump. Digging is a tough job, so make sure you’re up to the task before setting out.

Step 4: Install the Sump

You’ll add about 3 inches of gravel to the bottom of the hole, then place the sump in the hole and fill it out the sides with gravel. You’ll leave about 2-3 inches of the top of the sump free of gravel. You’ll add this at the end, after the full installation.

Step 5: Install Sump Pump

Now that the sump is in place, you need to install the pump. First, thread a PVC male adapter into the pump’s discharge pump, then attach a schedule-40 PVC pipe to the male adapter using PVC cement. This is the riser that’ll lead water upwards before you direct it out of the house.

Lower the pump into the sump according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s best practice to attach all cabling to the riser PVC using adhesive tape.

Step 6: Run the Pipes

Remember to add a check valve to this PVC pipe and then the second riser after the check valve that will rise upwards until it begins a horizontal run. A second check valve before this horizontal run is also important.

If you need to break through walls, then use a hammer or a drill as you see fit. The important thing is that you seal the hole afterward.

Step 7: Test

After installation, cover the sump and fill up the remaining gravel, then switch it on and test your work.

Most Common Sump Pump Problems

Your sump pump saves you from damp walls and from a basement flooding during emergencies, so it’s in your interest to maintain a fully functional pump.

Following are the most common problems you can experience with your sump pump. By understanding these problems, you’ll be in a better situation to solve or even prevent them.

1. Power Failure

This is the most common problem with sump pumps and it can happen for many reasons. There could be a power outage from a storm or there could be a power surge that damages one or more of the pump’s components.

The solution to this problem is to use a surge protector to prevent damages to your pump and to either have a backup generator or get a pump with a backup battery.

2. Overwhelmed Pump

Different pumps have different capacities and get manufactured with different manufacturer qualities. If your sump pump is doing more work than it got designed for, causing it thereby to run nearly non-stop, then it will sooner or later, develop some problems.

The only solution here is to get a pump with enough horsepower for the job, keeping in mind that more horsepower is better than less. Also, keep an eye on the materials’ quality that got used in making the pump.

3. Clogged Float Switch

Moving parts always pose a problem for machines and the same goes with the float switches that automatically switch the pump on and off. If it gets clogged or hampered in any way, then you’ll need to clean it for it to work again.

4. Clogged or Frozen Discharge Pipes

The discharge pipes that transport the water away from the house could also get clogged up for some reason, including freezing and blocking the proper functioning of the pump system.

You can use grated covering at the pipe’s exit point to prevent animals and debris from blocking it. If the pipe is frozen, then you’ll have to defrost it before regular functioning can resume.

5. Improper Installation

An improperly installed sump pump can also cause a breakdown of the system, so it’s important to follow all the manufacturer’s directions when installing your pump.

If you fail to add a check valve along the discharge pipe, for example, water will keep flowing back into the engine and switching it back on, which will create a continuous On and Off cycle that will eventually wear the pump down earlier than expected.

6. A Defective Pump

Another possibility why the pump isn’t working, and this is when all other tests fail, is that the pump itself is defective and needs repairs or a replacement.

Conclusion

We’ve come to the end of this best sump pump review and you should hopefully have found the perfect pump for your project.

You’ve seen the lightweight and compact ones, as well as the heavy-duty pumps, the submersible ones and the single pedestal sump pump on this list.

​For the best budget pump, the Superior Pump 91250 is a good recommendation, with its low price and 30-GPM capacity.

If you’re interested in raw power, the Wayne CDU980E is the most powerful pump here with its 0.75-HP motor and up to 76-GPM pumping capacity.

Else, for the most reliable system, the Basement Watchdog BW1050 is recommended and it features a dual float switch and a 3-year warranty.

Sources

1. How to Install a Sump Pump – DIY Network
2. How to Install a Sump Pump – WikiHow