26 Models Considered

92 Hours Researched

8 Experts Interviewed

62 Consumers Consulted

We tested the most popular models, which were purchased by our own funds.

Sump Pump Buying Guide

Got water problems? Flooded basement? Poor drainage of your appliances? Well, relax. We’ll show you how to find the best sump pump to address your issues. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in. We’ve got quite a bit of information to pass on, so let’s get to it.

Before we take a look at some different models and things you should consider when buying a sump pump, let’s state something right up front. If you are a homeowner, a reliable sump pump is one of the best investments you can make. A pump is one of those items you don’t really think about until you need it.

Okay. Ready? Here we go.

Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump with 10′ Cord

Don’t let the affordable price of the Superior Pump 91250 fool you. This little beast can supply up to 25′ of vertical lift. It also has a 1 1/4″ discharge that moves a lot of water quickly. All that and still priced around $50.

Technically, this submersible unit is really a utility pump. It can be used as a sump pump, though, and does a good enough job in many cases. We wouldn’t go so far as to say it will clear a flooded basement without some difficulty, but it will sure handle small jobs.

The unit only has a 10′ cord, and that’s a bit of a downer. It does have a sturdy carrying handle, though, so moving it around isn’t that big of a deal. There is also a 3/4″ garden hose adapter which makes this convenient for draining garden ponds and small pools.

• Protected with Thermoplastic
• 25′ vertical lift
• Converts to the sump pump with optional float switch
• 1 1/4″ discharge
• 1/4 HP
• 6.8 lbs
• 12″ X 7″ X 7″

Superior Pump 91250 User Manual

Before using this product, please read this USER MANUAL very carefully. This user manual has been designed to instruct you as to the proper manner in which to assemble, maintain, store, and most importantly, how to operate the pump safely and efficiently.

You’ll be able to displace about 30 gallons of water per minute with this handy pump. It will get all the water down to about 1/8″ above the ground. If you’re planning on using this unit as a sump pump, be aware that the float switch is optional and sold separately.

The bright spot of this pump is its thermally-protected motor. It’s comforting to know your pump can take a lot of use without overheating and damaging the unit.

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Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump with 10-Foot Cord

PROS

Versatile submersible utility/sump pump combination

Moves a lot of water per minute for its size

Thermally-protected motor

CONS

Will struggle with larger jobs

10′ cord doesn’t offer much length

Sump pump use requires a separate accessory switch

Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 Hp

A sump pump doesn’t have to be fancy to get the job done. This unit from Zoeller proves that you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. It might not be attractive to look at, but let’s get real. Emptying your basement of flood water isn’t a beauty competition.

This small 1/3 Hp submersible pump is designed for plumbers and contractors. It’s made of strong cast iron and has coated fasteners for a solid connection. The 9′ power cord is a little short for our taste, but the target consumer for this pump will generally be running extension cords anyway to reach tight spots.

At just 21 pounds, this unit is actually pretty light for all that it does. The motor is protected against thermal overload and is quiet. It has a non-clog design that is mighty handy and a float-activated switch.

• 1/3 HP
• Passes up to 2″ solids
• Cast iron housing
• 7.8″ X 10.5″ X 10.5″
• 21 lbs

Zoeller M53 Installation Instructions

Before the first use of this product, please read this MANUAL very carefully. This user manual has been designed to instruct you as to the proper manner in which to assemble and install the pump safely and efficiently.

Zoeller doesn’t provide a lot of specs on how much water this pump will displace in an hour. We don’t like that. In fact, that’s the sole reason it would be hard to recommend this pump to the homeowner. It seems like this is a pump meant for jobs that take an hour rather than ongoing prevention of rising flood water.

Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 Hp

Liberty Pumps 257 1/3-Horse Power 1-1/2-Inch Discharge 250-Series Cast Iron Automatic Submersible Sump/Effluent Pump with VMF Switch

Having a small, functional sump pump around the house is a good idea for any homeowner. This one from Liberty Pump isn’t too big, but it’ll clear about 50 gallons of water per minute. That kind of displacement can prevent major damage when a flood occurs.

The submersible unit is made from durable cast iron and resists corrosion. It weighs a little over fifteen pounds, so you won’t hurt your back when moving it from place to place. We really like the fact that this unit only requires a 10″ sump basin to operate. That’s very important when you need to get into tight spots.

The cord is 10′ long and supplies 115V. We’d be lying if we said the horsepower of the pump is great. It only comes in at 0.33. Clearly, this is a pump made for quick clean up jobs.

• 1/3 HP
• 50 GPM discharge
• Energy efficient motor
• 9.6″ X 9.6″ X 10.5″
• 15.22 lbs
• Can pump solids up to 1/2″

Liberty Pumps 257 User Manual

Before using this product, please read this USER MANUAL very carefully. This user manual has been designed to instruct you as to the proper manner in which to assemble, maintain, store, and most importantly, how to operate the pump safely and efficiently.

Here’s where another problem comes in. The Vertical Magnetic Float leaves something to be desired. It’s great at draining a small body of standing water, but it doesn’t seem to work very well in flooded areas. There is also no alarm here to add some extra peace of mind.

That said, the Liberty Pumps 257 could do in a pinch while you wait for the cavalry to arrive. If you need something to keep the water level down until a plumber can fix those busted pipes in the basement, this little pump will do just fine.

Liberty Pumps 257 1/3-Horse Power 1-1/2-Inch Discharge 250-Series Cast Iron Automatic Submersible Sump/Effluent Pump with VMF Switch

WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump With Integrated Vertical Float Switch

We probably don’t need to sell you on the Wayne brand. It’s one of the most respected names in the sump pump industry. This WAYNE CDU980E pump impressed us right off the bat with its price. You’re getting legendary Wayne quality for around $150, and that’s value.

Let’s talk for a minute here about the materials that were used in the construction of this submersible pump. A cast iron base is merged with a stainless steel housing for the motor. This brings the weight of the unit down to just 12 pounds. You read that right. Your twelve-year-old kid can move it around with ease.

It has a pump rate of 4,600 gallons per hour, but you probably won’t get the max. About 4,000 GPH is more realistic. Even so, we’re talking a 12-pound submersible pump here that is fully capable of pumping out a flooded basement. That’s crazy!

• Made in China
• 4,600 GPH discharge
• 3/4 HP
• Submersible
• Top suction design
• 8″ X 8″ X 12″
• 12 lbs

The pump is designed for sump basins of at least 11″ in diameter. It has a suction design on the top that works exceptionally well at preventing clogs. With a five-year warranty, what’s not to like here?

Still not sold? Let’s add in a 10′ vertical lift and 3/4 Hp for good measure. Pumping is never fun, but a reliable unit like this makes it tolerable.

WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Pump With Integrated Vertical Float Switch

Zoeller 57-0001 M57 Basement High Capacity Sump Pump

We have to admit that Zoeller isn’t known for sump pumps that handle up on big jobs. This Zoeller 57-0001 M57 submersible pump might be the exception to the rule. It has some pretty unique features that give it appeal to those who need a strong basement device.

For starters, the pump uses cast iron that is powder-coated to minimize heat. Any time that you can reduce heat on a motor, the result is a longer life span. The coating on this model is also decent at preventing rust. So, you’ve got two nice pluses right off the bat.

Here’s another thing we love about this pump. It has a vortex impeller. What is that, you ask? It’s a useful device that prevents clogs, and it also enables this pump to pass small solids. Anyone with a sump pump in the basement will verify that sometimes solids can clog up a pump and shut it off. You probably won’t have to worry about that here.

• Stainless steel and cast iron construction
• 1 1/2″ discharge
• Passes 1/2″ solids
• 1/3 HP
• 11″ X 11″ X 8″
• 27 lbs

There is still something to be said for pumps made in the US. Zoeller manufactures all of their pumps and parts stateside, making getting them serviced when necessary much easier.

There have been some complaints about switch failure with this pump. Sure, it has a decent warranty. But that won’t fix the damage in your basement if a switch fails. There is also the matter of vertical lift, which doesn’t seem to be very high with this device.

Zoeller 57-0001 M57 Basement High Capacity Sump Pump

WAYNE WSS30V Pre-Assembled 120/12V 1/2 HP Primary and Battery Backup Combination Sump Pump System

Combination sump pumps often offer the best value for the money. The Wayne WSS30V isn’t cheap, but it delivers superior performance. This unit merges a primary and a battery backup this model into one system. It might just be the last sump pump you’ll ever need to buy.

Let’s start with some important basics. This combination pump is made in the USA, and the units have been tested to provide one million cycles. If durability is a big deal to you, the Wayne pump exceeds what one could reasonably expect from a pump.

The primary pump runs on 120V and can move 4,200 gallons of water per hour. The battery backup is 12V and will pump 3,300 gallons per hour. No matter what your situation, there is plenty of power on either side to get the toughest jobs done.

• Primary and battery backup combo pump
• Delivers up to one million cycles
• 1/2 HP primary pump
• 12V backup pump
• Alarm system
• 22.5″ X 17″ x 15″
• 38.8 lbs

WAYNE WSS30V User Manual

Before using this product, please read this USER MANUAL very carefully. This user manual has been designed to instruct you as to the proper manner in which to assemble, maintain, store, and most importantly, how to operate the pump safely and efficiently.

One thing we really like is the alarm system on this unit that tells you when the backup unit is in operation. The entire unit is made of cast iron and comes fully assembled. It’s ready to use right out of the box.

On the negative side, this pump requires a 15″ or larger sump basin. It’s not a small unit, nor is it very easy to move around. It also requires a pretty strong deep cycle battery for operation on the backup side.

WAYNE WSS30V Pre-Assembled 120/12V 1/2 HP Primary and Battery Backup Combination Sump Pump System

Tsurumi HS2.4S Semi-vortex Submersible Trash Pump w/agitator, 1/2hp, 115V, 2″ Discharge

There are some situations that call for you to get messy. Well, for your sump pump to get messy. This heavy-duty Tsurumi HS2.4S pump can handle large solids thanks to a shaft-mounted agitator. A combination of seals works to keep the pump protected when handling debris that can accumulate as a result of flooding.

There is a massive 2″ discharge on this submersible pump, meaning you’ll be moving a lot of water per hour. It works on either 110 or 220V, and the 20′ cord is just the kind of thing we like to see.

It’s not a pump for the timid. The unit weighs 30 pounds. Once you place it, it won’t be that easy to move. That’s a pretty big negative when you consider that many people use a trash pump like this to drain outside ponds. It can also struggle a little with sludge, although it will get loose pieces of trash with ease.

• 1/2 HP
• 2″ discharge
• Works with 110V or 220V
• 20′ cord
• 15.1″ X 13″ X 15.1″
• 30 lbs.

Tsurumi HS2.4S User Manual

Before using this product, please read this USER MANUAL very carefully. This user manual has been designed to instruct you as to the proper manner in which to assemble, maintain, store, and most importantly, how to operate the pump safely and efficiently.

We should stress that this is a very utilitarian pump. It works for the homeowner, fisherman, or contractor. It can be installed in the basement or carried on a large boat. If you need a pump for multiple uses, this might be the one for you.

No priming is required for the Tsurumi. Simply plug it in, and you’re ready to pump water. Yes, we know it’s on the expensive side. But using it just three times will equal what it would have cost you to rent a similar pump.

Tsurumi HS2.4S; semi-vortex submersible trash pump w/agitator, 1/2hp, 115V, 2″ discharge

WAYNE CDU800 1/2 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Steel Sump Pump With Integrated Vertical Float Switch

There’s no question about it. If you want a sump pump that is built for the long haul, trust Wayne units. How many brands test their pumps for one million cycles? That’s exactly what Wayne does with many of their popular models, including the Wayne CDU800.

Let’s talk about who this pump is for. This is a unit for the homeowner who wants long-lasting protection for their home. At less than $150, this is an insurance policy we can get behind.

The pump is made from cast iron and requires an 11″ sump basin. It’s at its best when placed in basement environments to assist with flooding, but it’s still portable enough that it can be moved reasonably easily when the situation demands.

• 1/2 HP
• Ceramic Seal
• 1 1/2″ discharge
• Up to one million cycles
• Epoxy-coated motor
• 9″ X 9″ X 12″
• 18.5 lbs

It has 1/2 Hp and will pump out around 4200 gallons of water per hour. Our only real concern here is that the pump only provides 10′ of vertical lift. That’s simply not going to be enough for some situations.

The suction pump at the top of the unit will reduce the chance of debris being collected in the pump from the bottom of the basin. The motor is coated with epoxy, too. Those two things alone will account for longer pump life on average. On the chance that you do need to replace parts, though, getting them can be difficult. Some of the parts on the pump are foreign-made.

WAYNE CDU800 1/2 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Steel Sump Pump With Integrated Vertical Float Switch

Liberty Pumps 287 1/2-Horse Power 1-1/2-Inch Discharge 280-Series Automatic Submersible Sump Pump with VMF Switch

Need a submersible sump pump that is portable and easy to move? Liberty Pumps 287 won’t break your back or your pocketbook. It’s specially designed for small sump basins, but this powerful little unit will pump up to 69 gallons of water each minute. It makes short work of everything from outdoor ponds to standing water in a basement.

This unit has something that we rarely see when it comes to sump pumps. The cord on the unit can be replaced if necessary without having to access the inner parts of the motor. That’s very helpful because let’s face it, cords wear out. The quick-connect feature here will allow you to change out the cord in about two minutes flat.

Another big plus is that the 1/2 Hp motor on the Liberty is very efficiently designed. It uses about 40% less power than similar pumps. The float switch is magnetically operated, so you’ll worry a lot less about the pump failing to come on when needed.

• 1/2 HP
• 67 GPM discharge
• Quick-connect power cord
• 10″ X 10″ X 13″
• 29 lbs

Another big plus is that the 1/2 Hp motor on the Liberty is very efficiently designed. It uses about 40% less power than similar pumps. The float switch is magnetically operated, so you’ll worry a lot less about the pump failing to come on when needed.

The bearings in the motor provide a quiet operation, and the materials used in the construction are great at preventing rust. You’ll likely find that the sound of the water being pushed through the discharge is louder than the pump itself. A quiet motor is a healthy motor, and it wouldn’t be uncommon for this pump to last 15 years or more.

Liberty Pumps 287 1/2-Horse Power 1-1/2-Inch Discharge 280-Series Automatic Submersible Sump Pump with VMF Switch

Zoeller 105-0001 Laundry Pump Package Including M53 Sump Pump

Sometimes, gravity flow can present multiple problems for homeowners who need to pump out appliances. The Zoeller 105-0001 was designed for just such situations. This made-in-the-USA sump pump was built for those who keep their washer and dryer in the basement and frequently encounter the possibility of a water leak.

The pump can also be integrated with dishwashers and garbage disposals. It handles solids of a substantial size with no problem at all, and the unit’s operation is quiet. It has a 1 1/2″ discharge which can make short work of most standing water jobs.

Its cord is only 9′ in length. That’s going to be a problem for some people. The pump is somewhat heavy, too, at 19 pounds. We’re not going to argue that there may be more compact choices available, but the strength of this one puts its above many of its rivals.

• Float-operated laundry pump
• 9′ cord
• 1,550 RPM
• 1/3 HP
• 14.5″ X 14.5″ X 12.5″
• 19.13 lbs

Something that always presents a hassle when dealing with a laundry pump is the need to change out a filter. You don’t have to worry about that here. This one has a no-filter setup that makes maintenance a breeze.

Zoeller 105-0001 Laundry Pump Package Including M53 Sump Pump

Sump Pump Buying Guide

In this section of our review, we’ll talk about some things you’ll find useful once you’ve committed to buying one of the pumps on our list. Doing your due diligence will make a big difference in your overall satisfaction once your pump is installed. So, take your time and don’t skip this important section.

Types of Sump Pumps

At this point, you might be pretty sure you need one of the sump pumps we’ve recommended. But which one? The fact is, some types of sump pumps are better suited to certain jobs than others. Let’s talk about four different pump types you’ll encounter when looking for a device.

A primary sump pump is perhaps the most common of the four pump types. This is the pump that’s churning away in many basements to prevent flooding. They generally come in either a submersible or pedestal model. The submersible pump will be much more effective at displacing large volumes of water, while a pedestal pump is great for small jobs.

Of course, the big advantage of a submersible pump is that the entire unit can be placed under water. Let’s be honest. If your basement floods, an above-water pump is going to struggle.

Sump pumps with a battery backup are next on the list of types. These pumps function exactly like other submersible pumps, but they begin pumping when the power goes out. That’s a huge advantage. If it’s rained hard enough to flood your basement, power outages are a real possibility.

Combination pumps are next up. These units are going to give you the best of both worlds. You’ll get a primary pump that runs on A/C power, and the unit also has a battery backup. So, you won’t need two pumps. Yes, these units cost a little more than a standard pump. They’re still more affordable than buying two separate units.

The last type of unit is a sewage pump. Here’s the deal. Sewage sump pumps are designed to pump solids up to around 2″. Yep. We know that’s gross. But it’s not as gross as raw sewage seeping onto your property. The most important thing for you to know is that a regular sump pump isn’t going to do the best job pumping sewage. You need one of these. It comes on automatically, as needed.

Things to Consider

Whoa. If you’ve made it this far in our sump pump review, that’s great, but there are a few more things you need to consider. Let’s be clear. Buying the wrong pump for your needs is only going to create a lot of frustration. A flooded basement is a bad time to discover you have purchased an insufficient unit.

Here are some important things to consider.

Cord length is important. 10′ is fairly standard on many pumps, but you can find longer cords if you look around. You want to minimize the need for extension cords if you can. Take time to measure how far it is from your nearest electrical outlet to the sump basin before you buy.

The diameter of your sump basin. Some pumps can fit into a 10″ diameter basin, while others need 15″ or more. Don’t guess at this. Get an exact number before you buy.

GPH is an important rating for all sump pumps. This stands for gallons per hour. The rating will tell you how much water you can expect to move over the course of one hour. Take the number with a grain of salt. Likely, your pump will never reach its maximum rating. Figure on getting about 75% of the listed GPH.

You’ll also want to know how much vertical lift you’re going to need. A pump won’t do you any good if you can’t move water high enough to clear the basement. Some pumps offer as much as 25′ of vertical lift. Our experience is that more lift is better.

If you live in an area that is prone to power outages during severe weather, you’re going to need a battery backup pump. These pumps will work even when there is no power, but that convenience comes at a price. You’ll need to have a slow drain battery to connect to the pump. Do we need to remind you that failure to keep the battery charged means you can’t pump water? Okay, good.

The weight of the pump can be important, especially for husbands that are often working away from home. You don’t want your kids or wife struggling with a heavy pump if a flood happens while you’re away. Now, before you say that’s a sexist observation, we’ll clarify that plenty of women are capable of lifting a heavy pump when necessary. But, be a champ. Take weight into consideration. There are some great pumps on our list that weigh as little as twelve pounds.

Choosing the Best Sump Pump

Now, you’re getting close to making an informed decision on a pump that will last a long time. There are just a few more things that should bake your noodle before you buy.

One of the best things you can do is to make a checklist of important considerations before you make a sump pump purchase. These are some of the questions you should be able to answer before you open your wallet.

How much vertical lift do I require?

What is the diameter of my sump basin?

How much weight is reasonable?

Do I have multiple needs for a sump pump? What will be its primary purpose?

Do I need battery backup? If so, what kind of battery will I need to purchase?

Will I be installing the pump myself or using a professional?

How much water do I need to pump per hour in the worst-case scenario?

Can I drain with a standard hose, or will I need piping?

How much horsepower do I need?

How to Install a Sump Pump

One of the most important questions you’ll have is whether or not you’ll be installing your new sump pump by yourself. We’re going to shoot straight with you. If you have no prior experience installing a pump, opt for a professional.

Of course, we know that pride might get the best of you, so we decided to give you some basic instructions on installing a sump pump.

Depending upon the type of pump you have chosen, some tools and materials are going to be required. Some of the items that you might need are:

Do you see why we recommended a professional? Seriously, this can be a tiring job. Still, reading? Wow. Okay, here we go.

How much horsepower do I need?

Determine the proper location for your sump pump. This is the easy part. The right area is one where water stands and one that is near an electrical outlet that is well above the water level.

Get that shovel out and dig. You’re going to need a hole for the sump pump. Generally, your hole needs to be about six inches longer than the pump from top to bottom. It also needs to be around 10′ wider. That should give you plenty of room. You must line the bottom of the sump basin with a layer of gravel that is three inches thick.

Once the pump is in the hole, add more gravel around the base to stabilize the pump. You’ll want at least two inches of clearance at the top where the pipe connections are.

Connect the adapters that were included with your pump. These PVC adapters are what allow you to connect piping. Make sure that you use a good plumber’s glue when connecting the adapters, and allow everything to dry before running water through the pump.

Install piping that will carry water from the house or affected area. If you’re adding your sump pump to your home, this means that you’ll have to run the piping through the wall and out of the house.

These basic steps will help you install your pump with a fair amount of ease. Please, though. Trust us when we say this job can take a lot of time, and getting any part of it wrong could damage your home or pump.

Winner: WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump With Integrated Vertical Float Switch

Now it is time for us to reveal which sump pump we recommend. Multiple factors were considered when making our decision on the best sump pump. We thought about durability, price, functionality, and a whole host of other variables.

The WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump With Integrated Vertical Float Switch is everything you need.

It has a pump rate of 4,600 gallons per hour, but you probably won’t get the max. About 4,000 GPH is more realistic. Even so, we’re talking a 12-pound submersible pump here that is fully capable of pumping out a flooded basement. That’s crazy!

The pump is designed for sump basins of at least 11″ in diameter. It has a suction design on the top that works exceptionally well at preventing clogs. With a five-year warranty, what’s not to like here?

Still not sold? Let’s add in a 10′ vertical lift and 3/4 Hp for good measure. Pumping is never fun, but a reliable unit like this makes it tolerable.