This quick and easy sump pump buyer guide will provide you with all the information needed to make an educated decision when buying a new sump pump.
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If you look for these items before making your purchase, you should save yourself quite a few problems down the road.
To make sure you don’t buy an expensive or frustrating lemon, our sump pump buyer guide offers these five tips. If all of these are considered, you will significantly increase the chance that your new sump pump is the right choice for your home.
This is by far the most important factor to consider. The material used in a new sump pump determines its longevity, cooling ability, and durability.
Here are the three material options you’ll be choosing between and our opinions of each:
It might be tempting to buy a cheap plastic pump. However, in the long run it’s usually cheaper to buy a quality product, especially when you factor in the cost of your time.
Look for 3-year warranties, no less. Most companies provide either a 1-year or 3-year warranty. However, we get worried by company’s that provide only 1-year warranties because a quality sump pump should last 10 or more years.
In almost every situation, a 1/3 horsepower sump pump should be more than enough. In fact, it is the most common horsepower. For larger needs, you can choose between a 1/2-, 3/4-, or 1-horsepower sump pump.
But the real key is to get the amount of horsepower that’s just right.
If you buy one that doesn’t have enough horsepower for your needs, then the flow of water will be too great to handle. But if the sump pump has too much horsepower for your needs, it will start and stop repeatedly (this is called short cycling).
The amount needed is based on factors such as the area of drainage connected to the sump pump and how deep the basement is. To make sure you get the right size, contact a plumber.
If space allows, we recommend that you purchase a submersible sump pump. Why?
Unlike a pedestal-style sump pump, a submersible sump pump covers the sump pit with an airtight lid that (1) reduces noice and (2) keeps debris from entering into the pit.
Debris that gets in can sometimes cause expensive repairs or replacements. A submersible will put a stop to that. And the reduced noise, especially if you use your basement space for family or business activities, is a godsend. Another benefit is better control of the air in your home as less of it will get it through the pit.
This one is not as important as you might think. Why? In today’s market, there are tons of great brands out there.
As long as you buy a reputable brand from a reputable supplier, and you follow the other four tips, you really don’t have to worry about overpaying. They all fall in a relatively similar range of pricing, from about $150 to $400. The amount of horsepower and materials make the biggest difference in price.
Not sure if your sump pump is working? Click here for a quick troubleshooting guide.
A properly maintained sump pump can save you thousands and thousands of dollars in water damage to your foundation, basement, and home. The stakes are high, so choose one that meets the five criteria in this sump pump buyer guide.
Battery-powered backup pumps are the most common backup system, designed to take over when your main pump loses power or stops functioning. These systems typically use a 12-volt deep-cycle battery—the same type used in some trolling boats or golf carts—with costs ranging from $100 to $300 or more. The battery’s capacity, measured in amp-hours (Ah), indicates how long it can power the pump. A battery with 75Ah to 120Ah will allow several hours of intermittent pumping, which can often stretch over several days during an extended blackout. Most models can move 800 to 2,000 gallons per hour (gph) from your sump pit, with higher-gph models better suited for homes prone to significant water influx during storms.
How they work: Battery-powered systems use a float switch to activate the pump when the water level in the sump pit rises. Drawing power from the battery, the pump discharges the water through the same discharge pipe used by your primary sump pump.
Battery life: A fully charged deep-cycle battery typically provides 7 to 8 hours of active pumping time, which roughly translates to several days’ worth of intermittent pumping during a sustained blackout.
Pros
● They generally cost less than combo or water-powered units.
● They can operate for several days on a charge, providing effective coverage for most outages.
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● They’re relatively easy to install for DIYers with basic plumbing knowledge. A contractor can install one in 2 to 4 hours.
● Higher-amp-hour batteries can provide longer run time if necessary.
Cons
● Batteries need to be maintained, checked regularly, and typically replaced every five to seven years.
● Run time is limited, so if a blackout lasts longer than a few days, your home may be vulnerable.
● They might not fit. These systems share a pit with your primary pump, so you’ll need to make sure that there’s enough room for both units.
It might sound counterintuitive, but when your basement is threatened by rising water levels, one solution is to throw more water at the problem. Water-powered backup pumps use the pressure from your home’s municipal water supply to create suction that removes water from the sump pit. Because they aren’t powered by electricity, these systems have unlimited run time: As long as you have enough water pressure, they can bail you out. But they’re not an option for homeowners using well water, and they come with a few quirks and installation requirements.
How they work: Similar to a battery-powered unit, a float switch activates the pump when water levels in your sump pit rise. The system uses the force of pressurized municipal water flowing through your pipes to create suction, pulling water out of the sump pit and discharging it away from your home. Generally, a water-powered pump will remove 1 gallon of sump water for every 2 gallons of municipal water used. It’s not the most efficient trade-off, but when your basement is at risk of flooding, you’ll be glad for the extra help. Your water bill may be affected, too. To prevent backflow and protect your potable water supply, most water-powered backup pumps come with an integrated backflow prevention valve. Local codes may require an additional device to meet safety standards.
Pros
● They have unlimited run time. As long as your home has municipal water pressure, these systems can run intermittently, making them a reliable option for extended emergencies.
● Water-powered pumps are generally lower-maintenance than battery-operated units because they have fewer components to maintain (no batteries to charge or replace).
● Water-powered pumps are typically mounted above the sump pit on a rafter or on a wall, so space isn’t a concern if you have a small sump pit.
Cons
● You need to have municipal water service to create the suction needed for these units to work. If you’re on well water, these are a no-go.
● Installation can be more complex and pricier than for battery-powered units. For most, connecting a water-powered pump to your home’s plumbing will require professional installation, often involving modifications to your water supply lines, adding to the cost.
● They’re generally not as powerful as electric systems. Water-powered pumps generally have lower pumping rates than their battery-powered counterparts, and they may struggle to keep up during very heavy rainfall or in high-volume flooding.
● Their reliance on water usage can be a concern in drought-prone areas or regions with water conservation measures in place. Check to make sure these are legal in your municipality.
● These systems require close proximity to your sump pit and your home’s water supply. If your water supply lines aren’t nearby, installation could be difficult or even unfeasible without significant replumbing.
Combo units offer an all-in-one solution by combining a primary electric sump pump with a battery-powered backup in a single streamlined system. These pumps automatically switch between the main and backup systems, ensuring that your basement stays dry during power outages or when the primary pump fails. By using the same discharge line for both pumps, combo units simplify installation. They’re especially relevant if you’re already looking to replace an aging or malfunctioning primary pump since you’ll be shopping for—and installing—only one unit.
How they work: Combo units consist of a standard electric sump pump for regular operation and a backup pump that kicks in only when needed. If the main pump malfunctions or power goes out, the backup system is activated, driven by a float switch that monitors rising water levels. Like the two other types, most combo systems have an alarm to tell you when the backup pump is running (or, for battery units, when maintenance is required).
Pros
● Installation is simpler. With both pumps using the same discharge line, installation is more straightforward, reducing the need for extensive plumbing work.
● You’ll shop (and install) only once. If you need to replace your primary pump, a combo unit allows you to deal with a backup at the same time.
Cons
● Combo units have a higher up-front cost than battery-powered backup units. If you recently purchased a primary pump, you might not want to replace it.
● Like other battery-powered systems, combo units require regular battery checks and replacements every five to seven years to make sure the backup is ready when it’s needed.
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