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Sump pumps are common items used where there is a basement whether it’s a home or a commercial building. They are used to pump out and remove excess water that has collected inside of the sump basin. Using them is important. Without it, water has nowhere to go but inside of the basement, where extensive damage can result.
Many types of pumps can be purchased from many different brands. It is important that the time is taken to learn more about the brands and styles before making a purchase. Taking this step will ensure that you get the best sump pumps your money can buy.
Top 10 Best Sump Pump Reviews
1. GOULDS PUMPS LSP0311AT
A lot of things need to be considered when looking for an ideal sump pump to address all your domestic water pumping needs of the basement. There are different types and the challenge becomes even stiffer when the homeowner has to deal with a lot of different types of products with different features and different marketing gimmicks of the manufacturer.
The best approach is to read out the top reliable reviews of the top products and the LSP0311AT submersible pump from Gould Pumps is just one of them with superb quality and class in performance. In many types of domestic settings, this one has proved itself to be a quality option that can be used for a long time to come. The manufacturer has produced a quality but limited system and has given special consideration to the finer details.
Our Rating: (4.8 / 5)
Features
There are a number of incredible features to talk about in this sump pump by Gould Pumps.
First of all, it is about the manufacturing of the system which is by the stainless steel material. The other types of material that are involved in the interior construction of the product are plastic and rubber which are very adequately used.
It is silver in color and has a reasonably resourceful motor of 0.33 HP. The outlet connection size is of 1.25 inches and the outlet connection type that is used is the NPRT thread with a NPT connector of course.
The overall height of the unit is 12 inches and the overall width is 7 inches which makes it a nice compact system but a reasonably powerful one for a number of needs of pumping water at home.
This electrical motor type uses 115 volts and has the upper limit of temperature to be at 104 Degree Fahrenheit.
The maximum feet of the head is 21 and the sump pump has got the ability to chuck out 36 gallons of water from the basement in one minute.
Pros
There are quite a few exciting and useful pros associated with this sump pump which are as follows:
- The performance is the main thing to look after first and this has a good quality 0.33 hp motor which is reliable to perform over a long time. It has the capacity to deal with the chucking of 36 gallons of water per minute.
- The stainless steel built of the system makes it totally corrosion or rust resistant. You can easily place it into the places where there is a frequent accumulation of water and where it has to be used on a constant basis. The body of the sum pump and the metal used in its manufacturing makes it completely resistant to corrosion caused by water and it would be a durable pump for you to use and make it a long term investment.
- The system as a whole is lightweight, easy to install, easy to service and portable. So no worries associated with it use.
- The ball bearing construction of the product at the upper and lower parts is of heavy duty material which endorses the reliability of the sump pump.
- The exceptional performance of the platform is complemented by the glass filled thermoplastic type of casing and the impeller.
Cons
The following are those cons that might be strong enough to influence your decision about this product:
- The 1/ 3 HP of motor cannot be ideal for extremely heavy rain-hit areas due to its limited capacity.
- There has been some issues find with the clogging of the limited size hose.
The item is excellent for a limited range of needs. The lightweight design with stainless steel construction is excellent for corrosion resistance and it also reliable to perform well for decades. The issues are with its clogging, which may be a possibility in some settings. Overall it would be the best option for your water pumping needs and would be able to help you out when you have a lot to do in terms of pumping out extra water frequently. You would find this sump pump as your reliable companion and you can operate it easily without getting into any issues.
2. Liberty Pumps 257 1/3-Horse Power
Liberty Pumps are famous for their rugged build and dependable performance. These pumps are designed carefully keeping in mind the technical requirements of a sump pit and thus leaves no chance of failure. This model of liberty pumps is considered as “workhorse” by liberty pumps and is built in a single piece cast iron body. This sump pump requires a sump pit of 10 inch diameter and is most suitable for effluent pumping or basement de watering.
The sum pump has a 10 foot long, quick disconnect power cord while the powder coat finishing, in addition to the cast iron body, makes it durable and long lasting. It requires 115 Volts to operate and has a motor of 1/3 HP. The motor is oil filled and thermally protected. The vertical magnetic float has three switch options and works great for smaller pits as well. This pump has an anti-clogging feature as well. The vortex impeller is designed for proper handling of solids and semi-solids. The pump can take upto ½” inch thick mud granules and the discharge width is 1-1/2”.The handler, screws and rotor shaft is made up of stainless steel.
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
Features
- The float switch is automatic and can be adjusted for the three different levels.
- This sump pump can pump up to 50 GPM of water.
- It has a maximum discharge head of 21-foot.
- It can easily handle solids of ½” thickness.
- This pump is energy efficient; it can reduce energy consumption up to 40%. So if you need an energy efficient solution for your water pumping needs then it would definitely be a great choice for your water pumping tasks.
The liberty 257 comes with a warranty of 3 years. And you can rely on the pump for a long period of time without getting into any troubles. - The single piece cast iron body combined with a 1/3 HP energy efficient motor and vortex impeller makes this pump a great product of liberty pumps.
Pros
The Liberty 257 pump has been used by a number of people and it has some great user reviews on Amazon. Some of its key success points are:
- It is easy to install and operate. So you will not have to get into any problems in sorting out its operation. You can easily get it installed and ready to start working.
- It has three levels for VMF (Vertical Magnetic Float Design) float switch and thus easily operates with all sizes of sump pits.
- The motor is energy efficient, but durable and thermally protected.
- It has no operational noise. You will get a soft and easy running sump pump that operates quietly without creating any disturbance or annoying noise.
- The packaging and customer service is great. You will get a perfectly packed pump sent to you in a safe packaging to ensure that it would not get damaged in any way while its sent to you.
Cons
All mechanical machines have a few shortcomings and it is always good to keep them in mind before purchasing a product.
- The float differential is smaller as compared to other pumps and thus pumps out lesser water at a time.
- It is a little expensive as compared to other pumps in the market. So you may have to burden your pocket a little extra for this sump pump.
- It is heavy and not much portable.
- The motor oil can leak unexpectedly. It may cause a hazard to the mechanical efficiency of the sump pump.
- And you should be very careful to check out for this issue on and off in order to make it sure that the pump doesn’t lose its lubricant and work perfectly.
- Continuous usage of Liberty sum pump can cause thermal overload relay problems.
All mechanical machines require proper usage and maintenance and if used properly, the Liberty sump pump is a great choice for de-watering your basements or pools. Its single piece cast iron body, mechanical vortex impeller and a multi-level float switch gives it an edge over other sump pumps in the market.
3. Basement Watchdog BW1050 Sump Pump
The sump pump should always be the first thing in your mind when the structure of your house is ready and you are looking to equip it with the essential house stuff. If you are moving in a new property on rent or otherwise, then again you have to check whether it has the sump pump or not. This equipment becomes even more important if you are a resident of some heavy rain hit area or your house is situated down of some elevation.
The BW1050 Sump Pump from Basement Watchdog is one of the finest products that you can think about. It has got all the ingredients to look after the potential needs of your house and can also be used on a much bigger scale considering its sturdiness and top performance.
Our Rating: (4.4 / 5)
Features
This product from Basement Watchdog comes with some amazing features. There are a couple of float switches which comes with excellent protective cage considering the nature of the job and the place for their installation.
The ½ HP sump pump system strength wise is one of the best and rated with the industrial strength to serve a variety of purposes in a number of different settings.
The system has a resourceful pump giving continuous, reliable duty which is built to last for a long time.
The pump has the capacity of throwing out 2200 gallons of water per hour, which is more than what you will need in your house even in worse conditions.
The Unique Selling Point of the system is its super efficient Permanent Split Capacitor Motor (PSC) which has got the power and the resources to perform the job at a much higher scale.
The 10 feet long power cord is amazing and useful to make the installation and then control the system with ease.
The system offers vertical discharge of water that gives considerably narrower footprints to fit in the sump pits which are as small as just 7 inches in diameter.
Pros
There are some fantastic pros to look for in the system which are described below:
- People want performance from such systems which is guaranteed with this system using its industrial strength PSC motor which is known to last for a long time.
- The chucking capacity for water is great to be at 2200 gallons in an hour. So you can easily rely on this sum pump for a better and full thrust water removal. It has the capacity to work for longer period of time and would not leave you in any issues.
- The sump pumps are installed in the basement which may be difficult to access if they don’t come with some supporting features. This one has a useful dual floating switch system along with a protective cage which makes it very convenient to control. Moreover, the 10 feet long cord further adds to the convenience.
- The system is intelligently designed and despite having a small diameter, the system isn’t vulnerable to clogging of any sort.
- The ½ HP motor is there which is more than enough for any kind of domestic needs. You can use this sump pump for any task that need quick solution for a heavy duty water pumping task.
Cons
There are a few concerns in the form of cons which are mentioned below:
- The float switches are not that ideally placed as they should be especially in some of the situations where they seems to be impractical to use. There can be some issue related to the float switches and you might look for other solutions in order to get it to the right position.
- There are a few concerns about the finishing of the system where some screws are found to fall off very easily. So it may feel flimsy for some people who need a firm and sturdy sum pumps that can work without getting its screws lost or fall a part.
This is one of the finest products having a powerful ½ HP motor. The capacity is good with strong built. The only significant issue is with the location of its float switches which are not adequately placed to please everyone.
4. Zoeller 98-0001 115-Volt 1/2 Horse Power
Zoeller submersible pumps are heavy duty and high performance multipurpose pumps. These are strong built and sturdy and they work great for removing stormy water from basements, patios and driveways. All Zoeller pumps are factory tested and therefore highly dependable. At Zoeller, you will find a variety of sump pumps based on discharge size and volume capacity.
Our Rating: (4.3 / 5)
Features
The Zoeller Flow Mate 98 model is a submersible/effluent pump build of cast iron. The pump casing, motor, switch case, pump base is built of cast iron and to make it even more durable a powder coated epoxy finish is sprayed all over the pump.
The mechanically designed vortex impeller is non clogging and allows passing of ½” inch thick semi solids through the pump. The Zoeller 98 model has a high pumping capacity and with a vertical height of 22 feet, it can pump up to 10 Gallons of water per minute.
This pump requires only 115 volts of electricity and a ½ HP motor. It has a 15” electrical cord and a permanent split capacitor motor. Some of the key features of this pump are discussed below:
- The complete body of the pump is made of cast iron.
- There are no screens or metallic parts at the bottom that could corrode. That’s why you can expect to have a great quality sum pump with a sturdy metallic finish.
- The motor of Zoeller 98 has an automatic reset option with thermal overload protection. This feature helps you to avoid any potential damaging situation when the pump has been working for a long time and may get heat up. Automatic reset option would help keep the pump working in a good condition without getting overheated.
- All the screws, guard, handle, arm and seal assembly are made of stainless steel. The material thus used makes the body good enough to serve you long terms.
- Zoeller 98 comes with a warranty of 1 year. And users can easily rely on this product and use it without any worries.
- It has an automatic float switch which turns on when the water level rises to 9-1/2” and operates until the water reaches down to 3” inches.
- The strong build of this pump makes it durable and long lasting moreover its motor is thermally protected which makes it highly suitable for tough water jobs.
Pros
The Zoeller float Mate 98 has great reviews on Amazon , some of the highlighted attributes are:
- It is a robust and Heavy duty sump pump that would be a great one for heavy water removal tasks.
- It has no operational noise. There will be no issues and noise produced while working.
- The ½ HP motor works great and outperforms most of the 3/4HP motor pumps in the market.
- The motor of Zoeller 98 is thermally protected and it would not get heated while working no matter how long you have used it constantly.
Cons
Although this pump is great in terms of performance and service, but there are a few drawbacks as well.
- The packaging and customer service is not so good. And you may get the package packed irregularly.
- The switch of the pump is problematic at times and might need to be replaces.
- It is very heavy and not much portable. And due to this, you may have to fix a particular place in order to use. Portability is not a an easy option with this product.
- The motor oil leaks sometimes. It may lead you to lose the oil and can be harmful to the machine and may cause some issues while functioning.
- There is no battery backup.
The Zoeller Float Mate 98 is no doubt a great buy. It is built for longevity and thermally protected motor makes it even more durable. The non clogging feature and mechanically designed vortex impeller makes it overtake several pumps in the market. It would be a great option for a person who need a consistent and efficient solution for water pumping needs. The pump work well in heavy water removal tasks and can help to make the job hassle free.
5. Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Thermoplastic Portable Electric Water Removal Pump
A division of Scott Fetzer Company, WAYNE water systems is a lead marketing provider for home based water solutions. They have been manufacturing sump pumps for more than 80 years and provide you a security of dry basements, wells and clean, prepared pools. WAYNE sump pumps are famous for their durability and reliability.
Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)
Features
They Wayne VIP 50 is a submersible multipurpose pump used in sump pits, pools and wells. It has a high capacity ½ HP motor and has a pumping volume of 2500 gallons per hour.
The anti clogging feature of WAYNE VIP 50 allows to draws ½ inches thick semi solids and the suction unit at the bottom can easily remove water from up to 1/8th inch of the surface.
The overall body of this pump is corrosion resistant and protected with a thermoplastic layer. A float switch can easily be incorporated with this water pump. Some of the key features of WAYNE VIP 50 are discussed below:
- It is a portable, utility pump used for removing water from basements, boats, water tanks and other water collection spots.
- Its anti clog feature can handle the solid residues in water for a thickness of ½ inch.
- The discharge thickness is 1/4th inch and a 3/4th inch garden hose can also be connected with the pump.
- It is durable and sturdy designed with an easy access handle.
- The WAYNE VIP 50 pump comes with a warranty of 1 year.
- The anti clog feature and extended suction capacity makes the WAYNE VIP 50 a win-win combination. Its multi-purpose functionality and easy adaptability with a float switch makes it all the more useful and practical.
Pros
- It is long lasting and economical. Can work up to 5 hours and more without heating up. It would be a great one for those who need a heavy working sump pump to be used on a regular basis. This is an ideal one for building and houses where there is a frequent water collection that needs to be removed quickly in heavy amounts.
- It is easy to install and operate.so, you will not be needing any advanced technical knowledge while installing it or may need a little help to start to operate it without any problem.
- It can be used for various water utilities other than sump pits.
- The WAYNE VIP 50 gives a steady stream of water with a garden hose as well. You can use it easily for your needs.
- The pump leaves ½ inch of water behind which is its biggest selling point perhaps and it will serve you the best in doing the job perfectly leaving no problems for you after being used.
- It doesn’t make any sounds while operating. And it would be a great choice for those who need to get a simple, quiet and smooth working sump pump.
Cons
- The quality of garden hose connector is not so good. So you may get into a troublesome situation when you need a well designed hose for your water pumping needs.
- It does not have a built in float switch. This may be a huge drawback and would require your constant supervision in order to use it according to your needs.
- The pumping speed is less as compared to other pumps. So it may need a lot of time to remove water from a huge area.
- The bottom of the pump is rather delicate and can break easily so you will have to be careful.
- There is no battery backup and you would need a constant electric supply to run it properly.
The WAYNE VIP 50 is a great multipurpose pump and comes in handy for various water based utilities. Whether you have to clean up your pools or empty out the water tanks, it does a great job. This pump is durable and long lasting as compared to many other pumps available in the market and it barely leaves any water behind. If you are looking for an adaptable, powerful pump for several of your water jobs around the house than WAYNE VIP 50 must be your ultimate choice.
Types of Sump Pumps with reviews
Sump pump have 2 BASIC TYPE : Pedestal and Submersible. Quick compare between them.
Beside that, sump pumps are mostly operated using electricity. They depend upon an electric supply to keep them pumping. Because of this, most pumps have a backup battery with them. If you decide to purchase an electric sump pump that doesn’t come with the backup, make this purchase separately. Pumps that do not operate off of electricity depend upon pressurized water supply from the home for an operation. In the following section we will discuss three major types of pumps with the top 3 products available in each category.
1. Pedestal Sump Pump
A pedestal is commonly used by homeowners. The pump has an electric motor that sits on top of the upright design. On the bottom is a switch that causes the pump to start working once water levels become too high. The following is a list of the 3 major products that are available under this category:
1.1. Flotec FPPM3600D-01/09 1/3 HP Pedestal Sump Pump
Our Rating: (4.2 / 5)
The system gives good value to the homeowner with a lot of excellent features which are worth mentioning. The system is capable of pumping 340 gallons in an hour. The item is a heavy duty one with a resourceful motor of 1/ 3 horse power which can do the job beyond your expectation.
You will get a 6 feet long grounded cord with a 3 prong plug. Then there is also a screened inlet which is capable with a reasonable 1-1/ 4 discharge. The users will have the peace of mind with the non clogging impeller.
1.2. Do it Pedestal Sump Pump
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
The system is priceless, once you consider the reputation of Wayne manufacturer. It supports 115Volt capacity. It is packed with a resource 1/ 2 horsepower motor. The cast iron built makes it safe from rust and corrosion. The productivity is excellent as it can chuck 3800 gallons of water in an hour with a 10 feet hose. It can ideally fit with a 12 inch diameter of sump pits.
2. Submersible Sump Pump
A submersible is an electric pump that is placed underneath the home underground and can work when it is submerged in water. These pumps operate quietly and efficiently, although they are also usually one of the most expensive types of pumps for you to purchase. The following are the three top products available in this category:
2.1. Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
It is a resourceful system which is preferred by several homeowners for a variety of reasons. The system comes with a sturdy and powerful motor of ¼ horsepower. It gives a total capacity of pumping out 30 gallons of water in a minute. The construction of the unit is of thermoplastic which is corrosion resistant.
The 10 feet cord that comes with the system to give better accessibility to the user. On top of that, the manufacturer also offers an extensive 1 year service and parts warranty which makes the overall deal an excellent one to be considered by the users.
2.2. WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Sump Pump
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
This one is a widely used type and is popular because of its sturdy cast iron built. It is categorized as a full submersible type of a sump pump system. This one is a stainless steel version along with a cast iron pump base. It has a useful suction pump design which eliminates the chance of any clogging and airlock during operation.
The NPT discharge is 1-1/2 and the system has the capacity of removing 4600 gallons in a hour. The maximum strength is of ¾ horse power which is reasonable enough to be considered for doing the pumping job effectively.
2.3. Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 Hp
Our Rating: (4.7 / 5)
It has a number of unique features which makes it a popular choice among the users. The Zoellar Mighty Mate comes with a resourceful and sturdy 1/ 3 horsepower motor. The design eliminates the chances of any clogging in the system while operating. The NPT discharge is 1-1/2 and has the ability to pass ½ inch of spherical solids. The switch case is durable which is made from cast iron. It is an automatic option which comes along with activated switch.
3. Portable Sump Pump
Portable are those de-watering systems working underneath your house which are the most economical of all. The homeowner also has the benefit of easy handling and installation of these systems.
The pump in this system is connected with the discharge hose which is first of all lowered in the sump and after that, de-watering can start.
You may choose them to operate in a number of positions such as inclined, horizontal or vertical with no need of a foundation. The following are the top 3 best available portable sump pumps:
3.1. Zoeller 57-0001 M57 Basement High Capacity Sump Pump
Our Rating: (4.7 / 5)
It is a magnificent option for the homeowner which is versatile and can be used just as he wants. The unit has a powder coated finish which makes it corrosion resistant. It doesn’t have any sheet metallic parts which you need to worry about getting rusty.
The system has a lightweight neoprene square ring right in between the pump housing and the motor.It is equipped with a resourceful motor having 0.3 horsepower. The system gives a NPT discharge of 1-1/2 NPT and also has the capacity to pass ½ inch solids. All these features collectively make a very powerful and a useful system.
3.2. WAYNE EEAUP250 1/4 HP Automatic ON/OFF Electric Water Removal Pump
Our Rating: (4.2 / 5)
It is a useful device to install underneath. This one has a microprocessor controlled system for water pumping which makes it an intelligent and a smart device to install in your basement for doing the job of water pumping and chucking it out of your house. It automatically senses the water and only work when it is required.
This one has a sealed thermoplastic which ensure safe operation. The system has a capacity to remove 3000 gallons per hour. The user can also attact a 1-1/4 inch hose for getting optimum performance.
3.3. Zoeller 98-0001
Our Rating: (4.3 / 5)
It is a balanced option where the manufacturer has catered for a lot of needs. The system has the capability to pass on ½ inch of spherical solid objects. The on point access is 9-1/2 inch and off point is 3 inch. It can chuck 72 gallons of water in a minute.
The shut of head of the sump pump is of 23 feet. It comes along with a 3-wire neoprene cord of 15 feet in length. The deal overall is valuable and worth having a go at for serving your needs without compromising over quality.
Best Sump Pumps Buying Guide
How to choose the pedestal sump pump for your house?
A sump pump is an essential commodity of houses with basements. It is a great shield against flooding water and protects your basement from unexpected accumulation of water. A sump pit is used to collect the accumulating water around your basement and when the water level rises in the sump pit beyond a certain level, the sump pump is turned on automatically to drain away all the water from the pit.
Sump pumps are a group of efficient and useful machine equipments and a onetime investment in a good sump pump can last for as long as 5-10 years. Primary Sump pumps are available in two types, i.e submersible sump pump and a pedestal sump pump. Submersible sump pumps are used with a ground sump basin that are wide enough to carry a sump pump while pedestal sump pumps are fitted on top of the sump basin and are used mostly when the sump basin is narrow and small. Submersible sump pumps stay out if sight and makes less noise therefore are highly suitable for the living areas but pedestal sump pumps are more reliable, durable and easy to repair. The chances of error with pedestal sump pumps are far less as compared to that of a submersible sump pump.
Important things to consider
If you are looking to buy a pedestal sump pump for your house, there are a few things that you must consider before choosing the right sump pump for you.
- The material used for the manufacturing of a sump pump is very important. Although pedestal pumps are not placed inside with water pit, but you must choose a sump pump that is built up of non corrosive iron or steel material. Avoid metal sheet sump pumps.
- Choose a sump pump with automatic switch so that it can start operating as soon as the water level rises. You may not always be there to turn on/off the sump pump. An automatic switch also prevents overheating of the pump by turning it off on time.
- The strength to drain out water is also very important for sump pumps. This strength is measured in horsepower and pedestal sump pumps are available with a strength of 3/10-1/2 HP. A weak sump pump is always less reliable and durable, so prefer to buy a sump pump between ranges of ¼-1/2 HP.
Pedestal sump pumps are noisy as they are placed above ground. Choose for a pedestal sump pump that comes with a noise reduction mechanism. - The impeller of the sump pump should have the ability to handle solids of up to ½ inch diameter while no screen intake design should ensure the accumulation of debris and solids around the sump pit. This will also prevent the clogging and blocking of the float switch.
- A battery backup is ideal in case of power outage because during the heavy rains, if your sump pump cannot work due to any power interruption, it’s of no use and ultimately you will be the one pushing the water out of your basement.
- Pedestal sump pumps are far more reliable as compared to submersible sump pumps but choosing the right sump pump is very important to gain the exact benefits of a sump pump and prevent basement flooding under any circumstances.
You can use the above given tips to choose what’s best for you while buying a pedestal sump pump. The only thing you have to focus is the quality of the products and how well it matches to your needs, and perform the function that you require.
Things to consider in the battery backup sump pump
The following are the few most important things to keep in mind while you look to buy a top quality sump pump:
- Battery type – The most common types of batteries used in such systems are the AGM and the deep cycle batteries. The deep cycle ones are the same that you see in the older motor cars. The maintenance is heavily required in the form of adding regular water. The latest technological batteries are the AGM batteries. The newer generations of such types of batteries have about 50 percent more run time and they are also known to last for at least 5 to 7 years.
- The construction of pump– This is one of the very simple concerns of the battery backup sump pumps but a very critical one. There are basically two different choices in this range where one is the cast iron and the other one is plastic. The plastic used is of good quality, but certainly not durable enough to make it last long. The cast iron construction due to its sturdiness is the obvious choice for the people looking for durable battery.
- The capacity/ output of the pump – The basic things by now has been finalized that you need a cast iron constructed pump with an AGM battery. But, the capacity or size of the pump is also an important concern. The backup battery pump should offer a capacity of 50 Gallons per Minute or more of possible. It also depends upon your needs and required capacity to make the most out of your sump pump.
- Technology – Two types of technologies are there namely, DC and the AC/DC pumps. The AC/DC type is the most preferred one as it is possible to operate off the battery and as well as the wall electric current source. The DC types only work with the wall electric source. Now its your choice what you prefer and need to be there for your use.
- Where to Buy –Internet obviously is the best place to buy as you have all the information regarding the performance and quality of the sump pumps. The buyers reviews also provide you with an unbiased opinion. In order to find the best sump pump for your use you should be wary about different factors and issues related to the sump pump. If you need to find the best one for you, you should be able to compare all the available brands wisely and make a good research about the type of sum pump you need according to your requirements.
Top conditions when buying a submersible sump pump
The following are some of the conditions when you need a submersible sump pump for your home:
- Ease of installation – If you are looking to install the sump pump yourself, then the submersible one is the most useful option. It is because of its ease of installation and anyone with basic DIY knowledge can deal with the installation of such a product with ease. You may not need a professional installation for your submersible pump and you can simply follow the instructions given along the product you have got. And you just have to be very careful to follow each and every step . In case you think you can’t then you can simply take help from your friend who has some info about it or can follow the instructions carefully.
- Ease of maintenance – This sump pump is easier to maintain with very few maintenance hassles for the users. A quality sump pump from some good manufacturer would last for at least a decade if not more. It’s not too sensitive to extreme conditions and can serve you long terms.
- Easier to troubleshoot – If you are careful with the designing and placement of your sump pit, then it will give you an extreme level of ease when it comes to the troubleshooting of your equipment. It would be hassle free and you will have greater ease all the times when dealing with your equipment.
- Versatility – If versatility is of essence, then the submersible sump pump would be your best mate always. The versatility is evident in the float switch which is the most prominent part of a sump pump. In case of a submersible type, you have the option of 4types of float switches to choose from. It could be chosen according to the design of your sump pit or your convenience. And it’s the best part to have a submersible sump pump with you that would help you out in various conditions and serve you at its best.
- Peace of mind – The peace of mind condition will be met in two ways. First, the submersible sump pump is reliable and you can easily trust on this one. Secondly, this type is found to be far less noisier than the pedestal or any other type of sump pump. Less noise and efficient performance are some of the key advantages of having a submersible sump pump.
All these benefits make the submersible sump pumps one of the most preferred type of sump pumps people have in their use. Though, there are different conditions and uses for which you may need other types of also but if see them generally a submersible sump pump cover most of the issues that come in your way to clear out excess water. And you can surely have it for a long term usage.
4 mistakes that people make while buying a sump pump
The following are the most common mistakes which the majority of the people makes while buying a sump pump system:
- Lack of research – The people while buying a sump pump needs to do a lot of research. They make a common mistake of not knowing about the different types of equipment and what performance they can bring in for their own particular situation. The people must find out everything about the pedestal, submersible, battery operated and the sewage pumps before finalizing their decision. If not, then they pay the ultimate price of buying a new situation-specific system all over again.
- Not identifying the needs of installing a sump pump in the house – If you are looking to buy a sump pump for your house, then the most important thing is to identify the situation of your house. The need of having a sump pump in your house will tell that which particular type of equipment would work best for your house. Unfortunately, people go with the flow or whatever is trending the most in the market. They hardly realize the relevance of a particular product according to their needs and thus make things difficult for themselves.
- Overlooking the importance of a backup system – The backup system in some cases is as important as having the primary system. It is again the matter of analyzing the needs of having such a system. Some people think that they are protecting their house from flooding by just installing the primary sump pump, but this has actually been a big mistake. Your house may be vulnerable to a lot of other threats of being getting flooded with water. A backup system will help you a lot, mostly in case of power outage where your primary electric operated system fails. A backup system will take the charge to do the job in the same effective manner as your primary sump pump. Further, such type of equipment also helps people, especially when they are away from their houses for vacations. The most modern and advanced equipment, even notify the homeowner through a text message where the owner can take the necessary action.
- Not realizing the importance of having an automatic switch –The automatic switch is as important as any other feature in such equipment. The manual switch needs to be operated manually, which works fine when you are presently in the house and well aware about the situation. But, unfortunately, there are several users who overlook the importance of such crucial aspect. The automatic switch is helpful in all types of situations, even when you are at home. You will feel at ease while you are sleeping or away from home as the system will work automatically in case of flood detection in the basement of the house.
It should be kept in mind that, buying anything, whether it’s a small appliance or a huge investment for your home or business, the decision should not be made blindly. Rather, a person should know what he is going to buy and how it will work out for him the way he/she needs it. In case you buy an appliance like a sump pump without having any sufficient set of knowledge you can be in great trouble. So, do keep these above mentioned points to avoid while you pick your selected sump pump.
The top 10 FAQs about sump pumps
In which conditions do you need a sump pump?
A sump pump in every household has become a major necessity. Particularly in the Western Countries and the America region, the houses are prone to the basement flooding because of their location and also the weather conditions in their area. They need to have such equipment which can suck water and chuck it away from the house. The following are some of the typical conditions when you would require a sump pump:
- You are living in a heavy rain-hit or a snowy area where there are always chances of basement flooding.
- You have your house situated at a low elevated area where the rain or snow water constantly flows down towards your house. Despite having good drainage system on the exterior of your house, you still need to have a sump pump in order to counter any extreme water flow.
- If you are going away from your house for a holiday or elsewhere by locking your house, then you need a good quality sump pump which would act as a watchdog in your absence. You probably need to have a backup system as well. If your outside stay is longer so that there is a double assurance about the home safety. The battery operated sump pumps have a certain run time, so you have to be sure that there is something used as a backup to compensate in case a particular equipment fails.
- People usually have expensive electronics and furniture as well in their basements which can be damaged by flooding in that part of your house. A sump pump will ensure that water stays away from your basement in order to protect your valuable belongings.
- The people who have wooden flooring and wooden house-structure must need to have a sump pump in order to protect their vulnerable property.
How to install a sump pump correctly?
The correct installation of a sump pump guarantees the effectiveness of the equipment. The lose fitting or improper installation at an inappropriate place wouldn’t make it that much an effective thing in your house. There are a number of things to do when making the installation which are as follows:
- Diagnosis – The first step is to diagnose the problem and find out the main threats which could result in water damage to your property. You can do so by checking the vulnerabilities of your house during a good rain.
- Gravel foundation – The gravel foundation must be checked which usually is the case with 3 to 4 decades older houses. If possible, you can approach your builder about the matter o you can ask you neighbors if they have similar houses. Breaking through your concrete floor is not a good idea to check this issue, so you better look for the possible alternatives to find out.
- The optimum location – You need to determine the optimum location for installing the sump pump and find out a spot in your basement wall where you can easily punch in a hole to reach outside for chucking the water through the hose.
- Installing the pump –place the product in the liner or its destine place, connect the final section of the pipe and then plug in your pump. You may be required to drill several holes in the liner for enabling the water in order to be pumped out accurately. Make sure that the diameter of the holes must be smaller in size in comparison to the size of gravel used. It will ensure that no gravel could enter the liner of the sump.
Technical aspects you should consider to buy a best sump pump
The sump pump is a creatively engineered equipment to look after all your water pumping needs from your basement. A lot of technical aspects are associated with the equipment which can influence your decision of buying particular equipment. There are different types of them but the core working principles remains the same for all. The following are some technical details of the product that you must consider:
- Sump liner – The equipment ideally should be encapsulated in a durable type of a sump liner which will avoid clogging of the equipment due to debris and other similar things.
- Water level alarm and floor drain – The air tight lid of the sump contains 1-way floor drain, in case to support the standing water to drain though the liner. A battery powered pump would give an auto-sound alarm if the level of the standing water is raised well above the pump.
- Reliable float switch – The role of the float switch is critically important in a pump which has to be very reliable. There are issues with the float switch as they are prone to snagging or jamming. Therefore, fully assure that the switch is reliable and doesn’t malfunction at all under extreme conditions. The switch ideally must also know as when to operate.
- Pump stand – A pedestal is specially designed to support any pump. It helps in the prevention of silting and also from the small object from clogging it.
- Check valve – Check valve component is installed right on the drain line which is a 1-way check valve that inhibits the water from flowing in the sump pit in the reverse direction.
- Battery Backup – A system must be installed which includes the battery backup which exceptionally supports your waterproofing system with proper functioning at the time of power outage.
How to troubleshoot a sump pump which is not working properly?
The sump pumps are made to last for decades if you are careful in selecting the best brand. However, there are some issues which may arise with time, regarding the functioning of the systems. But, they can be rectified in quick time if you have good know-how about the working of the system. The following are the common issues found in the sump pumps which you can troubleshoot with ease:
- Water entering the concrete floors and the basement walls – If this happens then just extend the downspouts which will discharge water at a minimum range of 2 m from the base to a splash pad. Moreover, you should also place a rain barrel for catching the rooftop rain water and ensure that the overflow spew out discharges the rain water a 2 m minimum distance from the foundation.
- Water entering through the sump pit – If your basement is flooding due to weeping walls then you may hand bail your sump pit to counter the problem. The P-trap may also be opened by removing the cap. The best option in such situation is always to replace your pump as the situation is too intense.
- Sewer backup entering the basement drains – Thread in all the available caps of the basement floor drain which also includes the P-trap. Make sure to shut the gate valve as well until the water flow completely stops. It will protect all the plumbing work which is connected with the pipe. Make sure to reopen the gate valve right after the storm has passed.
- You sump pump is working but not moving water – Inspect your equipment that whether it has a check valve in the pipe or not. If it is missing then you have to install that check valve.
How to maintain a sump pump to make it a long term companion
The sump pumps can last for years. Several people don’t feel the need for upgrading their equipment which has been used for more than 10 or 15 years. Such longevity is only possible if the system is well maintained over the years. They are usually considered as the low maintenance equipment but regular inspection of the system is necessary to ensure it smooth operation over time. The following are some of the checks that you must make after a certain period of time:
- The maintenance must begin with regular scanning of your sump pump, particularly the pit which must be free any mud, stones or debris.
- Regularly check the discharge line of the pump to make sure that it isn’t frozen or stopped. The air vent hole must be unclogged in the discharge line.
- The inlet screen must be checked in the same capacity for ensuring that it isn’t clogged up with any debris or residue. This thing is advised to be done 3 to 4 times a year.
- The float switch of the system must always be unobstructed and should be able to move smoothly.
- After every three months or so, you must check the system by pouring in a couple of If the water pumping doesn’t buckets of water very slowly into the pit. The float switch must rise up along with the level of water, which eventually triggers the system to start pumping water out of the area. If the pumping doesn’t start, then start checking the associated connections and the plug of the equipment.
- Go outside to find out that the water is discharging itself by flowing in the right place or not.
Conclusion
Choosing the best sump pumps isn’t difficult, but it does require that you do your homework to learn about the different types of pumps and how they work. You should also learn more about the different brands and their functions.
It is important that a sump pump be installed in your basement right now if you do not have one already. It doesn’t take a lot of water to cause a grave amount of damage, as some people would like to think. You should protect your home rather than repair it. The amount of damages that can be caused due to basement flooding and other problems is extensive. You can prevent it all with simply a sump pump installed inside of your home.
With a installed, you have one less thing to worry about and a great deal of confidence that your basement is protected. Take a look at the different types out there and you will certainly find the perfect choice for your basement waterproofing needs. It is just that simple.