The Best Sump Pump

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber
Published on
February 22nd, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben has over a decade of experience in cleaning projects of all types along the entire eastern seaboard of the United States. Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician), WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning and leading teams goes back as far as he can remember.

The Cleaning Institute

A sump pump is a useful piece of equipment that is used to keep basements dry and prevent flooding from occurring, which can lead to thousands of dollars in damage. It’s often installed in the lowest part of the crawlspace or in specially constructed sump pits on residential and commercial properties. The sump pump pumps water out of the pit and away from the building to keep the area dry and free of moisture. We tested different types of sump pumps to determine which product was most useful and efficient. Our top pick is the WAYNE 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump for its durability and ease of use. It’s built with a water retention cord that measures eight feet long with easy installation and handling. Our honorable mention is the Superior Pump 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump with 10-Foot Cord because it’s capable of moving up to 1,800 gallons of water per hour with a max head of 25 feet, which allows it to work quickly and efficiently. It’s engineered with quality components and is 100 percent factory tested.

EXPERT INSIGHTS

From our team: A sump pump is something you don’t need, until you do. We’ve seen homes escape flooding with very little damage, all thanks to a sump pump, and we’ve also seen what happens when one wasn’t installed ahead of time. If your basement is prone to flooding, we recommend going the extra mile and digging a subsurface sump into your foundation as well. It’s worth the peace of mind.

Testing Categories

We’ve been testing products for our years and have learned the importance of using testing categories when rating different items in various industries. When testing sump pumps, our top categories include efficiency, durability, and application to determine the overall quality of each product and if it’s suitable for consumers to purchase.

Efficiency: The efficiency of how each sump pump works is a top category that allowed us to determine the quality of the product and how well it scores with the results that are delivered. We tested each pump in different conditions to determine how well it operated.

Durability: The durability and construction of each sump pump was evaluated to determine its value and if any of the materials were prone to rusting over time. The durability influences its lifespan and is determined by the quality of parts that are used.

Application: How each sump pump is used and operates was considered with the application category. The design and operation of each product was carefully reviewed during our testing process.

Top Pick

WAYNE 3/4 HP Submersible
Cast Iron and
Stainless Steel Sump Pump

The WAYNE 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump is built with a corrosion resistant stainless steel motor housing and Abrasion Resistant Glass.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The WAYNE Stainless Steel Sump Pump operates efficiently, has a solid construction and design and is made for large sump pits. It’s a submersible sump pump that includes a vertical switch and pumps up to 4600 gallons per hour at 0\'. The product is built with a reinforced polycarbonate impeller, top suction, and a filter that minimizes and prevents clogging that can occur. Its float guard is designed to protect the switch from hang-ups. The motor is even thermally protected to prevent it from overheating which increases its lifespan. It’s easy to install without having to perform any plumbing changes. The product also includes a handle to make it easy to transport. The rugged design of the item helps it hold up well to frequent use without wearing down. Once the pump is switched on by the floater, it runs for seven to 10 seconds. A five-year warranty is included when purchasing the sump pump. It’s also easy to install without a lot of experience required. One of the most impressive parts of the product is its solid construction and design that places the intake over the base. The full pit can also empty in less than 20 seconds.

Biggest downsides: The floater mechanism that activates the pump is flimsy and has a tendency to malfunction. The part is attached to a hook that slides in and out and can become misaligned or even slide off completely. We found it can also be prone to rusting quickly once it’s exposed to moisture. The device operates loudly, which can be problematic when it’s used in condos or apartments. The power of the motor is also low, and the use of an extension cord should not be used with the product.

Honorable Mention

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

The Superior Pump moves up to 1,800 gallons of water per hour and has a max head of 25 feet. It includes a removable suction screen and can handle up to ⅛ of solids.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Superior Pump 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump has a tough thermoplastic construction with parts that are factory tested. The quality components that it’s outfitted with include heavy duty stainless steel jacketed shaft seals, electronically controlled split capacitors, and double o-ring seals on the motor plate. It is not at risk of corroding due to the durable thermoplastic construction that enables the product to be used consistently. The product is ideal for reliable domestic use and can pump 30 gallons a minute. It has high capacity pumping because it’s constructed with a large 1-1/4-inch male iron pipe discharge thread. Water intakes are also built into the side and bottom of the pump to deliver continuous pumping while reducing the risk of clogs. The most ideal uses of the sump pump are for draining standing water that is present in water fountains, swimming pools, and basements by using the garden hose adapter. It can even be used to flush out a tankless water heater. It can tackle tough jobs with ease due to the amount of power that is delivered from its 3.8-amp, 1/4-horsepower motor. Included in the box are a utility pump, user manual, and hose adapter. It is CSA certified and UL/CUL listed for dependability and safety. It can also fit inside a small opening because of its sleek and compact design. The pump comes with a limited warranty of one year.

Biggest downsides: The product has a pump that can malfunction at times by overheating before it shuts off. At times we had a hard time starting the product. Although it pushes a lot of water, it has an intermittent operation. After the first use one part of the pump may start to rust, which is concerning since it is meant to be in water. The device can also trip the breaker or GFCI outlets when it’s in use.

Green Pick

Basement Watchdog BW1033 Sump Pump

The Basement Watchdog BW1033 Sump Pump is energy-efficient and seals to protect the motor, along with a protective cage to prevent debris or wires from interfering with float operation.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Basement Watchdog BW1033 Sump Pump delivers consistently and is built to run continuously 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The product is constructed to be strong and dependable and can have an extended lifespan when used intermittently. The product is backed up by the manufacturer with a three-year warranty. The sump pump is designed to be compact, but still delivers the necessary power to operate well. When it’s in use, it operates quietly without compromising on the amount of power that is delivered. Its ability to suck up water is impressive. An additional advantage is that a replacement or alternate float can be used. The float switch is also designed well and is easy to use.

Biggest downsides: The primary pump can be prone to developing holes after several years and can stop removing water. Replacement valves from other manufacturers may also malfunction or not work well with the product. The sucking sound can be loud if the pump empties the pit before the 10-second timer goes off. The plastic base lacks a high level of durability and construction, which can cause it to break easily. The design of the product could use improvement because the float setup is too easily blocked, which causes the pump to run dry and fry. Although the expected lifespan of a sump pump is five to 10 years, the Basement Watchdog product can begin to malfunction and fall apart after four years.

All Our Picks

Tips for Effective Sump Pump Cleaning

Sump pumps will require periodic cleaning to ensure that they remain odor-free and continue to operate well, which will increase its lifespan and will reduce the risk of repairs that are needed. Begin by shutting off the electrical power and unplugging the device to avoid hazards. The pump should be wrapped in a plastic sheet to avoid spillage and prevent dirt from getting onto the floor. The pump can be taken outside where it should be hosed off while using a putty knife to remove any material that is caked onto the surface of the sump pump. A wet dry vac should be used to remove any standing water in the sump pit to prevent mildew or mold from forming. The check valve can be cleaned by removing it and rinsing it off with water.

A Note About Safety and Storage

It’s important to know how sump pumps should operate safely from inadvertent flooding. The system should have a designed drain that redirects water into the pit. The float switch should operate correctly to ensure that the pump turns on if the water level gets too high in the basement or area of concern.

Homeowners should have a plan if the electricity goes out in the building during a storm or disaster. Install a battery backup system to ensure that the pump can continue to operate if the main power supply turns off to avoid flooding or disasters. The battery should contain six to nine hours of pumping before the power is turned back on in the home. The batteries also need to be checked every few months to ensure that they remain fully charged and ready to be used in the case of an emergency.

The Best Sump Pump

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber

The Cleaning Institute

EXPERT INSIGHTS

Testing Categories

WAYNE 3/4 HP Submersible
Cast Iron and
Stainless Steel Sump Pump

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

Basement Watchdog BW1033 Sump Pump

All Our Picks

WAYNE 3/4 HP Submersible
Cast Iron and
Stainless Steel Sump Pump

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

Basement Watchdog BW1033 Sump Pump

Tips for Effective Sump Pump Cleaning

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

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The Best Sump Pump

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber

The Cleaning Institute

EXPERT INSIGHTS

Testing Categories

WAYNE 3/4 HP SubmersibleCast Iron andStainless Steel Sump Pump

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

Basement Watchdog BW1033 Sump Pump

All Our Picks

WAYNE 3/4 HP SubmersibleCast Iron andStainless Steel Sump Pump

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

Basement Watchdog BW1033 Sump Pump

Tips for Effective Sump Pump Cleaning

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

WAYNE 3/4 HP Submersible
Cast Iron and
Stainless Steel Sump Pump

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

WAYNE 3/4 HP Submersible
Cast Iron and
Stainless Steel Sump Pump

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