Some traditional home appliances have not been subjected to much change simply because they are considered to be pretty much the best version of themselves and one such exceptional product is the Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump. This best sump pump is created to be used regularly without generating any problems in your already troubled basement, pool, or bathtub. Since the intake is located at the bottom of the unit, it can perform its function quite efficiently in any depth down to 1/8th inch of water. Guarded with a wire mesh, this best sump pump is well-engineered to restrict the entry of large objects, a common problem with many such units.
The Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump works flawlessly with a 50 ft. garden hose that you can connect to the adapter provided. This best sump pump is a multi-functional tool as we used it as a backup pump and to power a water fountain. Compared to other models, this one has a pretty quiet working mechanism. A plastic built-in screen at the bottom proved to be highly useful and easy to clean. We found the traditional 10-foot long electrical cord to be strong and long enough for all our objectives. Made of lightweight thermoplastic, this best sump pump is a very impressive unit, given its comparatively smaller size and price range.
Top Pick: Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump
If you”re looking for the best sump pump with a heavier price tag to ensure that you”re buying the most superior quality product then we would recommend the Zoeller 1/2 HP Flow-Mate Automatic Cast Iron Submersible Sump/Effluent Pump. With a flow rate capacity of 72 gallons per minute and a stable, sturdy cast iron construction, this best sump pump is the most powerful unit on the market. Our research team was quite impressed with its design components, especially the water and corrosion resistant epoxy that is painted over the already durable cast iron to keep the unit in working condition. With this best sump pump we had to make it a point to keep dipping the unit in water so as to avoid overheating, but, upon reviewing many more sump pumps after this, we realized that this exercise needed to be carried out for all the machines. As far as a flooded basement is concerned, this best sump pump can quite efficiently keep up with water flowing into the basement. This best sump pump is an expensive model but when it comes to the amount of dollars you save by not spending on water damage in your home, this investment will seem like a brilliant idea.
When a low-priced sump pump is rated as one of the best sump pumps on the market, every research team needs to check it out. And so we did. The Little Giant VCMA Series Automatic Condensate Removal Pump may be a basic model to carry out small applications but it works quite flawlessly and powerfully for those small-scaled purposes. With standard features like the manual on/off switch, automatic float arm switch as well as the noise level being up-to-the-mark, this inexpensive best sump pump has an authentic reputation of lasting for almost a decade. Our team of testers was able to install this best sump pump in no time without having to empty it again. We used this best sump pump, which has a very basic design and functionality, to effectively push out water from the overflowing or clogged basin, after which the unit went back to rest until it filled again. Proven to be highly reliable in our tests, we recommend this small-sized, small-scaled unit to anyone who wants to buy the best sump pump for minor operations at home.
Why do you need the best sump pump
To know why you should invest in the best sump pump, you need to first know the meaning of water table. Water table is the expanse in the floor at which water permeates the soil and if one uncovers ground below the level of the water table, the place will inevitably cause water problems. Now this water table depth is not specific, it varies depending upon many factors, such as location, time of the year, rainfall, and other seasonal or climatic conditions. Over 70% of homeowners have basements that are built below the level of the water table. Even though these basements are thoroughly sealed against water, the chances of water filling up your basement are still pretty high. And since we were always taught to hope for the best but prepare for the worst, using an effective strategy like buying the best sump pump can help keep your basement dry when the basement seal doesn’t.
We all know how basement flooding has always been a common problem that every homeowner has to face. Mainly due to heavy rainfall as the water table is located right above the surface. In such cases, the best sump pump is installed at the foundational level of the basement, in a hollow tunnel under the surface called the sump. It pumps surplus water into the local storm drain system or into a dry well. Having a wet basement can lead to multiple large-scale water problems that can destroy your home’s foundation, literally. So the best sump pump can help you avoid such problems quite easily.
What to look for in the best sump pump
Power
The best sump pumps are designed with two measures of power; the motor that is equipped with a horsepower (HP) rating and the pumping capability in gallons per hour (GPH). Our research team has noted that most of the best sump pumps have either a 1/2 or 1/3 HP motor and can pump up to 4320 GPH on an average.
Housing Materials
The material of construction plays a very important role in determining the quality and longevity of the best sump pump. Manufacturers have used plastic, steel, cast iron, or combinations of these materials, to build some of the best sump pumps on the market. Upon reviewing, we found that cast iron, although expensive, is a material that offers guaranteed lifetime value and performs better than plastic and steel.
Switch Type
There are many best sump pumps, especially the more expensive models that are designed with arm-actuated float switches as opposed to ball-on-a-wire float switches in popular low-cost units. What needs to be understood here is that while both these switches are built in a pretty strong and stable manner, the ball-on-a-wire float switch is more likely to malfunction than its arm-actuated counterpart.
Screened Intakes
The thing about screened intakes is that they have a knack of clogging quite easily and conveniently with mud and other debris, which is why even the best sump pumps with screened intakes are not recommended if you want to enjoy a waterproof experience.
Motor Pole
It goes without saying that the best sump pumps with 4-pole motors are more expensive than the ones with 2-pole motors. The reason being that a 4-pole motor has the capacity to generate twice as much force as a 2-pole motor, despite spinning at half the speed. And a 4-pole motor with its less spinning capacity to produce maximum torque is built to stand the test of time, unlike the 2-pole motor that has a comparatively shorter life span.
Our best pick: Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump
Top Pick: Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump
The Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump has an outstanding rating of 4.5 with over 1800 reviews. Designed for pumping water from swamped up basements, swimming pools, and fountains, this best sump pump is as reliable as it is commercial. Our testers were able to pick up water up to 25 feet and move at least 30 gallons in only a minute with this best sump pump. We loved how efficiently the unit is built; especially its constantly running motor that does the job of supplying the necessary power quite consistently and rapidly.
We found the durable thermoplastic construction of this best sump pump to be the only factor that has contributed to the unit’s repeated use. The anti-clog suction feature has the ability to pump water uninterruptedly from the bottom and sides of the unit. The Superior Pump 91250 has a pretty low draft so as to be able to get rid of standing water even at 1/8th of an inch. We used this best sump pump as an alternative to one of the regular pumps. And after placing it in the sump pit and connecting it to a garden hose outside, everything was pretty clear to us. This best sump pump ran like a superpower, which made us realize that the Superior Pump 91250 is not only one of the best sump pumps on the market but it is also a pretty reliable pump to sit on a shelf for an emergency.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
When a product as great as the Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump has over 1800 reviews, some of them are inevitably going to be on the negative side. But we can assure you that these flaws are as few as they are insignificant.
The first minor defect with this best sump pump is its electrical cord, which has time and again appeared to be stiffer than is necessary at colder temperatures. But the other side of the coin states that the stiffness doesn’t tend to interfere with the unit’s performance, portability as well as durability in any significant way.
The second flaw is the Superior Pump’s inept adapter that seems like it is not built to form a super tight seal around the outlet pipe, which can easily lead to a minor leak from the unsealed area. But we were able to easily deal with this glitch by using Teflon tape on the hose adapter. This even enabled us to easily take off the adapter. So more than a solution, using Teflon tape is a precaution.
The only hard-hitting flaw we found in this best sump pump is the lack of an auto-off switch. If this valuable feature were present, we wouldn’t have had to go through the trouble of constantly checking the water level. But as they say, when using technology, something more will always be better than using something, so we didn’t pay much heed to this particular imperfection.
Zoeller 1/2 HP Flow-Mate Automatic Cast Iron Submersible Sump/Effluent Pump
The reason why we choose to invest in a product with a price tag that’s comparatively higher than the rest is because we want to get an equally enhanced user experience in terms of quality, performance, and durability. In this regard, the Zoeller 1/2 HP Flow-Mate Automatic Cast Iron Submersible Sump/Effluent Pump offers the functions of both dewatering the septic tank effluent and sump process. This best sump pump with a 4.4 rating has certain special features that we didn’t find in the other units that we tested. It is built with an outstanding thermal overload protection, making it an ideal choice for residential purposes. This best sump pump is also well-guarded with an epoxy finish to make the unit water and corrosion resistant. Upon examining this best sump pump thoroughly, we came across two exceptional features which show that the manufacturer really cares about customer satisfaction; the stable slip capacitor and the vigorous motor is covertly secured and filled with oil while the unit is blessed with a watertight neoprene square ring.
With this best sump pump, your basement will be as dry as a bone. Our testers carried out various kinds of high-level tests and were pretty impressed with the results. This best sump pump is 3 times heavier than any Flotec model and comes with a pretty remarkable vertical action float switch as opposed to the tethered float in Flotec. We were quite fascinated by this best sump pump’s ability to authorize half inch solids. After putting it to regular use in a wet basement and running it multiple times a day, this best sump pump was able to empty the sump pit as efficiently and quickly as it did when we first installed the unit.
Our budget-friendly pick: Little Giant VCMA Series Automatic Condensate Removal Pump
Little Giant VCMA Series Automatic Condensate Removal Pump
We’ve reviewed many best sump pumps, especially the big iron ones with the capacity to pump huge amounts of water in a matter of minutes. And what we’ve marked is that these pumps work on one condition, that there has to be a certain minimum amount of built-up tension before they can notice the water and start pumping effectively. But a small-sized unit like the Little Giant VCMA Series Automatic Condensate Removal Pump is solely created to notice and move such small amounts of water, as half an inch can be equally inconvenient and dirty as a foot of standing water.
This highly economical pick has been brought into existence to remove water collections from condensing water heaters and such similar home appliances that need to be maintained regularly in order to function efficiently. This best sump pump is a pretty basic yet remarkable machine that comes with a manual switch as well as an automatic float arm, which performs the function of turning on the pump once it gets automatically notified that the water level has reached a particular point. As soon as our testers started working with this best sump pump, they realized that by placing the unit just under the water source being drained helped in broadening its effectiveness. Even though this budget-friendly model works in small capacity situations, we found it to be highly useful when it came to maintaining crucial home appliances such as air conditioners and condensing water heaters on a regular basis.
Best pedestal sump pump
Superior Pump 92301 1/3 HP Cast Iron Pedestal Pump
Pedestal sump pumps have their motors seated on top of the pump on the shaft and are most often electric. The topmost model of the best pedestal sump pump on the market and on our list is the Superior Pump 92301 1/3 HP Cast Iron Pedestal Pump. Built with strong and durable cast iron, the unit is economically priced with some pretty remarkable features. An adjustable automatic switch with a metal switch arm is built to provide maximum stability. We were able to use this best pedestal sump pump in basins that were a little over 12 inches big and we also achieved pumping out more than 50 gallons of water in less than 60 seconds with this best pedestal sump pump. We were quite impressed with its stainless steel drive shaft, impeller, and float ball that proved to be non-corrosive in nature. With the ability to deal with liquid temperature as high as 180 degrees, the Superior Pump 92301 has a backbone that is built to stand the test of time.
Wayne SPV-800 Cast Iron Pedestal Sump Pump
Upon reviewing the Wayne SPV-800 Cast Iron Pedestal Sump Pump, we came to terms with the fact that heavy-duty machines too possess the ability to work silently. This best pedestal sump pump has quite an exceptional mechanical vertical float switch along with equally stable top suction filters and 12″ diameter sump pits that all combined contribute to the outstanding capacity of producing a pumping capability of 2900 GPH (gallons per hour) at one inch while 3800 GPH at ten inches. Even though this best pedestal sump pump is equipped with a thermoplastic body housing that has its own advantages along with a few disadvantages, there is a pretty decent 2-year warranty that keeps you covered in case things go wrong.
Flotech FPPM3600D-01/09 1/3 HP Pedestal Sump Pump
One of the most affordable pedestal pumps on the market, this best sump pump performed at a capacity of 2460 GPH at 10 feet. The Flotech FPPM3600D-01/09 1/3 HP Pedestal Sump Pump is perfect for constantly wet surfaces where water continuously pushes up into the drains and sump pump hole. We used this best pedestal sump pump to tackle such issues and marked that it offered float travel of full 8″, which remarkably helped in lowering the amount of on/off power cycles when carrying out heavy water drainage. The capacity of this best pedestal sump pump is comparatively lower than other models but it definitely proved to be an ideal choice for homeowners with smaller basements and to carry out moderate yet reliable water elimination processes.
Liberty Pumps 257 1/3 HP Cast Iron Automatic Submersible Sump/Effluent Pump
Giving our best pick some tough competition is the Liberty Pumps 257 1/3 HP Cast Iron Automatic Submersible Sump/Effluent Pump. It has all the 3 components you look out for in the best sump pump, especially the submersible ones. Those 3 qualities are affordable price, high efficiency, and flexibility. Upon testing this unit vigorously, we were quite impressed with its barely audible sound level and the fact that very little water comes out the discharge as opposed to quite a lot with some other best submersible sump pumps that we tested. The unit is built to withstand half inch debris and it can pump up to 21 feet of discharge quite efficiently due to its exceptional 1/3 HP motor. Tested in torrential rainfall, this best submersible sump pump was able to clear the place up just as soon as the water reached the top of the basin. Liberty has managed to provide freedom, freedom from flooded basements and the like.
WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron Stainless Steel Sump Pump
Wayne is regarded as the topmost brand for producing quality products for heavy-duty operations and the WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron Stainless Steel Sump Pump is no different. This best submersible sump pump has a compact design that eliminates the possibility of clogging with absolutely no air cracks in the unit. We were able to place this best submersible sump pump in sump pits with a diameter of 11 inches and more. It gives you a flow rate capacity of 4600 GPH and this enabled us to clear out the whole mess in a shorter span of time. Given this best submersible sump pump’s low-cost price tag, it is built using cast iron, the most reliable and durable material. We felt a lot better using this unit with such a moderate yet exceptional 3/4 HP performance than we did with any other submersible models.
Superior Pump 91330 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump
When you want to buy not only the best sump pump with maximum power and efficiency but also one that has multiple uses, then there is absolutely nothing better than the Superior Pump 91330 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump. This best submersible sump pump performed equally well when subjected to various uses, such as pumping water from the swimming pool, basement, or hot tub. We were quite fascinated with the unit’s one piece motor housing that boasts a powerful construction with only a few negligible errors. One striking characteristic of this best submersible sump pump is how the heat generated from the motor is cast away promptly, which actually proved to be a contributing factor in providing maximum efficiency and making the unit less susceptible to damage. We used this best submersible sump pump to pump out 15,000 gallons of water over a period of 2 days.
Best portable sump pump
Attwood WaterBuster Portable Pump
The least expensive, no we mean the cheapest best portable sump pump on the market, Attwood WaterBuster Portable Pump is a battery-powered unit that can be easily stored just about in any corner of the room. We used the handy machine to pump water away during a fast snowmelt and it performed exceptionally well, given its small size and price. You will be pretty surprised to know that it alternates as a siphon as well. We didn’t have to keep the motor running on its batteries, instead we simply settled this best portable sump pump on a higher level than the end of the garden hose and turned it on only for a minute, after which it carried on siphoning water until it lost suction. Its 3 D-cell batteries will not fail to surprise you as far as powerful performance is concerned. With a pumping capability of up to 4 feet of discharge level, this best portable sump pump is a high impact unit sold at the most genuinely affordable price on the market.
Wayne PC2 340 GPH Portable Transfer Water Pump
When the best sump pump is made of bronze you can be rest assured when it comes to durability as well as corrosion-free quality. The Wayne PC2 340 GPH Portable Transfer Water Pump is immune to floodwater, dank pool water, and destructive tank water as well. It is the best portable sump pump for heavy-duty applications in residential areas. We achieved a water transfer rate of 340 GPH with this little thing. Now for something so small, that’s quite commendable. Its 115 Volt motor with a discharge threaded functionality make this best portable sump pump a powerful as well as the most compatible unit in the portable category. You can drain out water down to 1/8th of an inch of surface. Our testers call it a neat little pump that has already paid for itself.
Superior Pump 92330 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Sump Pump
Another phenomenal Superior Pump product, the Superior Pump 92330 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Sump Pump is a pretty stable and durable unit with a highly efficient split-capacitor motor equipped with 1/3 horsepower. Our testers achieved slightly over 2400 GPH with this best portable sump pump. Unusually but productively, the machine makes use of both the bottom and side channels to prevent debris clogs. Equipped with the valuable tethered float switch, this best portable sump pump can drain out water up to a height of 25 feet. You will be shocked to know that we were able to pump out around 7,500 gallons of water in only 3 hours with this thing. It offers quick performance with an absolutely negligible noise level. One important note to remember while using this best portable sump pump to clear standing water is to make sure that you shift the plug to the continuously running position in order to achieve the required impact. It has a sticky float valve that needs to be checked the moment this best portable sump pump arrives at your doorstep. With such a phenomenal price and quality, there are chances that you might end up buying a couple of these.
Wrapping it up
As you must have already seen, there are many options to choose from with regard to purpose when it comes to buying the best sump pump. So all you have to do is think about why you want to buy the best sump pump for your home and for what purpose. Once you’ve figured it all out, read about, analyze and select some of the best features that are found in the best sump pumps on the market and determine how they will enhance your experience and make your job of keeping the basement clean and dry easier, despite extreme climatic conditions. The first consideration should be selecting the right kind of size to best suit your space as well as purpose. If any doubts about the size, then always pick the best sump pump that is at least one size larger. The second consideration should be the quality. For this, make sure to go through our list thoroughly in order to weigh all your options and select wisely. Our best pick, the Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump is an ideal choice for someone who wants to buy the best sump pump with the most superior quality. And the last consideration should be the lifetime value of such a useful device. Every best sump pump on our list is carefully selected keeping durability in mind. In fact, endurance has been one of our topmost factors while narrowing down our search for the best sump pumps. On a final note, whatever you do and whatever you decide, make sure that the unit is installed correctly and maintained routinely.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.