BEST SUMP PUMPS FOR
FLOODED BASEMENTS
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WHAT IS A SUMP PUMP?
Simply put, a sump pump is a device designed to take water from one place and
send it elsewhere. They do this through the use of a motor to push water through
a hose. Sump pumps come in two main types:
Submersible
Pedestal
When do you need one? If your basement floods – either because of a water leak,
heavy rain, or a burst pipe – you need to get the water out of your home as soon
as possible. A sump pump helps you fight nature, by sending water uphill and out
of the basement. A reliable sump pump will help to avoid problems in the first
place, as well as mitigate disasters when they do happen.
METHODOLOGY
In creating this guide, we examined multiple
different types, brands, and models of pumps.
We used a variety of metrics to decide which
ones were our favorites. However, the key
criterion across all types was reliability. It’s
all very well considering factors like noise,
price, and energy efficiency (and we did
take those into consideration).
However, at the end of the day, you want a pump that can do its job with the minimum
amount of fuss when the worst happens. We, therefore, put a premium on reliability
in making our selections.
OUR OVERALL WINNER
Although not the most expensive item on the market, the Liberty
Pumps 457 is our winner by virtue of its all-round excellence. It’s an
unfussy, perfectly engineered piece of equipment that will last you
years (indeed, the three-year warranty guarantees it!). The 457 is a
robust and efficient machine, achieving the same flow rate as other
models with half the horsepower.
What stands this model apart – and why it was our winner – was its
simplicity. Although other models had gadgets like the iSwitch, the
457 does the basics with near-brutal efficiency. It’s designed to keep
working exactly when you need it. If your basement does flood, this
is the machine you want in your corner.
QUICK COMPARISON CHART
 Liberty Pumps |  Wayne EEAUP |  Zoeller M82 |  Wayne WSS30VN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COST | $201 | $150 | $194 | $400 |
| Horsepower | 1/2 | 1/4 | 1/3 | 1/2 |
| Flow rate (gallons / hr) | 3000 | 3000 | 3000 | 5100 |
| warranty | 3 years | 1 year | 1 year | 3 years |
| SUBMERSIBLE OR PEDESTAL | Sub | Sub | Ped | Sub |
BEST OVERALL SUMP PUMP
Liberty Pumps 457
What stands this pump apart from the competition is the
way that it makes everything seem so simple – always a
sign of excellence. From the simplicity of set up to the
energy efficiency, everything is a class above on this
machine. Even its design – using a stainless-steel rotor
shaft and stainless-steel fasteners – feels reassuring, like
a well-engineered classic car. It’s even less noisy than its
competitors.
To put it simply, the 457 does its job well too. The vortex impeller means that it
won’t get clogged by small pieces of debris, and the efficient motor is 40% more
efficient than other models on the market. To put it another way, this is a
high-quality piece of equipment in every way.
$
COST
The Liberty Pumps 1/2 HP Aluminum Submersible Sump Pump costs $201.
Liberty Pumps 457 Specs:
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 9.6 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 14.7 pounds
- Manufacturer: Liberty Pumps
- Warranty: 3 years
- Part Number: 457.0
- Model Number: 457
PROS
- Efficient. To pump 3,000 gallons an hour with a .5 HP motor is a class above.
- Ease of use. The design, installation, and operation are all extremely intuitive.
- Price. For all that it does (and how well it does it) a $200 price tag is great value.
- Warranty. A three-year warranty is outstanding.
CONS
- No backup. Unlike other models, this does not have a battery backup.
- No automatic shutoff. Other models on the market have an automatic sensor and shut off when it runs dry.
What People are Saying:
“I have had water in my basement for over 4 decades. This pump works every time and works to get water out fast without problems like the switch sticking or malfunctioning, the float switch getting caught up on the side of the well or simply not working good.”
– Russell, Sump Pumps Direct reviewer
“I bought this pump for an outdoor french drain sump basin application. I love this pump. It drains the sump basin super fast, it’s quiet, it’s reasonably priced compared to other 1/2 hp sump pumps and supposedly the magnetic switch is supposed to last longer.” – Amazon reviewer
BEST PORTABLE PUMP
Wayne EEAUP250
Utility Pump
The best thing about the Wayne EEAUP Utility Pump is
that it has its own water sensing technology (iSwitch),
meaning that it switches itself off when the water level
reaches below a certain level. This gives you the option
of ‘setting and forgetting’ it.
Its design is also surprisingly robust given its relatively
small size. It has a thermally protected motor, which means
that it can pump up to 3,100 gallons an hour with its 1 HP
motor – giving you one fewer thing to worry about. It also
connects to a standard garden hose. Put another way,
this pump is one you buy once and use forever.
$
COST
The Wayne EEAUP250 Utility Pump costs about $150.
Wayne EEAUP Utility Pump Specs:
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 12 inches
- Weight: 8.69 pounds
- Manufacturer: Wayne
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Part Number: EEAUP250
- Model Number: 57729-WYN1
PROS
- Trustworthiness. The iSwitch system means you can leave the pump unattended.
- Durability. This model works in almost every part of your home.
- Power. 3000 gallons per hour is a powerful work rate for a small machine.
CONS
- Clogging. Unlike older Wayne models, this one can get clogged by smaller pieces of debris.
- Lack of thoroughness. By switching off at 1-¾ inches of water, the pump still leaves water present in the space.
What People are Saying:
“After recent storms I needed a pump that would monitor water buildup on our patio and pump to drain independently. This pump works and allows me to stay dry during downpours or travel knowing water will not enter home or garage. Worth the money for the peace of mind.” – Home Depot reviewer
“Bought this pump to use as a sump pump in my crawl space. It does its job. It is easy to install and removes water as it senses it. I did have to install a backflow preventer since the water needed to go up about 3 feet prior to being thrown out. I would definitely recommend it.” – Northern Tool reviewer
BEST PEDESTAL SUMP PUMP
Zoeller M82 Pedestal
Sump Pump “Old Faithful”
As perhaps befits the name ‘Old Faithful,’ the Zoeller M82 has
gained a reputation for reliability and for being in action for a
long time. There are plenty of examples of M82 pumps that
are 20+ years old and still going. Indeed, with a 3,000-gallon
flow rate and only a 1/3 HP engine, the Zoeller model gives
many of its younger rivals a run for their money.
A pedestal pump is best suited for a small pit since only the
impeller is placed in; the motor and the rest of the pump are
vertically above. While this can make them noisier than
submersible pumps, the Zoeller version bucks the trend.
This is a solid, dependable option. If you need a pedestal
pump, this should be your first choice.
$
COST
The Zoeller M82 “Old Faithful” Pedestal Sump Pump costs around $194.
Zoeller M82 Pedestal Sump Pump Specs:
- Dimensions: 10.75 x 9.25 x 35.75 inches
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Manufacturer: Zoeller
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Part Number: Cab-82-0001
- Model Number: B079M2H8JZ
PROS
- Efficiency. A 3000 GPH flow rate is impressive, even more so with a 1/3 HP motor.
- Reliability. The M82 is a true marvel of endurance and reliability.
- Low noise. For a pedestal pump, the M82 is surprisingly quiet.
CONS
- Warranty. Unlike other Zoeller models, the M82 only has a one-year warranty.
- Inflexibility. A pedestal pump only works if you have a small pit.
What People are Saying:
“Bought this one and although expensive it went right in and has been working well for about three weeks now. It is also very quiet. Very pleased with this unit”– SupplyHouse reviewer
“This pump is great for the basement, and low lying sump
and dewatering applications.” – R.C. Worst
BEST BATTERY BACKUP PUMP
Wayne WSS30VN Combination
Battery Back Up System
The main reason you buy a pump is for peace of mind.
Knowing that, when you need it, the pump will be working
to rid your home of water is the whole point of buying it
in the first place. However, flooding on a major scale is
usually accompanied by power outages, making a pump
unusable. The Wayne WSS30 sidesteps this with a battery
backup system.
There are several battery backups on the market, but the WSS30VN is the most
reliable. The power offered by both (5100 GPH on the primary system, and 2900
on the battery backup) is simply fantastic. The pump is well-designed, allowing
you to plug-and-play straight from the box. The battery lasts for 72 hours, which
should be enough time for it to really work its magic. Although at the pricier end
of the market, you really do get what you pay for.
$
COST
The Wayne WSS30VN Combination Battery Back Up System costs around $399.99.
Wayne WSS30VN Combination Battery Back Up System Specs:
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 18.2 x 14 inches
- Weight: 45 pounds
- Manufacturer: Wayne
- Warranty: 3 year
- Part Number: 50004-WYN1
- Model Number: WSS30VN
PROS
- Reliability. The backup system means you’re covered for (almost) every eventuality.
- Power. With 5100 GPH on the primary system and 2900 on the battery, this is a hard-working machine.
- Quality. Both systems are robust, durable pieces of equipment.
CONS
- Size. Requires a 15-inch minimum sump pit diameter.
- Price. This is one of the more expensive models on the market.
What People are Saying:
“The entire thing was assembled and ready to go right out of the box and the battery that came separately was fully charged and also ready to go. You really don’t need instructions to hook this up. I took the little backup pump float and placed it just above the primary pump do that it fired quicker. Plugged everything in, filled the hole and bam, it sucked the water out instantly.”– Roy, Amazon reviewer
“After a full day of research, reading reviews and comparing prices, I settled on the Wayne WSS30VN. As a last step in my decision process, I called the company to gauge Wayne’s customer service response – I was favorably impressed.” – Home Depot reviewer
Ultimately, although you hope never to have a flood in your basement,
chances are you will. When you do, you need to rely on the quality of
your pump to get the water out quickly and efficiently. All of the
models reviewed in this guide are ones you can trust to do the job.
After all, if your home floods, you’ll have enough to worry about.