To help you discover the best sump pump for your basement or crawl space, we tried out a multitude of top models, looking for products that reliably moved large water loads per hour and those that were easy to install, often without the use of a plumbing professional. We were also attracted to models that boasted additional features, such as sensors and float switches that automatically turn the product on or off depending on the water level. Now, as you shop for these products, remember to go for the best prices on appliances.
The best sump pump we tried was easily the Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump, which is manufactured with highly durable components, including stainless steel shaft seals and solid copper motor windings, and can reliably move up to 1,800 gallons of water per hour. Keep reading to learn more about the Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump and the other products on this list.
Top 7 Best Sump Pump Compared
#1 Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump
Award: Top Pick
WHY WE LIKE IT: Extremely easy to install, with a plug and pump design, and reliably moves up to 1,800 gallons of water per hour. It is also made from highly durable components, such as copper and steel.
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- Very easy to install
- Pumps 1,800 gallons per hour
- Highly durable components
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- Hoses not included
- No automatic shutoff, though there is a float attachment available
- 1 year warranty is decent, but there are longer ones on list
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The Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump reliably transports up to 1,800 gallons of water per hour, via its ¼ HP motor, and is extremely easy to install, thanks to what is essentially a “plug and pump” design. The components are highly durable, comprised of stainless steel and copper, and it comes with a built-in suction screen, to filter out debris and excess materials. It is also available with more horsepower, up to ½ HP, which is nice.
Though we found this product extremely easy to install and to use, it does not come with a garden hose or a discharge hose, requiring additional purchases. Additionally, it comes with a one year warranty and there are longer ones to be found on this list, like with our number two pick. Speaking of your basement needs, the best air purifier for mold is another must have.
#2 Wayne 57729-WYNP WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump
Award: Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: Equipped with an array of sensors that automatically shut the pump off when water is not present and with anti-freeze technology for use during the winter.
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- Automatically shuts off
- 3 year warranty
- Pumps nearly 3,000 gallons per hour
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- Only available with ¼ HP motor
- Does not come with any hoses
- No built in heater
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The Wayne 57729-WYNP WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump reliably pumps up to 3,000 gallons per hour, which is more than our top pick, and is equipped with a bevy of sensors that automatically shut the device off when water is running low. Additionally, it is filled with anti-freeze technology that ensures it will not break during winter months and it comes with a nice three year warranty, which is higher than the warranty that comes with our top pick.
Though the anti-freeze tech is neat, it merely stops the device from functioning when it is too cold. The product does not contain a built-in heater to maintain operations when it is below freezing. Additionally, it contains a ¼ HP motor, while our top pick has the option to purchase motors up to ½ HP. The best air purifier will keep your room’s air clean as well.
#3 Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump
Award: Most Durable
WHY WE LIKE IT: Made almost entirely from cast iron, making it extremely durable, with a ⅓ HP motor that reliably transports up to 2,680 gallons per hour.
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- 3 year warranty
- Comes with float for automatic shutdown
- Pumps up to 2.680 gallons per hour
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- Extremely heavy, more than 20 lb
- Does not come with any hoses
- Power cord is 9’ long
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The Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump is an extremely durable product, made almost entirely from cast iron and similarly rugged materials. It comes with a three year warranty, which is in line with our number two pick, and boasts a ⅓ HP motor that can transport up to 2,680 gallons per hour, which is more than our top pick. It also comes with a built-in float device, that automatically powers the unit down when water is scarce.
Though we found this product easy to install, the cast iron design does make it extremely heavy, over 20 pounds, which could impede installation. Additionally, the power cord on this submersible pump is nine feet long, and some products, like our number two pick, come with longer power cords. The best heaters will also heat to keep a room dry.
#4 Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Portable Electric Water Removal Pump
Award: Lightest
WHY WE LIKE IT: Extremely powerful ½ HP motor, with a light submersible design that makes it easy to place in a variety of locations.e. The features on offer make this a great choice for the value conscious consumer.
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- ½ HP motor
- Easy installation
- Light form factor
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- 1 year warranty is less than some picks
- Does not come with hoses
- Does not work in water less than 3 inches
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The Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Portable Electric Water Removal Pump comes equipped with a powerful ½ HP motor, which can transport a maximum of 2,600 gallons of water per hour. The item is extremely light, just six pounds, and comes with an easy carry handle, making installation and handling extremely easy.
Though this product does come with a garden hose adapter, it does not come with any hoses, requiring an additional purchase. Additionally, this item does not function in sump pits with pools of water less than around three inches, which may not suit the needs of every consumer. Read our heating and cooling section for more great home gear.
#5 Wayne WSS30VN Upgraded Combination Sump Pump
Award: Best Warranty
WHY WE LIKE IT: Comes with a massive five year warranty, the longest on this list, and can transport up to 5,100 gallons per hour, another metric that tops this list. The lengthy warranty is perfect for consumers looking for a long-lasting product.
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- Backup pump included
- Pumps 5,100 gallons per hour
- Float switch included
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- Extremely heavy, more than 45 lb
- Battery status LED can be unreliable
- Does not come with battery for backup
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The Wayne WSS30VN Upgraded Combination Sump Pump is extremely powerful, with a ½ HP motor that can transport up to 5,100 gallons per hour, the best flow rate on this list. This primary pump also comes with a backup pump that is powered via external 12 volt battery, so this battery backup sump pump system will continue to transport water when the power goes out, for instance. The warranty is also five years long, which is the longest warranty to be found on this list.
Though this product comes fully assembled and we found installation to be rather simple, it is more than 45 pounds, so you may want to enlist some help. Additionally, it does not come with the 12 volt battery to power the backup unit, so that will require an additional purchase. You may also like our home appliances products section.
#6 Wayne 57729-WYN1 EEAUP250 Electric Water Removal Pump
Award: Easiest to Install
WHY WE LIKE IT: Extremely easy to install and to use, thanks to a light form factor and the addition of sensors that automatically turn the device on and off depending on if there is water present.
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- Automatically turns on
- Transports up to 3,000 gallons per hour
- Convenient carry handle
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- Power cord shorter than some on list
- 1 year warranty
- ¼ HP motor (there are more powerful motors on list)
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This Wayne 57729-WYN1 EEAUP250 Electric Water Removal Pump is submersible and made from corrosion-resistant thermoplastic, with a bevy of sensors that automatically turns the device’s pump system on and off depending on if there is water present. The motor reliably transports up to 3,000 gallons per hour, which is on the high end. It is also extremely easy to install into the sump pit and to use, thanks to one-button functionality, a light form factor and a convenient carry handle.
This product comes with a one year warranty, which is decent but there are longer warranties found on this list. Additionally, the included power cord is eight feet long, and some products, like our number two pick, feature much longer power cords. Speaking of water, check out the best water filter systems.
#7 Zoeller 57-0001 M57 High Capacity Sump Pump
Award: Quietest
WHY WE LIKE IT: Boasts an extremely quiet design, yet still features a ⅓ HP motor that transports a maximum of 2,760 gallons per hour.
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- Cast iron design
- Included float switch
- 2,760 gallons per hour
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- No pipes or hoses included
- Pretty heavy at nearly 30 pounds
- 1 year warranty
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The Zoeller 57-0001 M57 High Capacity Sump Pump features a ⅓ HP motor that reliably transports up to 2,760 gallons per hour, depending on elevation, and operates extremely quietly. It is made almost entirely from highly durable cast iron and comes with a float switch, allowing the unit to automatically turn off the sump pump system when there is no longer any liquids present in the sump pit.
The cast iron design is great, but this is an extremely heavy product, which could make installation somewhat difficult. Also, this package does not come with any pipes or hoses, though it does contain an adjustable screw that fits a variety of pipes and hoses. The best HEPA air purifier will help to keep your air clean as will the products in our health and wellness area. Speaking about cleanliness, to ensure that your stainless steel appliances are shinning at all times, use the best stainless steel cleaners.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list of the best sump pumps, we tried out plenty of top models, testing them for efficiency, preferring products that reliably transport large amounts of water per hour, with a maximum of 5,100 gallons per hour. We also liked models that could easily handle steep inclines, in case you need to transport water up a hill or some other elevated distance.
We also liked submersible pump units made from highly durable components, such as cast iron or thermoplastic. The products made from thermoplastic often feature convenient carry handles and light form factors, making them easy to place, install, and to use. One model, our number five pick, comes with a backup pump that is battery powered, so it will continue to work if you lose power to the home.
Some products came equipped with sensors and floats that automatically turn the device on and off, depending on how much water is present. Other products go one step further and add temperature sensors that will turn the pump off when it is below freezing. Finally, we liked products with long-lasting warranties, with a maximum of five years.
Sump Pump Buying Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Horsepower and GPH
The efficacy of sump pumps are typically measured via horsepower and gallons per hour (GPH.) Most pumps on the market feature motors that boast between ¼ and ½ horsepower, which is rated to be adequate to service standard-sized homes. Gallons per hour, otherwise known as GPH, is a metric that measures the maximum amount of liquid that can be transported in a single hour. A higher number is better, but height and incline can impact this metric, so do your research. - Float Switches and Sensors
You may want to choose a product that comes with a float switch or an array of sensors, with each intended to automatically turn the product on or off depending on how much liquid is present. This will prevent the consumers from having to manually check in on the pump and shut it off when it has sufficiently done its job. Many pumps differ as to how much water is needed to automatically turn the device on or off, but most float switches are set to power down the unit when the water level has lowered to around ½ inch. - Cast Iron or Thermoplastic
These products are typically manufactured using either cast iron or thermoplastic. Cast iron pumps are extremely durable, and rated to last a decade or more, but they are also extremely heavy, making installation and use somewhat difficult. Thermoplastic devices are slightly less durable, though they have made great strides in that department in recent years, but are often very light and maneuverable, making them easy to place, install and move around to various problem locations.
