If you are searching for the best sump pump according to consumer reports in 2023 then this post is for you.
I had never thought of having a sump pump installed in the basement of my house.
Because no one in my surrounding even the community had one.
But the downpour of this season made my basement flooded with water.
My ankles were deep in the water, and my neck was in the debt for repairing the damages of the flood.
And now I am all for installing a sump pump. I always recommend everyone even those who don’t receive lots of downpours.
You never know when it can happen, and like me, you too would be suffering financially and emotionally.
This guide is a journey and a personal experience I have gone through in finding the best sump pump after experiencing flooding.
The products I am going to review are tested thoroughly and picked on the basis of consumer reports. So Without further ado let’s get started.
Best overall: WAYNE CDU800 Sump Pump
WAYNE CDU800 is a sturdy, robust constructed sump pump that comes with the right power and housing.
It can easily pump up to 5100 gallons of water in one hour and makes an ideal pick for the areas flood-prone areas. 3-years of warranty gives a sigh of relief, don’t forget the easier installation feature too.
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1. WAYNE CDU800 Submersible Cast Iron and Steel Sump Pump
- Epoxy-coated steel motor housing
- The top suction design eliminates airlock
- Installs in 15 min
- Tested for one million cycle
If you are looking for a submersible pump that shares a sturdy robust construction, look no further we got you back with a WAYNE-designed Steel Sump Pump. It is a ½ HP sump pump that shares a durable cast iron construction.
In my testing and as per consumer reports too, this pump stands out due to its High flow rate of 5100 gallons per hour of water removal.
So, if you are living in a high flood area that receives lots of rain per year, this sump pump can prevent your home foundation from getting moisture.
It got a top steel body, with a top section design that is corrosion resistant to prevent clogging and lessen your worries about airlocks. It also comes with stainless steel fasteners that help the sump pump holds its place.
In my testing, this sump pump is quieter in operation. It removes water efficiently from the sump pit quietly without disturbing your peace.
It is easier to install too only takes 15 minutes in total to install it with no need to drip a weep hole.
It is a USA-assembled product, all sections and parts have been tested for quality by the relevant departments. With 3-years of dependable warranty, it ensures lifelong performance.
Pros
- Durable cast iron construction
- Rust-free epoxy-coated steel motor
- Easier to install in 15 minutes
- Removes 5,100 gallons per hour of water
Cons
- No battery backup
2. Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump
- 1/3 HP motor
- 2700 GPH max flow rate
- Cast iron constructed housing
- For residential sump pits
You know Plumbers always recommend you the top of the best products. And as per my testing and survey, if you go with what plumbers say, they recommend Zoeller-designed M53 mighty mate sump pump. The reason I find this is its sturdy construction, reliability, and smooth performance.
This Zoeller-designed sump pump shares some of the best build quality. You can easily have it for life-long performance without any big issue or trouble. It shares a 1/3 HP motor which can start easily with a float-activated switch.
That means, even when you don’t know water is stored in the sump pit, the switch gets automatically activated and without you being known can remove the water.
It offers 2700 GPH discharge water, for an average home this range is more than sufficient, this range removes lots of water in other words 2040 GPH at the rate of a 10-feet discharge pipe lift.
It s a submersible sump pump that shares a cast iron housing with a non-clogging design. The cast iron housing provides a solid base for the pump to work.
There is no material in the fasteners as well as the overall design of this sump pump that could be rusted or corrode.
The brand tested this machine for every rigorous test, from watertight tests to dust-tight tests and pressure tests. This system works in large capacities and can be used for standard discharge pipe dimensions.
The only drawback this model holds is its price range. The model is more expensive than other models, but in my view, the price is worth it due to solid construction, top-notch assembly, and quality components pulled together.
Pros
- A powerful motor with rigorous cast iron housing
- Enough discharge flow rate for an average house
- Float activated switch activates automatically
- Non-clogging design
Cons
- Pricey
3. Superior Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump
- 1/3 HP motor
- 1 ¼ inch NPT discharge for height capacity
- 2400 gallons per hour
- Thermoplastic construction
If you can’t afford an expensive ranged Sump Pump like the one we above reviewed and looking into cheaper models, go with Superior designed Thermoplastic Submersible Sump pump.
Yes, it is an affordable price range model but comes with all nuts and bolts and performance like a premium ranged sump pump.
Yes, there is a trade-off as always, but the trade-off would not impact the overall performance or the things that matter the most.
First thing first, as you can check, this model is one of the highest rated models, you can read through the reviews of the users and ascertain the performance graph in different flooding conditions.
Despite its cheaper price range, the model still offers a 1/3 HP rating engine. It can easily pump water up to 25 feet in vertical height.
It can pump water at the rate of 2400 gallons in one hour, with the discharge pipe having 1 ¼ inch on top to allow high water flow.
The sump pump shares a durable thermoplastic construction. That’s the downside, the thermoplastic is very durable and can easily last for years, but compared to cast iron it is considered inferior. The flip side of having a thermoplastic construction is lighter in weight.
Cast iron is heavier in weight and provides a more solid base compare to thermoplastic but lots of weight make them cumbersome to take around.
Another trade-off is that it operates manually. Unlike the above-reviewed models, this would not get activated after the water reaches a certain level. Here you will have to manually check the water level and activate the button.
In total, we love this affordable model that provides a reliable and trusted performance. Yes, I accept it is not as durable and long-lasting as cast iron constructed, but I think for at least one decade, I don’t think this thing can break or go wasted.
Pros
- Durable thermoplastic construction
- Removable suction screen and handles
- The pump can easily list up to 25- vertical height
- 2400 Gallons per hour max flow rate
Cons
- Manual operations will have to manually check and activate the motor
4. Wayne 58321 CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Sump Pump
- ¾ HP motor
- 4600 GPH water flow rate
- The vertical float switch last for 1 million cycle
- 5-Years warranty
If you want me to recommend one of the most trusted and reliable sump pumps, without a single shadow of a doubt I can easily name Wayne designed CDU980E submersible cast iron constructed pump as the best option.
It is one of the strongest engines having a sump pump that has a ¾ HP motor that can easily discharge water up to 4600 gallons per hour.
So, if you live in high flooding areas which get lots of rainwater annually, this sump pump can be the ideal option.
With its vertical automatic float switch, this sump pump without you manually monitoring the water level in the sump pit can remove the water.
That means, even when you are sleeping, you stay assured that your home is getting rightly protected.
This Powerful and reliable sump pump comes in a stainless steel motor housing and durable cast iron base. The cast iron base provides a solid grip and makes this pump holds its ground in high flooding.
The air-tight cast iron housing ensures a safer and smoother functionality for a longer period of time without clogging or sticking the debris.
As you know it is a submersible sump pump which means it can be installed in a smaller pit with at least 11-inches in diameter, the discharge pipe can easily run up to 1 ½ inch in diameter.
So if you sump it up, we can easily say it is one of the best powerful submersible sump pumps that is the right choice for a home with lots of yearly rain. It got one of the top engines, and robust construction to make sure it last longer.
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Pros
- Powerful ¾ HP engine
- Pump up to 5500 gallons per hour of water
- Cast iron base and stainless steel airtight housing to minimize clogging
- Can easily be installed in 15 minutes
Cons
- The base can rust easily
5. Simer 2305-04 Geyser Submersible Utility Pump
- ¼ HP motor
- 1260 GPH Flow rate
- Thermoplastic construction
- Include a garden hose adapter
If you have a small home and looking for a portable, lightweight as well as affordably priced Submersible Sump Pump, I don’t think there is another better option than Simer designed model.
It is a thermoplastic constructed model that comes with a ¼ HP motor that can easily remove water up to 1260 gallons per hour.
Again, it is a lighter and compact model that can only be used in small homes for areas that don’t get lots of rain and flooding per year. It is a multi-functional sump pump that can also be used for gardens that get flooded.
With a garden hose adapter, you can easily connect it to the garden hose, it got a pretty good-sized power cord, to easily help you connect to the power.
It is a simple plug-in operation of a sump pump, no automatic float switch comes here. And I don’t think they need an automatic switch here, as it is designed for more than one purpose for more than one location.
The standout aspect of this model is its compact construction and lightweight. I used this model for various purposes, from roof water removal to garden flood water extracting.
And I can easily say that it gets the job done, and assisted me to fix the chaos in the home or around the home.
It is the best alternative to an expensive cast iron-constructed sump pump. It can easily last for years, you can read reviews of the old consumers and get an idea of its overall longevity. Plus, the brand offers a year-long warranty for as long as one year, you get peace of mind.
Pros
- Portable, lightweight, and easy to carry
- Can be used for roof water and garden flood
- Cheapest price possible
- One-year-long warranty
Cons
- Can’t be used as a dedicated sump pump for a big house
6. Zoeller M98 Automatic Cast Iron Single Phase Submersible Sump Pump
- Cast iron constructed
- Stainless steel bearing and fasteners
- ½ HP motor
- 4320 GPH water removal
If your area gets lots of rain annually, and you have tested many sump pump but most of them would not last for even one year and gets rusted, I highly recommend Zoeller-designed Cast Iron single-phase submersible sump pump.
I get it, it is an expensive model, and you might compare the price with the same powered sump pump. But there is a huge difference, this one shares unrivaled quality that speaks for itself.
Its components are designed using the highest quality material, the unit is made of cast iron, and the bearing and fastenings are made of stainless steel and carbon and ceramic shaft seal.
So, the one thing I can assure you about this sump pump is, that it would not get rusted like the way even the premium-priced models.
It is a powerful engine integrating a model with a ½ HP motor. The motor can easily pump water up to 4320 gallons per hour at maximum capacity.
The motor can easily turn on with a float switch, if the water level is above a certain level it turns on, and turn off when the water is below the critical set level to conserve energy.
In my testing, I can safely say, this thing can really save you from getting your basement flooded without any manual intervention.
Just have this cool thing installed in your basement, and let it does its job. It is a pricey model, but worth the price.
Pros
- Powerful ½ HP motor
- Can remove water 4320 Gallons per hour
- Cast iron housing construction with stainless steel bearing and fastening
- Automatic float switch
Cons
- The switch failed multiple times
7. Liberty Submersible Automatic Sump Pump
- Oil-filled thermally protected motor
- 160 gallons per minute of water pumping
- 25-Foot shut-off head
- Thermoplastic constructed
If you are looking for an automatic sewage pump for your home or commercial use, I recommend you give a solid thought to Liberty designed Submersible automatic sump pump.
It can easily take care of flooding in your basement and removes water levels up to 16 inches. It turns on automatically and turns off automatically too once the water level goes down below 6 inches.
It is a ½ HP electric motor pump that can easily remove water up to 9600 gallons in one hour. As per consumer reports, the sewage pump can easily pump up to 24 feet in height and comes with a 3-year of standard warranty.
I find this one highly commendable option for those who live in high flooding areas. It can easily pump water out even at 5 feet height, at the rate of 160 gallons per hour.
It operates on a single phase at 115 volts and draws 12 amp at the load. When the load is highest it reaches up to 22.5 amp load.
The model shares thermoplastic construction, I think that’s the only downside of this sump pump. It got 2 inches of spherical solids, it is an oil-filled model and thermally protected.
I find the model easier to use due to install automatic operation, it got a quick-disconnect power cord designed for easier handling.
Pros
- Thermally protected model with oil-filled motor
- Easier installation with quick disconnect power cord
- ½ HP engine power
- Pumps up to 150 gallons per minute
Cons
- Thermoplastic constructed
Sump Pump Buying Guide
Before you get your hands on any Sump Pump, it is recommended to have an understanding of what makes the sump pump or sewerage pumps stand out.
In case you don’t like any of the products listed, we recommend you weigh your models on the yardsticks of these features or aspects.
Power
The first yardstick is the power that the motor of a sump pump draws to run. The efficiency of a sump pump is measured via horsepower as well as gallons per hour.
For instance for regular homes, it is recommended to have a sump pump with a ½ or 1/3 horsepower of rating because they draw more power than ¼ or 1/6 horsepower motors.
The other metric which is vastly used in measuring the power is gallons of water per hour a motor or the power of the motor can remove from the sump pit.
A higher amount is always better, go with around 4000-6000 gallons of water per hour capacity, if you live in an area prone to flood damages.
Float switches and sensors
For me, that’s the most important aspect. Like I can’t every time go and monitor the water level in my sump pit and turn on the motor and turn it off when all water is drawn out.
So, always look for a float switch with an array of sensors to determine the level of the water in the sump pit. The model with the automatic turning on and off can be easier to operate and conserve your energy too.
With an automatic switch, you don’t have to manually check the water level too. The thing with the automatic switches can be sometimes the default setting can be of the water level that you don’t recommend.
Like in some the automatic switch turns off even when the water level is 2-3 inches in the pit.
Discharge Pipe Height
The discharge pipe is the pipe that removes or takes water out of the sump pit. Here the water runs in an upward direction to a safe place, it could be sewerage or drainage lines. The higher you run water in this pipe upwards, the less efficient it becomes.
So make sure the pump you are installing falls on the required pipe height, if you have to draw water up to 10 feet of the height, the pipe should support that height.
Construction
Construction of the motor as well as the housing determines the lifespan of a sump pump. The sump pump is either made of thermoplastic or cast iron. The fasteners and bearings in some cases can be made of iron as well as stainless steel.
Obviously cast iron is more durable and withstands extreme temperature and pressure ranges.
As per consumer reports and independent testing, a cast iron-constructed sump pump can easily last for around 10-15 years. But, cast iron-made sewerage pumps are extremely heavy and make them hard to install.
It is not like thermoplastic constructed sump pumps are not durable or don’t last long. They too can last for at least five years and are easier to install due to their weight and compactness.
Wrap Up
A sump pump is an important consideration for those who live in flood-prone areas. Not only that, they become important to protect your home or building from flooding or water intrusions damages. Sometimes your area too may get rain water more than predicted and your basement can turn into a swimming pole.
Look for a reliable constructed sump pump that could last longer and comes with modern features to make your life a little easier.
In this long guide, we reviewed some of the best sump pumps. You can have a bird’s eye view of the models and check if they fall right on your needs.
In case you don’t like any of the products, then weigh in the models available on the market on the mentioned yardsticks in the buying guide section.
FAQs
Should the Sump Pump be running continuously?
No, they should work in periods. Running a sump pump continuously can burn out the motor because of the huge power it takes to remove water from the pit.
That’s why the sump pump comes with float switches and sensors that measure the water level present and turn off if the level goes down the set number.
In manual switches though, you have to manually intervene and turn off or on the motor manually.
How long do sump pumps last on average?
A durable cast iron constructed sump pump on average can last for around 10 years or more. But, it is not just the construction that determines the lifespan, it gets impacted by more than one thing like the use of frequency, water level height to pump, and many others.
If you talk about the construction, a thermoplastic-made pump can last for around 5 years if taken good care of.
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