Sump Pump Buying Guide

It's easy to overlook your sump pump until disaster strikes, but its failure during heavy rain can lead to basement flooding, causing extensive damage and complex cleanup. Learning how to select the right sump pump is one of the best ways to protect your home.

Types of Sump Pumps

The first step in selection is understanding the various types of pumps available and what role each one plays in home flood protection:

Primary Sump Pumps

These are the standard pumps found in most homes, designed to pump seepage water out of your basement to prevent floods. They come in two main styles:

• Submersible Pumps: These pumps are designed to sit fully underwater within your sump basin. They are generally quieter and better for larger basins.
• Pedestal Pumps: These pumps sit above the basin, with only the pump base submerged. They are best for smaller or narrower basins, as the motor is kept out of the water.

Battery Backup Sump Pumps

These units provide a crucial layer of assurance. Since primary pumps are electric-powered, they are useless during a blackout, which is often when you need them most.

• Function: A battery backup pump kicks on automatically during a power outage or if your main pump fails or cannot keep up with high water demand.
• Pro-Tip: Do not confuse these with standard A/C "back-up" pumps; a true battery backup system must be specifically designated to run on battery power when AC power is lost.

Combination Sump Pump Systems

This is the pinnacle of home flood protection, combining the primary pump and the battery backup pump into a single, pre-assembled system.

You are protected under normal circumstances (primary pump), during power outages (battery backup), and during extreme rain events where the primary pump is overwhelmed (backup assists the primary).

Sewage Pumps

While they can pump clear water, these are primarily designed to move sewage waste and effluent from a home to a septic system or sewer line.

Sewage pumps can pass solids up to 2 inches in diameter, which distinguishes them from regular sump pumps. They are installed in a separate pump chamber or septic tank and run automatically.

Sizing Your Sump Pump System

Regardless of the type of pump you choose, sizing is based on two key factors: your home's needs and your pit's activity level.

Required Pumping Capacity (Total Head)

The pump must have the capacity to move the required volume of water against the total distance it has to travel (both vertically and horizontally) out of your home. Consult a professional to accurately determine the total dynamic head and flow rate required for your location.

Activity Level (Horsepower)

Choose your horsepower (HP) based on how quickly your pit fills up.

Avoid Oversizing

Never install a pump with far more horsepower than you need. An oversized pump will pump out the water too quickly and shut off, leading to frequent short cycling. This excessive starting and stopping will burn out the pump motor quickly and significantly shorten its lifespan.