The 8 Best Sump Pumps of 2023

Best Overall

Ridgid 1 HP Stainless Steel Dual Suction Sump Pump

4.8

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This pump is our Best Overall pick, because its horsepower motor can pump up to 6,500 gallons per hour and pass debris up to 0.5 inches. It is also quiet, considering its large motor. The corrosion-resistant stainless steel pump is fully submersible and has a vertical float to kick on the pump when needed. The float guard keeps it from malfunctioning or getting bumped or tangled. The base is made of cast iron for even more durability over its long life.

Because it uses standard 1.5-inch national pipe tapered thread, you can install it without special equipment or supplies other than plumbing tape. Note that it requires a sump basin with a diameter of at least 11 inches, so it isn’t suitable for smaller spaces. 

Finally, we appreciate the 5-year warranty, which is a nice feature, since this unit is on the expensive side, compared with smaller models. 

Price at time of publish: $329

_{Type: Submersible | Size: 10 x 10 x 14 inches | Material: Stainless steel and cast iron | Power Source: Electric}

Best Budget

Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump

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If you deal only with occasional flooding and don’t want to install an entire system, the affordable Superior 91250 sump pump is ideal for smaller spaces that don’t require a lot of pumping power but can still benefit from a sump pump setup. We recommend this budget alternative for smaller spaces, and for those homeowners who only occasionally have issues with basement water, but it is not suitable for a large basement.  

The Superior 01250 pumps 1,800 gallons per hour and removes water down to ⅛ inch from the base. It also removes debris up to ⅛ inch, which can pass through the removable debris screen. The thermoplastic product can be carried by the built-in handle. It should be positioned close to a standard electrical outlet, which should be well above any potential water. The product connects to a standard garden hose to discharge the water. 

Price at time of publish: $55

_{Type: Submersible | Size: 9.625 x 5.375 x 5.875 inches | Material: Thermoplastic | Power Source: Electric}

Best Smart

Wayne 3/4 HP Basement Guardian HALO Digitally-Connected Sump Pump

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With this smart 3/4-HP stainless steel pump, you can monitor your basement from your smartphone, including when you are away from home. That's the real benefit that makes this product worth the expensive price tag. As long as you have a Wi-Fi  connection, you can check the water level, pump activity, and any alerts that the pump needs maintenance or repairs.

The unit pumps up to 5,490 gallons per hour and can clear even larger spaces quickly. It uses standard 1.5-inch NPT plumbing connections and doesn’t require professional installation. However, it requires a sump basin with a 15-inch diameter or larger, so you may need to expand your existing space to fit this larger unit.

Price at time of publish: $430

_{Type: Smart | Size: 11 x 9 x 11 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Power Source: Electric}

Best Battery Backup

Basement Watchdog 0.33 HP Special + Battery Backup Sump Pump System

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In an emergency that causes basement flooding, your power may go out; that’s where a reliable battery backup sump pump comes in handy. We note that this product's battery (sold separately) can last as long as 10 hours. The Basement Watchdog kit comes in a tough case and includes a battery box and charger. This model also has a Wi-Fi connection that lets you monitor your home and the pump around the clock. It also connects to some home security systems, so you can get an overall update on your home’s condition, even when away. 

The system pumps up to 2,600 gallons per hour when placed at the water level. However, we note that this product’s control box requires maintenance in the form of adding distilled water every six months; the control system cleverly alerts you to do that. This combination of features could justify its somewhat higher price point.

Price at time of publish: $268

_{Type: Battery | Size: 5 x 9 x 7.63 inches | Material: Plastic | Power Source: Electric}

Best Submersible

Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump

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This cast iron pump is a workhorse and is extra-durable, capable of pumping up to 15 feet of water out of your basement at a stated rate of up to 2,680 gallons per hour.

The pump is powder coated cast iron and, as such, is heavier than stainless steel or plastic models, weighing over 20 pounds. You may need two people to install it—not because installation is complex but because the product can be hard to move into place, due to its weight. We appreciate, though, that it lasts for years and doesn’t rattle or make any noise when operating.

Price at time of publish: $206

_{Type: Submersible | Size: 10.25 x 7.75 x 10.25 inches | Material: Cast Iron | Power Source: Battery}

Best Pedestal

Superior Pump Pedestal 1/3-HP 120-Volt Stainless Steel Pedestal Sump Pump

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A pedestal sump pump keeps the motor elevated while still providing the same pumping power and function.  The pedestal assembly means the actual pump is not submerged. This reduces the overall wear and tear on the pump, which can last longer than similar submersible pumps. 

The ⅓-HP pump from Superior Pump has all stainless steel components, including the drive shaft and cover, float ball, rod, and rod guide. The base is made of cast iron to keep it in place and weighted down. The motor is air-cooled and pumps up to 3,000 gallons per hour. It can lift water up to 25 feet to remove it from the area. 

You need to have access to power in the right place for the 10-foot cord. The base measures 12 inches in diameter, so make sure it fits in your sump basin.

Price at time of publish: $146

_{Type: Pedestal | Size: 31.5 x 7 x 9 inches | Material: Stainless steel and cast iron | Power Source: Electric}

Best Compact

Wayne 1/4 HP Reinforced Thermoplastic Submersible Multi-Use Pump

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For smaller spaces, the compact Wayne thermoplastic sump pump is just right. It is more affordable and has a smaller footprint overall than many similar products. At only 6.5 inches tall, it can even fit into crawl spaces. It works on flat surfaces and can handle everything from flat roofs to fish tanks. 

When at the water level, it can pump up to 3,000 gallons per hour. It can pump up to 20 feet of lift, which lowers the pumping rate to 250 gallons per hour.

It does not have a float, but it uses a sensor to automatically turn on when the water rises above 1.75 inches and to turn off when it falls below 0.5 inches. If you want to completely clear the water, this may not be the best option. However, it does mean you can leave the pump unattended and not worry about it burning out.

Price at time of publish: $170

_{Type: Submersible | Size: 6.5 x 6.5 x 12 inches | Material: Thermoplastic | Power Source: Electric}