It’s that time of year when heavy rainfall and melting snow can make their way into your basement, effectively turning your ground floor into a swimming pool. Having excessive amounts of water in your basement is extremely harmful and dangerous, and with every passing minute, the danger increases.
Key Takeaways
- The major considerations when choosing the best pump for basement flooding include the types of switches available, housing, horsepower, and water capacity.
- Always use the right tool for the right task, this is why sump pumps have different features and capabilities.
A flooded basement can cause extreme damage to your foundation and the overall structural integrity of your home. It can cause mold and mildew to occur and poses various risks to your electrical and gas systems as well.
To prevent such issues from occurring, what you need is a pump for basement flooding. Although it doesn’t have to be anything fancy, the best pump for basement flooding has to function properly. This means it should be durable, turn on when required and have enough power to quickly move large quantities of water out of your basement before anything serious happens.
That said, finding the best pumps for a flooded basement can be very difficult. Fortunately, that’s what we’re here to help with today. We’ll start by highlighting several considerations when buying a pump for floods, followed by a comprehensive review of the best pumps for flooded basements that money can buy.
Contents
Click here to find the best dehumidifier for a flooded basement.
What to Consider When Buying a Pump for Floods
Before we take a look at the very best pumps for flooded basements, here are some key factors to think about. After all, it’s difficult to make a choice if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Flooding poses a significant threat to homes, especially during seasons of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, with the potential to cause extensive damage to a property’s structure and interior. The right pump, capable of quickly removing water, is essential in mitigating these risks. Considering that the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that just one inch of floodwater can result in over $25,000 in home repair costs, investing in a reliable pump for your basement can save homeowners from costly damages and the hazards of mold and mildew growth that often follow flooding incidents.
– Kirk MacDowell, Home Security Expert
Types of Switches
The most important consideration when choosing the best pump for floods is the switch type. A switch on a utility or sump pump is the mechanism or internal sensor that causes the pump to turn on when water is present. Let’s take a quick look at each of the four main types of switches.
- Tethered Float: With a tethered float or tethered switch, these can be piggybacked or internally wired. These are common as they are very simple. The switch consists of a round float with a mercury or a steel ball inside.The float is attached to the basin lid or pump with a cord. As water in the basement rises, the float extends the cord, and it starts to pivot. The floating switch pivots straight upwards, which forces the steel ball or mercury to sink to the bottom, powering the switch. When the water level falls, the cord extends down once again, thus causing the pump to turn off.
- Vertical Float: One of the best switches for sump pumps is the vertical switch. These use a piggyback plug, are adjustable and very easy to install. They’re ideal for common purposes such as basement flooding. The switch comprises a float, a rod, and a smaller switch inside a housing that attaches to a discharge pipe. As the water level rises in the sump basin, the float also rises, and the switch will activate once the float reaches a certain height, therefore turning the pump on.
- Electronic: A newer kind of switch is the electronic float or electronic switch. These have almost no moving parts, making them fairly durable and low maintenance. Most of these models have a simple probe attached at the level that you want the pump to activate. Other models may have one or two floats as well as sensors that determine the height of the float, and then turn on the pump accordingly. Generally speaking, these are some of the most durable switches, but also the most expensive.
- Diaphragm: Although not quite as common for home use, another type is the diaphragm switch. Diaphragm switches activate using pressure. As the water level rises in the sump basin, it compresses a small bladder inside of the switch that activates the pump. When the water level decreases, the bladder is depressurized, which causes it to expand, and ultimately results in the pump turning off.
A SimpliSafe Water Sensor might be worth investing in!
Horsepower
The next factor to keep in mind when choosing the best sump pump for a flooded basement is power. This is generally measured in horsepower (hp). The most common horsepower levels for these pumps are 1/4 hp, 1/3 hp, 1/2 hp, 3/4 hp, and in rare cases, 1 hp.
Unless you’re expecting a huge flood, 1/3 hp should be enough in most cases. A pump’s horsepower determines how much water it can move. In general, a sump pump with around 1/2 hp should be able to pump around 3,000 gallons of water per hour.
Housing
Another factor to consider is the material the pump is made of, i.e., the housing. The two most common types are cast iron and plastic. Plastic pumps are generally the least expensive, which makes them ideal for people operating on a budget.
It really comes down to is cost versus quality – cast iron models are much more durable, impact resistant, and generally have higher quality interior components as well. A cast iron sump pump will likely outlive several plastic models.
Some may also be made out of stainless steel, which is lightweight yet also very durable. These sit neatly between plastic and cast iron in terms of longevity, durability, weight, and cost. The housing goes a long way in determining the best utility pump for basement flooding.
Cord Length
You may also want to consider how long the power cord is before making a purchase. You don’t want to buy a unit with a 10’ power cord only to realize that the closest outlet is 15’ away. Although it might not be the number one factor to consider when choosing the best water pump for basement flooding, it does make a difference.
Water Capacity
Also consider how many gallons of water per hour the pump can move. Some may only be able to move a few hundred gallons whereas others will move thousands. What you get depends on your own specific circumstances.
You might also want to think about the minimum water depth for the pump to function. Some pumps stop working when there are several inches of water left on the ground, while others get extremely close to the ground, to within fractions of an inch. The best water pump for basement flooding should be able to move great quantities of water in short periods of time.
Best Pumps for Flooded Basements
Now that we know what to look for in sump pumps for flooded basements, let’s take a closer look at some of the best models out there right now.
Wayne WaterBUG
The Wayne WaterBug Submersible Water Removal and Transfer Pump is a great model for small or medium sized applications. It might just be the best pump for basement flooding. It features a 1/6 horsepower motor that can move up to 1350 gallons of water per hour. This should be enough for small yards, basements, and even pools.
What’s more, it can remove water down to a depth of 1/16th of an inch, therefore getting very close to the floor, not to mention that it also has various water removal options. It has a top discharge which is ideal for smaller spaces, as well as a side discharge which is ideal for large and flat surfaces.
It also has a number of features that make it one of the best in its class, such as corrosion-resistant plastic discharge outlets. On that note, it should be able to fit standard garden hoses. To keep the interior safe from damage, it has a suction strainer debris filter to prevent small items from clogging up the works.
Although it may be made of plastic, the housing is fairly tough, more than enough to withstand some impact. Thermoplastic is not just any old regular plastic! In spite of its tough exterior, it comes in at a relatively low weight and small size, therefore making it portable and easy to maneuver.
- Power: 1/6 HP
- Water Capacity: 1350 gallons per hour
- Cord Length: 10’
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Dimensions: 11.19″L x 11.19″W x 10.19″H
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight and compact
- Moves a lot of water for a small pump
- Removes water very low to the ground
Cons
- Limited power
Green EXPERT
One thing that stands out about the Green Expert pump is that it’s very easy to use. Unlike some other models with a switch that turns them on, this one is a simple plug-in model. This means that when you plug it into a power source, it turns on, and vice versa.
It is quite tough, as it is built with a reinforced thermoplastic shell, complete with thermal overload protection. It should be able to withstand a good deal of use and punishment.
That said, it comes in at just 8.3 lbs and features a compact design as well, making it easy to use. It has a 25-foot-long power cord that allows you to plug it in anywhere. It also features two simple plastic adapters that make attaching it to a garden hose child’s play.
The 1/4 horsepower motor is more than powerful enough to handle great deals of water volume, up to 1800 gallons per hour. This translates to about 24 gallons per minute and it can achieve a discharge lift of 10 feet.
Thanks to this, this model is ideal for all sorts of applications, whether this be a flooded basement, a window well, a pool, or anything in between. The fact that this unit is also extremely quiet and energy efficient are two extra bonuses, both of which make it one of the best pumps for flooded basements.
- Power: 1/4 HP
- Water Capacity: 1800 gallons per hour
- Cord Length: 25’
- Weight: 8.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 6.8″L x 6.8″W x 10.5″H
Pros
- Rock bottom price
- Large water capacity
- Lots of power
- Long power cord
Cons
- Somewhat weak housing
Acquaer
Next on the list is the Acquaer automatic submersible water pump. What we appreciate about this unit is the built-in smart electronic sensor that automatically turns on when it detects 1.5 inches of water, and will automatically turn off when the water level reaches 1/4 of an inch.
This is the minimum depth of water required to pump thanks to a bottom suction design that gets very close to the ground. Its 1/3 horsepower motor is able to move 2160 gallons of water per hour. This is ideal for quickly removing water from flooded basements, hot tubs, pools, and anything in between.
To ensure longevity and durability, Acquaer is made with a variety of high-quality materials, mainly top-notch thermoplastic. It also features built-in temperature controls to ensure the motor does not burn dry, as well as other safety features.
As the name implies, this pump is submersible, which is a bonus. To ensure an easy connection, it comes with a 3/4 inch check valve, and to top it all off, you even get a three-year warranty.
- Power: 1/3 HP
- Water Capacity: 2160 gallons per hour
- Cord Length: 10’
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.4″L x 8.2″W x 7.3″H
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Compact and lightweight
- Plenty of power
- Ideal for basements and much more
- Automatic function
Cons
- May trip breakers
Lanchez Sump Pump
The Lanchez is yet another fantastic model to consider, as it features a 1/2 horsepower motor that can move up to 2301 gallons of water per hour. However, the really impressive part is that it can achieve a lift of 31 feet.
Therefore, not only is it powerful and able to move a lot of water, but it can also pump to high vertical distances, which makes it ideal for large basements that are relatively deep underground as well as other large installations, such as deep swimming pools.
The durability is also very good, especially the interior, as it features a motor built, partly with copper coils. The outside is made of impact-resistant thermoplastic, which is very durable and resistant to corrosion.
This pump is relatively small in size and features a top discharge design. This means that it does not require much space to operate. Impressively, it automatically turns on when the water level reaches 1 inch, and can suck up water down to a depth of 0.35 inches.
This means that it gets closer to the ground than most models. As far as getting an area dry is concerned, this is one of the best sump pumps out there. It even has a 25-foot power cord, which makes it just that much more convenient. All of these features make it one of the best pumps for flooded basements.
- Power: 1/2 HP
- Water Capacity: 2301 gallons per hour
- Cord Length: 25’
- Weight: 9.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 6.3″L x 6.3″W x 10.83″H
Pros
- Powerful
- Durable interior
- Energy efficient
- Gets low to the ground
Cons
- Very loud
6699 Utility Pump
Here we have what is effectively the most powerful water pump on the list today. It features a whopping 1.5 horsepower motor that can move an astounding 4500 gallons of water per hour. This makes it ideal for intensive applications, such as a severe basement flood due to a storm or emptying a very large pool.
However, this model is only ideal for large applications, because the automatic switch only turns on once the water level reaches 7 inches or more. On that note, it can remove water down to a depth of 1.5 inches. It’s not super close to the ground, but thanks to its high power level and fast flow rate, it’s still ideal for large and emergency situations. It can move water up to a maximum height of 33 feet, which is quite impressive to say the least.
This unit does quite well with solid debris, as chunks up to 1.2 inches can easily move through without causing damage or clogging. It comes with various connection points to allow for different hoses to be used, as well as different flow rates.
The exterior is made out of impact- and corrosion-resistant plastic, which also helps it to remain fairly lightweight. Being lightweight, combined with its long power cord, makes it easy to maneuver around from one location to another. All of these factors come together to make the 6699 perhaps the best utility pump for flooded basements.
- Power: 1.5 HP
- Water Capacity: 4500 gallons per hour
- Cord Length: 15’
- Weight: 11.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 7.08″L x 7.08″W x 14.1″H
Pros
- Ideal for large applications
- Fast and efficient
- Great lift height
- Ideal for various purpose
Cons
- Minimum depth is 1.5”
PANRANO Small Water Pump
The PANRANO features a 1/2 horsepower motor that can move up to 2200 gallons of water per hour. Surprisingly, although the motor isn’t the most powerful, it can still move water up to a vertical height of 17 feet.
This means that this particular sump pump should be ideal for removing water from flooded basements where a lot of vertical movement is required. It also works well for emptying flooded backyards, pools, and more.
This model will turn on when the water level reaches 4 inches, and it can continue pumping water until the water level reaches a minimum depth of 1/5 of an inch.
It features a very ergonomic design, complete with a handle that makes it easy to hold. It is compact and doesn’t weigh too much either, features that make it user friendly and portable. Moreover, it is easy to use because it has a top discharge system, which means that it doesn’t require a lot of horizontal clearance to function. This top discharge system allows for a regular garden hose to be easily attached.
- Power: 1/2 HP
- Water Capacity: 2200 gallons per hour
- Cord Length: 16.4’
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 7.8″L x 7.8″W x 12.6″H
Pros
- Great price
- Ideal for medium size applications
- Long power cord
- Hose adaptors
- Lightweight
Cons
- Somewhat limited durability
Aquastrong Utility Pump
If you’re looking for a sump pump that can move a large volume of water, then this model from Aquastrong might just be it. This model features a ½ horsepower motor that can move up to 3159 gallons of water per hour, and it can do so up to 26 feet vertically. Needless to say, the performance is quite good in spite of the relatively low price.
This model is capable of passing solids up to 1/5 of an inch thick, and can also remove water down to a minimum depth of 1/5 of an inch. It conveniently features an adjustable tether float that allows you to adjust the water level at which the pump turns on and off.
Since it gets so low to the ground, it is able to move water from any surface, whether a pool, basement, or anywhere in between. This automatically makes it one of the best pumps for basement flooding.
Even better is the 16-foot-long power cord which minimizes the need for an extension cord. The fact that it has multiple adapters available for garden hoses and pipes makes this utility pump ideal for a variety of purposes. It comes with a two-year warranty, just in case!
- Power: 1/2 HP
- Water Capacity: 3159 gallons per hour
- Cord Length: 19.7’
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.8″L x 6.3″W x 8.3″H
Pros
- Small yet powerful
- Good safety features
- Long power cord
- Great capacity
- Low price
Cons
- The housing could be a bit tougher
FOTING Sump Pump
The FOTING Sump Pump is one of the best in its class considering how low to the ground it can get when removing water. This unit can suck up water at a minimum depth of just 0.04 inches, getting much lower to the ground than anything else we’ve reviewed today.
If you have a basement or pool that needs to be bone dry, this is the best tool for the job. It can achieve 25 feet of vertical lift.
The Foting has a 1/2 horsepower motor, which is more than enough for most medium and large applications, as it can move up to 1937 gallons of water per hour. Equally impressive is that the shell is made with environmentally friendly yet super durable thermoplastic, which also happens to be corrosion resistant. The built-in automatic thermal overload protector is yet another bonus.
To make life easier for you, it comes with a 25-foot power cord, so you can plug it in virtually everywhere. It also comes with three different adapters, so you can easily attach whatever type of garden hose you have. Moreover, it is lightweight, compact, and portable, making it ideal for a variety of applications.
- Power: 1/2 HP
- Water Capacity: 1937 gallons per hour
- Cord Length: 25’
- Weight: 8.49 pounds (plastic): 12.7 pounds (stainless steel)
- Dimensions: 6.3″L x 6.3″W x 10.24″H or 5.91″L x 5.91″W x 11.61″H
Pros
- Plastic and stainless steel available
- High flow rate
- Powerful motors
- Gets very close to the ground
- Long power cord
Cons
- Noisy
FLUENTPOWER Pump
What really stands out about this particular pump is its stainless-steel casing, 304 stainless steel to be precise. This automatically makes the FLUENTPOWER one of the most durable pumps on the market today.
The metal casing means it is very impact resistant and quite tough overall. Furthermore, it also has fantastic corrosion resistance. Although this might not be a selling feature per se, FLUENTPOWER looks quite stylish. It also has thermal protection to make sure that it doesn’t overheat and comes with an overload protector as well.
Thanks to the ¾ horsepower motor, this sump pump can move up to 3600 gallons of water per hour, up to a maximum height of 27 feet. This should be more than enough to remove water from the deepest and largest of basements. This is also thanks to the 26.2-foot power cord that allows it to reach great depths.
Keep in mind, however, that this unit is designed for large applications. It has a state-of-the-art float switch that automatically turns the unit on when the water level is over 15 inches. It can suck up water to a minimum depth of 2”. Just remember that it will keep running even if it’s not pumping water anymore, so you’ll have to turn it off yourself.
- Power: 3/4 HP
- Water Capacity: 2500 gallons per hour
- Cord Length: 26.2’
- Weight: 8.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 6.6″L x 6.2″W x 14.4″H
Pros
- Durable stainless steel housing
- Plenty of power for a relatively small pump
- Great at moving solids
- Very long power cord
Cons
- Stop depth could be better
Goplus Portable Utility Pump
The Goplus is a nice little unit to use if you need something for small applications. This model features a 1/10th horsepower motor that can move up to 330 gallons of water per hour. The overall power level here is not very high, but it can move water up to a vertical height of 39 feet. That’s just as high as anything else we’ve reviewed today.
It comes with a six-foot power cord, which is admittedly not that long, but should be alright for smaller applications. This is by far the smallest and lightest water pump on our list. What’s more, it is extremely convenient, user friendly, and portable.
Thanks to its small size, it not only works well for small flooded basements, but can also be used for water beds, washing machines, blocked sinks, and even for removing water from medium sized aquariums.
It comes with a 3/4 inch standard garden hose connection thread, and the unit as a whole can pass solid debris up to 5mm in diameter. Although it might not be a huge pump, it does still have its advantages.
- Power: 1/10 HP
- Water Capacity: 330 gallons per hour
- Cord Length: 6’
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Dimensions: 8″L x 8″W x 7.5″H
Pros
- Stainless steel exterior
- Copper motor
- Good power level for such a small unit
- Compact and lightweight
- Decent price
Cons
- Only for small applications
FAQ
What is the life expectancy of a sump pump?
A decent sump pump should last for about 10 years on average.
How much horsepower does a sump pump have?
Depending on the model, a sump pump generally has between 1/4 and 1 horsepower. However, some go as low as 1/6 or even 1/10 hp, whereas others may have as much as 1.5hp or more.
Are there automatic pumps available for basement floods?
Yes, there are many automatic pumps available for basement floods, with many of the units reviewed today qualifying as such.
