Sump Pump Review

If you are reading this you probably have or had a flooded basement. I know I don't need to tell you the damage that water can cause to your basement if it isn't properly disposed of. A simple investment in a sump pump can keep both you and your belongings nice and dry. Not to mention the long term savings by avoiding repairs and replacement of belongings.

Flooded basements are most often caused by rainwater or melting snow. If your basement is flooding even when it doesn't rain you may need to call a professional. While a sump pump is your last defense against basement flooding it should be the first thing you incorporate. Did you know that just 1 inch of rain falling on a 1,500 square foot roof produces 1,000 gallons of water? That's a lot of water to let into your basement while testing that sealer you just coated the walls with.

1. Submersible, Pedestal, Floor Sucker

Fist you need to determine what type of sump pump to get. Do you have a sump pit? If not you will either need to dig a sump pit or go with a floor sucker pump. Just like it sounds a floor sucker pump sits on the floor and will remove water to within 1/8 inch of the floor. You are much better off having a sump pit to have runoff drain into but if you do not have one a floor sucker pump may be a good alternative for you.

If you have a sump pit you will be looking at either submersible or pedestal pumps. A submersible pump just like the name implies is designed to sit down inside of the sump pit and be submersed in water. The motor is contained inside the housing and will sit under water as well. Pedestal pumps on the other hand are designed with the motor on a pedestal that sits above the water. The base of the devise sits at the bottom of the sump pit. I would recommend a submersible pump.

2. How big is your sump pit?

Before you pick out your sump pump you need to know what you are looking for. Find your sump pit and measure the diameter. Often it will be 18". This is the easiest size to work with because there will be many more pump models available to choose from. If it's smaller than 18" you just need to be sure you get a model that fits your pit. For example the Basement Watchdog pump is only 7 inches.

3. How much water fills your sump pit when it rains?

If your pit doesn't get much water when it rains you probably only need a 1/3 horsepower pump. If you get a good deal of water in your pit look at a 3/4 horsepower model. The 3/4 HP models are made for pretty much continuous use and can remove a great deal of water.

By now you should have a pretty good idea what type of sump pump will work best. See below for a sump pump review on specific types of pumps.