A sump pump sits in a pit in your basement floor and pumps water out before it spreads. Pick one that switches on by itself, then plan for the power going out. Here are four top-selling sump pumps, plus basement flood advice from the Insurance Bureau of Canada and Halifax Water.
Quick answer
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Choose a pump with an automatic switch, and add a battery backup and an alarm. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says to install a sump pump system with a battery backup and alarm, and to replace a pump that is over 10 years old.
A simple place to start: the Red Lion RL-SC50T, ranked #10 in Sump Pumps when we checked. The product page lists a cast iron housing, a float switch that turns it on at 13 inches and off at 5 inches, and a motor that is CSA listed in the USA and Canada. Want to spend less? Look at the FLUENTPOWER 3/4 HP.
Four automatic sump pumps, by how they fit your pit
| Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| Red Lion RL-SC50T cast iron sump pump | Best if you want a cast iron pump with a CSA-listed motor. The product page lists a tethered float switch (on at 13 inches, off at 5 inches), solids up to 3/8 inch, a 10-foot cord, a 3-year warranty and a motor that is CSA listed in the USA and Canada. It says the pump suits basins 18 inches or greater. #10 in Sump Pumps when we checked. | See price |
| FLUENTPOWER 3/4 HP submersible sump pump with vertical float switch | Best for a lower price with an automatic float. The product page lists a 3/4 HP motor, up to 3000 GPH with a suitable hose at low lift, a vertical float that starts the pump near 5.5 inches and stops it near 1.6 inches, an included check valve and thermal overload protection. #5 in Sump Pumps when we checked. | See price |
| Acquaer 1/3 HP automatic submersible pump | Best for a small, simple job. The product page lists a 1/3 HP motor, up to 2160 GPH, a built-in sensor that turns the pump on at 1-1/2 inches of water and off below 1/4 inch, a 10-foot cord, a check valve adapter and a 3-year warranty. #9 in Sump Pumps when we checked. | See price |
| Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate all cast iron sump pump | Best if you want an all cast iron pump with a vertical float. The product page lists a 1/3 HP motor, 43 GPM, a 1-1/2-inch discharge, solids up to 1/2 inch and a cast iron housing, motor and switch case. #18 in Sump Pumps when we checked. | See price |
Features come from the retailer’s product pages and can change, so check the current page before you order.
What should you look for in a sump pump?
- An automatic switch. The pump should start on its own when the pit fills. The two best sellers in Sump Pumps are portable utility pumps, and their product pages don’t list an automatic float switch, so check for one before you buy.
- A fit for your pit. The Red Lion page says it suits basins 18 inches or greater, and the Zoeller page lists a 1-1/2-inch discharge. Measure your pit and check the discharge size against your pipe.
- A check valve. The FLUENTPOWER page lists an included check valve and the Acquaer page lists a check valve adapter. The FLUENTPOWER page says it helps limit discharge water flowing back.
- Warranty and cord. The Red Lion and Acquaer pages list a 3-year warranty. Cord lengths run from 10 to 16.4 feet on the pumps above.
How do you plan for a power outage?
The Insurance Bureau of Canada says to install a sump pump system with a battery backup and alarm. Halifax Water also recommends a backup battery supply to keep protection going during a power outage. All four pumps above are corded electric models, so they stop when the power does, and none of the four product pages lists a battery backup. Plan that part separately. Planning for outages in general? See our backup power guide.
Where should a sump pump drain?
Halifax Water says to discharge to the ground, away from your foundation, and not to connect to the wastewater system unless the utility has approved it. It also warns about icing problems on streets and sidewalks, which matters in a Canadian winter. Rules differ by municipality, so check yours before you set up the drain.
Common questions
How long does a sump pump last? The Insurance Bureau of Canada says to replace a pump that is over 10 years old with a high-quality, appropriately sized pump that has a pressure or pendulum switch.
Is a sump pump the same as a backwater valve? No. The Insurance Bureau of Canada lists a backwater valve as separate protection. It says to install one with at least a 2% grade and to maintain it at least once a year.
Does home insurance cover sewer backup? The Insurance Bureau of Canada says sewer backup damage is only covered if you have bought optional sewer backup coverage, so ask your insurer.
Before you buy
- Look for an automatic float or sensor switch on the product page.
- Measure your pit and match the pump to it.
- Check the discharge size and plan where the water will go, away from the foundation.
- Plan a battery backup and an alarm.
- Damp basement? See our basement dehumidifier guide.
Sources: Insurance Bureau of Canada, Good, better, best: basement flood protection; Halifax Water, Disconnecting and redirecting sump pumps. Product details come from the retailer’s product pages, so check the current page before you order.
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