Sump Pump System Comparison

Pedestal sump pumps are pumps which are specially-designed to not be submerged in water.

These pumps will be installed above the water line, and they feature a long line from the float switch down into the pit.

Pump Advantages

• Higher Capacity – These basement sump pumps are able to handle large volumes of water, and are one of the highest capacity sumps available on the market.

Pump Disadvantages

• Frequent Malfunctions – These sump pumps will need to be replaced often.
• Noisy Operation – The motor of these sump pumps are outside of the sump itself, and thus have a very noisy operation.

Submersible sump pumps are installed inside of the sump pit and are submerged inside of water while they’re operating. The water surrounding the sump helps to cool it down to help prevent burnouts. Also, with the sump pump being in water, it’s much less noisy than some other models.

Pump Advantages

• High Capacity Operation – These sumps are designed to withstand large volumes of water in the basement environment.
• Long Lifespan – Since the motor can be cooled by the surrounding water, these sump pumps last for a very long time.

Pump Disadvantages

• Initial Investment – Submersible sump pumps are designed to last longer than other models, and because of this, they will cost more.

Water-powered sump pumps are powered by water instead of electricity. These systems will make use of your municipal water supply and depend and your home’s water pressure for pumping basement water out and away from the home.

Pump Advantages

• Runs Without Electricity – These sump pumps run on water – not electricity, helping them to be very efficient. Their operation also won’t add to your monthly energy bills.
• Long Lifespan – These sump pumps are known for lasting many years at a time.

Pump Disadvantages

• Low Pumping Capacity – These systems can’t really handle large volumes of water – such as downpours.
• Requires High Home Water Pressure – Your home will need to have high home water pressure to work correctly.

“Floor Sucker” sump pumps will only be activated if your basement has flooded. Often times, homeowners use these sump pumps as a backup system in case their primary sump fails.

Pump Advantages

• Requires No Sump Pit or French Drain – These sump pumps sit directly on the basement floor and won’t need to be installed inside of a sump pit. This means no concrete drilling or excavating for French drains.
• No Installation Time – These sump pumps can be set up instantly with no installation time needed.

Pump Disadvantages

• Does Not Stop Flooding – These sump pumps won’t STOP flooding, but will be activated once your basement has already flooded.
• Loud & Low Capacity – These sump pumps are somewhat loud when operating and can only handle low volumes of water.