For homeowners who are not mechanically savvy, determining the right sump pump type can be a really daunting task. However, if you research and learn more about the various sump pump types you are sure to find a perfect sump pump for your needs.

Sump Pump Types on the Market

The most purchased and used sump pumps on the market are:

Sump Pump Materials

Each sump pump is made of various materials. The most common are:

cast iron: more durable, heavier, longer life span and expensive
plastic: less durable, light weight, shorter life span, and inexpensive
blend: a combination of cast iron and plastic

Most homeowners' find that their budget only allows for a plastic sump pump. In most cases this is fine. However, if you have repeated flooding with excessive water, we recommend looking into a blend or a cast iron model.

Commercial sump pumps and industrial sump pumps are almost always made of cast iron. Homeowners might think about a cast iron model.

Submersible Sump Pumps

Fully capable of working under water, a submersible sump pump uses electricity and is located underneath the level of the ground in a sump pump pit. They operate more more quietly than pedestal pumps. A submersible pump is turned on by a float switch that rises when the water does.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

In a pedestal sump pump, the engines doesn't touch the water. Instead the sump pump unit is situated on a pedestal platform above the sump pump pit. The pump will turn on similarly to a submersible pump, with a float switch. The downside to a pedestal pump is that they are very noisy. However, they get the job done.

Water Powered Sump Pumps

Water powered sump pumps work thanks for the Venturi effect and homes being able to leverage a city's water system. When city water moves through a smaller portion of it's standard pipe, it speeds up causing a pressure reduction. This reduction in pressure creates a suction effect removing water from your basement's discharge line. This method is not as effective as an electric sump pump, but also doesn't require moving parts or power.

Floor Sucker Pumps

Floor sucker pumps remove any water that comes within an eighth of an inch of the floor in your basement. It can also be used on roofs, subterranean area, and cellars. They are similar to submersible pumps in that they can be partially or completely surrounded by water.

Understanding the various sump pump types will ensure you get the right sump pump to protect your home, fami

Zoeller BN53 Mighty Mate Sump Pump W/ 15 Ft. Cord & Variable Level Pump Switch 115V 1/3 HP

Zoeller 53-0029 Mighty Mate Sump Pump W/ 15 Ft. Cord & Variable Level Pump Switch 115V 1/3 HP When you have residential or commercial wastewater issues, you can count on Zoeller Pumps to deliver the very best solutions-our commitment to top quality offers you years of service and durability. The Zoeller BN53 Mighty Mate Sump Pump W/ 15 Ft. Cord & Variable Level Pump Switch 115V 1/3 HP is designed with top of the line products to get the job done, it has a non-clogging vortex impeller, engineered thermoplastic base, carbon and ceramic shaft seal, corrosion resistant powder coated epoxy finish, and a cast iron switch case, motor and pump housing. The parts are rust free and there are no screens to clog. The sump pump is watertight and can pump up to 1550 RPM with its Ã¢ÂÂ HP motor. Zoeller 53-0029 Mighty Mate Sump Pump W/ 15 Ft. Cord & Variable Level Pump Switch 115V 1/3 HP Features: • Non-Clogging vortex impeller. 15 ft pump cord and 15 ft. variable level float switch. • UL Listed 3-wire cord plug. • Corrosion resistant powder coated epoxy finish. • No sheet metal parts to rust or corrode. Stainless steel screws, switch arm, guard and handle. • No screens to clog. • Watertight neoprene ring between motor and pump housing. • Motor 115V- 60 Hz, 1550 RPM, oil-filled, hermetically sealed, automatic reset thermal overload protected. • Upper and lower sleeve bearings running in bath of oil. • Entire unit pressure tested after assembly. Carbon and ceramic shaft seal. • Maximum temperature for effluent or dewatering - 130°F (54°C). • Passes 1/2" inch spherical solids. • 1 1/2" NPT Discharge. • Major width - 10 3/32". Height - 10 1/16". • Cast iron switch case, motor & pump housing. • Engineered thermoplastic base. • Engineered, glass-filled, plastic impeller with metal insert. • Stainless steel guard & handle. • Bearing - lower & upper oil fed cast iron. • Supplied with 1 1/2" x 2" adapter *Single piggyback switch included. M53 Model does not include the piggyback switch.

Little Giant 9E-CIM, 4/10 HP, 57 GPM - Manual Submersible Sump Effluent Pump, 25' power cord (509225)

Little Giant 9E-CIM, 4/10 HP, 57 GPM - Manual Submersible Sump Effluent Pump, 25' power cord (509225) Eliminator® Effluent Pumps - 9E Series The Eliminator submersible pumps from Little Giant are specifically engineered to handle the tough demanding tasks for effluent and demanding tasks for wastewater and effluent waste transfer with high efficiency and long term dependability. The Eliminators include pumps for use in Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural applications with light to medium transfer demands. For dewatering, effluent waste, wastewater and handling where such materials must be moved upward from a collection area to sewer or septic lines, or drainage areas, the Eliminators are an ideal solution. Little Giant 9E-CIM, 4/10 HP, 57 GPM - Manual Submersible Sump Effluent Pump, 25' power cord (509225) Features: • Handles liquid and solid waste materials up to 3/4" diameter. • Cast iron pump housing with protective epoxy coating for corrosion and rust resistance. • Oil filled motor housing for lifetime lubrication and rapid heat dissipation. • Stainless steel screws, bolts, handle, and seal assembly. • Mechanical seals (stainless steel spring, nitrile parts, carbon and ceramic faces). • Thermal overload protection. • Manual operation. • 1-1/2" Discharge. Little Giant 9E-CIM, 4/10 HP, 57 GPM - Manual Submersible Sump Effluent Pump, 25' power cord (509225) Specifications: • Horsepower 4/10 • Flow 57 GPM @ 5' of Head • Cord Length 25 ft. • Shut Off 23 ft. • Voltage 115 • Hertz 60 • Amps 12.3 • Watts 1000 • Weight 27 Lbs. • Height 9.2" • Width 6.8" • Length 9.6"

Little Giant VS-P2800-RP 1/3 HP, 46 GPM - Automatic Vertical Sump Pump w/ Snap Action Float Switch, 8' power cord (577151)

Little Giant VS-P2800-RP 1/3 HP, 46 GPM - Automatic Vertical Sump Pump w/ Snap Action Float Switch, 8' power cord (577151) Vertical Sump Pump Pedistal Design allows motor to be out of water and is ideal for residential duty. Available with thermal overload protection and "Snap-Action" Float Switch. Designed for sump water removal only. Little Giant 1/3 HP, 46 GPM - Automatic Vertical Sump Pump Features: • 1/3 HP Shaded Pole Motor with Snap Action Float Switch • Intermittent Liquid Temp. up to 120F • 1 1/4" FNPT Discharge • Thermoplastic Volute & Impeller • On Level: 5"-10" • Off Level 4"-9" • Thermal Overload Protection • For Sump Water Removal Only Little Giant VS-P2800-RP 1/3 HP, 46 GPM - Automatic Vertical Sump Pump w/ Snap Action Float Switch, 8' power cord (577151) Specifications: • Horsepower 1/3 • Flow 2800 GPH @ 5' • Cord Length 8' • Shut Off 17' • Voltage 115 • Hertz 60 • Amps 4 • Watts 316 • Weight 16 lbs. • Height 31.2" • Width 9.6" • Length 9.6"