Sump Pumps

A sump pump is sized to your basement, not to horsepower alone. The numbers that decide it are the vertical lift from the pit to where the pipe leaves the house, the pipe run, and how fast water comes in during a storm. A pump's maximum head is where its flow falls to zero, so you want one with head to spare at your height.

Then pick a build. Cast iron housings shed motor heat into the water and are the usual choice for a primary pump that runs often; thermoplastic pumps are lighter and cheaper. The switch is the part that fails most: vertical floats suit narrow pits, tethered floats need room to swing, and electronic switches have no moving float at all.

Start with your situation

Before you buy

• Head and flow. Work out your total dynamic head with the sizing calculator and check the maker's flow at that height.
• Switch. Vertical float for 11 to 18 in pits, tethered float for wider pits, electronic for no moving parts.

Every sump pump we cover

Figures are the makers' own, quoted with their conditions on each product page. Prices change; each product page links to the current price.