Primary Sump Pump Buying Guide

A primary sump pump is your essential first line of defense against flooding. It’s important that you select the right pump design based on your pit conditions, power needs, and desired noise level.

Beyond the type of switch, primary sump pumps are fundamentally defined by their design: submersible or pedestal. Understanding these two core types will help you choose which one makes the best choice for every basement.

Two Types of Sump Pumps: Submersible vs. Pedestal

Submersible Sump Pumps

Submersible pumps are the modern, high-performance standard, designed to operate quietly and efficiently completely underwater at the base of your sump pit.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

Pedestal pumps were the residential standard before modern submersible pumps became popular. They are primarily a space-saving solution for specific pit configurations.

Automatic vs. Non-Automatic Sump Pumps

Once you’ve selected the appropriate design (submersible or pedestal), you must decide how the pump will operate. This choice depends on the level of control you desire over the pump's cycle.

The Professional Tip: Using a non-automatic pump with an external switch (like a tether float or an electronic level guard) is often easier to service. External switches are simple to replace if they fail—a common occurrence—without needing to pull apart the entire pump unit.

Complete Protection: Battery Backup and Smart Systems

Getting the most consistent results means planning for all contingencies, including power failure and remote monitoring.

1. Emergency Preparedness: Battery Backup Systems

A primary sump pump runs on standard AC power, making it useless during an outage. Every home needs a defense mechanism for when the power goes out during a storm.

• A battery backup sump pump system operates with its own 12-volt battery power, providing essential run time to protect your basement when your AC-powered primary pump is offline.
• These can be installed individually or as a convenient combination sump pump system that integrates both the primary and the battery backup unit.

2. Peace of Mind: Smart Sump Pumps

For the ultimate in specialized support, modern sump pump technology includes Wi-Fi-enabled systems and water alarms.

• A smart sump pump system can text, call, or email you the moment a problem is detected, ensuring you are aware of an issue from anywhere in the world.
• Advanced systems often provide complete diagnostics, allowing you to monitor the status of the pump, alarm, and float switch via a computer or smartphone app.