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The best time to replace a broken sump pump is before the next big storm — not after it.
So if you notice that the sump pump in your basement or crawlspace isn’t kicking on when the water level rises, or if your pump is more than 10 years old — the typical lifespan of these machines — don’t wait to install a new one. Here’s how to select the right replacement.
Which Type Should You Choose?
Assuming your sump pump was effective before it broke down, the easiest solution is to replace it with a similar model.
A submersible pump sits down in a hole cut into the floor of your basement or crawlspace as part of an interior French drain system. The motor is in a sealed, waterproof housing. When water around it rises to a set level, the pump turns on, flushing water out through piping that runs outside and away from the house.
A pedestal pump puts the motor on a stand a couple feet above the water, and only the impeller (the part that pushes the water) is down in the pit. The concept: Because the motor stays relatively dry, a pedestal pump should last longer.
However, quality submersible pumps (that is, those made of cast iron) typically outlast pedestal pumps (which are generally plastic), says basement-waterproofing contractor John Lombardi, who has crews throughout Oregon and Washington.
“They’re heavier duty, they’re completely sealed, and the water actually cools them, preventing excessive wear when they’re pumping hard for long periods of time,” says Lombardi.
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Power Ratings and Cost
The standard sump pump ($100 to $200) is 1/3-horsepower, which is powerful enough to remove 1,800 to 2,200 gallons an hour, a pretty significant flood.
If you’re in an extreme flood zone — or your machine will have to pump the water up 10 feet or more of vertical pipe to get it outside — move up to a ½-horsepower ($150 to $350) pump, which can handle 3,000 gallons an hour.
Need super-duty? A ¾-horsepower ($175 to $350) can move a whopping 5,000 gallons an hour.
What About a Backup System?
Since storms that cause flooding can also knock out power, your sump could be rendered useless just when you need it most — unless you install a backup system. There are two main options:
A battery backup is a rechargeable battery pack that keeps your sump pump running in the event of a blackout. Some newer model sump pumps come pre-packaged with a built-in battery backup system.
A second sump pump that’s battery-powered is a common option. It’s nearly as powerful as a main pump, and it has a couple of advantages over a battery pack: It kicks on not only during power outages, but also if the primary pump breaks down or needs help with an extreme flood.
Both types of battery backup options switch on automatically when the AC power goes out, and they’ll give you about 10 hours of pump time. They run between $500 and $1,000.
Water-powered backup is an alternative that eliminates both the battery and the second motor. It gets its power from your water main. Plumbed to a water line in the basement, it uses the pressure in that pipe to create a vacuum that sucks water from the pit.
The advantage of a water-powered backup system ($300 to $500) is that there’s no battery to run out of juice — or to eventually need replacement. “It’s just a simple mechanical valve,” explains Bill Bonifacio of Base Products Corporation.
The disadvantages are that water-powered pumps move less water — generally only about 1,000 to 1,500 gallons per hour — and they discharge not only the floodwater, but tap water too. And they’re not an option if you have well water, since that means there’s no water pressure during blackouts.
When You Should Hire a Pro
Although you can easily swap out one sump pump for a new one, hiring a pro is a good idea. A pro can recommend the right product for your particular situation. He’ll also identify and replace worn components, such as the pit liner, discharge pipes, and electric wiring. Either a waterproofing company or plumber can do the job, typically adding around $200 to $500 in labor costs.
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