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Sump pumps

The primary sump pump keeps groundwater out of the basement every day, so pick one for a reliable switch and real flow, not horsepower.

Used for: Flooded basement and sewer backup

Our picks

Compare side by side

Sump pumps compared. Best in each row is shaded, bold and ticked
Specification Best for small basements Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate 3/10 HP Cast-Iron Sump Pump CA$279.99–CA$335 Best overall Zoeller M98 Flow-Mate 1/2 HP Cast-Iron Sump Pump Best for small pits Liberty Pumps 257 1/3 HP Cast-Iron Sump Pump with Vertical Magnetic Float Best adjustable switch Basement Watchdog BWT050 1/2 HP Sump Pump with Dual Float
Our score Our score: 8.1 out of 10 Our score: 8.2 out of 10(best in this row) Our score: 7.8 out of 10 Our score: 7.6 out of 10
Motor 0.3 HP 0.5 HP 0.33 HP 0.5 HP
Flow at 10 ft 2,040 gal/h 3,660 gal/h(best in this row) not listed 2,770 gal/h
Maximum lift 19.25 ft 23 ft 23 ft 31 ft(best in this row)
Switch Built-in float arm (snap-action) Built-in float arm (snap-action) Vertical magnetic float Dual float switch
Minimum pit width not listed not listed 10 in not listed
Cord length 9 ft 9 ft 10 ft(best in this row) not listed
Housing Cast iron Cast iron Cast iron Cast iron and aluminium
Warranty 3 years 3 years 3 years 3 years
Where to buy
Check price at Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)
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Check price at Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)
US retailers
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Before you buy

  • Measure the pit Tethered and vertical switches need different pit widths. Check the minimum pit size against yours before you buy.
  • Compare flow at 10 ft Rated flow at zero lift flatters every pump. Use the figure at your real lift.
  • Fit a check valve A check valve on the discharge stops water running back into the pit each cycle.

Need a backwater valve, sump pump or drain fixed?

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Guides

All guides

  • Best-of

    The best battery backup sump pumps

    Four backup sump pumps compared on the makers' own figures: flow at 10 ft, run time per battery, pit size and alarms that work offline.

  • Comparison

    Battery vs water-powered backup sump pumps

    Battery backups pump harder and work in any home; water-powered ones run through long outages but need city pressure, a backflow preventer and your town's approval.

  • How-to

    Basement flooded? What to do first

    Power and safety first, then sewage or clean water, photos for your insurer, slow pumping and drying within 48 hours, in the order official guidance gives.

Sump pump questions

How big should a sump pit be?

Big enough for your pump’s switch: check the minimum pit diameter in the pump’s specs against yours, since tethered floats need more room than vertical switches. A bigger pit also means fewer, longer cycles.

Do I need a backup pump as well?

If a power cut or a stuck switch would flood the basement, yes: storms often bring power cuts, just when the pump is needed. Our battery backup roundup and the backup sump pumps hub compare them.

Can I replace a sump pump myself?

Swapping a like-for-like pump in an existing pit is a simpler job; follow the pump maker’s instructions. A new pit or any change to the drains is work for a licensed plumbing contractor; ask for proof the work meets code with the invoice.