Experiencing basement floods during power outages? We have the solution – a backup sump pump! Keep reading for all the information you need to choose the best product for your home, including complete reviews of our top 8 picks for water-powered sump pumps.
Choosing a Water-Powered Sump Pump
It is important to know what to look for when choosing a sump pump for your home. Here are some factors that you will want to consider:
Amount of Water
All sump pumps have a maximum amount of water they can pump out per hour, so it’s important to know how much water you may need to discharge. Several factors will affect this amount of water, including how often it storms in your area.
Noise and Vibrations
A sump pump that creates a lot of noise can be problematic in two ways. The volume of noise can be annoying of course, but a noisy sump pump most likely vibrates a lot as well, potentially causing some vibration damage. If noise may be a factor in your situation, you may want to consider more quiet models of sump pumps.
Basement and Sump Pit Size
When researching models, keep in mind the size of your pit. Some water-driven sump pumps will work only in smaller basements. Knowing the square footage of the basement will save you from buying the wrong pump.
Backflow Prevention
Another important factor to consider is backflow prevention. Most sump pumps come with a backflow prevention feature. The main purpose of this feature is to stop the contaminated sump water from getting into your fresh water supply.
Check Our Comparison Table
Table could not be displayed.Water Powered Sump Pumps – 8 Full Reviews
1. Liberty Jet Water SJ10
This sump pump by Liberty Jet comes fully assembled and the instruction manual takes you step-by-step through the installation process.
In terms of its performance, this pump is capable of discharging up to 1200 gallons per hour. Additionally, it can operate at a working pressure between 20 and 100 PSI.
Keep in mind is that this pump is not meant to be used with hot water. A 3-year warranty for covers certain damages incurred, making it a wise investment.
Overall, this is a great pump if you are looking for a quick fix that will get the job done. Skip assembly and go straight to installation with the Liberty Jet Water SJ10 model.
2. Basepump RB 750
The RB 750 is a perfect choice for a smaller basement! Its design allows it to fit into small, oddly-shaped sump holes and it can work in pits as small as 10-inch diameter. It has a very good high water alarm, offers heavy-duty construction, and is absolutely corrosion-resistant.
This backup pump offers a discharge rate of up to 900GPH and doesn’t need any wires or batteries to work.
Unlike the HB1000-PRO, the RB 750 tends to be very loud, but the issue can be remedied by installing a water hammer arrestor. This quick fix prevents noise and vibration damage. Additionally, this pump has no motors, turbines, or mechanical parts, so it’s extremely easy to maintain and a great choice overall.
3. Basepump HB1000-PRO
The Basepump HB1000-PRO is a very popular choice among homeowners. This product offers a wide range of features. This sump pump installs overhead so you can easily install it in weirdly sized or oddly shaped sump pits. The HB1000-PRO is very efficient as it can discharge up to 1,400 GPH.
This pump is most frequently used as backup but can be used as the main pump as well. It requires water pressure between 40 and 90 PSI. If the pressure is higher than 90 PSI the seals could break.
This sump pump has the ability to completely drain the sump pit when it runs. Another notable feature of this product is the alarm. The HB1000-PRO offers a high water battery alarm that sounds at 85 dB. The 9-volt battery is included in the package. The setup of the HB1000-PRO is quite simple and this model comes with a 5-year limited warranty from Base Products Corporation.
4. Zoeller 540-0005 FLEX Series
If you are looking for an affordable solution to your basement floods, the 540-0005 is the right option. This sump pump is high capacity and is very efficient. Plus, it is made of non-corrosive components.
Another big advantage of this product is its size. If you have a small basement 540-0005 FLEX makes a great choice.
The 540-0005 is on guard 24 hours a day. That means no matter what time your main pump breaks, the backup pump will start working. This pump is driven by water and doesn’t require any batteries. It can discharge 2 gallons of water for every gallon used, which makes this pump a great value for its price.
5. Zoeller 503-0005 Homeguard
You may have already seen Zoeller’s line of submersible sump pumps. But, this company is also known for water-powered sump pumps. One of the most popular options is the 503-0005. Though it is manufactured by Zoeller Pumps, it can work with any primary pump brand.
If you have a Liberty, Wayne, or any other brand of primary pump, this backup pump will work with it. The 503-0005 can discharge 2 gallons of water for every gallon it uses.
Similar to the Superior Pump 92341, the 503-0005 is made of stainless steel and it is extremely durable. Due to its smaller footprint, it will work in a pit as small as 22 inches by 18 inches. This water-driven backup will stand guard 24/7, ready to start pumping right after your power goes off or the primary pump dies.
6. Burcam 300400 Emergency
Burcam 300400 is a perfect choice if you are looking for a high-quality backup sump pump. It is fully water-powered so you don’t need any electricity or batteries and it comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
The 300400 is made of brass and is very durable and long-lasting. It operates at the working pressure between 20-70 PSI.
The valve includes a UL-certified backflow preventer as well, keeping contaminated water from your municipal water supply. What’s more, this pump doesn’t require any batteries and is quite simple to maintain. The price of this product is a little higher than the price of other models in this class but is a great value considering its range of features.
7. Liberty Pumps SJ10 SumpJet Water Reserve Pump, Gray
| Power | Requires no electricity |
| Inlet supply pressure | Can work on 20 PSI |
| Advantage | Comes fully assembled |
SJ10 is a fully automatic, water-powered pump, with a high-output flow rate. A fantastic choice for your basement when the power goes out, it requires no electricity and features an efficient design. The pump removes two gallons of sump water per 1 gallon used.
This unit works off the municipal water supply and comes fully assembled. In less than 20 minutes, your pump can be installed and ready for use. It also comes with a fully-adjustable hose and a useful built-in screen.
Keep in mind that the pump requires an uninterrupted water source to work and will not work on water from a well. Though it comes with the standard 3-year warranty, this pump is constructed from durable materials that are meant to last.
8. Basepump CB1500 Water Driven Backup Sump Pump
| Pumping rate | 1500-2000 GPH |
| Application | Designed for commercial use |
| Advantage | Works with Radon Sealed systems |
Basepump CB1500 is currently among the best units in the market. But, it’s also among the most expensive. It’s designed for commercial use and provides a mesmerizing pumping rate. For example, at 40 PSI, the pump provides around 1400 gallons of water per minute. The pump also comes with a very useful water alarm.
Some pumps on the market are also able to provide a high flow rate but come with lower-quality parts. It leads to a shortened lifespan, which makes them a bad investment. However, CB1500 is made from TOP-quality, strong and durable materials, which makes it an excellent choice.
Basepump has a reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality, durable units. Its CB1500 model is expensive, but it’s also the best choice if you need to pump tons of water in a short time.
Overall, this is a great choice for those buying for commercial areas or for those who are willing to spend a little more for the extra assurance provided by this premium, high-performing pump.
Water Powered Sump Pump vs Battery Powered Backup
When it comes to evacuating sump water, water-powered pumps are the most popular option. However, electric-powered models are more cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally preferable.
Still, both systems are affected by the height of the discharge line. That is why electric pumps employ bigger motors. The water-driven models need more pressure to remove more sump water.
The Installation Guide
Installing a water-powered sump pump maybe a little bit more difficult. That is why we have prepared a set-up guide for you, breaking down the process into a few simple steps.
Step 1: Positioning the Backup Sump Pump
Positioning is important because you want the backup pump to activate only when the main system stops working. The backup water-driven pump should be placed on the wall next to the pit. Attach two three-foot-long cleats to the wall then, attach the pump to the cleats.
Step 2: Cutting Into the Water Supply
The layout of the pipes is determined by the layout of your basement. However, you should cut into the cold water line nearest to the sump pit. Solder a 3/4 inch T-fitting to the pipe you cut.
Step 3: Cutting Into the Drain Line
Once the pump has been connected to the cold water line, you must install a drain line. After you have drained the water, tighten the clamp.
Step 4: Testing
Now, take out the backflow preventer to check if there are any clogs inside. Then, reinstall the preventer. Finally, fill the pit with water, plug the pump in, and test it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Water Powered Sump Pump?
Water-powered sump pumps are pretty simple. They don’t need electricity to work. They just have a couple of moving parts driven by water. Therefore, as long as you have city water, you will have a dry house and a working sump pump.
How Much Water Does a Water Powered Sump Pump Use?
These types of pumps typically use 1 gallon of water to pump out 2 gallons. After that, all 3 gallons are discharged from the house. With a ratio of 1 to 2, the system will use 5,000 gallons to pump out 10,000 gallons.
Why Should You Buy a Water Powered Backup Pump?
There are many advantages to having a backup sump pump. One of them is that when the power goes out, the water will not flood your basement. Even if the main pump fails, you are still safe.
Final Thoughts
After considering all the factors, WaterFiltersAdvisor has chosen a winner from our list of top water-powered sump pumps!
The Basepump HB1000-PRO makes the best choice. Not only does it come with dozens of features, but it is extremely efficient! It can discharge a huge amount of water—1400 gallons per hour! Plus, it comes with a 5-year limited warranty which is a rarity.