Did you know that around 65% of homes in America suffer from below-ground wetness? To avoid the mold and mildew that can form due to excessive moisture, many homeowners use quiet sump pumps. These devices are usually installed in specially constructed pits, at the lowest part of a basement, and pump water away from the building.
Today, there are various sump pumps on the market, with varying quality. Choosing the right unit might be a tricky job, which is why we’ve summarized the process here for you.
Noise Levels and Decibels
As water moves through the pump, it pushes air out, causing the minimal noise that every unit creates. But some older model sump pumps are notorious for being extremely noisy.
Here we listed three reasons that cause a loud sump pump.
1. Noisy Motor
Although most are made of cast iron, there are also units made of PVC or plastic. These generate more noise, and there isn’t much you can do about it.
Instead, opt for a cast iron model with a self-lubricating motor. It will run more quietly than a plastic motor, and require less maintenance. The noise level can also be reduced if the motor is below the sump basin.
2. Gurgling Noises
If your unit makes gurgling noises, it’s because of water flowing back through the discharge pipe. There are two things you can do to fix it.
- Replacing the standard swing check valve with a spring-loaded check valve. This will allow the water to flow more evenly, and thus reduce loud gurgling.
- Adjust the pump switch – If it runs while the basin is empty, it will produce unpleasant noises. You can adjust it to stop running before the basin is completely empty, and prevent this issue.
3. Vibrations and Clanging
When the water is discharged through the system, it can cause noise when the pipe hits the pump’s basin.
To fix this, simply wrap insulation around the pipe. It will act as a noise dampener when the pipe hits the basin or wall.
If you don’t like the sound of the motor rattling and vibrating, try putting rubber grommets on the underside of the pump’s lid or cover.
Comparison Table
Of course, the best way to prevent a noisy sump pump is to buy one that’s quiet from the start. We’ve reviewed many products and created a list of our top picks!
Quiet Sump Pumps – Top 8 Reviews
The water pumps on this list are carefully chosen from the many that we tested. Of course, choosing the right one depends primarily on your individual needs, so we’ve included specific details about each.
1. WAYNE CDU980E Stainless Steel Pump
This model comes with a ¾ HP engine, and a very durable, solid cast iron body. It can pump up to 4600 gallons per hour at 0′ and is ideal for large areas.
The impeller is made from polycarbonate, which is corrosion-resistant and throws the water at a very good pressure. This one has one of the best body designs on the market and features a vertical switch designed for a large sump basin. It’s also portable, for ease of use.
Yet, the best thing about this device is its thermal insulation. Compared to similar pumps, it doesn’t overheat as quickly, thus improving the run-time and lifespan of the device.
If you want a high-quality, efficient unit with a long lifespan, this is your best choice. And if you do run into any problems, the Wayne customer support team is quick and professional.
Portable
2. Superior Pump 91570
This unit is a top pick, according to many customers. It comes with a ½ HP motor that pumps around 3300 gallons per hour and has a built-in filter to prevent clogs. The thermoplastic body prevents corrosion from water, chemicals, and other harmful substances.
It has a ¾-inch garden hose connection, in case you need to do flushing and cleaning. There is also a 1.5-inch discharge for large capacity drainages.
This unit comes with a 1-year warranty. But, according to the manufacturer, if mounted and used properly, this pump can potentially operate daily for more than 10 years.
It doesn’t have an automatic switching system, but the Superior Pump 91570 is excellent for people who need a powerful unit at an affordable price.
3. Superior Pump 92341
This unit from Superior is strong enough to handle emergency situations like flooding, yet consistent enough for daily use.
The Superior Pump 92341 was designed specifically for energy efficiency, and only uses 4.1 amps. It comes with a handy 10-foot long cord. The 1/3 HP engine can suction an impressive 45 gallons of water per minute or 2700 gallons per hour.
Like with any machine, here are a few issues. At a little under 20 pounds, it’s not the most portable pump out there. As well, it does have some trouble handling any sediment that may be sucked in. However, you can solve this easily, by just leaving the unit in a bucket with a few holes drilled in the bottom.
According to many customers, this one will serve you for a long time, with almost no maintenance costs. It’s not the highest quality unit, but it does have excellent value for what you’ll spend on it
4. Zoeller m53 Sump Pump
Zoller m53 is slightly more expensive than some other options but makes up for it with value and durability. According to the manufacturer, if used properly, it can function for up to 20 years without any major problems.
The 1/3 HP engine has a flow rate of 2580 gallons of water per hour and is backed by a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Thanks to the ceramic and carbon shaft seal, you don’t have to worry about oil leakage, and there is a built in overheating switch. This submersible pump runs on 115 volts, consuming between 5 and 10 Amps.
We love the Zoller m53’s classic and sturdy design. The body is made completely of cast iron, which allows heat to quickly disperse and prevents corrosion.
This unit features a compact metal handle, which allows for easy transport, and a 9-foot power cord.
5. Superior Pump 92551
For an affordable option, the Superior 92551 is the best choice. It’s a decent-quality option that still comes with various handy features.
The 1/2 HP motor is quiet enough for residential areas, but can still transport up to 3600 gallons of water per hour, at temperatures as high as 180-degrees Fahrenheit
The Superior 92551 is made of a cast iron body and stainless steel drive shaft, impeller, and float ball. All of its components are 100% factory tested and CSA certified.
The assembly process is not complex, but the unit does need to be put together after unboxing. Other customers have noted that it is relatively easy to install though, after piecing a few parts together.
6. Wayne VIP50
For less than $80, the Wayne VIP50 can pump up to 2500 gallons per hour, and pass leaves, pebbles, and dust without clogging.
It’s made of a glass-reinforced thermoplastic and has a corrosion-resistant impeller. A top-mounted handle makes it completely portable, which is useful considering the relatively short 8-foot power cord.
The VIP50 is also thermally protected, which means the pump will automatically turn off in cases of overheating, which will improve its lifespan.
7. Wayne CDT50
Wayne’s CDT50 is an excellent choice if you primarily need heavy-duty power. Its 1/2 HP motor can pump up to 4200 gallons per hour while maintaining low noise levels.
It’s cast-iron housing and epoxy-coated stainless steel construction ensures durability. Just in case though, Wayne does offer a 2-year warranty.
Despite the handle, this unit may not be the most portable solution on the market, weighing in at over 20 lbs.
8.Wayne WSS30VN Upgraded Combination Sump Pump
The Wayne WSS30VN joins this list for its combination feature. You get both a primary unit and an accompanying backup pump in one purchase.
The primary pump’s ½ HP motor can move a maximum of 5,100 gallons per hour. In the case of a power outage, the 12-volt battery-enabled backup can comfortably pump up to 2,700 gallons per hour. Alongside the impressive power, the WSS30VN is also notable for its relatively low noise levels.
Both are assembled in the USA and fabricated from cast iron and epoxy-coated steel. The float switch on the primary sump pump has beat out any competitor by 10 times, after being tested for up to 1 million cycles.
This unit arrives pre-assembled and ready to drop at your chosen spot after a 15-minute installation.
The manual is a bit confusing and needs some updating. As well, the unit doesn’t come with batteries or a check valve.
Some user have also found the preset, fixed timer on the back-up’s float switch to be problematic for shallow pools.
Read Our Buying Guide
If you’ve never owned a sump pump, buying one can be a bit tricky. They are extremely useful but have a variety of features to serve different needs. As well, many have designs with hidden flaws that you should consider before making an investment. Let’s take a look at a few things to consider when choosing the right sump pump for you.
Main Features and Benefits
Electric and battery-powered units are incredibly useful in cases of flooding, just like many water-powered sump pumps. But, they can also be practical for day-to-day use.
Take a look at the three important benefits we’ve highlighted below.
1. Prevents the Peeling of Wall Paint
Sump pumps are excellent at collecting lots of water in a short time. Without one, water can seep into walls and cause paint to bubble and peel off. Moreover, in some cases, mortar and cement can even peel off, exposing the brickwork underneath. In the long run, this can cause serious damage that requires extensive repairs.
2. Prevents Algae Growth
Algae thrive in places with continuous water presence. It grows fast and causes numerous issues. Besides the slippery floors and unpleasant aromas, algae spots are ideal for incubators for insects. Algae also absorb pesticides, which can lead to long-term infestation problems that a basement completely unusable. However, sump pumps are a great option to manage moisture levels and prevent algae growth in the first place.
3. Protects the Building’s Foundation
Did you know that the water below a building is not always static? Even in dry seasons, the water moves as it is pushed by rocks. Over time, this constant force can wear down or even break through concrete, flooding into the basement. Of course, this can affect the long-term structural stability of the building. That’s why many homeowners invest in a high-quality submersible sump pump, which manages the below-surface water level.
Pump Lifespan
Usually, a sump pump can last for around 10 years. Some great, high-quality models can even last longer. However, there are a few things that you should consider.
After a unit is over 7 years old, it becomes prone to outages and general declines in function. This is doubly true if it’s been working hard, or frequently, for long periods of time.
Also, if they develop any corrosion and rust, it needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Over time, the decay can go deeper into the pump and cause irreparable problems.
If your home has frequent power outages, this can directly affect the lifespan, like any device. It’s a good idea to buy a backup power system, or invest in a model with built-in surge protection.
Types of Switches
Switches make the primary connection that controls the sump pump. There are four types of switches: vertical, diaphragm, tethered, and electronic.
Vertical switches are very simple to install and adjust. They work on a very simple principle; as the water level in the basin rises, the float rises as well. When the float reaches a particular level, the switch is activated and the unit turns on. Then, when the water level and the float fall, the unit turns off. Vertical switches are ideal for most needs and are seen in common sump pump models.
Diaphragm switches are activated by pressure. They’re installed in the basin and contain an internal bladder. As the water level in the basin rises, the pressure in the basin increases as well, compressing the bladder in the switch. When the bladder is compressed enough, the switch activates and turns on the unit. Once the water level, and therefore pressure, has dropped, the bladder decompresses and the switch and pump are deactivated.
Tethered switches have a special spherical float with a stainless steel ball inside. The float is attached to the basin with a cord, so when the water level rises, the cord extends, activating the switch. Depending on how extended the cord is, it will turn on or off.
Electronic switches have minimal or no moving parts, and different models use varying methods to control the pump. Although they are still new, electronic switches are becoming more and more popular. Most users have attracted the fact that because these switches don’t use moving parts, they are significantly more durable than the other switch types.
Amount of Power Needed
A sump pump’s power level is measured in horsepower (HP). For most average-sized homes, a pump with 1/3 HP will be adequate. However, if you live in an area with an above-average water table, you may want to look for a model with 1/2 HP.
In high water table areas, you might even need a unit with ¾ or 1 HP. Those units can pump large amounts of water quickly, which is needed in areas that are particularly prone to water damage and flooding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both options are good, depending on your needs. Pedestal pumps are usually cheaper since they use less electricity, but they are more difficult to keep cool in small spaces.
In most cases, they fail due to electricity problems. You should always plug the unit directly into an outlet, not an extension cord. The outlet should also be on its own separate circuit breaker, if possible.
That’s not a good idea. The salts and chemicals found in water softeners and laundry detergents can actually corrode the pump’s seals, screws, and even the motor shaft. Units with corroded parts will eventually break down and need major repairs or replacement.
Conclusion
While all of the pumps we reviewed above have their high and low points, you can’t go wrong with any pump from the list. Here at WaterFiltersAdvisor we’ve made sure to carefully choose the best units on the market. If you still want to shop on your own, make sure to read over the buying guide, so you know what to look for.