9 Best Combination Sump Pump: [Reviews and Buying Guide]

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) says 60% of American homes have got wet basements and shockingly 38% of them potentially have basement mold. With this, the market size of sump pumps reached double digits in 2018 with an upward trend in the coming years.

It means people are buying these pumps and continue to have them. Such a promising market understandably pushes the brands for bringing ‘MORE’ at ‘LESS’, which is why combo pumps are getting hugely popular.

Tons of products with variable performance and quality are in order and waiting to be picked by homeowners. To make your purchase a pleasant experience, we’ve reviewed several models and finally given the nod to the Wayne WSS30VN as the best combination sump pump in the market.

Another worthy mention is the Wayne Gurdian Sump Pump which is a bit costly but provides premium features and quality.

However, we understand you may want to explore more. So, you’ll need to learn if a combo is the right thing to consider in the first place. We’ll also explain what matters when you choose. Finally, we’ll let you know about our top pick plus a few more.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Why Should You Get a Combo and Not a Primary or Backup Alone?

Having one pump in place may be enough for many, but not for those whose basement is excessively or unusually damper than others’. Imagine a situation when downpours are rather frequent than occasional, and so is a power outage. You surely need a backup (battery backup system to be specific).

Buying one may seem okay but only moneywise. However, getting a combo (all in one) is always a wiser decision since the cost isn’t very high. Now that you know why a combination is the better choice, you’ll want to find the right one.

How Do You Choose the Best Combination Sump Pump?

Certain steps are involved. First, choose the type of the pump. Focus on the size of your household needs. Figure out the required motor power simultaneously. Then, choose the float switch type. Finally, think about other factors like materials, smart features, etc. If you don’t go through these steps, your money can go to waste for sure.

You might be thinking we’ve forgotten about the budget. Not essentially! Keep this particular thought in your head all along the way you find the right combination sump pump. We’ll discuss each factor one by one. Let’s begin with the type.

Sump Pump Types

Four types are common. Instead of giving you so many details on each type, we’ll point out their advantages and limitations.

Types	Benefits	Downsides
Submersible	Capable of pumping a large volume Long-lasting and quiet	Relatively more expensive
Pedestal	High capacity in terms of volume	Frequent maintenance required Not much durable Noisy functions
Water-Powered	No electricity required Long-lasting and quiet	Poor capacity (not effective during downpours) Unable to work without high water pressure
Floor Sucker	No installation required Movable everywhere Relatively less expensive	Not ideal if prevention of flooding is intended Very noisy operation

So, you see submersible pumps are able to give the most convenient experience, and we’ve chosen these products for review with this very fact in mind.

Pump Size (Capacity)

Typically, it’s during the wet seasons when a sump pump becomes very busy, which is why, you should calculate the capacity based on the needs on a rainy day.

If the downpour is moderate, a sump pit used in average US households receives 20 inches of water in a 1-minute window. It makes 20 gallons per minute, give or take. It should be around 1,200 gallons per hour (GPH).

Add a safety factor to this calculation so that the sump pump size is good enough on most occasions. For this purpose, multiple the GPH by 1.5. You’ll get 1,800 GPH, and that’s the ideal size.

However, you may look for higher capacities, say 2,000 GPH. That’s completely your decision. Most of the combos we’ve included in this article come with a higher capacity.

Motor Power

Horse Power (HP) is the unit to consider in this case. It ranges from 1/3 HP to 3/4 HP with 1/2 HP being an ideal consideration for households located in areas with frequent downpours. Choose wisely because this specific number is closely associated with the price of a sump pump.

A 1/3 HP pump should serve most households while 3/4 HP ones are meant for those with larger bases and a lot of water in the basement to drain (around 2,500 GPH or more). Even, a 1/4 HP pump is good enough for some homes, but then again, it’s all about your preferences.

Float Switch

It’s basically a level sensor that alerts the pump as water levels rise in your sump pit. Depending on the way how it works, there’re four different types to choose from, each having its advantages and disadvantages.

Type	Mechanism	Pros	Cons
Vertical	With the rising water level, it floats vertically and reaches a certain height. Then, it opens a circuit to allow the pump to start working.	Easy to install Adjustable Little room required	Ideal only for basins with a small diameter
Tethered	With a rise in the water levels, the float goes up and has the switch flipped by the tether. It turns the pump on.	Simple operation Economical	Usable for wide sump basins only (much space required)
Electrical	One or more floats travel inside a caged/protected enclave. There’s a sensor to locate the float and then turn the sump pump on or off as required.	Only a few moving parts Conveniently located control box with minimal wear/tear Controllable runtime	More expensive than others
Diaphragm	Rise in the water level causes the switch’s pressure to increase. As the increase is enough for the bladder to be compressed, the switch activates and turns a pump on.	Ideal for congested/ tight spaces and virtually all basins	Not adjustable

Cost and Replacement

Be prepared to spend a thousand bucks for the process because that’s the average cost. Most homeowners have to look at a number from $968 to $1,466.

The whole thing may seem costly, but the cost estimates given here include the price of the pump and installation charge, which is typically higher than the pump’s price. So, it’s no wonder to have a similar figure in mind during a replacement.

If you’re about to choose a submersible pump, make sure it’s placed below the ground level. Your basement reservoir is the typical location, and unlike pedestal pumps, submersibles require some digging and additional costs.

Housing Material

Some pumps use a thermoplastic housing while a few have stainless steel. Thermoplastic body having a waterproof epoxy coating is better than steel in many respects. Try to check if the housing is made with corrosion-resistant materials.

The internal components like rotor shafts and impellers are usually made of a variety of materials like aluminum, polyethylene, stainless steel, etc.

Maintenance and Replacement

You might want to consider this after the purchase. On the contrary, you’ll be better off knowing things before buying because then, the whole picture containing your overall experience and efforts in a few years after the purchase should be obvious, and you can decide with improved awareness. Let’s know about the average lifespan first and then the typical maintenance requirements.

The required considerations are clear to you, aren’t they? A close look at the following reviews would be the next BIG thing.

Best Combination Sump Pumps Reviews

We’ve created this list considering every important aspect of a combination sump pump so that households with any type of basement, amount of water to discharge, and budget may find a suitable match.

1. Wayne Upgraded Combination Back Up System

This combo consists of one 1/2 HP (100 Watt) primary and a 12V battery-powered secondary pump that runs on a 75 amp Wayne battery.

The all in one unit uses top suction intakes and requires a 16-inch basin to be installed in, and the setup doesn’t take hours (but only 15 minutes as advertised) or years of specialization. Larger sump basins can also be chosen.

The submersible type comes with an 8-foot power cord and weighs 46 lbs. Included with the package is a 1-1/2-inch NPT discharge that is easy to install and compliant with standard building codes.

Specifications

• Motor and Pump: Primary (1/2 HP / 100 Watts, 120V), Secondary (120V DC)
• Housing: Epoxy Coated Steel with Cast Iron Bottom
• Flow Rate (Standard): 64 GPM @ 10′ (Primary) and 25 GPM @ 10′ (Secondary)
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (Inches): 13.5 x 9 x 15.5
• Weight: 46 lbs.
• Manufacturer’s Warranty: 3 Years

Features

• Pump Mechanism: The pre-attached centrifugal impeller is designed for typical instances of water pressure and flooding.
• Performance: The primary pump funnels a maximum of 85 gallons per minute (GPM) at 0′ head with the secondary one flowing 48 GPM at 0′ head. A single charge should be good for discharging up to 10,000 gallons.
• Switch: The built-in mechanical float switch is tested up to 1 million cycles under variable settings.
• Material: The pump comes in a steel housing protected with epoxy coatings and a cast iron base. The Switch uses a thermoplastic flow diverter for its protection. The guide, lower, and upper guards of the float are made of stainless steel.

 

 

>>>WAYNE WSS30VN Combination Sump Pump Review<<<

2. Basement Watchdog 1730 GPH Combination Primary and Back-Up Pump System

Its compact design makes it a good fit for small sump pits like the 12-inch ones. Its primary system works automatically when the power is available.

It looks like an upgrade from the above model, but not so much in real-life situations except for the smart features like remote notifications, alerts, wireless communication, etc. Alongside the float switches, a piggyback controller has been included. The installation process isn’t challenging at all.

Specifications

• Motor and Pump: Primary (1/2 HP, 115V, 60 Hz), Secondary (120V DC)
• Housing: Cast Aluminum / Iron
• Flow Rate (Standard): 3,450 GPH @ 10′ (Primary) and 1,850 GPH @ 10′ (Secondary)
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (Inches): 8.8 x 11 x 18
• Weight: 26 lbs.
• Warranty: 2 Years

Features

• Pump Mechanism: Including centrifugal impellers, the primary runs upon the availability of the AC power, and the battery backup system starts in the event of the primary being overwhelmed or power outage.
• Performance: A maximum of 4,400 GPH at 0′ head and 2,600 GPH at 0′ head can be expected.
• Switch: There’re float switches for both the primary and backup pumps which account for increased efficiency. The one for the main pump has a protective cage to help it stay clear of debris and hence the blockages.
• Material: Cast iron is the principal material with cast aluminum being used for some components. A plastic battery cap protects the battery fluid sensor.
• Wireless Connection: The built-in Wi-Fi module and CONNECT module make it easy for the owner to connect it via Remote Terminal or w/Data Port for alerts and remote notifications
• Alerts: Multiple alert systems are available for informing the owner of different statuses like AC power interruption, low battery and fluid, activation, and blown fuse.

 

 

>>>Basement Watchdog Review<<<

3. Zoeller Aquanot ProPak53 Preassembled Sump Pump System

It’s another all in one unit with a special focus on the controller, warning systems, and indicators. All check valves, tee, and adapters come included with the package. You can expect from 5.5 to 7.5 hours of runtime on a single charge using the recommended system settings.

Using Vortex impellers, the automatic pump offers smart features that are typical of a modern combination sump pump. Its compact build fits in small pits and the pre-assembled state allows for an inexpensive drop-in installation. It uses a 1-1/2” NPT discharge having an inline check valve.

Specifications

• Motor and Pump: Primary (1/2 HP, 115V, 1-Phase, 1550 – 3450 RPM), Secondary (120V DC)
• Smart Controls and Highlights: Overcharge protection system, Battery burn-out indication, Wireless connection for alerts, and diagnostics
• Flow Rate (Standard): 2,040 GPH @ 10′
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (Inches): 8.50 x 8.50 x 10.50
• Weight: 17 lbs.
• Warranty: 3 Years (Limited)

Features

• Pump Mechanism: A non-clogging vortex impeller works efficiently to facilitate the flow and discharge of water accumulated in the basement.
• Performance: Maintaining the regular flow rate, the pump can make it up to 2,580 GPH at 5′ and even higher at 0′ lift.
• Switch: There’re two mechanically operated switches which aren’t dependent on each other for their functionality or efficiency.
• Material: The housing uses industry-standard materials whereas the impeller uses glass-filled thermoplastics for better movement and durability.
• Safety: An automatic safety system is in place to take care of the AC pump during a power outage. You’ll know if the battery burns out, any ‘overcharging’ incident happens, or if any maintenance is required. The alarm system is useful, and the battery box can be locked for added protection.

 

 

4. Superior Pump Battery Back Up Submersible Sump Pump

It’s neither electrically powered nor a combo but a battery-operated simple pump that uses a 12V AGM Deep Cycle battery and handles up to 1/8-inch solids. The discharge size is 1.25 inches, and the power cord is 10-foot long.

The pump operates optimally within a liquid temperature range from 32° F to 120° F. its warning systems include the power activation alert, battery, power, and fuse status. After all, you shouldn’t just throw away your primary pump for this one.

Specifications

• Motor and Pump: 120V DC, 12 Amps, 1/3 HP
• Housing: Thermoplastic
• Flow Rate (Standard): 1080 GPH @ 10′
• Shut-off Head: 21′
• Charger: 2-Amp AC
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (Inches): 13 x 10 x 16.5
• Weight: 12.5 lbs.
• Warranty: 1 Year

Features

• Pump Mechanism: This submersible pump is loved by many for its simple mechanism and quiet operation (not essentially the quietest though).
• Performance: The flow rate may seem inadequate for areas which are prone to heavy flooding. It’s 1300 GPH at 0′ and slightly lower at 5′.
• Switch: The tethered switch simplifies the overall operation, but it’s the reason why you may need a wider basin for the installation of this pump.
• Material: Thermoplastic is at the core of the housing, base, battery box, and impeller. The fasteners use stainless steel and the motor shaft seal is made of carbon steel.

 

 

5. PumpSpy WiFi Battery Backup Sump Pump System with Internet Monitoring & Alerts

Few battery backup pumps are as good as the PS2000 when it comes to the compatibility of a secondary sump pump with the primary.

On the plus side, the idea of automation into a pump has been made to be real and practicable, thanks to the technological and mechanical excellence that PumpSpy has demonstrated.

Specifications

• Motor and Pump: 120V, 18 Amps, 0.33 HP DC (Brushless),
• Housing: Automotive Grade Materials with epoxy sealing
• Flow Rate (Standard): 2,400 GPH @ 10′
• Runtime: 5.5 Hours
• Maximum Flow: Up to 13,000 gallons on a single charge
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (Inches): 16 x 17 x 11
• Weight: 14.3 lbs.
• Warranty: 3 Years

Features

• Pump Mechanism: There isn’t much to say about the mechanism except the fact that it includes everything that a typical battery backup pump does.
• Performance: There you got a powerful companion as its flow rate is 2,990 at 5′ and even more at 0′. It runs about 166 hours with a 5-minute cycle and delivers up to 5.5 hours of constant service.
• Switch: The pump’s got dual float switches that are designed for separate functions.
• Material: It’s made of automotive grade material having water-resistant epoxy sealing to protect the components.
• Alerts, Indicators, and Stats: You’ll get alerts directly on your phone or check the status of virtually everything like main pump overuse and failure, power outage, overwhelming water level, blocked discharge line, discharging/dying battery, pump cycles, gallons per hour, etc.

 

 

6. Liberty Pumps PC-Series Combination Sump Pump

We’ve got another compact combo that requires a sump basin which measures least 15 inches. The pre-assembled package doesn’t pose any critical challenge during installation. Each of the pumps includes an independent float switch.

Required discharge head can’t be any longer than 33 feet (primary) and 23 feet (secondary), and the size is 1.50 inches. Recommended batteries include Group 27 or 31 marine-grade deep cycle type which charges at five stages.

Specifications

• Motor and Pump: Primary (115V, 1/2-HP, 60Hz, 3450 RPM)
• Housing: Polypropylene with powder-coated aluminum
• Flow Rate (Standard): 2,640 @ 10′ (Primary) and 1,260 @ 10′ (Secondary)
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (Inches): 9.65 x 7 x 12.4
• Weight: 25 lbs.
• Warranty: 3 Years

Features

• Pump Mechanism: The oil-filled motor is hermetically sealed having thermal protection all around with the Vortex thermoplastic impeller for consistent performance.
• Performance: The combo can pump a maximum of 3,180 GHP (main) and 2,460 GPH (backup) at 0′ with the lowest being 1,980 GPH at 20′ (main) and 600 GPH at 15′ (backup).
• Switch: The vertical float switch (VMF) is a kind of specialty as it’s magnetically operated and uses vertical space instead of horizontal space to save you the hassles of worrying about unobstructed space.
• Material: The poly and aluminum casing containing stainless steel fasteners and rotor shaft makes for a durable housing.
• Alerts and Safety: Audible alarms and essential light indicators are available. Also, there’re required arrangements (protection) for overload, over-charging, and short circuits.

 

 

7. Glentronics Inc. 3000 GPH Pro Series Combination Sump Pump System

If you want a good all in one combination sump pump that fits in a small-size basin and makes good on pumping consistency, Glentronics has the answer, and it’s PS-C33.

With standard motors running on AC and DC power and essential components in place, this particular model exceeds average expectations. Thus, it’s no wonder it’s on our list.

Specifications

• Motor and Pump: Primary (1/3 HP-PSC, 120V AC), Secondary (12V DC, 9 Amps)
• Flow Rate (Standard): 3000 GPH @ 10′ (Primary) and 2400 GPH @ 10′ (Secondary)
• Battery Runtime (Fully Charged): 8 Hours Non-Stop, 24-36 Hours Non-Continuous
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (Inches): 11 x 10 x 23.7
• Weight: 45 lbs.
• Warranty: 3 Years

Features

• Design: There’re specifically designed output terminals to allow for a connection to your home’s auto-dialer or security system. The controller of the backup system has a fluid sensor integrated. Both pumps have raised (Sump Foot) platform.
• Performance: Not only does the automatic initialization of both pumps based on the availability of AC power help a lot in day-to-day operations, the combined pumping capacity is adequate for most homes.
• Switch: Four float switches are included (probably the highest number) including two for each of the pumps. Floats for the primary come caged for protection and are completely independent of those for the secondary.
• Ease of Use: You won’t be bothered about charging and battery maintenance. You can also silence the alarm in the face of a power outage.
• Alerts: You can benefit from the indicators and alarm in the event of irregularities, problems, etc.

 

 

8. StormPro 35ACi Deluxe Battery Backup Combination Sump Pump System

If you’ve believed so far that a combination sump pump doesn’t cost much, you’re probably going to have to ask why we’ve kept the 35ACi on this list. Well, the reason is its performance and overall lifespan.

Unlike an ordinary combo, this one includes as few moving parts as possible to keep the construction simple yet no less efficient. Moreover, its auxiliary pump isn’t a joke either, as with most budget combos.

Specifications

• Motor and Pump: Primary (1/3 HP PSC, 115V, 4.5 Amps), Secondary (12 VDC)
• Housing: Stainless Steel
• Flow Rate (Standard): 3,000 GPH @ 10′ lift
• Solid Handling: Up to 1/2 inch
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (Inches): 26 x 26 x 26
• Weight: 65 lbs.
• Warranty: 3 Years

Features

• Piggyback Alarm Sensors: Most switches fail to work properly due to a lot of moving parts which are absent in the couple of Digital Level/Alarm Sensors. These components also help figure out any potential malfunction.
• Performance: The main pump ensures a maximum of 4,080 GPH at 0′ lift. The flow rate can be up to 1,200 GPH at an increased lift (20′).
• Controller: This specific component adjusts the turn-on levels of the pump by up to 1/2″ increments. Besides cycling the two pumps, it minimizes the turn-on cycles alternating between the pumps.
• Power Inverter: The inverter functions as required to ensure the continuity of power supply and charging of the battery depending on the availability of the utility power.
• Digital Display: It gives you all the system data and notifications you need to make sure the pumps are running as they should.

 

 

9. AiTurbo-ENi – Combination Sump Pump System

Like the StormPro 35ACi Deluxe, AiTurbo-ENi is far from being a budget-friendly sump pump combo. Unlike the 35ACi, it focuses on technological sophistication rather than just wireless connection or notification system.

While the manufacturer claims that it’s the only combination sump pump with artificial intelligence, you need to think what exactly it means and if you can really benefit from it and how.

Controlled by a microprocessor, this pump combo uses its own intelligence to make decisions regarding its day-to-day functions. Sounds interesting, right? Let’s get the details right off the bat.

Specifications

• Motor and Pump: 120 Volt AC / 12 Volt DC
• Housing: Thermoplastic
• Flow Rate (Standard): 5,580 GPH @ 10′
• Float On/Off: Adjustable
• Weight: 24 lbs.
• Warranty: 3 Years

Features

• AI and Smart Features: There’re alerts and notifications for virtually everything you can think of. Not kidding! You’ll be able to benefit from real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and alerts for sensor issues, plumbing defects (clogs and vapor locks), battery problems, etc. The AI Notification system and module let you stay informed of everything about the pump via wireless/wired connections even you’re on a vacation.
• Performance: Some homeowners want to pick up a big number on this. Well, how about 8,700 GPH at 0′ lift? For your information, it’s the combined flow rate.
• Switch: The dual switches ensure that you always have a float in action (one takes over upon another’s failure). The vertical design allows them to get assembled into tighter spaces. These switches float go up and get down on a vertical rod which is almost always fixed. So, they require less room to travel to the top.
• Material: The unit uses a thermoplastic housing which may not be as strong as stainless steel but surely durable if you’re concerned about this particular factor.

 

 

How Long Does a Pump Last?

Life expectancy isn’t the same for all pumps. An average of 10 years is typical. Still, the following factors help you determine how soon a replacement will be required.

• The schedule of the pump’s usage
• The length (distance) the pump carries the water for discharge
• The power source it uses
• AND it’s overall built quality and your maintenance routine

How Often Is It Good to Replace?

There’re no set rules for this. A good practice is to run a thorough inspection every couple of years since the date of your purchase until the end of its life expectancy. Some manufacturers provide insights into this. Follow if yours gives one.

8 Signs That Tell You Should Look for a Replacement

These signs are indicative of one potential situation that you want a new sump pump because the existing one is about to be out of order.

• Strange noises coming from the pump
• Excessive vibration as it starts running
• Too irregular uses
• Too prolonged operation (running about all the time)
• Frequent cycling on/off, especially during duty time
• Visible (heavy) rust
• Failing/Stuck motor (frequently or occasionally)
• 7+ years of regular usage since you purchased

Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

These steps are almost compulsory if you want to have your sump pump in proper order. They also help you keep the pump up for actions to the fullest extent of its life expectancy.

• Check to see if the pump stays plugged in to a fully functional GFCI outlet. In case any of the GFCI breakers trips, reset it.
• Inspect the cord to ensure it’s in the right shape.
• Vibrations may cause the pump to tilt onto any side and jam its float arm to prevent the activation of the pump. So, keep the pump in an upright position.
• Check on the pump’s automatic initialization by pouring water into the sump pit. Service the pump if it fails to run automatically.
• The bottom of the sump pit needs to be free of stones or other solids. Remove the pump and clean it.
• Remove the screen of the pump and clean it. Some pumps use no screens but an inlet opening. Do the same.
• Check the positioning of the outlet pipes for proper joints and distance of discharge (20 feet far from the foundation)
• Clean the hole in the outlet pipe if it’s fully/partially blocked.

No weekly or monthly commitments are required. Just a quarterly or biannual maintenance job will be okay. Check our step by step guide to know the details about cleaning the sump pump.

That’s all we got! It’s time to sum up the whole thing. Don’t you think?

Our Final Verdict

We already pointed Wayne WSS30VN out as the best combination sump pump. The Glentronics PS-C33 comes next only because of its steep price.

What if you don’t essentially have to get a perfect combo? Well, the Superior Pump 92900 takes our spot for the best backup while the StormPro 35ACi is great too only if you’re comfortable with the price.

Finally, we can’t help giving the AiTurbo-ENi – Combination Sump Pump the credit for being a genuinely innovative package. The price could be a barrier, though.

What’s left of our discussion? Your ultimate choice, right? Happy buying!