It is not only your basement that water accumulates in. You may have to remove water from multiple places in and around your house. This is why many people do not prefer a fixed sump pump that only works in your basement. And, this is when you will find yourself looking for the best small sump pump out there.
Now, there are specific features you need to consider when looking for sump pumps. Again, there are more factors to consider when you are looking for the best portable sump pump. Also, you will find various brands offering different kinds of benefits.
With so many options and factors to consider you may find yourself overwhelmed. This is where we want to help. Our buying guide and reviews of the best portable sump pumps will give you a clear idea about what you can expect. Let us begin understanding the portable sump pumps!
Best Portable Sump Pump: The Reviews
1. Superior Pump 91330 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump
If you are looking for a moderately powerful submersible sump pump then this may be able to do what you want it to do. The Superior pump 91330 has a motor of power 1/3 HP which is very decent for a portable sump pump. Furthermore, it has a flow rate of 2400 GPH.
The unit is built in a very robust way and is comparatively easy to install. It fits the standard size of pipes so you won’t be having a lot of trouble with compatibility. However, the trouble is when you try to keep it upright, it may not stay upright.
Apart from that, it kind of overheats easily. Also, it will require maintenance with cooling oil from time to time to function properly.
The unit can raise water to a height of 25 inches easily and that is a big plus. On top of it all. This great unit comes at quite a reasonable price too.
- Quite powerful for a portable sump pump.
- It pumps at a good speed.
- Can handle heights well.
- Well built and robust.
- Affordable price.
- Can handle solids and the float switch works well.
- Easy to install.
- It may not stay upright.
- Can rust.
- Requires maintenance.
2. Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump
Want another pump that is quite powerful but not as speedy as the first one? Then, this Zoeller M53 may be able to satisfy you with all its features. Apparently, it is a unit that ha=s a motor of power 1/3 HP- which is standard and powerful enough for a medium-sized basement.
It can handle the usual discharge pipes so installation will not be a problem. Also, it does not have a lot of different parts so it is compact to carry. Weighing 21 pounds it is quite lightweight as well for portability.
It has a speed of 43 GPM. But, it can also handle solids for up to ½ inch spherical solids. What you may have some trouble with is the float switch as it is not very durable. Other than that, you may want to drill a weep hole to be free of clogs. The unit is a bit overpriced for the few features it comes with.
- Moderate power.
- Slightly speedy.
- Good quality builds with the right materials.
- Easy to install.
- Handles solids well.
- A bit expensive.
- The float switch is not the best.
- May get clogged.
3. WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump
If you want something that offers a voluminous flow of water at a time then this Wayne sump pump may be what you are looking for. In fact, this sump pump with its ¾ HP motor will amaze you with the speed it pumps water with. Apparently, the highest it can go is 4600 GPH. But, if you want to raise the water to a height of 10 feet then this can work at a 3500 GPH.
As it is made of stainless steel it is quite strong. But, the problem is that it may rust. Also, the bottom may get clogged easily.
It uses a vertical float system but the float system may come off at some point. The unit is easy to install because it supports the standard size of discharge pipes and everything else. Being submersible, it handles heat quite well as well. However, the pressure at which it pumps is not much.
As for the price, it offers great value because it performs very well for its price level.
- It supports really high volume of water pumping.
- Quite a powerful motor.
- Well built and well protected.
- Safe for use.
- Easy to install.
- Good value for the price.
- May rust.
- The float switch does not work that well.
- Low pressure.
4. Wayne 57729-WYN1 EEAUP250 1/4 HP Automatic ON/OFF Electric Water Removal Pump
If you are looking for more technology in the build then this Wayne 57728-WYN1 sump pump may be the one for you. Apparently, it detects the presence of water by using a sensor. And, it automatically turns on and off depending on the presence of water around it.
While this usually works great, sometimes the sensor may malfunction. Also, the unit says it can remove water down to 3/8 inch off the surface but that is not very accurate. However, it does have a lot of power and speed.
In fact, it has a motor of ¼ HP and has a maximum speed of 3000 GPH. This works quite well and is very accurate. When it comes to installation, this unit may not be the easiest to install. Because it has a lot of parts and the parts do not really fit everywhere you want them to.
Other than that, the water needs to reach a certain height before the pump starts pumping. As for the price, it is reasonable as long as the pump runs.
- Quite a powerful unit.
- Very fast.
- Uses sensors to detect water.
- Reasonable price.
- Built to last.
- Not very easy to install.
- The water needs top rise quite a distance for the sensors to work.
- The sensors may not always work.
5. Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Thermoplastic Portable Electric Water Removal Pump
Do not need something very powerful because your basement is small. Then, you can do with the Wayne VIP50. Apparently, it uses a motor of ¼ HP and pumps at a speed of 1800 GPH.
Before buying it, be aware that it does not have the best flow. It simply is not that powerful. However, it is built very well and will do very well within its capacity. Also, it is easy to install as long as it is compatible with your basement.
On top of all its features, the best news is its price- extremely budget-friendly.
- A great choice for small jobs.
- Efficient power and speed.
- Very quiet.
- Easy to install.
- Budget-friendly unit.
- Not very powerful.
- May not fit your basement.
6. WAYNE RUP160 1/6 HP Oil Free Submersible Multi-Purpose Water Pump
This pump is not very powerful but somewhat does the job. If you are alright with a 1/6 HP motor that can pump at 3000 GPH then this may be the one for you. Furthermore, it can lift the water up to 17 inches easily.
What you should know is while it is easy to install, it does require a few tactful changes to fit the basement well. Furthermore, it needs water to reach a certain level before it actually starts working.
The unit is quite portable because of its weight and design. Also, the price is very reasonable for its capacity and build quality. Well, it won’t last very long but it does last a while.
- Good power for small jobs.
- Quite speedy.
- Easy to install with slight changes.
- Quite a performance.
- Well-built for portability.
- Very reasonable price.
- It may not last very long.
7. Superior Pump 92250 1/4-HP Thermoplastic Submersible Sump Pump with Tethered Float Switch
If you want an affordable small sump pump then you can choose this one because it is very compact to fit right in the basement. You can easily carry it around too. However, that does not reduce its performance.
In fact, this is quite a powerful unit with ¼ HP motor. Furthermore, it can go at a rate of 1800 GPH to amaze you. Also, it can handle the water heights and solid well.
You will find it quite easy to install. However, the problems occur with the tethered float switch. Sometimes it just stops working. Other than that, you may have to buy new adapters to fit it with your system.
- Easy installation.
- Quite powerful for small jobs.
- Well-built and handles heat well.
- Good speed.
- Quite a reasonable price.
- The float switch may stop working.
8. Superior Pump 92330 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Sump Pump with Tethered Float Switch
If you are looking for a lightweight unit then this may be the one you are looking for. This sump pump is small and lightweight making it a good choice for portable applications. Other than that, it is quite powerful.
The unit has a motor of 1/3 HP power and a flow rate of 2400 HP at quite a height. With its thermoplastic construction, it is a unit that is built to last. However, it may get cracks easily., and, it is a bit noisy. The price, however, justifies all its shortcomings.
- Very easy to install in standard basements.
- Quite powerful.
- Small and lightweight.
- Very affordable.
- May crack.
- A bit noisy.
Best portable Sump Pump: The Buying guide
Here are a number of factors that you have to consider when you are out buying the best small sump pump.
The Type of Sump Pump you want
The types of the sump pump will determine what benefits you may enjoy and what you may be missing out on. There are mainly two types of sump pumps:
Submersible Sump Pumps: As the name suggests, these sump pumps are installed underwater. The motor usually lies in a waterproof case. As it comes in contact with water more, the material building must be more corrosion resistant than the other type. These are usually more powerful than the pedestal ones.
Pedestal Sump Pumps: As you may have already guessed, the pedestal sump pumps are not submerged in water. They are placed away from it and as a result, you do not have to worry about the durability much. However, they are less powerful than the submersible ones.
The power the sump pump uses
You will find that sump pumps mainly use three sources of power. These are:
- Direct Electricity: These are the most powerful ones coming with a power cord. The problem with this is that when the power goes out, the pump stops working.
- Battery-powered Sump Pumps: These are the ones that use a battery and are the most portable ones. Even when the power goes out, they do their job. However, they are usually a backup and less powerful.
- Water-Powered Sump Pumps: They use the mechanical energy of water to power themselves and you can consider them the least portable because they need to be connected to the water supply line to work.
The Power and speed of the sump pump
A sump pump does not have to extremely powerful but just powerful enough for the task at hand. If you buy an extremely powerful one it will most likely just be a waste of money.
You should check the rate of water flow when buying a sump pump., It is the speed at which it will pump water. If it is slow then your basement will not stay dry. One more thing to consider in this case is not only the requirement of your basement but of the other places you want to use the portable sump pump in.
If it is a swimming pool you want to use it in, the unit should have enough flow rate along with enough lift Because it has to lift the water to a certain height to pump it.
The Ease of Installation
When it is a not portable unit, the installation only occurs once. But, if you plan to use the sump pump in multiple places then you have to make sure that it can be installed easily without much adjustments required. The unit should come with all that is necessary to install it properly and fast.
Design and weight
A portable sump pump should have a design that makes it easy for the user to carry it. For example, it may come with a handle that makes lifting it easier. Furthermore, the weight of the sump pump should be very light.
Other than that, the pump itself should be small in size for ease of portability.
The Extra features
Just because the pump has to be small does not mean it should have fewer features. In fact, you need it to have more features. The alarm system should be efficient and very loud. Then, it should have a good user-interface that makes it easy for the user to program it or understand the status of the sump pump.
For example, you may want wifi connectivity features in the sump pump. Yes. It is possible.
Build Quality
Whether submersible or pedestal a sump pump will stay very close to the water and in a humid condition. As a result, it must be made of materials that prevent both rust and corrosion. The usual materials that build a sump pump are stainless steel. Cast iron and plastic.
It is up to you which material you want but plastic will be lighter and more portable. Another factor you have to consider in the case of portable sump pumps is the build quality. Because you will be detaching and attaching parts quite often, you need to make sure that the parts do not get flimsy because of this.
The float switch should do an excellent job and never come off. Furthermore, there is the impeller too which should work well. There should be safety features against overheating as well. You may have to pay a bit more for the greater quality but it should be worth it.
Best Small Sump Pump: The Benefits
Why shall you buy a portable sump pump when you can just buy a normal one? Here’s why:
- Multiple uses: A portable sump pump will provide you with the best value for money as you can use it elsewhere when your basement does not need it. You are basically achieving multiple tasks using just one unit.
- Ease of installation: A portable sump pump, by nature. It will be easier to install as it will find itself so many various places.
- More Efficient: A portable sump pump will get the necessary work done by consuming less energy as it will be smaller in size.
In conclusion
Among all the sump pumps we find that the Superior Pump 91330 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump is the best. Why? Because it has just the right capacity for a portable sump pump. Furthermore, it is lightweight, small which makes it a good portable option. Lastly, while it requires maintenance, it is a unit that lasts.
If this one does not satisfy you, you can happily judge and choose another. Because you know how to.