You know what they say- stay close to your friends but closer to your enemies. This is probably what the scientists were thinking when they were making a water powered sump pump. The geniuses were probably having a good laugh saying “Let’s use water against water”.
Honestly, things could not have gotten better for you if the water powered sump pumps are actually for you. The thought may confuse you- why use water instead of electricity to power something? There are many reasons and we will get to it later.
Right now, you should know that even though water powered sump pumps are becoming popular- they are not very easy to choose. There are a number of factors that you will have to seriously consider. Furthermore, the toughest job will be finding the best water powered sump pump for your basement among the many that are available.
Our reviews of what we find best and the buying guide will at least help you find yourself at a starting point.
Best Water Powered Sump Pump: The Reviews
1. Basepump CB1500 Water Powered Backup Sump Pump
If you are looking for a powerful water powered sump pump then this may be the one. In fact, it has a great speed of 1500-2000 GPH. This is one of the highest speeds in the water powered sump pump world.
However, you will have to be wary of its configuration as well. The reason is it does not operate with all kinds of pipes and water speeds. It specifically mentions that it needs a minimum of ¾-inch water supply line and 1-1/2-inch discharge pipe. In other words, it needs a supply of 12.5 Gallons per minute of water through the water supply line.
Now, another feature most of us look for in sump pumps is an alarm. This unit luckily comes with an amazing alarm which is a high-water alarm. The alarm is loud and also accurate. You will know whenever there is trouble in the basement.
While the installation is not easy, it is quite straightforward. Even the manufacturers mention that you will require around three hours to install this unit. No lies there and that is how transparent a brand should be.
You have to install the pump separately from the primary pump and this keeps the pump in a better condition. Apart from that, you can rely on this unit to last.
- Very good speed.
- Raises water up to 10 feet in height.
- Quite powerful.
- Built to last.
- Easy installation with good instructions.
- Great alarm system.
- Sealed system.
- Good value for the money.
- It will not fit all basements.
2. Basepump HB1000-PRO Premium High Volume Water Powered Backup Sump Pump
If a sump pump without any need of batteries worry you but you really want a backup unit that uses no batteries- then this Basepump HB1000-Pro may be able to help you ease your fears. This is a pump that is so reliable that you can leave your house for weeks and return to find a completely dry basement.
Apart from the reliability, this sump pump offers you a great performance as well. In fact, it has one of the highest speeds in the sump pump industry just like the first Basepump sump pump we mentioned. Moreover, it is quite powerful and lifts the water to a great level.
It is quite easy to maintain as well. When it comes to installation, people love this unit. You will not expect a water-powered sump pump to be so easy to install. Not only does it come with everything you need to install it but it also it comes with proper instruction for you to easily attach them.
You will definitely have to check that the unit is compatible with your basement. It has a good alarm system that works well. While the unit is really well-built and meant to last, you may still find that the price is a bit high.
As with any other sump pump, this unit may leak in a few years to come but by then you will have gotten all the value you could derive form this sump pump.
- Very easy to install.
- It is very reliable when it comes to power.
- Quite fast in its operation.
- It can handle the water really well.
- Built to last.
- The alarm system is great.
- You may find it a bit expensive.
3. Basepump HB1000 Water Powered Backup Sump Pump
This is the third water powered sump pump from this brand. If you look at the name of the brand you will understand that it is a dedicated brand in this sector. Therefore, you can fully rely on its designs and experience in making water powered sump pumps.
Now, this HB1000 sump pump is very similar to others. It has a great speed- one of the highest in the industry. However, the problem occurs when you buy it for the wrong basement. This unit requires a steady and fast water flow and you will have to run the five-gallon test to be sure that this unit can save you from the flooded basement.
Apart from that, while it does have a great capacity, it may not be able to satisfy you if your basement is too large and the water has to be risen to quite a height. This unit is quite easy to install as it also comes with very clear instructions.
Other than that, if you face any kind of problem after delivery, the customer service will be ready to help you any time. This is how the brand stands behind its products. When it comes to price the unit has a very reasonable one.
Furthermore, it has a good working alarm system and has a build that will last through the rough basement environment.
- The brand is well-experienced in this art.
- Customer service is great.
- It requires no maintenance.
- It has a great speed.
- Well built and meant to last.
- Good price.
- It may not be powerful enough at times for all jobs.
4. Basepump RB750-EZ Premium Water Powered Backup Sump Pump with Water Alarm
If you want a sump pump that comes with good safety features inside it along with everything you need to install it then you cannot go wrong with the Basepump RB750-EZ water powered sump pump. Yes, it does not need any battery or maintenance when it is installed in the basement.
What it comes with is a Brass dual check valve which sets it apart from the others. This keeps the sump pump and your basement extra safe. Other than that, it comes with a float which that you may wish was smaller.
When it comes to matters of speed the unit is very speedy and powerful too. It has its specific requirements was to which water supply line it can work well with. Just make sure you check it out and run a test to see if this will work with your basement.
Or else, no matter how good the sump pump is, it will a bad choice for you. Apart from that, you may experience leaks for various reasons if things happen for the worst.
If it is the build quality you are concerned about then no worries! It is Basepump we are talking about again and they do not disappoint in case of quality. The price is very reasonable as well.
- It comes with safety features that help it function better.
- Quite a speedy unit.
- Well built and will last through the tough situation.
- Easy to install.
- Reasonable price.
- The float switch may be a bit small.
- Leaks may occur.
5. Basepump RB750 Water Powered Backup Sump Pump with Water Alarm
Do you want to install the base sump pump in a different way where it does not bother the primary pump much? Then, you can check this Basepump RB-750 sump pump out because this is a unit you can install on the ceiling. Therefore, it gets an extended life anyway as it does not come in contact with a lot of harmful things- it is mostly clean and dry.
It requires the usual from your water line. You have to fill up five gallons within 40 seconds. If you cannot then this sump pump is not for you.
Other than that, this is a very reliable pump once installed. You can totally expect it to alert you with a loud alarm when anything happens. Other than that, this speed of pumping is great too.
You may prefer the RB750-Ez over this because that one comes with check valves while this does not have the dual check valves. A problem you may face with this unit is despite having the right water supply- it may not pump efficiently. Furthermore, clogs may occur.
While it does not require maintenance, such troubles can be troublesome to deal with. Apart from all that, this unit usually lasts a while. The price is reasonable as well.
- Versatile installation.
- It can last for quite a while.
- Very reliable and speedy in its operation.
- It requires no maintenance.
- Reasonably priced.
- It may not pump efficiently despite having the right water supply.
- Clogs may occur.
6. Liberty SJ10 SumpJet Water Powered Backup Sump Pump
If you want a backup unit that will only work as a backup with less capacity then this Liberty SJ10 water powered sump pump will do what it is made to do well. Apparently, it can handle two gallons of sump pump water by using one gallon of water through the water supply line.
You will have to run a test to see if it is compatible with your basement and supply line. Apparently, this unit has a requirement that will fit most supply lines and pipes. However, you will still need to modify a few things as this unit does not come with everything needed and will not be perfect.
Other than that, it does not have back flow valve so it is best if you yourself install one in it. When it comes to performance, this sump pump does a great job. It will live up to its capacity.
Also, it is made of materials that will last. The price is quite reasonable as well.
- It works as a great backup unit.
- Serves what it is supposed to do really well- despite not having the best capacity.
- Quite versatile.
- Built to last.
- All its parts work great.
- Good value for the money.
- It needs some modification to function properly.
- It does not come with a back-flow valve.
7. Zoeller 503-0005 Homeguard Max Water Powered Emergency Backup Pump System
Want to use a backup sump pump with your primary one? Then, this Zoeller 503-0005 sump pump may be the one. You have to install it with the primary sump pump.
The installation process is not very easy. In fact, you will have quite a hard time. But once you get it installed, all the tough times are over.
The unit has a good flow as it pumps two gallons of water per 1 gallon of water supplied. Also, it pumps 20 gallons per minute- that’s fast! Other than that, it has a PVC build which prevents corrosion at all costs and stainless-steel float rod also does a great job.
This sump pump is quite a budget friendly one. Also, you may face some other troubles like not getting enough pumping power or leaks but these are very rare. Most of the time, this unit satisfies you.
- It works very well with a primary pump.
- Good power and speed.
- Very well built and will not corrode.
- Budget-friendly unit.
- All of its parts work great.
- Difficult to install.
- May not supply enough pumping power.
Best Water Powered Sump Pump: The Buying Guide
Here are a number of factors that you have to check when you are out looking for such a sump pump.
The Requirements of your basement
As much as we would like to believe otherwise, water powered sump pumps are not suitable for all the houses out there. In fact, experts suggest that you only use it as a backup unit. It should come as no surprise that water powered sump pumps are way less powerful than the electric ones.
Therefore, if your basement is small and the flood in your area is not very frequent then a waster powered pump could act as your main one. Otherwise, it is better as a backup if you are looking for one.
But, you just must consider what your basement faces and requires before diving into a water powered sump pump amazed by its creativity.
The Way of Installation
Installing a pump is never easy unless it is a battery powered one that does not need much. When it comes to a water powered sump pump, you have more to do. In fact, you will have a lot of plumbing job to do and may need the help of professionals.
The problem however is not the difficulty but the compatibility for installation. In fact, there are houses that cannot connect the sump pump to a municipal water line. Therefore, buying a water powered sump pump will be absolutely pointless in this case. No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to get what you want from the pump.
So, make sure that your house can have a water powered sump pump in it. Secondly check that the installation process does not ask too much of you.
The Gallons per hour (GPH) requirement
If you know how sump pumps work, you know that they usually have to lift the water to a certain height to get rid of it. In this case what matters is the width of the pipe and the speed at which the pump pumps water. You want this speed of the pump to be fast enough to deals with the water in your basement at the perfect rate.
However, water powered sump pumps, as you already know, are not the most powerful. Thus, it is necessary that you check the speed of the pump is good enough for what your basement requires. Or else, it won’t be able to pump water at the perfect rate or time.
The municipal line requirements
The water flow through the municipal line should also be able to meet the needs of the sump pump. Since it is going to be source of the sump pumps’ power- it has to have enough mechanical energy in it to power the pump. Therefore, you have to contact your municipal water line authority to know the speed at which the water can reach your sump pump.
Judging on the basis of that you can choose a sump pump that can run on such power and speed.
The Control and other features
You do not only use the sump pump to deal with the water in the basement but you do so to always be aware of trouble in the basement. Therefore, a sump pump usually comes with a number of features that help you be in peace when you are up out there working and minding your own business.
Just because it is powered by water does not mean the sump pump is free of such responsibilities. Firstly, the sump pump should have a good and effective alarm system. The alarm system should aware you right when trouble occurs and it should be loud.
There are other ways you could get this feature. Many sump pumps connect to the internet and send you notifications, texts, etc. about the status of the sump pump. But, yes, you can expect these sump pumps with such extra features to be more expensive.
Apart from that, the control of the sump pump should be very easy. In most cases, sump pumps start automatically thanks to the float switch. You should check that the type of float switch the sump pump comes with satisfies you.
Also, it is necessary that you check through other reviews that the float switch works well. Consider all these important features and also extra others if you feel like you need any.
The Build of the sump pump
A water powered sump pump will continuously deal with water. The humidity can damage it and so can the other conditions. Thus, you want the pump to be made of such materials that resist rust and corrosion.
Furthermore, you want it to be strong and sturdy in the face of pressure. It should come with no flimsy parts. Pumps like these are usually made of plastic, cast iron or stainless steel.
The Noise Level
The sump pump may have to run at any time, even in the middle of the night. And, you do not want it to make so much noise that it hampers your flow of life. So, make sure that it isn’t noisy.
Best Water Powered Sump Pump: The Benefits
Here are a number of benefits that you get by using a water-powered sump pump.
- No trouble when the power goes out: Since the unit will not be using any batteries or power lines, even if a storm takes away the power from your house, you get the service you are supposed to get from a sump pump.
- Low Maintenance: Even though the initial installation may be troublesome you pretty much do not have to anything else for the rest of the life of the sump pump. No battery changes or anything of the sort.
- Lower Costs: You will have to pay more of your water line bill but less of everything else- especially electricity bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a reason why you should not install a water-powered sump pump?
Answer: If the water supply line cannot provide you with the required flow of water then the sump pump will not work. Therefore, if your basement does not have what it takes then you should avoid installing a water-powered sump pump as that will cause more trouble.
In conclusion
There are clear advantages of a water-powered sump pump over other kinds as a backup. The winner in our list is the Basepump CB1500. Because passes all our criteria test with flying colors. The only problem is the expense. But, when you buy something so great- that will both perform and last, a little extra money does not hurt, does it?
