What Is the Best Sump Pump for Your Basement?

Fully installed sump pump in the corner of a basement.

It’s essential to protect your home against water damage, especially if you live in an area where flooding is a common problem. A sump pump system can play an important role since it’s used to remove water from the property. These systems come in many different forms and it can be tricky to choose the right one for your home. This is why it is recommended to ask your local basement and crawl space waterproofing experts for advice.

A sump pump system is something that you only need to install once in a few decades and it’s, therefore, important to choose a solution and the accessories that will cover your needs for years to come.

What Is Sump Pump System?

Sump pumps are devices that prevent groundwater from seeping into your basement. Generally, they are installed at the lowest point of your basement.

Sump pumps are necessary because water accumulates under your home during and after a storm. As the water builds up below ground, it enters the sump pit. Then, the pump inside the pit is activated when the water rises to a certain level. This is the mechanism that gives a sump pump its name and which makes it so valuable for basement protection.

What are the Different Types of Sump Pumps?

Sump pumps come in several varieties. While they all seek to accomplish the same goal, the main difference comes from how the sump pump is powered. Let’s look at the three most common types of sump pumps you’ll see on the market:

Sump Pumps Powered by a Battery: This is the most common type of pump. It’s powered by an independent battery. It’s important to make sure that the battery is charged and running so that the pump can be used whenever needed.
Sump Pumps Powered by a Generator: These sump pumps don’t depend on an electrical grid for power. Instead, they are powered by a small generator that keeps them running during a power outage.
Sump Pumps Powered by Water: These pumps are powered by the very same water that they’ll be removing. They are useful since they don’t rely on electricity and can work even if a flood or heavy storm rolls in.

What Makes for a Good Sump Pump System?

Before we can determine what the best sump pump system is for your basement, we have to define what makes a sump pump system good in the first place. Firstly, there isn’t a “one size fits all” for sump pumps. Each basement has different needs and specifications.

Still, there are some clear indications to look for that show whether a sump pump system is worth investing in. In our experience, here are three main requirements to look for when considering a sump pump for your basement:

Rust-resistant sump pit
Can be easily attached to existing drainage pipes
Backup battery power in case of emergencies

Some sump pumps are outdated or overcomplicated in their setup, so they run into issues down the line. If you go hunting for a new sump pump system with these requirements in mind, you’re sure to find the best sump pump for your basement in no time.

Consider an AquaStop™ Sump Pump System

At Innovative Basement Authority, we offer two sump pump systems that provide lasting protection from leaks and flooding:

AquaStop™ single sump pump
AquaStop™ triple sump pump

Each pump has some slight operational differences, but accomplishes the same goal of capturing and removing water in your basement before it has a chance to cause damage. Our team can inspect your basement for free to determine which sump pump system is best for your situation. Rest assured, each pump is proven to work at the highest industry standards, providing you maximum protection.

AquaStop™ Single

This model utilizes one powerful SafeDri™ cast iron pump suitable for routine water removal, available with either a SafeDri™ ⅓ hp or ½ hp pump. The ⅓ hp pump can expel over 2,000 gallons of water per hour, while the ½ hp pump can discharge more than 3,000 gallons per hour.

Single sump pump mechanism inside a sump pit.

AquaStop™ Triple

Hence its name, the AquaStop™ Triple Sump Pump incorporates three pumps for unparalleled protection. The primary SafeDri™ 1/3 hp pump manages daily water removal; a secondary SafeDri™ 1/2 hp pump activates if the primary pump is overwhelmed or fails; and a third, battery backup pump offers protection during power outages or circuit failures. The backup pump alone is capable of discharging over 11,500 gallons of water per hour of battery power.

Triple sump pump mechanism inside a sump pit.

Should You Install Sump Pump Accessories?

A sump pump system can come with a lot of different accessories. These aren’t mandatory since a pump can do its job without them, but they can come in handy. It’s an addition you should invest in if you live in an area such as Fargo, ND, where flooding is more common. If water is a constant issue for your home in general, consider these sump pump accessories that provide protection and peace of mind.

Alarms: The alarm is there to alert you when the pump doesn’t turn on during a flood. It’s a useful feature to have if floods do not occur that often and you’re not sure if the pump will activate.
Sump liners: Sump liners are used to protect the moving parts of the pump when it’s exposed to a lot of humidity and moisture that might damage it.
Airtight lids: It’s important to use these lids to cover the sump pit. The water that enters the home usually doesn’t smell good and it’s best to keep it covered so that the unpleasant smell doesn’t spread through the house.
Anti-freeze attachments: Pipes that are used to pump the water outside can freeze when temperatures drop. Anti-freeze discharge attachments are used to remove the water when the rest of the system becomes frozen.

How to Keep a Sump Pump System Running

A sump pump system only gets activated when there’s enough water in the sump pit. Since it’s not used at all times, it’s important to test it and maintain it while it’s turned off. A homeowner should throw a bucket of water into the pit every once in a while.

The pump should then activate. If this does not happen, contact your local experts and have them take a look at it. Make sure that the moving parts of the pump are operational and that they are good to go when needed. The same goes for valves, pipes, and any other attachments that can become loose and start to drip.

Contact Innovative Basement Authority for a Free Inspection!

IBA installer setting up a sump pump for installation.

Sump pumps are one of the most valuable water management tools you can install in a basement. Before you invest in a sump pump system, you should contact an expert to help determine what type of sump pump will be best for your basement.

At Innovative Basement Authority, we offer free basement inspections. Since 2005, our team has been serving homeowners in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Northern Arkansas, and Eastern Kansas. Our mission is to help homeowners find the best sump pumps and waterproofing solutions for their home—and we’ll do the same for you. Contact us today to get started!

Get a free Estimate

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.