How submersible, pedestal, battery backup and water-powered pumps differ in noise, life, cost to run and what happens in an outage.
A sump pump lifts water out of a pit and sends it outside. The common types are submersible pumps, which sit in the water, and pedestal pumps, which sit above the pit on a stem. Battery backup pumps take over when the power fails, and some homes use a water-powered backup that runs on pressure from the water line. Each has strengths and trade-offs, and the best choice depends on the pit, the inflow and how much you worry about outages.
Submersible pumps run quietly and handle heavy use, while pedestal pumps are easier to service but louder and take up more room. Battery backups are valuable around Nashville, where storms can knock out power just as the pit fills. Water-powered pumps need no battery but use municipal water and depend on adequate pressure. We explain the options with your pit and your discharge in mind.
Sits in the pit, runs quietly and is cooled by the water around it.
Motor sits above the pit, which is easier to reach but louder.
Runs from a battery when power fails or the main pump cannot keep up.
Uses water pressure to run and needs no electricity.
Pit size, lift height and inflow decide the pump you need.
Alarms and switches warn you when something goes wrong.
Interior Basement WaterproofingInterior basement waterproofing with a perimeter drain channel, a sealed sump pit and wall protection that guide water…Explore 
Sump Pump InstallationSump pump installation with a properly sized pit, a quality pump, a check valve, a sealed lid and…Explore 
Crawl Space Drainage and Sump PumpsCrawl space drainage and sump pumps that collect standing water and seepage in a sealed pit and send…Explore 
Sump Pump Discharge LinesSump pump discharge lines that carry pumped water out through a sealed pipe, a buried line and an…Explore 
Sump Pump Maintenance and ServiceSump pump maintenance and service that cleans the pit, tests the float and check valve, inspects the discharge…Explore 
Battery Backup Sump PumpsBattery backup sump pumps that keep water moving during power outages, with a second pump, a charger, a…Explore 
Water Alarms and Leak DetectionWater alarms and leak detection with sensors near sumps, water heaters, washers and low spots, plus alerts to…Explore 
Annual Waterproofing InspectionsAnnual waterproofing inspections that check gutters, grading, sumps, walls, crawl spaces and drains once a year, with photos…Explore Size a pump, check your home or ballpark a budget.
Sump Pump and Dehumidifier Sizing CalculatorEnter floor area, lift, pipe run, ceiling height and dampness to see a planning pump flow or dehumidifier capacity for a basement or crawl space.Try it 
Basement Dryness Checker: How Ready Is Your Home?Pick the area, set the condition and tick what applies to see what to check, service or inspect before the next heavy rain.Try it 
Waterproofing Budget PlannerPick a drain, pump, repair, crawl space or drainage project, set the size and add allowances to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it Submersible pumps are very common in new installations because they are quiet and sealed in a pit.
Storms can cut power. A backup is worth considering for any basement that floods quickly.
It depends on the pump, use and conditions. Regular testing helps you notice wear.
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