Water Powered Backup Sump Pump Review

Best Water Powered Sump Pump Reviews – 2022

Are you looking for the best water powered backup sump pump? Then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about these systems, and why they would be a good addition to your home.

Best Water Powered Backup Sump Pump Reviews

Of course, before installing these sump pumps, your home must meet some requirements first. We’ll talk about that as we read through.
First, let’s talk about what you need to consider before buying.

Things to Consider Before Buying

In this section, we’ll cover the essential elements you must consider before installing the water-powered sump pump. Keep in mind that, if you don’t take the next information into account, you risk the chance of having a functional pump.

Installation

Regardless of which pump you consider buying, every company promises you would be able to install them easily. Sometimes, that’s not true in the slightest.
If you neither have plumbing experience nor have you handled a pump before, make sure to check whether or not you’ll be able to install the system yourself.

Town Water or a Well?

Your home must have a secured connection with the municipal water line if you want the pumps to work. If you use well water, then you should consider other options. The constant pressure provided by the town water supply guarantees that the sump pump will work during all circumstances.

Drain Line

The water received must go somewhere else, but where exactly? Well, you can establish a connection to the discharge pump, which would make the installation process easier. And the alternative would be to install a discharge pipe for this pump exclusively. Opting for the second option leads to a much bigger installation process.

Editor’s Picks: Top 3 Water Powered Backup Sump Pumps

Best Overall
Basepump RB750-EZ Premium Water Powered Backup Sump Pump with Water Alarm
Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 Hp
Best In Budget
Liberty Pumps SJ10 SumpJet Water Powered Back-Up Pump, Gray
Product
Basepump RB750-EZ Premium Water Powered Backup Sump Pump with Water Alarm
Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 Hp
Liberty Pumps SJ10 SumpJet Water Powered Back-Up Pump, Gray
Price
$317.00
$221.25
$234.99
Our Verdict
Premium quality material, easy to install, good GPH, and supreme performance. This product is one that can't be matched by many. A no brainer for all kinds of users.
With 3/10 HP capacity, this product is ideal for residential areas. Additionally, it also comes with a float-activated switch that automatically operates it.
High GPH and good efficiency ratio, something which is rarely seen for a product this cheap. Can be a bit noisy but the performance makes up for it
Best Overall
Basepump RB750-EZ Premium Water Powered Backup Sump Pump with Water Alarm
Product
Basepump RB750-EZ Premium Water Powered Backup Sump Pump with Water Alarm
Price
$317.00
More Info
Our Verdict
Premium quality material, easy to install, good GPH, and supreme performance. This product is one that can't be matched by many. A no brainer for all kinds of users.
Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 Hp
Product
Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 Hp
Price
$221.25
More Info
Our Verdict
With 3/10 HP capacity, this product is ideal for residential areas. Additionally, it also comes with a float-activated switch that automatically operates it.
Best In Budget
Liberty Pumps SJ10 SumpJet Water Powered Back-Up Pump, Gray
Product
Liberty Pumps SJ10 SumpJet Water Powered Back-Up Pump, Gray
Price
$234.99
More Info
Our Verdict
High GPH and good efficiency ratio, something which is rarely seen for a product this cheap. Can be a bit noisy but the performance makes up for it

Best Water Powered Backup Sump Pumps

With the next five picks, your home will receive water for the many daily tasks that require it. Let’s see what these products can provide.

1. Basepump RB 750-EZ Water Powered Backup Sump Pump

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To build this sump pump, the manufacturer uses a combination of high-quality materials that guarantee the pump’s durability.

Additionally, the package comes with the tools required for the installation, including a couple of more items than the standard RB750, which we will review later on.

Whether you’re a DIYer or someone with no experience, you should have no problem installing and using this sump pump. Unlike other models that mount in the sump, this one mounts on the ceiling.

Also, this sump pump has high compatibility with Radon Sealed systems, increasing the range of use for homeowners. While operating, the sump pump does an outstanding job. It offers reliable performance, with great power, and no maintenance needed after each use.

Last but not least, there are no leaks, and the sump pump doesn’t bother you with loud noises either.

Overall, this sump pump is the perfect choice for homeowners. Although the float switch is a little bulky, it is not too much of a problem.

Basepump RB750-EZ Premium Water Powered Backup Sump Pump with Water Alarm
  • Extremely reliable, very powerful, water powered backup sump pump system
  • No battery to wear out or maintain; no charger to plug in or monitor.

PROS:

  • High-quality construction materials
  • Powerful performance
  • It is quite reliable
  • Easy to install even if you are an amateur

CONS:

  • Bulky float switch

2. Liberty Pumps SJ10 Water Powered Back-Up Pump

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While not many people are fond of this sump pump, as there are many noteworthy disadvantages that you will most likely encounter, we’ve found that there are some redeeming qualities that make it one of the best.

First, the GPH capacity reaches a maximum amount of 1,185, which is already higher than most water-powered sump pumps out there.

Indeed, this sump pump doesn’t have the 1.2 efficiency ratio displayed by other models, like the BaseBump HB1000-PRO, but it still manages to deliver good results either way.

This pump combines well with pit diameters of 18-inch, minimum. Once installed, the equipment will sit right where the pit cover would be, which constitutes a complicated installation process if you have no previous experience before.

Just like the previous sump pump, this one can be pretty loud too. Everything sounds bad, so why would you even want to buy it? For the low price and high pumping capacity.

PROS:

  • Affordable price
  • High GPH capacity
  • Good capacity ratio
  • Reliable – the pump is powered by water pressure and is not affected by power outages.
  • Long lasting – it is designed to operate for years without needing maintenance or replacement.

CONS:

  • Can be a bit noisy
  • Not the easiest to install
  • The pump can only be used in areas where there is a reliable water pressure

3. Basepump HB1000-PRO Water Powered Backup Sump Pump

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Although it may not look like the fanciest sump pump, this unit is the one you need to get you through power outages. After receiving it, you’ll notice that the installation is pretty easy, as it takes between 2-5 hours, and the kit includes every part and tool you’ll need.

While this sump pump could work as the main pump, it is better as secondary because it doesn’t need AC/DC power. Instead, it will run by using water pressure. During its performance, it will pump 1,400 gallons of sump water per hour, approximately.

Of course, the working capacity depends on water pressure. It will get 950 GPH at 90 PSI, which is the minimum, and 1,400 GPH at 90 PSI. The maximum pumping height sits at 15 feet, but this capacity also varies depending on the water pressure and the plumbing settings.

Other features you may appreciate are an included battery and the water alarm. Considering that this pump does a standard job and doesn’t feature innovative tech, the price is a little bit high to pay.

Basepump HB1000-PRO Premium High Volume Water Powered Backup Sump Pump with Water Alarm
  • Highest pumping rates in the industry
  • Dual check valve backflow preventer included

PROS:

  • Comes packaged perfectly
  • It is quite easy to install
  • Good working capacity
  • Includes water alarm

CONS:

  • Not the most affordable

4. Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump

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Lastly, we want to spice things up a little. The final sump pump doesn’t work as the others did, but it quickly became an alternative that provided great results.

It is a 3/10 HP sump pump ideal for sump pits at residential locations, although it works just as good for septic tanks too. As you guessed it, this machine is an automatic model. In its structure, you’ll find an integrated float-activated switch for more convenience.

There are several noteworthy features in this sump pump: the switch case built with cast iron, the motor performance, and the resistant pump housing. All of those elements guarantee a secured and continuous performance for every household.

If you want to make the best out of this sump pump, though, you must keep in mind its most noticeable issue, which is the metal-air hole. Previous customers mentioned that gunk or rust clog this entrance pretty often.

A solution for that problem is drilling a 3/8-inch hole in the outlet pipe, slightly 8-inch above from the base. Once you do, air will have an escape route should anything clog the main hole.

Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 Hp
  • Automatic with float activated switch
  • Non-clogging vortex impeller design

PROS:

  • Resistant construction materials
  • 3/10 HP capacity
  • Float activated switch

CONS:

  • The air hole often gets clogged

5. Zoeller 503-0005 Water Powered Backup Pump

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With this sump pump, you’ll be able to remove two gallons per gallon used. Even better, it will remove around 20 gallons per minute. Undoubtedly, this sump pump offers a pumping capacity that could be very beneficial for plenty of homeowners.

And yet, it is far from perfect. Despite its several good features, many previous customers seemed to have found nothing but disadvantages while using this sump pump.

For example, they commented that the installation process was difficult due to the in-pit design. Whether you have experience or not, setting the sump up is quite tricky. Also, the sump pump leaks constantly. It leaks not only from a single place either but from many. When water-powered sump pumps are popular for needing barely any maintenance, this one comes to prove otherwise.

Choosing to buy this sump pump requires a commitment to perform regular maintenance and keep track of water leaks constantly. If you manage to get past that, it does offer a reliable GPH capacity.

Zoeller 503-0005 Homeguard Max Water Powered Emergency Backup Pump System
  • No electricity required - works during power failures
  • Can be used with any existing brand of sump pump

PROS:

  • Low price
  • Removes 20 gallons per minute
  • PVC construction

CONS:

  • Can be a bit noisy
  • Some customers have faced leaking issues

What Is A Water Powered Sump Pump?

With time, your sump collects a great deal of unwanted chemicals and micro-organisms. If not taken care of frequently, these contaminants can make way into other areas of your house especially during floods and prolonged rains. This is where a water powered sump pump comes into play.

As its name suggests, a water powered sump pump uses water as its main and only source of power to operate. In terms of application, the user does not have to manually supply any water as it uses the municipally supplied water from your tanks directly.

What is a Water Powered Sump Pump?

Since it does not require any power source other than water, it drastically reduces human effort compared to other forms of sump pumping techniques. Moreover, it is easily the primary choice as a backup sump pump especially when you face double whammy in case of a power cut (electric).

Depending on the water powered sump pump you install, you can expect about 1000 gallons of water to be dealt with every hour. This is quite incredible as this type of figure can be passed as a total protection during times of consistent water infiltration in your sumps.

How To Choose The Best Water-Powered Sump Pump?

Before making your purchase, there are some features you must consider. In this section, we’ll cover some of the must-have elements to know what is the best water powered backup sump pump.

How To Choose The Best Water-Powered Sump Pump?

Pumping Power

Gallons per hour (GPH) plays a huge role in any sump pump. If you aren’t considering this to be a factor for your purchase, you are likely to face consequences. When it comes to water powered sump pumps, most offer about 1000 gallons of clearance every hour which is more than enough. However, it is still recommended that you look at the figures carefully.

Efficiency ratio

Your sump pump should not only be of a high pumping power but should also be able to operate efficiently. What this means that it should be an ideal fit for oyour purposes and no forms of problems such as leaking must arise.

Durable Materials

Water could quickly damage low-quality materials. To secure the pump will work for a long time, consider buying one built with materials capable of enduring high pressure.

Noise-Free Performance

Considering that you could have these pumps running for a long time, having a noise-free performance would be more than convenient for you. It will allow you to focus on other tasks around the house.

Basement and sump pit size

Not all water powered backup sump pumps are created equally. Some work in certain conditions while some don’t. As a consumer, you must make sure to choose a sump pump that suits your basement and sump pit size. This will save you money in the long run as a smaller pump could lead to leakage whilst a larger one is just money that could have been spent elsewhere.

Warranty

Sump pumps, in particular, need a warranty. Or, more specifically, you need to secure your purchase while getting one of these products.
Whether it is because of poor materials, or because it didn’t fit your home well, having the opportunity to receive proper assistance for at least five years would be a good backup.

Water Powered Sump Pump Advantages and Disadvantages

If the water-powered sump pumps have got your attention, here’s what you can expect from them, both good and bad.

Advantages

  • Long-Lasting Run Time

Since these pumps use water pressure as a power source, they will be able to operate for a long time, as long as the water continues flowing through your home. Should any outage take place, you’ll continue to have a working water pump to help you survive.

  • No Battery Requirement

Buying a water-powered sump pump guarantees that no battery related issues will bother you for whatever reason whatsoever. No longer will you have to monitor the battery performance daily.

Disadvantages

  • Low Pumping Capacity

Water-powered sump pumps won’t be able to match what the battery backup pumps offer. The pumping rate between the two doesn’t even compare in terms of volume.
Nonetheless, there are some unique water-powered pumps capable of delivering an outstanding 2,000 GPH at 10 feet for homes that have an active sump pit.

  • Incompatible with Water Wells

Having a well as water source requires a pump to get the water out. Since the water-powered pumps require water to operate, you won’t have proper water supply if an outage occurs.

  • Laborious Installation Process

Installing a water-powered sump pump requires some changes to the water supply plumbing, which becomes a lot of work.

Battery Backup Sump Pump VS Water-Powered Sump Pumps

To know which one is better, we have to take a look at how the sump pumps operate.

Water-Powered Sump Pumps

By requiring water pressure as a power source, these pumps get rid of old inconveniences caused by the battery. Attach it to the water supply line, and it will make sure you receive your water under every circumstance, even when there’s a power outage.
One noticeable benefit of having the best-rated water powered backup sump pump is that you’ll save a lot of time and money on repairs and general maintenance as the time passes.

Battery-Powered Backup Sump Pump

To power up these pumps, you’ll need a long-range battery with recharging capacity. Also, you’d have to connect the said battery to an electrical outlet in the house, which is not often possible during emergency moments.

However, these pumps are fairly better than the water-powered models in terms of working speed, delivering a fast performance due to the electricity received.
Unlike the previous type of sump pumps, these require more maintenance, and they won’t work if there’s no electricity.

So, Which One Do You Need?

It depends on what your home requires and convenience. After all, you won’t be able to use a water-powered pump if your water source is a well; or, you won’t be able to use the battery-powered pump if you don’t have a battery.

For convenience, go for the water-powered. If you want power, choose the battery-powered pumps. Before picking one, make sure your home meets the requirements to install them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Do water-powered sump pumps really work?

Yes, the water pumps do work. Not only that, but they are capable of pumping plenty of water constantly. Of course, these pumps will only work if your home meets some conditions.

Q. Is sump pump water clean?

For the most part, the water comes through clean. However, if you want to be completely sure, filtering would be a good idea. It may not be necessary, but it sure gets rid of any toxic particles that may pollute the water.

Q. Do battery backup sump pumps work?

Battery backup sump pumps require certain conditions to work properly. Most noticeably, it requires a functioning battery that delivers the power that the pump needs. As long as there’s energy flowing, the pump should work fine.

Q. Are battery-powered sump pumps more powerful than water-powered?

Yes. Nonetheless, some water-powered pumps manage to deliver power that gets close to what the battery-powered models provide. It all depends on which one works best for your home.

Q. Are water-powered sump pumps easy to install?

For the most part, they are. Some steps may require some plumbing experience, but anyone should be able to set these water-powered pumps quite easily with the right tools and some time.

A Final Word – Our Personal Recommendation

During our article, we covered the essential information that proves why taking the time to find the best water powered backup sump pump is a good investment. Choose yours wisely, and you will receive plenty of incredible benefits while using one of these pumps.

On an ending note, we personally recommend you to buy:

Basepump RB750-EZ Premium Water Powered Backup Sump Pump with Water Alarm
  • Extremely reliable, very powerful, water powered backup sump pump system
  • No battery to wear out or maintain; no charger to plug in or monitor.

Premium quality material, easy to install, good GPH, and supreme performance. This product is one that can’t be matched by many. A no brainer for all kinds of users.

Last update on 2024-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. WaterFilterly is user-supported. We might receive a commission on any purchase you make through clicking links on this page.

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