Quiet Household Stuff

7 Of The Quietest Sump Pumps – 2022 Guide

Basement foundations are a great way to maximize the square footage of your home. But, they’re a lot tricker to maintain than a standard slab or crawl space foundation. Because a basement is below ground level, you have the effects of gravity and water flow to contend with!

A sump pump is one of the most important tools you can have down there! They prevent your basement from becoming a flooded mess even after the worst of storms. The thing is, as with most types of pump, they can be quite noisy. Thankfully though, you can quiet alternatives if you look in the right places. You can find quiet pool pumps, quiet air pumps, and yes, even quiet sump pumps.

While having a loud sump pump is better than not having one at all, the best quiet sump pumps are the go-to! If you’re like most homeowners, you’re going to want to take advantage of your basement space. Whether it’s a spare bedroom or game room, the last thing you want to deal with down there is the loud clanging of a sump pump!

The best quiet sump pumps will keep your basement dry while still keeping the peace! Here are some of the quietest pumps on the market.

 

Quiet Sump Pumps – Comparison Table

Product ImageProduct nameFeaturesStar Rating
Wayne CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Sump PumpWayne CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Sump PumpProduces about 45 to 50 decibels

Cast iron and stainless steel

Vertical float switch, Top suction design

Can move up to 5,490 GPH
4.6 out of 5
Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Thermoplastic Water Removal Pump
Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Thermoplastic Water Removal Pump1/2 horsepower, Corrosion-resistant

Moves about 2,500 GPH

Reinforced housing

Removes water down to 1/4 of an inch
4.3 out of 5
Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump
Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump1/3 horsepower, Cast iron

Can pass small solids

Integrated float switch

Short-circuit protection
4.7 out of 5
Superior Pump 92341 1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump
Superior Pump 92341 1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump1/3 horsepower

Vertical float switch

Cast iron housing

Debris screen, Durable impeller
4.7 out of 5
Flotec FPPM3600D-01/09 1/3 HP Pedestal Sump Pump
Flotec FPPM3600D-01/09 1/3 HP Pedestal Sump Pump1/3 horsepower, Pedestal design

Thermoplastic housing

Simple installation

8-foot power cord
4 out of 5
Flotec FPZS50T Submersible Sump Pump
Flotec FPZS50T Submersible Sump Pump1/2 horsepower, Tethered switch

Requires 14-inch pit diameter

Thermoplastic housing

Protected motor
4.4 out of 5
ECO-FLO Products ECD75W Sump Pump
ECO-FLO Products ECD75W Sump Pump3/4 horsepower, Submersible

Cast iron housing

Clog-resistant impeller

Wide-angled tethered switch
4.4 out of 5

 

The Quietest Sump Pumps Reviewed

 

Wayne CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Sump Pump

Wayne CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Sump Pump

This sump pump from Wayne is one that’s built to last. It’s sporting a stainless steel motor housing to keep the more delicate components protected. However, the base is molded out of cast iron for some hefty weight.

This unit features top suction. This prevents accidental clogging from debris below. It can run efficiently without having to worry about airlocks. Plus, there’s no need to make any major modifications to your plumbing system or sump pit.

Key Features:

  • Produces about 45 to 50 decibels
  • Cast iron and stainless steel
  • Vertical float switch
  • Can move up to 5,490 GPH
  • Top suction design

 

 

Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Thermoplastic Water Removal Pump

Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Thermoplastic Water Removal Pump

Also from Wayne is this versatile pump. This unit isn’t marketed as a traditional sump pump. Rather it’s a water removal utility pump. But, you can easily slip it into your sump pit and use it that way. Or, you can connect it to a garden hose to eliminate sudden flooding.

The thermoplastic body is strong and resistant to water damage. For extra protection, the housing is glass-reinforced.

In terms of performance, the pump doesn’t disappoint. It siphons from the bottom, all of the water in the sump basin down to the last quarter inch.

Key Features:

  • 1/2 horsepower
  • Moves about 2,500 GPH
  • Reinforced housing
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Removes water down to 1/4 of an inch

 

 

Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump

Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump

Moving about 43 gallons per minute, this pump is more than capable of keeping your basement dry. It’s a heavy-duty sump pump with a surprisingly efficient motor. The motor is oil-filled for thermal overload. It spins a vortex impeller, which is capable of passing solids up to half an inch in diameter.

The powerful motor is housed in a robust cast iron housing. Zoeller treated the metal with epoxy to add even more protection against water damage. Overall, it’s a well-built piece of equipment that can last years with proper care.

Key Features:

  • 1/3 horsepower
  • Can pass small solids
  • Integrated float switch
  • Cast iron
  • Short-circuit protection

 

 

Superior Pump 92341 1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump

Superior Pump 92341 1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump

The performance quality of this sump pump is in its name! This is a well-built unit that features a powerful continuous-duty, thermally protected motor. Driving the water out of the sump basin is a stainless steel impeller. It has more longevity than a standard plastic impeller. Plus, it’s able to cut through any debris that happens to make it through the intake screen.

The unit has a vertical float switch. It’s attached to the side of the cast iron housing, keeping the pump compact enough for most pits.

Key Features:

  • 1/3 horsepower
  • Vertical float switch
  • Cast iron housing
  • Debris screen
  • Durable impeller

 

 

Flotec FPPM3600D-01/09 1/3 HP Pedestal Sump Pump

Flotec FPPM3600D-01/09 1/3 HP Pedestal Sump Pump

Here’s a pedestal sump pump that can fit into most pits without any issues. It requires at least 12 inches of space to accommodate input and pump switch.

This is a nicely built pump. The unit is clad in tough thermoplastic material. Pair that with the corrosion-resistant metal components of the switch and you have a machine that can last for several years. It’s also very easy to install and connects to any 1.25-inch discharge line.

Key Features:

  • 1/3 horsepower
  • Pedestal design
  • Thermoplastic housing
  • Simple installation
  • 8-foot power cord

 

 

Flotec FPZS50T Submersible Sump Pump

Flotec FPZS50T Submersible Sump Pump

Also from Flotec is this universal sump pump system. Compatible with 14-inch pits or bigger, the pump is submersible and utilizes a traditional tethered switch. The unit looks simple, but it’s hiding an efficient motor.

The heavy-duty motor has automatic thermal overload protection. It can detect when the pump is working too hard because of a clog in the PVC pipe or an airlock. The sump pump system shuts down and cools off, preventing any major damage.

Key Features:

  • 1/2 horsepower
  • Tethered switch
  • Requires 14-inch pit diameter
  • Thermoplastic housing
  • Protected motor

 

 

ECO-FLO Products ECD75W Sump Pump

ECO-FLO Products ECD75W Sump Pump

If you need a sewage sump pump or a strong primary pump, this unit from ECO-FLO has you covered. It’s equipped with a powerful 3/4 horsepower continuous-duty motor that can pump up to 6,000 GPH. Despite all that power, the motor runs smoothly and quietly.

Inside, the unit has a vortex-style motor made out of thermoplastic material.

Unlike other sump pumps, this one is perfectly capable of handling some solids. It can pass solid material up to 3/4 of an inch in diameter without missing a beat!

Key Features:

  • 3/4 horsepower
  • Submersible
  • Cast iron housing
  • Clog-resistant impeller
  • Wide-angled tethered switch

 

 

Do You Really Need a Sump Pump?

To put it simply: Yes! If you have a basement, a sump pump is an absolute necessity.

After a heavy rain, water flows to the lowest point possible. On slab or raised foundations, that’s usually away from the home. But in many cases, rainwater will gravitate towards the walls of a basement.

I know what you’re thinking: Why does that matter if the basement is sealed? Well, water can still do damage to a tough material like concrete.

You see, water always finds the path of least resistance. No matter how well-built your basement is, there could be tiny cracks for water to get through. This could be a hairline crack caused by your foundation settling. Or, it could be weakened mortar joints.

Whatever the case may be, that point of entry will only get worse with time. Before you know it, you’ll have issues like mold to deal with. In the worst-case scenario, you might experience a flood after heavy rains or snowfall!

A sump pump works to eliminate those problems. It directs water away from your basement, ensuring that it can’t pool in your home and cause any major damage.

How Do Sump Pumps Work?

The concept behind a sump pump operation is pretty simple. These devices are installed about two feet below the lowest point in your basement. They are put inside a small hole called a sump pit.

Now, when rain falls outside, the water will seep into the soil around your home. It will continue to fall until it gets next to, or below, the walls of your basement foundation. The water then collects into the sump pit.

Once the sump pump detects the presence of water in the sump basin, which is the area where the pump itself is, it will turn on to push it through the discharge pipe. Sump pumps act very similar to a pool or pond pump. They utilize impellers to create suction force. However, many models create centrifugal force instead of standard upward force. That way, the water can continue to collect as it works.

Typically, discharge lines are 10 to 20 feet away from your home and on the ground level surface. The way the sump pump triggers can vary based on the unit’s design. More on that later!

 

Types of Sump Pumps Available

While all sump pumps are built to accomplish the same goals, there are a handful of different types of pumps to choose from. The right option for you will largely depend on the design of your basement and your needs.

Primary Pumps

A primary sump pump is your first line of defense. It’s the baseline that every home should have.

Within this type, there are two core designs: submersible and pedestal. A submersible sump pump is just what it sounds like. The unit sits inside the sump pit and becomes submerged in water whenever the basin fills up. Pedestal sump pumps, on the other hand, sit above the pit. Usually, it’s secured to a pedestal and features a separate inlet to suck water out of the pit.

Backup Sump Pump

Next up, there’s your backup system. While your primary pump is going to be doing all the heavy lifting, you can’t rely on it alone to keep your basement dry. What if the power goes out during a heavy storm? If you’re only using a single primary pump, you’re out of luck!

A battery backup pump kicks into gear when the primary one ceases to work. Generally, backup sump pumps will provide several hours of operation. They should buy you enough time to get power up and running again.

Combination Sump Pump

A combination pump is the best of both worlds! Essentially, they’re two-in-one systems that combine the primary pump with a battery backup system.

When your home is getting electricity from the grid, it runs on standard AC. But the moment you lose power, the battery system will take over.

Sewage Sump Pump

Finally, there’s the sewage sump pump. This is a good option if you experience clogs regularly. Clogging can result in an airlock, which creates backpressure and prevents water from flowing through the discharge line.

A sewage sump pump is able to handle large solids in addition to water. As the name would suggest, these pumps are usually part of sewage water systems. However, you can use them as a standard sump pump as well.

 

Key Considerations When Choosing A Quiet Sump Pumps

In addition to the type of machine you need, there are a lot of considerations to make when upgrading your sump pump. These aren’t like ordinary appliances. They’re much more important! So, you shouldn’t take this decision lightly. Here are some of the most crucial factors to consider as you shop for a quiet sump pump.

Noise Levels

If you don’t want to deal with a lot of noise while you’re trying to enjoy your basement, pay attention to estimated noise levels. Some manufacturers will provide decibel levels to give you a better idea of what to expect.

Always aim for a lower decibel rating. No sump pump is going to be completely silent or soundproof. You may still hear a subtle humming when it turns on.

That said, a well-designed motor can significantly reduce the noise you hear. Plus, it prevents grinding, clanging, gurgling noises, and other jarring sounds.

If you can’t find decibel ratings, take a look at the horsepower the pump provides. The more robust the motor is, the louder the unit will be as a whole.

Horsepower

While horsepower does impact noise, you should never sacrifice the performance of your sump pump to get a little bit of peace and quiet. There are many things that you can prioritize noise over efficiency, but your sump pump is not one of them!

You must choose a pump with enough horsepower to deliver gallons of water away from your house as quickly as possible. There’s no exact science to finding out the appropriate horsepower rating. It all depends on the depth of your basement, the drainage area, the distance to the discharge site, and more. Consider speaking with a plumber to get a professional opinion on how much power you need.

1/3 horsepower is usually efficient enough. But, you might have to upgrade to 1/2 horsepower or a full horsepower if you have a larger basement.

Switch Design

The best quiet sump pumps rely on switches to trigger operation. There are a few different kinds of switches available.

The most basic is the tethered switch. Tethered switches have a floating ball like the ballcock in your toilet. When the water level rises to a certain point, it triggers the pump. A tethered switch requires a larger pit, so keep that in mind.

Next, there’s the vertical switch. Also called a vertical float switch, these systems work similarly to tethered ones. The main difference, however, is the path of the switch is fixed. As a result, they don’t need a huge sump basin to operate. The one downside is that they tend to have a shorter lifespan than a tethered switch.

Finally, you can get an electric switch. These switches don’t have moving parts at all! Instead, they rely on an electrical signal to tell the pump when there’s water present in the basin.

Build Quality

The construction quality of your sump pump matters more than you think. These machines are exposed to water regularly. If you have a submersible model, the unit may sit in water for a long time before the basic accumulates enough to trigger the pump to operate.

A thermoplastic sump pump is good if you’re worried about issues like overheating. The material is lightweight and doesn’t have as much of a reaction to continued water exposure as some other materials.

Another option is stainless steel. Stainless steel is heavier and can last a bit longer than plastic units. However, despite the name, the impeller inside can succumb to corrosion if the unit sits in water for too long.

If you want the best in durability, go with cast iron. Cast iron sump pumps are heavy, stable, and long-lasting. Many manufacturers apply a layer of powder coating or epoxy to add even more protection to the system.

 

Conclusion

The most reliable and best quiet sump pumps can provide you with the peace of mind you’re after. These units will keep your downstairs domain free of moisture without the headache-inducing sump pump noise! Make sure you take the steps to maintain and test your sump pump regularly! Also, invest in some professional installation services if you’re not comfortable with your plumbing skills.

Once your sump pump is up and running, you can get back to enjoying your basement!

 

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