Best Outdoor Sump Pump [Backyard and Exterior] Review in 2021
If you have low spots in your backyard and after some rain, water stands still, you will need to do something about that. The best way to remove water from low spots in the yard is to install the best outdoor sump pump.
Keeping your property safe from flooding is your responsibility as a homeowner. With a good outdoor sump pump drainage system, you can remove unwanted pooling water in your yard and discharge it to a safe location.
The use of an outdoor sump pump in conjunction with your waterproofing strategy can be very effective. The foundation will also remain protected from the elements and add tremendous value to your home.
Water can be transported quickly during emergencies such as storms or flooding with sump pumps installed outdoors. Although they are effective at removing drainage problems, they are not the ultimate solution.
Therefore, sump pumps should be used in combination with other yard drainage solutions. Also, make sure to hire a good drainage contractor.
Top 3 Best Outdoor Sump Pumps Review
Now that’s out of the way, let’s have a look at some of the best exterior sump pumps that you can use in your yard drainage system.
1. Superior Pump 91250 – Sump Pump For Outdoor Use
When it comes to picking a sump pump for outdoor use, the Superior Pump 91250 is the number choice amongst homeowners and drainage installers. These sump pumps come factory tested and are built to last. It’s a 1/4 HP submersible utility pump to move 1800 gallons of water per hour.
This thermoplastic constructed pump can also lift water up to 25-foot vertically. The Superior pump offers a couple of different pump options to choose from. From a small 0.25 HP motor to all the 1/6 HP motor, you can choose from a range of different models. You can also choose a stainless-steel model of this pump.
However, for outdoor use, thermoplastic pumps are better. It has electronically controlled split capacitors, jacketed shaft seals that are heavy duty and made out of stainless steel, and solid copper motor windings. In short, it has all the quality components that make it the best sump pump for outdoor use.
To filter out large debris, this sump pump comes equipped with a large suction screen. It is a removable intake screen that can handle up to 1/8-inch solids. The intake screen prolongs the life of the pump by effectively filtering out debris and reducing clogging.
Pros
- Thermally protected, continuous duty 1/4 HP motor.
- At 20-feet, it can push out 540 gallons of water.
- Removable intake screen.
- Corrosion-resistant thermoplastic pump.
Cons
- Nothing to nitpick about.
2. WAYNE WWB WaterBUG – Backyard Sump Pump
The WaterBUG submersible sump pump from Wayne is your go-to pump to remove water from your backyard. Whether it’s a small flood or a massive flood, this pump will run continuously till your yard is dry. On that note, make sure to unplug this little guy, or else it will run dry.
Thanks to its pending patent design and multi-flow technology, it can pump more water for longer while effectively filtering out debris. At 0-feet discharge height, it can effectively push out 1350 gallons of water in an hour. You can also remove water from flat open surfaces.
Considering its design and multiple use, you can easily tell that this one is the best backyard sump pump on the market. Whether it’s standing water in the yard or flat roofs, it will leave your surfaces virtually dry. This pump also allows for top discharges when you need to pump out water from tight spaces.
If you have standing water in your backyard and a quick solution to your flooding problem, use this utility pump. The screen can effectively filter debris and reduce clogging. Make sure to remove the multi-ring suction strainer from time to time and clean it.
Pros
- Multi-surface use & multi-flow technology.
- A powerful 1/6 HP motor.
- Top and side discharge.
- Durable thermoplastic construction.
Cons
- It can’t be used in a drainage system.
3. Green Expert 203618 Exterior Sump Pump
Last but not least, we have another 1/4 HP submersible utility pump, and this time it is from Green Expert. If you want to use it as a portable exterior pump, go with the 1/4HP manual version of this pump. On the other hand, for permanent drainage installation, go with the automatic version.
At zero feet height, it can pump out up to 1585 gallons of water in an hour. It can also lift water at a max of 27.8 feet of vertical height. The Green Expert 203618 has a simple plug-in operation. It comes with a 25-foot-long power cord and runs directly when it is connected to a power outlet.
The power cord is waterproof and grounded to ensure safe use even when things become really wet. This pump is designed to bring down the water to 0.2-inch. If you want the best exterior sump pump, go with this one as it is designed for quick water draining and can be used literally anywhere.
Moreover, it has thermoplastic construction and a full corrosion-resistant body that makes it perfect for outdoor use. It runs quiet and has an ergonomic shape that blends in nicely in your backyard. Since the motor is thermally protected, you can use it for longer hours.
Pros
- Portable and powerful utility pump.
- It can bring the water level down to 0.2-inch.
- Pure copper wire motor.
- Includes a 25-foot-long power cord.
Cons
- The 1/4 HP pump is only suitable for portable use.
What To Know Before Choosing The Best Sump Pump For Outdoor Use?
In emergencies, sump pumps can be very useful. Many sump pumps in residential buildings are capable of transporting up to 20 gallons of water per hour. That’s a lot considering their size.
The main criteria here is to consider the volume of water that you need to drain. You can consult an expert regarding this matter. Most of the time, a 1/3 HP or 1/4 HP sump pump will suffice.
The best way to determine whether your yard drainage system is functional is to have an expert inspect it personally. Check the following things when it comes to the pump.
Pumping Capacity
Motor size options range from 1/4 HP to 1 HP, and there are also 3 HP and 3/3 HP heavy-duty motors.
However, the most important factor is the amount of water the pump can handle or push per hour. Also, you need to consider the pump’s capability to raise the water level to a certain height.
When a sump pump needs replacing, it’s a good idea to get a more powerful one this time around if it keeps running continuously regardless of the weather or time of year.
Also, the pump should be powerful enough to push water up a tall discharge pipe if your sump basin is very deep or the pump is in a deep-down location.
Pump Switch Type
Due to the switch, the sump pump is activated automatically when the level of the water rises inside the pit. In the long run, a sump pump’s longevity depends heavily on the type of switch it has.
To keep things simple for you, use the switch that comes with your submersible pump. During operation, you need to make sure the switch enables the pump to push out as much water as possible.
Additionally, the pump should be able to be powered down for an adequate time so that the unit can cool completely.
Consider the pit size or sump basin’s size when selecting a switch type. Switches should move freely in the basin without hitting the walls or hitting anything else that may cause them to become stuck.
Build Quality
On a cheap outdoor sump pump, you might be able to score a good deal. When it comes to construction quality, you could merely be wasting money if you need to replace it after a single use.
Plastic and cast metal housings are common in most models, while stainless steel housing is typically found on more expensive models.
The motor must be adequately protected, so keep that in mind. Most submersible units will have a thermally protected pump. This way, the pump will stay cool because of the surrounding water.
Portable Or Submersible?
Choosing a sump pump for your yard comes with a lot of considerations. Choosing between a submersible and portable unit is one of the most significant decisions. There are two main differences between both pumps: the way the water is drawn and the size of the water well.
A check valve collects and disperses water effectively in both drainage systems. The submersible pump is the better choice because it is quieter, lasts longer, and is also more expensive compared to portable utility pumps.
How To Install A Sump Pump Outside?
To install the right sump pump for your home’s drainage system, you will first need to select the right model and then figure out where to direct the pump’s water flow.
Installing it correctly is the most important part. You will have to do some digging and check your building code to see if there are any wires or lines underground.
As for the installation part, there are two ways you can go about this. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional drainage installer company.
Here is a step-by-step installation guide.
- First of all, you will need to find the lowest point in your yard where the water stands still after a storm. This is where you will need to put the sump basin.
- After that, you will need to install the discharge pipe and the check valve. To do that, first, locate the sewer line.
- Now start digging. You will need to dig deep enough to put the sump basin properly. It should also be the lowest spot in your yard.
- At this point, you will have to run your electrical wires and place the discharge pipes as well as the sump pump.
- Now attach the drainage pipe and the run pipe along the yard to a safe location. You will have to do a lot of digging and bury the pipe with clear gravel and dirt.
- After that, do a test run. Make sure everything is working properly.
Precautions
- Although sump pump drain systems can be connected to a storm sewer, you should avoid connecting them to a sanitary sewer for obvious health reasons.
- If standing water collects in your yard, direct it toward a storm drain or a low part on the street. In order to prevent sewage water from getting back up from the storm sewer, you should choose a system that is equipped with an anti-siphon device.
- It is recommended that you direct water away from the exterior of your home by at least 10 feet to prevent water from pooling around your foundation.
- Another concern is electric shock. GFCI outlets should always be installed. These outlets are designed to prevent shocks thanks to the ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
- Avoid plugging your power cord into a regular outlet or extension cable, so you don’t risk getting shocked.
How Do I Keep My Outside Sump Pump From Freezing?
Although these sump pumps are designed to be located outdoors, you will need to take extra precautions if you live in a climate that freezes.
In order to prevent the water and pump from freezing, you will need to prevent cold air from getting into the pit. You would have to ensure that freezing air cannot reach that depth of soil, but it is well above freezing at that depth.
Here are common prevention methods that you can apply that will help keep your outside sump pump from freezing.
- If you have an airtight cover for your pit, make sure it’s well-insulated. In the event of a water freeze, the pump is almost certain to crack. It is also more challenging to test or service a pump that is outside.
- It is impossible for your pump to push out water through frozen drains. Pour hot water down all drains and sewer lines to prevent them from freezing shut.
- Keep ice away from your pump to warm it up. Snow and ice can be removed from the pump basin with a small shovel or even your hands.
- It is a good idea to keep the pump in your garage during a blizzard. The water near the surface will freeze when the weather is below freezing, so you won’t have to worry about draining the yard.
- When it becomes cold, the water at the bottom of your exterior pit could freeze. If your pump is surrounded by water that can turn into ice, then your pump is at greater risk. Before the cold weather sets in, remove as much standing water as possible.
- Covering the pump with a sheet is a simple way to prevent damage and prevent it from freezing. Even though it might not seem like a big deal, it is worth having.
- Sheets and blankets may not be enough to protect your sump pump from heavy snowfall. With a camping tarp covering the basin, you will ensure that the backyard drainage system remains operational as the snow melts.
Final Words for Outdoor Sump Pump
As you see, there are different types of exterior sump pumps for various uses. However, if you truly want to get your hands on the best outdoor sump pump, first, you will need to figure out what you want to accomplish with that pump.
If you are looking for a permanent solution, it’s better to consult with a professional drainage installer company and get their recommendations first. If you want to do it on your own, these sump pumps should be able to do the job.