Best Cheap Sump Pumps: Reviews & Buyers Guide
I understand that not everyone can or wants to buy an expensive sump pump. So, I decided to make a list of the best cheap sump pumps you can buy online.
However, before we start with the list, I want to clarify what can be defined as a cheap sump pump. Considering various factors, I think a reasonable price would be under 100$.
So, we can also look at this article as the best sump pumps under 100$. Even if we may deviate by a couple of dollars from that benchmark here and there.
Now that we got the price range out of the way, we can start with the list.
This article contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase, you essentially buy me a coffee at no additional cost to you. Of course, I promise to drink it while making more helpful content for you! You can always find more information about this in the footer of the website.
Table of Contents
1. Superior Pump 92572
Throughout this list, you will find many Superior Pump models, don’t look at this as advertising, Superior Pump just makes a lot of cheap sump pumps.
I consider this to be the best sump pump that has a price under 100$ and it has everything you need for average water removal.
As expected from a cheap pump, it has a tough thermoplastic construction, however, that does not make it delicate – this pump can withstand most basins.
Now, the motor is quite impressive. 1/2 HP split capacitor, thermally protected motor that can also handle continuous duty, it has a maximum flow rate of 2520 GPH at 10 feet.
Other additional features that may interest you are the vertical float switch and the ability to pass solids 1/2 inches in diameter.
Pros
We can’t ignore that this model has a great motor, besides everything I said above, the motor impresses with how energy-efficient it is, it only draws 4.1 amps.
And, what will surprise you the most is the 3-year warranty, which is perfect for a sump pump under 100$, this gives it a slight advantage over other pumps.
Cons
You should look out for the float switch, it can sometimes be faulty, usually, it does not turn off the pump or it gets stuck. Also, it’s not adjustable.
What I consider to be the biggest weakness this pump has is the need for regular maintenance, without it, this pump would only last 6 months to 1 year.
2. WaterAce WA33PSW
This WaterAce model is my second option. I find it to be one of the best sump pumps under 100$, although you can find the same model with a 1/2 HP motor for 10$ more.
It has some interesting features, anodized aluminum motor housing which cools the motor, thermoplastic motor cover, and a steel base.
I believe you will find the motor quite average, a 1/3 HP that draws 5.1 amps and has a maximum flow rate of 2280 GPH at 10 feet.
Like many cheap sump pumps, this one has a thermoplastic impeller, the difference is, this impeller is wide open and can pass solids.
You can buy the WA33PSW with a wide-angle switch or a vertical float switch, although you would need to pay more for the vertical float switch.
Pros
Installing this pump won’t be a problem for you. If the dimensions are right, installing won’t take more than 15 minutes, the instructions will help those that aren’t handy.
Another good thing, the motor won’t fail you, it’s very reliable and quite efficient for a cheap sump pump, the same can’t be said for some average sump pumps.
Cons
I’m disappointed with the 1-year warranty, although, this seems to be the case with every WaterAce model, no matter the price. Either way, a 1-year warranty is a bad sign.
And, the wide-angle switch is far from perfect, it can come in a poor condition and breaks quite easily; so I would recommend going for the vertical float switch.
We can put a stop to the submersible sump pumps for a while, I want to show you some pedestal pumps.
3. Superior Pump 92301
Now, I would recommend this model before any of the pumps on this list, however, not everyone can handle the noise from pedestal models, and, frankly, submersible models are more popular.
The 92301 fits our under 100$ criteria and is by far better than some expensive models. I guarantee that you will be impressed.
I can say that its construction is superior, the base is made from cast iron, the column from steel, and the impeller from stainless-steel.
The motor is special too, thermally protected split capacitor oil-free 1/3 HP that only draws 2.76 amps and so is very energy efficient. It can pump as much as 2280 GPH at 10 feet.
Superior Pump added some additional features to increase reliability, a metal switch arm, stainless-steel drive shaft, and stainless-steel float ball.
Pros
We must compliment the quality construction, pumps built with these materials are really rare. In addition, the pump has a 3-year warranty, which shows that the materials really make the pump durable.
And, I love that the pump only draws 2.76 amps, even if the 92301 doesn’t last as long as you want it to, it’s still worth it just because of how energy-efficient it is.
Cons
Keep this in mind, debris is this pump’s enemy, it will quickly destroy it. So, I would recommend this pump to homeowners with a neat basin.
Also, the pump is really loud. Of course, this is expected from pedestal pumps, as the sound is not muffled by the water as is the case with submersible sump pumps. Still, pedestal sump pumps usually have some kind of noise suppression, this pump doesn’t.
That can be fine when you use your basement for storage, but if you’ve built your basement into an extension of your living area, you’d do better going for a submersible sump pump instead.
We are done with the 92301 but not with the pedestal models, let’s see another one.
4. FloTec FPPM3600D
This model doesn’t have any special features but it will still pump efficiently and keep your basement safe, let’s see what it has to offer.
I believe you will find the rugged thermoplastic construction quite sufficient; it makes the pump highly resistant to corrosion.
The 1/3 HP motor is quite durable, it has thermal overload protection, and it’s energy-efficient, only drawing 3.5 amps. And, it has a maximum flow rate of 2460 GPH at 10 feet.
As I said, the pump doesn’t offer anything special, the only additional features are the ability to handle solids and the plastic impeller.
Pros
A really neat pump for a low price, it can fit in most basins and it will do its job quite efficiently, also, you will find that installation won’t be a problem.
What caught my interest is the 3.5 amps draw, this energy-efficient pump will pay for itself in a few years.
Cons
And yet again, this pump has a 1-year warranty. I guess this isn’t a problem for some homeowners, however, it’s a crucial factor for me.
Even though the pump can handle solids, it’s very bad at handling debris, I mean, the debris won’t damage the pump but the pump won’t get rid of the debris.
So, I think pedestal pumps are enough for now, let’s go back to the submersible models.
5. FloTec FPZS33V
This FloTec model is far better than the one above, it still falls under our category but it offers better features.
The thermoplastic base is nothing special, it prevents corrosion, however, the zinc motor housing is impressive, it dissipates heat and makes it durable.
On top of that, the pump’s life is extended by the stainless-steel fasteners and hardware, I think this is pretty good for a pump under 100$.
The motor is good as any cheap sump pump motor, energy-efficient 1/3 HP that can pump as much as 2400 GPH at 10 feet.
Pros
I’m a big fan of the Smooth Flow Hydraulics feature. When needed, this pump will provide high-performance output.
We can’t ignore the zinc motor housing, it’s a really good feature. If the base and the impeller
were made with better materials, this would be a great pump.
Cons
I must say that the float switch is not perfect, it quickly becomes wiggly. However, if the pump is sized appropriately with your basin, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Also, you will find that this pump is quite complicated to install, during installation where most users destroy their float switch.
That’s all about FloTec products, it’s time for another Superior Pump model.
6. Superior Pump 92250
With this model, I think you will notice that almost all Superior Pump products are basically the same, similar design with different construction materials.
As always, continuous duty thermally protected split capacitor motor, this one is weaker than the models above, a 1/4 HP with a maximum flow rate of 1200 GPH at 10 feet.
Again, the same corrosion-resistant thermoplastic with stainless-steel motor shaft and fasteners, durable as a thermoplastic model can be.
The bottom suction design targets basins that usually have standing water in them even after the pump finished working, don’t worry, intake screen stops debris.
Additional features that may interest you are the tethered float switch and the ability to handle solids 1/8 inches in diameter.
Pros
The 92250 performs excellently in small basins that usually clog other pumps, the bottom suction design is no accident, compliments to Superior Pump.
I must say that it surprises me how reliable the tethered float switch is, it may not sound attractive but I assure you, it won’t fail you.
Cons
The thing is, if the pump is not used the way it was intended to be used, by that I mean, basins with low water income, the pump is ineffective.
Now, the motor gives me mixed feelings, it looks fine but without regular maintenance, it will get rusty really quick, be sure to put oil in it.
I promise you, no more Superior Pump models, let me show you an unpopular option.
7. Simer 5020B
The Simer 5020B is a lesser-known pedestal model that I consider an average pump that everyone on a budget should consider.
Yet again, a durable thermoplastic construction. I told you from the beginning that cheap pumps with quality materials are a rare thing.
However, the motor makes it a special pump, a 1/3 HP energy-efficient oil-free motor with a maximum flow rate of 2460 GPH at 10 feet, powerful if you ask me.
Good features don’t stop with the motor, the 5020B also has a fully-adjustable float switch with a metal switch arm.
And, if anyone is interested, this pump can’t handle solids, which I think is a good thing considering the materials used for building the pump.
Pros
We can’t make a pros section without considering the motor, 2460 GPH is more than enough for a cheap pump, and the 3.5 amps draw is the cherry on top.
I would like to compliment the vertical float switch, even if we ignore the fully-adjustable feature, the switch still deserves credit for reliability.
Cons
I can’t say that I’m impressed with the housing, sure, almost every model has the same construction but they usually have some added protection for the motor.
And, the 1-year warranty just proves to me that the pump is just not as durable as I want it to be, I don’t think it will last more than a year.
Nothing left to say about this Simer model, another pedestal sump pump follows.
8. Eco-Flo EPP33
This is the last pedestal pump, not as good as the models above but I find it to be efficient and worth the money (check its price here). Let’s see some of its features.
Both the base and the column are made from thermoplastic which is not great, I get it, however,
you can’t ask for more from a cheap sump pump.
It has a 1/3 HP motor with a thermal overload built-in protection and it has a maximum flow rate of 3000 GPH at 0 feet, drops to 2220 at 10 feet.
You will find that the impeller is also made from thermoplastic, it also has a non-clogging vortex design that can handle solids.
Pros
Even though it has thermoplastic construction, the pump is quite durable, that is of course, in basins with normal conditions.
I find this model to be way more efficient in handling solids than the other pumps on this list, for some this isn’t anything special but for others it’s crucial.
Cons
We find the same situation that we found with most of the pumps on this list, a 1-year warranty. I don’t think the price matters when it comes to warranty.
Important note, if sized inappropriately, the float switch will get stuck, it won’t get broken or anything, it just won’t start the pump, beware of that.
Well, folks, these were the best sump pumps under 100$, now, if you don’t mind, I would like to show you some pumps more expensive than 100$, but still considered to be cheap.
9. WAYNE SPF50
Now, this option is essentially the same as the pumps above but it has some slight advantage over them because of some features.
Same as the pumps listed above, it has thermoplastic housing, however, its base is made from epoxy-coated steel, which makes it more durable.
You will find the 1/2 HP motor to be quiet and very efficient, it’s thermally protected and can pump as much as 3360 GPH at 10 feet. You can see that it’s more powerful.
Like all of WAYNE’s products, this one has a unique top suction design that prevents clogging, in addition, the glass is abrasion resistant which makes it quite reliable.
And you will be happy to hear that the SPF50 has carbon/ceramic shaft seals and a cast iron seal plate, this prevents leaks and corrosion.
Pros
The perfect cheap sump pump for average water removal, besides the usual features, you get some WAYNE signature features that make this pump exceptional.
I like the added protection to the float switch, I’m talking about the integrated, guard-protected float switch that it’s quite a reliable mechanism.
Cons
This product has a 1-year warranty too, maybe it was okay with the pumps under 100$, however, this pump has a modern design and deserves more than a 1-year warranty.
Also, the SPF50 can’t handle solids at all, maybe this is a good thing but some homeowners will be disappointed to hear this.
That’s all about SPF50, I think it’s a good choice for you, let’s see something else.
10. Burcam 300781
I would like to end this list with a pump that is over our 100$ limit. I can justify this heresy, because for only a little more money, those extra dollars will buy you something special.
Besides the base, you won’t find the usual thermoplastic construction on this model, it has cast iron motor housing and mechanical rotary stainless-steel seal.
Now, the motor is average but efficient at average water removal. It has a thermally protected 1/2 HP motor with a maximum flow rate of 2200 GPH at 10 feet.
And, anything else that you may want to know is the plastic impeller, tethered float switch, and the fact that it only draws 4.2 amps.
Pros
I would say that this is one of the most durable cheap sump pumps, designed to last even in basins with harsh conditions.
It’s nice to see a 2-year warranty for a change, the warranty is proof enough that this pump is somehow better than the rest of the cheap models.
Cons
I don’t like the plastic impeller, Burcam made an effort to make a reliable sump pump but forgot
about the impeller.
Now, installing the pump is kind of complicated, handy homeowners had no problems, however, the instructions are no help to the unskilled hand.
We are done with the list but don’t go just yet, there is still something I want to tell you that will help you with the choosing process.
What do I need to know about cheap sump pumps?
You can’t buy a good sump pump without getting acquainted with how cheap models are made, what makes them good, and which one best suit your basin.
What you need to know is which materials should the pump have, what kind of a motor the pump should have, what is the intended use of the pump, and what size your pump should be.
Don’t worry, all this will look very simple to you in a minute.
What kind of construction to look for?
As you may have noticed, almost all cheap models have thermoplastic housing and base. Now, this may look reasonable to you, considering the 100$ limit, however, that is not always the case.
Thermoplastics should be enough for average basins, by that I mean, little debris and average water income in the basin. If your basin is more demanding, at least look for a cast iron base.
If this is not the first time you are buying a pump, I think you already know what kind of pump you need. Buy a pump with cast iron construction, if thermoplastics ones were not enough.
However, if this is your first time buying a sump pump, go with your gut, after all, we all learn from mistakes, just make sure your basement doesn’t get flooded.
That’s about it, as I said, it’s not that complicated, it’s time for the motor.
How powerful should the motor be?
Now, this can be kind of tricky, the amount of water that gets in your basin is not the only factor, it’s also important how regularly your basin receives water.
This is best known by experience, you can’t just guess, some homes get water only when it rains, and some homes get water even when it’s not raining because of the naturally wet foundation.
Nonetheless, I recommend a powerful 1/2 HP or 1/3 HP motor for basins that don’t get that much water on a regular basis but when they do, a powerful pump is needed.
However, if your basin needs a pump that will work more than twice a month, a motor with continuous duty design would be nice, no matter the HP.
Also, if you expect your pump to be working quite often, an energy-efficient motor will be perfect for you, the pump will pay for itself in a few years.
I don’t think there’s anything left to say, the last piece of information follows.
How big should my pump be?
Now, many of the users that complain about a bad sump pump have sized their pump inappropriately and just like that ruined it.
Your pump shouldn’t be too small nor too big. It’s best if there is enough space in the basin for the pump to work flawlessly.
If your pump is too big, you will notice problems even during installation. The pump may fit but the switch will get stuck, debris will clog the pump, and corrosion will ruin the motor.
However, if your pump is too small, it will be inefficient. This is pretty obvious, small pumps can’t work in big basins, the pump can’t remove the water efficiently and the motor will burn out.
I know this may confuse you, don’t worry, you can get help online on how to size your pump properly.
Well, folks, that’s it. I hope you had a good time reading the list, good luck with your new sump pump.
