Best Heavy-Duty Sump Pumps
Today, we’ll be going over a list of the best heavy-duty sump pumps you can find online. Before I start with the list, I would like to explain some things about heavy-duty sump pumps.
A heavy-duty sump pump is specifically designed for basins that get a lot of water on a regular basis. So, if your basin is constantly getting filled with water, then you will need a pump with a powerful motor.
Of course, that much water will make your basin a nasty place, so your pump will also need to be durable and reliable. Heavy-duty pumps provide both efficiency and durability.
So, in order to provide durability, the average heavy-duty sump pump has cast iron construction with strong shaft seals. Of course, some pumps have something more.
And, the pump can handle that much water on a regular basis because of a thermally protected split capacitor motor, this ensures that the motor won’t overheat from working that much.
Now, an important note, the pump needs to be an adequate size for your basin, if you buy a pump with the wrong size, it will not last more than 2-years.
One more thing to add, heavy-duty pumps are not only needed for basins as described but for sewage drainage too, and emergencies such as flooding. I will make sure to keep this in mind.
So, without further ado, let’s start with the list.
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Table of Contents
1. WaterAce WA50SAS Submersible Sump Pump
Let’s start this list with an example of how a heavy-duty sump pump should be. This is an affordable option that can fit in smaller basins.
Let me show you why I list this as an example. It has heavy-duty cast iron construction and a cast iron impeller. If this is not durable, I don’t know what is.
The motor doesn’t disappoint too, a 1/2 HP split capacitor and thermally protected motor, it can also pump as much as 5100 GPH at 0 feet. Everything that I said above, this pump has it.
Of course, housing and a motor don’t make a sump pump, something extra is needed too. This pump has a non-clogging vortex and it can handle solids too.
I’m not saying that there aren’t better pumps out there, but this one has everything that you
would look for in a heavy-duty pump and it’s affordable too. It looked like a good place to start.
Pros
I like that this is a neat, easy to install, heavy-duty pump. It can fit in almost any basin and it will handle as much water as you need it to.
And, we can’t forget that this WaterAce model has the perfect construction for a heavy-duty pump, users were very happy with it and had it for years.
Cons
Unfortunately, WaterAce only gave it a 2-year warranty, on the surface it would look like they didn’t have much faith in it. However, the pump defied expectations and lasted more than 2 years.
And another thing that I don’t like is that the float switch does not have any added protection. It’s a miracle that users don’t have problems with it but added protection for a heavy-duty pump is a must.
Now that we are done with the example of how a heavy-duty pump should look, we can move on to other pumps.
2. Zoeller M98 Submersible Sump Pump
Let me introduce to you the M98, not that powerful for a heavy-duty pump, but it can be way more efficient than some powerful pumps.
As you may have heard, Zoeller’s signature is durability, so the M98 delivers on that end. It has cast iron housing and stainless-steel screws and seal assembly.
Now, the motor may not be that powerful but it sure can handle heavy-duty, a 1/2 HP thermally protected, split capacitor motor with a maximum flow rate of 3660 GPH at 10 feet.
Some extra features that add a nice touch to the pump are a powder-coated epoxy finish, a clog-resistant design that can handle solids, and carbon, ceramic shaft seals.
Another important information that you should know, the pump is designed for basins larger than 18 inches in diameter.
Pros
Of course, we can’t make a “pros” section without mentioning how durable this pump is. Unlike some other sump pumps, corrosion, leaks and overheating are not words commonly associated with the M98.
I would also like to mention the 3-year warranty, which may not look good but it’s actually pretty good for a submersible pump as they do not last that long.
Cons
Now, I have to say that I’m not impressed by the float switch, and I’m not the only one, users also found that it can be faulty.
Also, the plastic impeller doesn’t make me happy, I think you know what I mean, a plastic impeller doesn’t look good to anyone.
That’s all about the M98, it’s time for another heavy-duty sump pump.
3. WAYNE CDU1000 1 HP Submersible Sump Pump
Now, let me show you a pump for high-volume water removal, an affordable one that has all the features of an average heavy-duty sump pump.
The CDU1000 is an average pump if we look at it from the durability perspective, it has cast iron and stainless-steel construction which is nothing special.
The construction may be average, but the motor is way above average: a 1 HP thermally protected motor that can pump as much as 5100 GPH at 10 feet. You can’t tell me that’s not powerful.
Everything else is specifically designed to make this pump durable as much as it can be. Top suction design to stop clogging, abrasion-resistant impeller, and a guard-protected float switch.
Pros
Now, I would like to compliment WAYNE for making an affordable, neat heavy-duty sump pump. It’s very easy to install and it does not require a large basin.
And, of course, the 5-year warranty. Always keep in mind the warranty, it shows how much faith the manufacturer has in the pump.
Cons
Unfortunately, the CDU1000 can’t handle solids, but then again, almost all WAYNE pumps can’t handle solids. Anyway, keep this in mind if handling solids is a crucial feature for you.
And I can’t say that I’m impressed with the housing, sure, it will endure most basins, but some basins require additional protection.
Now that we are done with this one, I would like to show you my favorite heavy-duty pump.
4. Zoeller M95
So, you may think that I’m overdoing it with Zoeller product but wait till you hear what this pump has to offer, I guarantee you will love it.
If you thought the other pumps are durable, tell me what you think about this. The M95 is all cast iron, the motor, the housing, the switch case, the base, all made from cast iron.
But that is not all that makes it durable, it also has a powder-coated epoxy finish which makes the pump safe from corrosion and overheating during demanding periods.
Now, the motor is just as good as the construction is, thermally protected, split capacitor 1/2 HP motor with a maximum flow rate of 3960 GPH at 10 feet.
You would like to hear that this pump has Zoeller’s latest 2-pole mechanical switch, you can put your faith into this switch, it will not fail for sure.
Pros
First, I would like to mention the 5-year warranty, it really makes me happy when I see a good deal on the warranty, it gives me a warm feeling about the product.
And, what I really love about this pump is that the motor is energy-efficient, only drawing 10.5 amps which is great for a heavy-duty sump pump.
Cons
Now, it’s really hard to find a flow to a pump like this, everything will look like nitpicking, anyways, I found one, and that is the plastic impeller which is bad compared to everything else.
Sorry, but I can’t find another flow to this pump, I simply love it, if you can find one, be sure to share it.
That’s all about my favorite heavy-duty pump, now, I would like to show a pedestal heavy-duty pump, just to have it as an option.
5. WaterAce WA50CPED
This pedestal pump will work just as well as half of the submersible models on this list, the other half has a slight advantage because of the fact that they are designed for specific basins.
As you may know, pedestal pumps last longer than submersible pumps, of course, the WA50CPED couldn’t compete with heavy-duty pumps without its heavy-duty cast iron construction.
I wouldn’t recommend this pump if the motor wasn’t up to standards, thermally protected 1/2 HP motor that has a maximum flow rate of 5000 GPH at 0 feet, it will be fine in most basins.
You will not have any problems with installation, the pump is quite easy to install and the instructions will help even those that are not handy.
Pros
Now, you should know that this is one of the cheapest pumps on this list, it may be an average heavy-duty pump but the price gives it a slight advantage.
And, another thing I love about this model is how quiet it is, you would expect noise from pedestal pumps, however, WaterAce did good with the WA50CPED.
Cons
Of course, this model is far from perfect, we can see that from the nylon impeller. A pump that handles solids needs a better impeller.
Like many WaterAce models, this one has a 2-year warranty too, some may find this a fair deal because of the low price, however, I don’t like that one bit.
Now that we are done with the pedestal pump, it’s time we see a model form Superior Pump.
6. Superior Pump 92151 1 HP
I always want to include Superior Pump in these lists, they have cheap prices but make exceptionally good sump pumps.
In my opinion, the 92151 is one of their best products, it’s very powerful and durable as you may have expected.
I guarantee you will love this motor. A thermally protected split capacitor, continuous duty motor that can pump as much as 4500 GPH at 10 feet.
The construction is as good as with any heavy-duty pump. Stainless steel housing and cast iron base with heavy-duty stainless-steel shaft seals.
On top of all this, this pump can handle solids, and I don’t mean tiny ones, solids as big as 1/2 inches in diameter.
Pros
Besides everything I said above, the good thing about this pump is that it’s so easy to install and maintain, it has a removable screen which really speeds things up if you ask me.
As if the motor was not good enough, Superior Pump made it energy-efficient, it only draws 7.5 amps. I bet you love that.
Cons
Well, I guess we can say that the thermoplastic impeller is a bad thing, it has a clog-resistant design but still, thermoplastic does not sound perfect.
You should know that the pump can come with a float manufacturing defect, so make sure to check the float switch before installation.
That’s all about this model. As I said, heavy-duty pumps are also needed for sewage removal, so let’s look at some sewage pumps.
7. Zoeller M267 Waste-Mate
I have to say that this is one of the best sewage pumps you can find online, and of course, it’s a Zoeller product.
As often is the case, quality comes at a price.
The M267 has impressive durable cast iron design, the switch case, the base, the motor, the housing, all made from cast iron.
Now, the motor is exceptionally good. Even if it’s 1/2 HP, it can still pump as much as 7680 GPH at 10, that flow rate drops to 5340 GPH at 10 feet.
In order to add to the durability, Zoeller made the screws and seal assembly from stainless-steel which can’t rust or corrode.
However, that’s not where the durability features end, the M267 also has carbon and ceramic shaft seals, powder-coated epoxy finish, and hermetically sealed motor.
Pros
Compliments to Zoeller for making one of the most durable pumps, of course, it’s a sewage pump and durability is expected but this is just a tremendous product.
And, I have to say that I’m satisfied with the 3-year warranty, that’s a great deal for a sewage pump, sewage removal can tear a pump to pieces in a year.
Cons
I really don’t like the plastic impeller, I mean, a plastic impeller for sewage removal is just not good enough, it’s reasonable to want more.
Also, the vertical float switch can be faulty, but then again, this is the case with most sump pumps.
That was the first sewage pump, I would like to show you the second one now.
8. Little Giant 511346 Sewage Pump
Now, this is the second sewage pump that I want you to consider, a little cheaper than the Zoeller one but just as good in performance.
It has the same construction as any good durable pump, epoxy coated cast iron housing which is immune to rusting and corrosion.
The motor is good enough for any wastewater removal, a 1/2 HP motor with thermal overload protection, it can pump as much as 7200 GPH at 0 feet, drops to 5700 at 10 feet.
Now, what you will love about this pump are the nitrile mechanical shaft seal and the carbon, ceramic faces. This is the needed protection for harsh sewage conditions.
In addition, the little parts are protected from corrosion too, what I mean is, stainless-steel screws, bolts and handle.
Pros
What caught my eye in this pump is the energy-saving motor, it only draws 9.5 amps, which will save you money in the long run.
The non-clogging design that can pass 2 inches solids is great too, this is a must in any sewage pump, Little Giant added a cast iron volute to protect the impeller.
Cons
Like most of the pumps in this list, this one too has a bad impeller made from nylon, sure, it has added protection, but nylon sounds bad.
You can guess by now that I will have a problem with the warranty, this one has a 2-year warranty, which I don’t think is bad but it makes me feel indifferent.
These were the sewage pumps, let’s see some utility heavy-duty pumps.
9. Homdox 1HP Heavy-Duty Utility Pump
This pump is not to be used in basins, it’s specifically designed for removing water from ponds, floods, etc.
It has a thermoplastic body with metal screws and bolts that are safe from corrosion. This is fine for a utility pump as you don’t use it every day.
I’m quite impressed by the motor, a 1HP motor with thermal overload protection, it can pump as much as 3566 GPH, quite effective for a utility pump.
You can use this pump with different hose sizes, of course, a bigger outlet will give you a bigger flow rate, but that is up to you.
In addition, you can use this pump for pools and dirty water, don’t worry, the chemicals won’t do anything to it.
Pros
Now, this will make you happy, the motor is not oil-filled and there is no need for maintenance, a really useful feature if you ask me.
This is an affordable utility pump for high-capacity pumping, it will quickly get rid of the water you want it to get rid of. Plus, it will last longer than some sump pumps.
Cons
You should know that solids will clog this pump, sometimes, tear it to pieces. Maybe that’s expected from a utility pump but it’s something you should keep an eye on.
When the water reaches the level where the pump is no longer working, it may cause the pump to overburn if you don’t turn it off.
That’s all about the Homdox model, let’s see the last pump of this list, another utility pump.
Want to know the current price of the Homdox Utility Pump?
10. Yescom 1HP Heavy-Duty Water Transfer
I like this option more than the previous one, it doesn’t have as many features but it’s more effective.
It has an oil-cooled heavy-duty motor that can run as deep as 23 feet, its maximum flow rate is 3432 GPH, again, very effective for a utility pump.
Yescom added a float that will automatically turn off the pump at a certain water level, this will prevent the pump from burning out.
Now, the engineered resin construction is nothing special but you can’t ask for more from a utility pump, no basin, no need for cast iron.
Like the previous utility model, this one can be used with different hose sizes too, you can see the hose sizes in the instruction.
Pros
A cheap pump with a powerful motor that will get rid of any excess water you don’t need; it can be used with pools too.
I like the fact that this pump has a float switch, it gives you the luxury to relax while the pump is working and not stand over it like a guard.
Cons
What I really don’t like is the oil-filled motor, maintenance for your sump pump is enough, you don’t need to do that with your utility pump, an oil-free motor saves you time.
Another important thing that I want you to know, this utility pump does not last as much as the previous one, I give it a 1-year maximum, 2 if you are lucky.
Want to check it out for yourself at Amazon?
So, that’s the end of this list, I hope this helped you with your choice or at least gave you some much-needed information.
