Best Pedestal Sump Pump [Updated For 2023]

Have you been researching ways to keep your basement waterproof? Then you must be familiar with sump pumps. And you are probably wondering what is the best pedestal sump pump.

In this post we will present the advantages of pedestal sump pumps and how they compare to submersible ones.

As an answer to what is the best pedestal sump pump, we will present three models. One is premium, another is budget, and the third is best value for money.

Ultimately, we will make a recap of the features that are most desirable in a pedestal sump pump. In the end, you should have a better idea of the pedestal sump pump model that suits you best.

Best Pedestal Sump Pump- 3 Options

Looking how to replace a pedestal sump pump with a new one? We recommend you choosing from the following three models. The decision depends on your preferences and budget.

1.Premium: Zoeller 1/2 HP, 115V Pedestal Pump

The Zoeller 84-0001 Old Faithful 84 Pedestal Pump is a reliable device with 0.5 horsepower. It weighs 10.6 kg and has a wattage of 840 watts. This pump has a compact design and it will not take up much space in your basement.

Pros

1. Durable –Users account for Zoeller sump pumps that have been used for many years. There are even pumps being used for 20 years. This is excellent performance, considering that the average lifetime of a sump pump is 7 years. However, using a sump pump beyond its life expectancy is risky as the product can malfunction at any time. Best is to buy a new one after several years and keep the old one as a spare.
2. Acceptable noise levels – The noise produced by this pump is not very distracting, it can only be heard close to the pump area. Most likely you will not hear it outside your basement.
3. Good performance The ½ horsepower engine is more powerful than 1/3 HP engines found in other sump pumps. The product will do its job as described.
4. Trusted manufacturer – Zoeller have been making pumps for more than 75 years and they manufacture high-quality products. Even the pump’s name, Old Faithful, suggests the product is one you can rely on and has years of tradition behind it.
5. Quality materials – The sump pump has a cast iron housing and base construction while the column is made from PVC to minimize corrosion from hard water.

Cons

1. Beware of depth of sump – The height of the tube on pump drive can be shorter than expected, so measure the depth of the sump before purchasing this pump.
2. Can rust – The pump is made from cast iron, which can rust. If your sump is wet most of the time, rust can become an issue.
3. Most of the pump is made from plastic – Some customers complained about the product including too much plastic, including the drive shaft.

2. Best value for money: Superior Pump 1/3 HP  Pedestal Sump Pump

The Superior Pump 1/3 HP comes in two versions: stainless steel and thermoplastic. The stainless steel and cast-iron version is able to move up to 3,000 gallons per hour. It will lift water up to 20’ of vertical height.

This sump pump can be used to handle liquids up to 180 degrees. This is because its drive shaft, float ball, and impeller are made from stainless steel.

The product is UL/CUL listed (E238091, by UL, 2019) and CSA certified (230584, by CSA, 2019).

Pros

1. Durability – The stainless steel and cast-iron construction make this sump pump a product to be used for a long time.
2. Automatic operation – The float switch turns the pump on and off automatically based on water level in the sump pit.
3. Corrosion resistant –  The most important and vulnerable parts are made from stainless steel: pump column, drive shaft, float ball, float guide, impeller.
4. Powerful motor – The pump features a continuous duty, thermally protected 1/3 HP motor. Superior 92301 works well without overheating or making too much noise.
5. Easy installation – All you need to do is connect the pump to your piping and plug it in.
6. Well-built and efficient – Probably one of the most important aspects in a sump pump – the Superior 92301 is sturdy and powerful. You don’t risk having your basement flooded with this pedestal sump pump.
7. Great customer service – Customers requiring help or assistance were pleased with the excellent customer service provided by Superior.

Cons

1. Poor packaging – Some customers indicated the poor packaging of the product. This makes it prone to damage during transportation.
2. The product is not manufactured in the USA – For those preferring locally-made products, the Superior 92301 will not be an option as it is made in China.
3. Defective products – Some customers complained about receiving as much as two defective Superior 92301 pumps in a row.

3.Budget: Superior Pump 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Pedestal Sump Pump

The Superior Pump 92333 1/3 HP is the plastic version of the previous product. Its thermoplastic build makes it more affordable than its stainless steel and cast-iron version.

Pros

1. Lower price – Replacing stainless steel with plastic has made this version of the product more affordable, while providing the same performance.
2. Easy to service –  The removable base plate makes this sump pump easy to maintain and repair.
3. Great performance The pump handles 3000 Gallons per hour at 0′, 2280 Gallons per hour at 10′ and 900 Gallons per hour at 20′.
4. Long cord The high-quality cord of the Superior 92331 sump pump is 10 ft long, enabling easy installation and service.
5. Thermal overload protection – The thermal overload protection shuts down the pump if the motor overheats.
6. Vital parts made from stainless steel –  The twin-blade impeller is made from corrosion resistant stainless steel, ensuring increased flow and performance.
7. Filtering out debris – The pump can handle up to 3/8 in. solids due to its special filter.

 

Cons

1. Unsatisfactory instructions – Instructions can be difficult to understand for some users.
2. Damages during shipment – The poor packaging causes the damage of Superior 92331 sump pumps during shipment.
3. A less sturdy build – Replacing stainless steel with plastic enables customers to pay 60% of the metal version price. On the other hand, using plastic can make the pump less durable.
4. Shorter warranty – A significant difference between the metal and plastic versions is the warranty period. Superior 92301 has 3 years limited warranty, while its thermoplastic version has a shorter warranty of just 1 year.

What does a pedestal sump pump do?

A pedestal sump pump is a motorized device that sucks water out of your sump pit. Next it pushes the water through a pipe away from your home, on the ground.

The role of a sump pump is to keep your basement waterproof so you avoid water damage to your home. In areas with heavy rainfall, you will need a sump pump to regularly empty the sump pit.

This type of sump pump is called pedestal because the motor is set on top of a pole, outside the sump pit. An impeller is located inside the pedestal and it spins to transport water out of the pit through a pipe. The water is redirected outside your home, far from the basement and the foundation.

Most pedestal sump pumps are automatized nowadays. They activate through a float connected to an activation switch. When water in the pit reaches a certain threshold, the float raises and activates the switch. The sump pump turns on, and when the float reaches again a low position, it also stops automatically.

Differences between pedestal sump pumps and submersible sump pumps

Those looking how to replace a pedestal sump pump are also researching submersible sump pumps. Many find themselves in a dilemma, wondering what type of pump is best for them.

Before anything, let’s see what a submersible sump pump is. Unlike a pedestal sump pump, this device’s engine is submerged and enclosed in a container for protection.

Submersible sump pumps are harder to reach as they are usually installed when the building is constructed. In order to repair them, you will need to cut through the basement floor.

Their advantages, however, are durability, being able to pump larger amounts of water, and handling debris and mud very well.

What features to look at while searching for the best pedestal sump pump?

 

• Instructions

If you don’t know how to replace a pedestal sump pump, clear instructions are very important. Choose a product that comes with complete instructions or look up the installing guide on YouTube.

• Materials being used

If you are willing to spend an extra amount of money on your sump pump, choose one made from metal. Both the luxury and best value for money products we presented are made from cast-iron and stainless steel.

• Automatic operation

Most sump pumps nowadays operate automatically. This means the pump starts working when water reaches a certain level in the pit. You may want to check this feature, especially in budget products.

• Power

Most pedestal sump pump motors come in two versions: ½ and 1/3 HP. You will probably need the ½ HP most powerful version if your sump pit collects large amounts of water.

• Split capacitor

Both Superior sump pumps feature a split capacitor. It’s like the motor having two gears, one for start-up and one for continuous operation. This provides more power with less energy consumption.

• Motor protection

Thermal overload protection shuts down the motor when it overheats, thus preventing malfunctions.

• Customer service

A great product can be ruined by poor customer service. Research the experience other customers have had with certain brands before deciding to buy from them.

• Manufacturer experience

Even if most products today are not manufactured in the USA, manufacturer experience matters. Superior states they have a combined 150 years of pump industry experience. Zoeller, on the other hand, has been producing pumps for more than 75 years.

Extensive manufacturer experience is usually paired with the use of cutting-edge technology. Look for products that are built to last and include high quality components.

Advantages of pedestal sump pumps

If you are reading this, you are probably much inclined to install a pedestal sump pump. This can be a good decision as pedestal sump pumps provide the following benefits:

• Durability

Pedestal sump pumps last longer because their engine is placed outside the pit, away from water.

• Lower upfront prices

The purchasing and installation costs of a pedestal sump pump are lower compared to submersible pumps.

• Recommended for shallow water

When the water level is not too high but you still want to extract water, a pedestal sump pump is the best choice. A submersible sump pump, on the other hand, needs to be fully immersed into water in order to function.

• Easier to maintain

Due to the easy access to pedestal sump pumps, they are easier to maintain and repair.

• Saving money on energy bills

This type of sump pump consumes less energy and enables you to save money on electricity bills.

The downsides of these pumps, though, are not handling solids, being less powerful, and being noisier. They can also be an eyesore in your basement and will require a special rack to install them.

What is the best pedestal sump pump?

The answer depends a lot on your budget. Pumps with metal parts are more expensive and sturdier. On the other hand, a pump made from plastic comes at almost half the price. Using cheaper materials does not necessary affect performance. A budget pump such as Superior can work just as well as its stainless steel and cast-iron version.

Weigh both your performance/durability and budget requirements and you will be able to make a good decision!