Top 4 Water-Powered Sump Pump In 2023: [Tested & Reviewed]

Having a backup pump for any project in the home or the construction industry is essential. Water powered sump pumps are a significant investment for homeowners. They can often be seen in homes, garages, sheds, and other outdoor structures to prevent flooding. A sump pump is not designed to last forever, so you need to replace it every few years.

However, when a power outage strikes, they are essential for protecting your home from water damage and keeping it habitable until the power restores.

This article introduces you to water powered sump pumps, how they work, the advantages and disadvantages, and the top five available water powered sump pumps.

Comparison Of Top Water Powered Sump Pump



IMAGE


MODEL


FEATURES


COST


RATING

Liberty SumpJet Water Powered Sump Pump

PVC material, Corded electric power source, Mechanical components

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4.6 / 5 
 

Zoeller 540-0005 Water Powered Sump Pump

Plastic material, Water power source, 20 gallons per minute (maximum flow rate)

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4.3 / 5 
 

Guardian 747H20 Water Powered Sump Pump

Plastic material, Ac/dc power source, 0.01 ounces weight

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4.8 / 5 
 

Basepump HB1000 Water Powered Sump Pump

Polypropylene material, Air powered source, 5 pounds weight

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4.3 / 5 
 

Basepump RB750 Water Powered Sump Pump

Polypropylene material, Battery powered source, 6 pounds weight

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4.3 / 5 
 

What Is a Water-Powered Sump Pump?

When your main sump pump malfunctions or there is a power outage during a heavy downpour, a water-powered backup sump pump helps keep your home dry. When this occurs and water begins to rise above the primary pump’s float, it turns on automatically.

The water supply to your home will then begin flowing into the sump pump via the pump ejector, creating a powerful suction that removes the water safely.

Find The Best Water-Powered Sump Pump For You:

Are you considering purchasing a water powered sump pump but need help deciding which model to pick?

Don’t worry; I’ve put together a list of the top 5 water powered backup sump pumps on the market to simplify your task. 

You can count on these systems to keep your basement dry if you need them in an emergency.

1

Liberty SumpJet Water Powered Sump Pump

SPECIFICATIONS

  • PVC material
  • Corded electric power source
  • Mechanical components
  • 5 pounds weight

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

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Positive
  • Easy to install
  • Comes fully assembled
  • Clear easy to follow instruction manual
  • Simple & effective backup
  • Peace of mind
Negatives
  • Not for use in an unheated basement

Liberty Pumps’ SumpJet is an excellent choice for residential and commercial installations. It’s a well-made, dependable, and effective pump that can manage high-volume flows and drain lots of water from your sump pit.

The system is simple to mount and install and requires less training. With its adjustable hose clamp and lack of an electrical component, the sumpJet can attach to any inlet pipe.

The SJ10 doesn’t need electricity as your municipal water supply powers it. Moreover, it also covers the typical Liberty 2-year warranty.

The SJ10 has a flow rate of up to 5 gallons per minute and can withstand inlet pressures of up to 100 PSI (GPM). The recommended maximum flow rate is 3 GPM, which can operate with a 5-foot lift.

Although it is a residential sump pump, it can withstand temperatures up to 130°F thanks to its sturdy PVC construction. The discharge is 1.5″ NPT, and the inlet has a built-in check valve to prevent water from flowing back into your home while the pump operates.

Reviews from customers:

Meaty, a resident of the United States, is impressed with the Liberty SumpJet pump. He said, “This pump works great! It gives you the peace of mind you need if you have a flood-prone basement. This pump moves more water per minute than my perimeter drains can dump into the sump pit. Installation was easy, and the shark-bite fitting made the connection easy and quick.”

Bugle M Ranch said, “Very simple installation. Anyone can do it. Best technology out there. I was looking for battery backup systems and found this. Glad I did.”

2

Zoeller 540-0005 Water Powered Sump Pump

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Plastic material
  • Water power source
  • 20 gallons per minute (maximum flow rate)
  • 6.99 pounds weight

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

CHECK THE PRODUCT

Positive
  • Great water-powered back up pump
  • Perfect solution
  • Works great
Negatives
  • Water hammer issues

The Zoeller 540-0005 Sump Pump has a strong motor and delivers top-notch performance. This powerful pump performs well in all kinds of weather and can handle water pressure up to 80 psi.

This sump pump can pump more than 20 gallons of water per minute and can continue functioning even if the main power is off. This makes it the ideal product for house owners with ample crawl space or basements who want to keep their homes dry and safe in the event of a storm.

The system has a 3-year warranty that ensures it will function properly for a very long time and is of non-corrosive materials. The pump is simple and doesn’t require complicated wiring or other installation procedures.

Ultimately, the Zoeller 540-0005 Water Powered Backup Sump Pump is one of the excellent choices if you’re looking for a dependable and high-quality sump pump.

Reviews from customers:

John is quite happy with the purchase. He said, “Zoeller pump is awesome. It was easy to install and pumped out the water great. The float mechanism works great. I can now be worry free if I ever lose power again.”

Jack said, “This pump is a great backup pump. I suggest a plumber for the installation, but buy it yourself.”

3

Guardian 747H20 Water Powered Sump Pump

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Plastic material
  • Ac/dc power source
  • 0.01 ounces weight

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

CHECK THE PRODUCT

Positive
  • Amazing water sump pump
  • Great performance
  • Easy to install
Negatives
  • Not found yet

In a water emergency, the Guardian 747H20 water powered backup sump pump is the ideal device to keep your home secure.

This device aims to ensure that all water drains out of your basement as quickly as possible during the initial stages of flooding.

The pump is made of high-quality brass and has a long lifespan due to its corrosion resistance. The unit can operate at pressures between 29 and 90 psi and has a flow rate of 10 gallons per minute.

The pump can run continuously for years with no issues. It does come with an inlet line, but it will eventually need to be replaced. This pump’s inlet line is 3/4 inches, so your sump pit’s drain pan may not work with it.

The Guardian 747H20 Sump Pump is an excellent option if you want a high-quality emergency water powered sump pump for the least amount of money possible.

4

Basepump HB1000 Water Powered Sump Pump

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Polypropylene material
  • Air powered source
  • 5 pounds weight
  • No maintenance required
  • 23 gallons per minute (maximum flow rate)

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

CHECK THE PRODUCT

Positive
  • Great backup pump
  • Good customer service
  • Easy to install
  • Peace of mind
Negatives
  • Not enough capacity

If you live in a region with a high water table, you need a dependable pump that your family can rely on. The Basepump HB1000 is the most reliable water-powered sump pump available! This pump is simple to set up, easy to take care of, and has a battery-operated warning system!

If you reside in a flooding-prone region, such as the base of a hill or near a stream, it is essential to have a dependable backup pump to stop the potential for costly water damage. Homeowners looking for a reliable water-powered sump pump should consider the Basepump HB1000 as a great option that will not cause malfunctions or leaks.

This pump operates over 10 hours, making it an ideal selection for places frequently subjected to weather-related power outages.

Reviews from customers:

Coolbeans considers Basepump HB1000 as the excellent water powered sump pump that saves the basement. He said, “Best water powered backup sump pump out there. I would highly recommend this for any application where the electricity may go out because when it does, the regular electric sump pump will not work, and your basement will flood. Don’t think twice. This is American-made and works without a flaw!”

Hook said, “Great product, easy install, and is a great peace of mind product with very little maintenance. No battery maintenance.”

5

Basepump RB750 Water Powered Sump Pump

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Polypropylene material
  • Battery powered source
  • 6 pounds weight
  • 15 gallons per minute (maximum flow rate)
  • No maintenance required

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

CHECK THE PRODUCT

Positive
  • Best solution for paranoid flood watchers
  • Saves your basement from flooding
  • Well-engineered product
  • Peace of mind
Negatives
  • No certifications

Basepump offers a dependable water-driven pump with an in-built battery-operated warning system to alert if there is a risk of flooding.

Homeowners looking for a backup pump with a built-in alarm system often opt for the Basepump 750. This system is situated over the sump hole and initiates when it notices the water levels increasing caused by pump breakdown or loss of electricity.

The pressure of the incoming water must be of a certain strength to ensure it can create water pressure. If the flow of the hose is too weak, it won’t be able to generate water pressure.

Reviews from customers:

DPurch is impressed with the Basepump RB750 pump. He said, ” I liked the Basepump design because it’s not mounted in the sump. The instructions are very well written, and anyone with a little mechanical aptitude should be able to install this on their own. I used slip-on solderless connections for the “T” and gate valve, which cost more but are worth every penny.”

Don Schuler said, “This pump is great value for a backup pump. It is good for an electricity-free backup. The price is amazing compared to other units with batteries.”

How Water Powered Sump Pump Works?

Water powered sump pumps use the pressure of your home’s municipal water supply to create a strong vacuum that channels water up from your sump and discharges it outside your home. In contrast, battery backup sump pumps work by pushing water out of your sump pit using an impeller and motor.

An automatic valve/ejector jet unit and a float assembly make up the suction-generating pump in water powered sump pumps —the pump links to your residence’s municipal water line, suction, and discharge pipe.

Your sump’s rising water level lifts the float, which triggers an automatic valve opening that lets city water pass through the pump’s ejector jet. A nozzle and chamber inside this jet transform the water pressure into a vacuum. 

Like a vacuum pump, the low internal pressure results in a strong suction that quickly empties your sump pit as it is significantly lower than the atmospheric pressure outside.

Water Powered Sump Pump Vs. Battery-Powered Sump Pump

Both battery-powered and water powered sump pumps aid in preventing water damage and keeping your basement dry, but how they accomplish this distinguishes them from one another.

Water powered sump pumps drive the pump using water pressure to keep water out. A battery-powered backup pumps water into a discharge pipe outside after being powered by your sump pump.

Water Powered Sump Pump – Advantages

Water powered sump pumps are popular among homeowners for several reasons.

1. Low Maintenance

The maintenance and replacement of water powered sump pumps is not a big deal due to their relatively simple design. Moreover, the water powered sump pump is simple to operate due to the lack of many moving parts. 

However, you should test it periodically and carry out annual sump pump maintenance to ensure it will be functional when needed.

2. It Doesn’t Require Batteries

One of the great benefits of using a water powered pump is that no batteries are needed; as such, you never have to worry about buying new ones or wonder if the ones already in place still work. 

A battery-powered pump requires a new battery to operate every few years if it is not in use and is used even more frequently or if there are prolonged power outages.

3. Long-Lasting

A water powered pump has a 10-year average life. However, you can also extend it by up to 20 years.

Here is an easy tip to extend the life of your system: 

  • Run your sump pump until the float turns on to test it out, then wait until all the water successfully drains before turning it off.
  • Testing the system for any malfunctions.
  • Check for leaks and odd noises.

You should carry out this maintenance procedure at least twice a year for the best results.

4. Reliable

These sump pumps use the municipal water pressure in your home to pump water out of your basement if your main pump breaks down. Therefore, they will keep pumping water out of your house if you can access it.

Battery-powered pumps can only run quickly before needing a new battery. Besides, not all of them operate continuously at the same frequency, which suggests that you may need to replace them if they start pumping less water.

Water Powered Sump Pump – Disadvantages

In addition to their advantages, water powered sump pumps also have drawbacks.

1. Low Pumping Volume

Water-powered sump pumps have a lower pumping rate than other options. While battery-powered backups can remove up to 2,400 gallons of water per hour, on the other side, a water powered sump pump can only remove 1,324 gallons of water per hour.

2. Need Constant High Water Pressure

For most homes, these sump pumps’ recommended water pressure range is between 40 and 60 psi. Therefore, if your water pressure is low, it might not completely drain the water from your basement. 

Besides this, if the homeowner has a well, the water powered sump pump won’t work since it only uses municipal water.

3. Can Raise Your Water Bill

Water powered sump pumps may increase your water bill. They use roughly two gallons of your home’s water supply to pump out one gallon of sump water. 

It might become quite expensive if it needs to run for a while. And if your water powered sump pump continues to run continuously without your knowledge, it could cost you more money.

4. Takes Drinkable Water

Many homeowners are more aware of their environmental impact due to the constant, unfavorable environmental changes. Since water powered pumps need clean water to remove dirty water, many people choose the battery-powered option.

How To Install A Water Powered Sump Pump?

water powered sump pump

Although installing a water powered sump pump is more complex than installing a battery-powered one, it is still doable without hiring a professional plumber. 

Reading the owner’s manual before installing any pump will give you detailed instructions on setting it up and operating it. Since every pump varies slightly, you must know how it works.

Step 1 – Getting Started

Installing a water powered sump pump takes much time and requires breaking through concrete. Determine the location of your main water and sewer lines before you attempt to break through.

Before installing the pump, make sure the drainage around your home doesn’t have any external drainage issues, such as blocked gutters, by looking closely at the drainage system. For convenience and effectiveness, selecting the appropriate equipment is crucial. Select a suitable location for the sump pump to install.

Step 2 – Installing The Water Powered Sump Pump

Break out the concrete at the lowest point of the floor with the jackhammer. Ensure that the opening is near an exterior wall. 

Make a section that is 6 inches wider than the pit liner. The depth of the pit must equal that of the liner. Place the liner in the pit and fill it with gravel. Then seal the space between the pit and the floor with concrete.

Create a hole that is the same diameter as the discharge pipe outside the wall. After inserting the caulking gun into the hole, caulk around the discharge pipe. 

The pump’s electrical cords should be taped to the riser with vinyl electrical tape before the discharge fitting is connected and the pump is set into the pit’s bottom.

Place the pump so the float is a few inches away from the liner for simple and smooth movement. Attach the liner lid over the riser.

Connect the discharge fitting to the discharge pipe on the exterior wall using PVC pipe. Then install the check valve between the discharge fitting and the PVC pipe. The check valve prevents overheating of your pump motor. Seal the connections between the pipes using PVC cement.

Step 3 – Testing

You can now test your pump since the installation is complete. To test the pump’s functionality, add 5 gallons of water to the liner. Frequently, especially before the rainy season, run the pump for a few minutes to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Once the water lifts the float, your pump should start working. The water powered sump pump will be installed successfully without any problems if you carefully follow the abovementioned steps.

Tips For Troubleshooting And Maintaining Water Powered Sump Pump

You can take a few steps to examine and resolve the problem if your water powered sump pump is not pumping water. Here are tips to get you started:

1. The pump may require more power if it cannot draw water from the drainage system. By coupling the pump to a hose and turning on the water supply, you can check the suction power of the device. Consider adding a longer pipe or a more powerful motor to boost the suction power.

2. Verify that all connections are secure and that the pump is installed following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make any necessary repairs after checking for potential leaks near the pump.

3. By priming the pump with water and slowly releasing it into the drainage system, you can test the pump. After being primed, if water begins to leak from the pump, it probably needs lubrication or maintenance. Look for any clogs or obstructions in the drainage system, proper coupling, seal, and hose installation.

4. Check for clogged-up sediment in filters and trap arms since this can eventually result in ineffective pumping performance: regularly clean filters and traps with the proper fluids or mechanical means.

For the proper functioning of your pump, take into account the points mentioned above. However, it would be better to call a professional for assistance if it still needs to be fixed.

How To Choose A Water Powered Sump Pump

Sump pumps can drain standing water from crawl spaces and basements. Choosing the proper type of sump pump and having a water powered backup are both crucial. 

Consider the following factors when selecting the ideal water powered sump pump for you:

1. Size

The size of your basement must be considered when designing your sump pump, but its ability to withstand the force of your water supply is of utmost importance. The model you pick should handle the volume of water your sump pump will be able to remove.

It would be best if you had a sump pump that is large enough to handle the volume of water that is kept in your basement.

Most pumps rate according to the motor’s horsepower (HP) and cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow. The more horsepower and CFM a pump has, the more effective and powerful it is.

The “GPM” system, where GPM stands for gallons per minute, is the most popular rating system for sump pumps. 

The GPM rate can be used to calculate the number of water pumps per minute.

2. Water Capacity

Sump pumps generally have a motor and a reasonably large tank for holding water. Channeling water into the sump pump’s reservoir removes water from the house.

The size of the tank influences a sump pump’s capacity to pump water.

3. Water Pressure

Sump pumps can fail for many reasons. Low water pressure is one of the common causes of sump pump failure. This is particularly true if you live in a city with little rainfall or your water system is under high pressure. 

If you reside in one of these areas, you ought to buy a water pressure booster to raise water pressure.

4. Water Outlet

The outlet’s size is the most crucial factor when selecting a backup sump pump. A small outlet will be helpful if your basement is only a few feet deep. Nevertheless, a large outlet will be more appropriate if your basement is much more profound.

Additionally, the depth of your water level will affect the outlet’s size. A more prominent outlet will be more suitable if the water level is only 3–4 feet deep.

5. Noise Level

The noise your sump pump makes when it fails can be pretty troubling. It can be very frightening when sump pumps make a loud clicking or whirring noise late at night.

However, there are some ways to minimize noise. Ensure your sump pit has enough airflow to keep the water inside first. A fan or an exhaust fan can use for this, but it’s best to put it on a separate circuit.

Consider buying a sump pump with variable speed control. These can lower to reduce noise, which will be beneficial.

How much it costs for a water powered sump pump?

A water-powered sump pump’s cost varies greatly and depends on several factors. With installation, most pumps cost between $100 and $300. The price increases with the number of features, functions, and gallons per hour of drainage! I advise spending a little more to get one of the more dependable pumps because if not, your basement might flood!

How to pick a reliable sump pump?

The sump pumps intend to release water in the event of a flood are the best ones for homes. The ideal home sump pumps should be simple to use, handle larger volumes of water, and have a long lifespan.

Can I use a water powered sump pump for irrigation?

Yes, irrigation can do with a water powered sump pump. There is no issue using water pumps for such a task since they can operate with both electricity and water pressure. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Water Powered Sump Pump

1. How much it costs for a water powered sump pump?

A water-powered sump pump’s cost varies greatly and depends on several factors. With installation, most pumps cost between $100 and $300. The price increases with the number of features, functions, and gallons per hour of drainage! I advise spending a little more to get one of the more dependable pumps because if not, your basement might flood!

2. How to pick a reliable sump pump?

The sump pumps intend to release water in the event of a flood are the best ones for homes. The ideal home sump pumps should be simple to use, handle larger volumes of water, and have a long lifespan.

3. Can I use a water powered sump pump for irrigation?

Yes, irrigation can do with a water powered sump pump. There is no issue using water pumps for such a task since they can operate with both electricity and water pressure. 

Conclusion: Water Powered Sump Pump

Water-powered sump pumps are one of the best ways to manage the water rising in the pit of your primary sump pump. If water rises too fast, it can damage your home’s structure and create a potentially dangerous situation.

Water-powered sumps are ideal for pumping out water clogs in your pit, but they can use to prevent flooding in a home or other building during heavy rains or snowmelt. 

Backup sump pumps run solely on water from your home’s municipal water supply. It can be relied upon to run whenever and for however long needed since no electricity or batteries are used. No power outage or dead battery will cause it to end abruptly.

I hope this article on water powered sump pump sounds helpful!

Michael Bowen

Michael Bowen

Michael Bowen is an ambitious entrepreneur who has been in the business of building homes since he was 19. Michael's commitment to honesty, integrity, and high-quality workmanship has earned him a reputation as one of the best in the business.

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