Last Updated: January 27, 2022
A sump pump can save your life and protect your property.
You may be thinking, “How?”
Imagine a heavy downpour that floods the basement, and water starts rising under the floor.
If you have an auto-switch sump pump, it starts draining the water immediately. Also, if it has an alarm sensor, it alerts you when the level rises too high.
That’s why we've rounded up the best sump pumps to make it easier for you to find a quiet sump pump for your home. Of these pumps, we ranked the Wayne CDU980E as the best overall. Find out why below.
8 Best Quietest Sump Pumps Reviewed
1. Wayne CDU980E - Best Overall
The iron cast bottom gives this pump stability and prevents corrosion, which means you're going to use it for years. It's also a fully submersible model with a vertical float switch; therefore, you'll not encounter any issues when you place it in water.
On top of that, the Wayne CDU980E uses a top suction design to filter debris and other materials that may clog it.
It's also an ultra-silent sump pump that you can use in your basement without getting sleepless nights.
Pros
- Quiet pumping
- Excellent suction power
- Made of stainless steel for durability
- Easy to install
Cons
- The switch may stop working unexpectedly.
Takeaway
The Wayne CDU980E is a durable sump pump with a stainless steel housing and a cast iron base. It can pump up to 4,600 gallons per hour at 10 feet without clogging from debris.
2. Wayne CDU800 - Best For Your Basement
One of its top features is its iron cast, which makes it durable and sturdy. It's a worthwhile purchase when you live in wetlands as it can pump 5,100 gallons every hour.
If you'd like to pump water to a height of about 10 feet, the Wayne CDU800 pumps over 3,800 gallons an hour.
It's one of the quietest sump pumps you'll ever own, one that won't keep you or your neighbors awake.
Pros
- Solid build
- Pumps up to 5,100 gallons in an hour
- No assembly needed
- Quiet pumping process
- Top suction to prevent clogging
- A carry handle makes it portable
Cons
- More expensive than other models
Takeaway
The Wayne CDU800 is a solid build sump pump made of cast iron. It'll serve you round the clock, pumping up to 5,100 gallons every hour. This pump's top suction design reduces clogging, and it's fully submersible.
3. Wayne VIP50 - Best Lightweight Sump Pump
Wayne has some of the best sump pumps in the market, though some might be over your budget. Thus, the Wayne VIP150 model is one not to overlook.
If you're worried about rust, the thermoplastic casing of this pump puts those worries to rest.
You'll also find the 30-degree swivel adaptor impressive as it connects from any angle.
On the downside, its pumping rate per hour isn't outstanding since, at 10 feet, it discharges up to 1,680 gallons per hour. That's about half the performance of the Wayne CDU800 we talked about earlier.
Hence, you'll have to pump water lower to do it faster. But, it's a lightweight design; it weighs about 6.8 pounds only; therefore, it's easy to move around.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Removes water down to less than an inch
- Lightweight design
- Thermoplastic casing makes it durable
Cons
- It takes longer to pump high.
Takeaway
The Wayne VIP50 pump will drain your basement to under an inch. It's lightweight, easy to carry around from your basement to drain your pool or hot tub.
4. Fluentpower Utility Pump - Best Budget Option
Unlike most sump pumps in our review, this one has an expansive maximum delivery height of about 28 feet. At that height, Fluentpower discharges up to 2,200 gallons per hour, which makes it efficient.
This Fluentpower pump comes with multiple hose adapters that make it easier to start the pump. Further, you can also connect it to a sprayer to irrigate your garden.
Its metallic casing makes it rust-resistant; therefore, you're getting a pump to serve you for years. Also, it comes with a cord that's about 26.2 feet long to drain water from about 23 feet.
With such features and the fact that it works with clean water, this would be a top choice to drain a swimming pool or water tank.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing housing
- Can pump clean water
- Oil-filled seal structure
- For use in many activities, including irrigation
Cons
- No pump switch to turn it off
Takeaway
This powerful pump is submersible, it pumps fast, and its installation is easy. The electric cord is thick and long to drain water from up to 23 feet.
5. Superior Pump 91292 - Best For Salty And Clean Water
It's one of the most expensive pumps in our review, but let's see whether it lives up to its price. First, it has a stainless steel housing to withstand regular wear and tear.
The Superior Pump 91292 comes with a 25-foot cord that pumps up to 1,680 gallons every hour.
Further, this pump has a stainless steel housing that makes it corrosion resistant as it works in salty water. It also has a stainless steel intake screen to filter debris that may clog your pump.
When you want to move it to another site, the large handle is convenient for you. On top of that, it has a 25 feet cord so you can reach the bottom of most tanks.
Pros
- Lightweight
- The large handle makes it easy to carry
- A 25-foot cord
- Pumps both salty and freshwater
Cons
Pumps a low amount of water at 10 feet
Takeaway
The Superior Pump 91292 is silent, it pumps fast, plus it comes with a garden hose adapter.
6. Superior Pump 92301 - Best Pedestal Sump Pump
Here's another model from Superior Pump but with a different design. Though it has a pedestal design, it's sturdy with a cast iron base.
When it's time to service this pump, you'll only take the base plate off. It pumps a commendable 2,280 gallons every hour at 10 feet. What's more, to protect your pump, its thermal overload protection shuts down when the motor overheats.
Pros
- Custom-made motor
- Copper motor windings
- A cast iron base
- Thermal overload protection
Cons
- Its cord is only 10 feet long.
Takeaway
Among the features that stand out in this pump are thermal overload protection and an automatic float switch. It's a long-lasting pump with many parts made of stainless steel.
7. Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate - Best For Septic Tanks
Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate runs even up to 12 hours daily for as long as you need to drain your tank.
The drawback of this sump pump is that you may have to drill a weep hole on the outlet pipe to release any trapped air so that it works without burning itself out.
Pros
- A strong cast iron base
- Float-activated switch
- A 9-foot power cord
- Long-lasting
Cons
- It needs a weep hole for trapped air
- The built-in float switch isn't adjustable
Takeaway
The Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate is a quiet and reliable pump. It runs smoothly, plus it has a cast iron base to prevent rust.
8. Dekopro - Best Design Option
This Dekopro pump serves several functions, such as draining dirty water and pumping water for irrigation purposes, offering a maximum height of 26.2 feet. Its oil-free motor doesn't require maintenance; hence, it's a cost-effective pump.
Further, it's lightweight for easy movement to suit various uses we've mentioned earlier. This pump is quiet; thus, you can use it on residential property.
However, you'll not use it straight from the box as you have to buy the fittings first.
Pros
- Drains water from various places
- A multiple hose fitting
- Under 30 decibels of sound
Cons
- No hose included
Takeaway
If you're looking for a functional sump pump that also has aesthetic appeal, this is it. It resembles a vacuum cleaner, and it has three different hose outlets.
Popular Questions About Quiet Sump Pumps
What Is The Quietest Sump Pump?
The sump pumps we've discussed in this review are quiet. Some produce under 30 decibels of sound, meaning you'll barely hear them from your bedroom when they're pumping water in the basement.
These pumps include submersible pumps like Wayne CDU980E and Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate.
How Can I Make My Sump Pump Quieter?
Here are a few ideas to reduce the noise of your sump pump based on the source of noise,
- Wrap the hose with foam insulation at the point it meets the floor or wall to eliminate the vibrations.
- Reroute the hose pipe if it's encountering many turns and twists from the pit to the surface.
- Replace the motor if it's making a squealing sound.
- Unclog the discharge pipe if there's debris causing a humming sound.
- Lubricate the pump’s motor to tone down its noise.
- Replace your pump with a submerged one.
What Should You Consider When Buying Sump Pumps?
To help you compare the eight sump pumps we discussed earlier, these are the features to look for:
A Submersible or Pedestal Pump?
If you're looking for a quiet sump pump, choose a submersible design as it allows you to cover the sump pit, thereby reducing the noise.
If you have a small basin, then go for the pedestal design. This design is also cheaper, and it lasts longer than a submersible sump pump.
Auto Switch Over Manual Switch
You have to turn a manual switch on when the basement floods. That's a tedious process, given that you might not be at home when it rains, or the downpour may come when you're sleeping.
Durability
Choose a pump with a cast iron base to release the heat into the water. A plastic core can't do this; thus, such a pump won't last long.
Water Pumping Distance
The vertical distance of discharging the water, also called the dynamic head, tells you how many gallons the pump can remove per hour. In the pumps we discussed above, some can pump over 4,000 gallons per hour, discharging it up to 10 feet high.
Horsepower Matters
The higher the horsepower, the better the pump because you want it to pump high and fast.
Also, get a pump with battery backup, plus a long cord that reaches the GFCI outlet.
How Do You Maintain Sump Pumps?
Here are some maintenance tasks:
- Check and remove any debris in the discharge pipe, intake screen, and vent hole.
- Lubricate the pump if your model has parts that need such maintenance.
- Examine it for rusty components that may slow it down.
- Pour some water into the sump pit to turn it on.
- Examine the backup battery and charge it ready for use.
Here's a short guide on how to maintain a sump pump:
As we conclude our discussion on quiet pumps...
The Verdict
The Wayne CDU980E is a submersible pump with a vertical float switch and a sturdy cast iron base that makes it long-lasting.
It discharges about 4,000 gallons of water up to 10 feet high. Another feature that made it rank first in our review is its top suction design that prevents clogging.
If you'd like a cheaper option, there's the budget-friendly Fluentpower Utility Pump that comes with a 26.2 feet cord. It not only drains your basement but also connects to a sprayer to irrigate your backyard.