Some people (like me) rarely think about their sump pumps–unless something goes wrong. Other people obsess about them. Regardless of which camp you are in, sump pumps are an important part of your home protection arsenal. So we have assembled a list of 9 of the best and quietest for you to consider–whether installing your first one or replacing the old, tired one.
Whether your pump runs almost constantly, or only kicks in occasionally, you should have complete confidence that it is doing, or will do, the job efficiently and quietly.
| Top 6 Best Quietest Sump Pumps | Why It's Best | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Glentronics BASEMENT WATCHDOG Big Combo CONNECT | Has most everything. Dual pumps. Battery back-up. 24/7 monitoring. Apps for phone/security system. Great pump capacity. Price and warranty. | ★★★★★ |
| Superior Pump 92151 One HP Cast Iron | Ultra Quiet 1 HP pump. Great GPH production. Good warranty. Family owned and operated since 1932. | ★★★★★ |
| Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible | Long lasting. Quiet. Heavy. Good GPH production from 1/3 HP. Great pump for septic tanks. | ★★★★★ |
| Wayne CDU800 1/2 HP Submersible Pump | Ultra quiet. Reliable. Great GPH production from 1/2 HP pump. Abrasion resistant impeller. Good warranty. | ★★★★★ |
| Zoeller Old Faithful 84 Pedestal Pump | Pedestal pump with good GPH production from 1/2 HP pump. Has been in production for years. | ★★★★★ |
| Glentronics, Inc. THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Model SIT-50D | Very quiet. Ideal for small sump pits. Good GPH production from 1/2 HP pump. Good warranty. | ★★★★★ |
Sump Pump Basics
Just a few things to keep in mind as you look at the pumps we have listed:
- There are 2 basic types of sump pumps to choose from. The most popular and versatile is a Submersible Pump placed in the bottom of the sump pit. Pedestal Pumps also sit on the bottom of the pit, but the motor is attached to a pipe that keeps it above the water level. This design avoids water splashing on the motor along with excess humidity affecting electrical connections by rusting them. Both pumps work well but if, for some reason water gets to the motor of a Pedestal Pump, it will likely short out and quit.
- Sump pumps need electricity to operate. So during a power outage you could have double the fun. No power and a flooded basement. If you do not have a back-up generator, consider a sump pump with a battery back-up. (For information on back-up generators, please see our article The Best Quietest Generators of 2023.)
- Pump Capacity – How many gallons per hour (GPH) will it pump? And to what height? Your needs will determine the size of motor required.
- Sump pumps come in 3 types of housing–metal, plastic, or stainless steel–sometimes a combination of all of these. Costs, and usually lifespan, vary with your choice.
- Different sump pumps have one of 3 types of switches–tethered float, vertical float, and electronic. Choose the one that works best for your situation.
- How quiet is the unit?
Note: Most sump pumps come with a National Pipe Thread (NPT) discharge and/or adaptor. NPT is a national pipe thread standard adhered to by manufacturers, enabling pipes to fit together without cross-threading. For more about NPT please see Wikipedia – National Pipe Thread.
Check Valves
Your sump pump system should be equipped with a check valve, although it is usually not a code requirement. These little units are installed as part of the discharge pipe–typically about 6″ – 8″ from the pump. They prevent water in the pipe from running back into the pit when the pump shuts off. No point in re-pumping the same water over and over.
Almost no sump pump comes with a check valve. Probably because of the various pipe sizes a person could use. You will have to buy one separately and install it at the same time.
Quiet Sump Pump Cover
Submersible sump pumps are generally quieter than pedestal sump pumps. They are in a hole with a lot of surrounding mass, but you can make any sump pump quieter by putting a lid over the hole. Even a single layer of 3/4″ plywood will eliminate a lot of motor and water noise. The pipe and electrical cord on a submersible, or the column and float/switch rod on a pedestal pump can make lid construction a little challenging. My suggestion is to build it in 2 pieces with cut-outs for pipes, etc. Then attach a piece of door stop to one half that will cover the small gap.
Make sure you paint the cover–especially the underside–because of water splashes and humidity. Use a good exterior paint and primer/sealer.
Note: More on how I built my sump cover at the end of the article. Hint: I did not build it like that.
9 Best Quiet Sump Pumps
Most sump pump manufacturers do not assign a decibel rating to their products. But the pumps are equipped with electric motors, which usually run very quietly–quite often under 30 decibels–the sound of leaves rustling, soft music, or a whisper. It is my experience that if you can hear an electric motor itself making whining, scraping, clunking, or ticking sounds, it is not long for this world. And quite often repairing the sump pump’s electric motor costs more than buying a complete new unit. Some fairly decent sump pumps cost less than $100.00 not including any piping or valves, making replacement of an existing unit a better choice because it is completely new and probably comes with a warranty.
Almost all of the sump pump manufacturers listed below make multiple horsepower sizes of sump pumps. I chose sizes ranging from 1/3 HP to 1 HP to be able to show the different gallons per hour pumping rate. And to not be boring by listing 9 half horsepower units. If the manufacturer’s product interests you, it should be a fairly simple process to switch to a pump with a horsepower rating that fits your needs without having to change suppliers.
Note: If you are replacing a sump pump that is attached to a pipe system, it is probably a good idea to stay within the same horsepower range. Quite a few people have replaced a quarter or third horsepower unit with a new 1 HP pump (bigger is better–right?), only to find the increased force and volume of water has blown apart the piping system. Be careful what you wish for.
1) The Basement Watchdog Big Combo CITS-50 Sump Pump
The Basement Watchdog Big Combo CITS-50 Sump Pump takes the worry out of your basement water problems. This is an relatively economical dual pump system that features a 115 volt cast iron primary pump twinned with a battery back up pump. Comes preassembled c/w check valves for each pump. Primary pump discharges 4400 gallons per hour @ zero height and 3540 gallons per hour @ 10 foot vertical height. The battery powered back-up pump discharges 2600 gallons per hour @ zero height and 1850 gallons per hour @ 10 feet vertical height. Primary and back-up pumps can be run simultaneously providing extra capacity (assuming your piping can handle it). Depending on which battery you buy, back-up pumping time varies between 48 hours and 60 hours. This system continuously charges the battery as long as power is available.
Has a 24/7 on the wall monitoring system that can be hooked up to you phone or security system for away from home monitoring–providing real time alerts about your basement water situation. The Permanent Split Capacitor design and upper and lower ball bearings make these pumps energy efficient and very quiet operating.
The Good
- Excellent, quiet sump pump with battery back-up
- Dual pump design provides AC powered pump and battery back-up pump
- Primary pump moves 4400 GPH @ zero TDH/3540 GPH @ 10′ TDH
- Back-up pump moves 2600 GPH @ zero TDH/1850 GPH @ 10′ TDH
- Pumps can be run simultaneously for extra capacity
- Preassembled c/w 2 check valves and 2 float switches
- 24/7 monitoring system with app for phones and/or security system
- UL listed/CSA certified
- 2 year limited warranty
The Not so Good
- A little more time consuming to install–but well worth it.
- Battery not included in package. Must be purchased separately
2) Superior Pump 92151 Stainless Steel 1 HP Sump Pump
The Superior Pump 92151 Stainless Steel 1 HP Sump Pump comes in both 1 HP size and 1/2 HP size (click the correct button on the Amazon site). The 1 HP moves up to 5160 gallons per hour (GPH) and the 1/2 HP moves up to 4500 GPH–both up to 25 vertical feet. Using a combination of materials–cast iron base, stainless steel motor housing, and thermoplastic handle and impeller–they are built to last. These UL/CUL listed and CSA certified pumps have a vertical float switch, a 2″ discharge c/w 1 1/2″ discharge adaptor, and a 10′ power cords with piggy back adaptor.
This is a family owned and operated company since 1932. All of its pumps are 100% factory tested. The clog-resistant thermoplastic impeller will handle solids up to 1/2″. Debris screen should filter out anything larger. The unit weighs just under 17 lbs. with the heavy cast iron base keeping it solidly on the pit bottom. Three cast iron legs keep the debris screen/intake high enough to allow suction.
The Good
- Ultra quiet thermoplastic impeller
- 2 size options–1 HP and 1/2 HP
- Moves up to 5160 GPH up to 25 vertical feet
- Can be used to empty swimming pools or other bodies of water
- Weighs 16.76 lbs. Tends to stay where you put it
- UL listed/CSA certified
- 3 year manufacturer’s warranty
The Not so Good
- None
3) Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 HP
The Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 HP is a versatile pump that can be used in sumps, septic tanks, or for draining swimming pools. With a cast iron body and thermoplastic base weighing 21 lbs. it is heavy enough to stay where you put it. The powerful 1/3 HP motor pumps at 43 gallons per minute or 2680 gallons per hour at 5′ TDH and 1140 gallons per hour at 15′ TDH. Quiet pump made in the USA and UL listed and CSA certified.
The plastic vortex impeller will pass up to 1/2″ spherical objects through the machine. Comes with a 9′ power cord and cast iron switch.
The Good
- Long lasting, heavy, quiet sump pump
- Moves 2680 gallons per hour to a vertical height of 5’/1140 gallons per hour to a vertical height of 15′
- Can be used to drain swimming pools
- Very good septic tank pump
- Weighs 21 lbs. Tends to stay where you put it
- UL listed and CSA certified
- 1 year limited warranty
The Not so Good
- Float is not adjustable
- May have to drill 3/8″ hole in outlet pipe to prevent air lock
4) WAYNE CDU800 1/2 HP Submersible Sump Pump
The WAYNE CDU800 1/2 HP Submersible Sump Pump is made of cast iron and assembled in the USA. The impeller is made of abrasion resistant glass reinforced polycarbonate to provide a reliable longer life. Weighs 17 1/2 lbs. and discharges 5100 GPH at zero TDH and 2040 GPH at 20″ TDH.
Top suction design eliminates air lock, minimizes clogging, and you do not need a weep hole. Fully submersible cast iron construction with stainless steel vertical float switch.
The Good
- Ultra quiet reliable sump pump
- Moves 5100 gallons per hour at zero height/2040 gallons per hour at 20′ vertical height
- Can be used to drain swimming pools and other bodies of water.
- Weighs 17 1/2 lbs.
- UL listed
- 3 year limited warranty
The Not so Good
- None
Note: Wayne also makes the CDU980E 3/4 HP submersible sump pump, which is very highly rated in some places. But I could not in good faith put it on this list after reading the Amazon reviews. A bunch of 1 Star reviews certainly rang a few warning bells for me.
5) WAYNE BGSP50 Guardian Premium Wi-Fi Connected Total Basement Protection System
The WAYNE BGSP50 Guardian Premium Wi-Fi Connected Total Basement Protection System is the Cadillac (or maybe Tesla nowadays) sump pump system. It is essentially two sump pumps connected to a common discharge. One is the standard sump pump plugged into your electrical system and one is a battery operated back-up. Combined pump performance: discharges 5640 GPH @ 5′ TDH and 2040 GPH @ 20′ TDH. (85 gallons per minute at zero vertical height.) The unit is all cast iron and weighs 66 lbs. not including battery. Fully submersible. Glass reinforced thermoplastic impeller. Engineered and assembled in the USA. Back-up battery powered pump will empty 11,000 gallons of water on one fully charged battery.
The battery is not included with the pump. Apple iOS and Android apps available so you can monitor your sump pump from anywhere. Fully redundant dual independent processor. Back up float valve switch if electronic and air switches fail.
The Good
- Considered one of the quietest pumps on the market
- Moves 5640 gallons of per hour @ 5′ vertical height/2040 gallons per hour @ 20 vertical feet
- Back-up battery powered pump will empty 11,000 gallons when fully charged (amount of water in standard swimming pool)
- Weighs 66 lbs.
- 5 year warranty
The Not so Good
- Pricey. But provides peace of mind
- Battery not included. Must be purchased separately
6) Amazon Commercial 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Sump Pump
The Amazon Commercial 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Submersible Sump Pump is an inexpensive light-weight reliable pump. It uses a tethered switch that can easily be adjusted to allow more or less water to accumulate in the sump pit. (I am kind of partial to these switches. We have had no issues with ours for 13 years.) Will pump 51 gallons per minute or 3060 gallons per hour at zero feet of lift and 940 GPH @25 feet. Maximum head (lift) is 29 feet.
This pump has a 1 1/2″ discharge c/w a 1 1/4″ adaptor if required, and a 10′ power cord. Weighs 8.2 lbs. Also available in 1/2 HP size. The top suction strainer keeps dirt and debris from clogging the machine.
The Good
- Inexpensive powerful little pump
- Moves 3060 GPH @ zero feet of lift (51 gallons per minute)/940 GPH @ 25 feet of lift
- Weighs 8.2 lbs.
- Can be used to drain swimming pools and other bodies of water
- UL listed
- 1 year limited warranty
The Not so Good
- Light weight requires solid piping to keep it in place
- Tethered switch requires bigger pit to operate properly
7) Zoeller 84-0001 Old Faithful 84 Pedestal Pump
The Zoeller 84-0001 Old Faithful 84 Pedestal Pump is a 1/2 HP 120 volt machine that keeps the motor out of the pit–eliminating the chance of water splashing it. (It also eliminates having to shove your arm into a pit full of yucky water to retrieve your sump pump.) This pump discharges 3540 GPH @ 5′ vertical lift and 1020 gallons per hour @ 20′ vertical lift. With a cast iron pump housing and base it weighs 23.3 lbs. and comes with a 7 1/2′ electrical cord and a non-clogging, engineered thermoplastic impeller. Switch height is adjustable to suit individual preferences.
The Good
- Well designed and tested machine that has been in production for years
- Moves 3540 gallons per hour @ 5′ head/1020 gallons per hour @ 20″ head
- 7.5′ electrical cord
- Weighs 23.3 lbs.
- UL listed and CSA certified
- 1 year limited warranty
The Not so Good
- Some reviews suggest it is a bit noisier than other pumps.
- A little pricey
Note: I am not a great fan of pedestal pumps although that might have something to do with getting into our septic tank to fish out the one my wife dropped into it.
8) WaterAce WA33CPED Pedestal Sump Pump
The WaterAce WA33CPED Pedestal Sump Pump is a very quiet economical pump. Boasting a heavy duty cast iron base and zinc plated column it weighs in at around 17 1/2 lbs. The top mounted float switch is adjustable and it claims to pass 3/8″ solids without damage to the impeller. Discharges 3480 gallons per hour @ zero vertical lift and has a maximum vertical lift height of 18′.
The Good
- Good economical sump pump
- Many reviews mention how quiet it is
- Moves 3480 gallons per hour @ zero vertical lift
- Weighs 17.41 lbs.
- 1 year limited warranty
Note: I assume that it is UL listed but because I cannot confirm it, I will not claim it to be true.
The Not so Good
- Technical details are a little hard to find
9) The Basement Watchdog Model SIT-50D Sump Pump
The Basement Watchdog Model SIT-50D Sump Pump comes with their unique caged Dual Float System switch, which reduces the chance of the pump not turning on. The SIT-50D is a cast iron 1/2 HP pump that discharges 4400 gallons per hour at zero vertical feet and 3540 gallons per hour at 10 vertical feet with a maximum lift height of 25′. At a weight of 20 lbs. it tends to remain stationary.
The switch design and top discharge design make it an ideal pump for narrow sump pits. The Permanent Split Capacitor design along with upper and lower ball bearings make this unit energy efficient and very quiet. Power cords are 10′ long with a piggy back design allowing for either automatic or manual switch control.
The Good
- Very quiet sump pump ideal for small pits
- Moves 4400 GPH @ zero feet of lift/3540 GPH @ 10 feet of lift
- Weighs 20 lbs.
- UL listed/CSA certified
- Can be used to empty swimming pools and other bodies of water
- 3 year limited warranty
The Not so Good
- Float switch is not attached to the pump. It is made to be attached to the pipe so the installation is a little more involved.
How We Selected The Best Quiet Sump Pump
Although my selections could appear to take on a little bit of a scattergun approach, there is a method to the madness. I am trying to provide the reader with a number of options so she/he can find a sump pump that fits the individual requirements. I feel there is little benefit to you if I just list a bunch of relatively identical products while changing the wording as required. But having said that, each machine has to at least meet some basic requirements:
- Noise. They have to be quiet. Having a sump pump sounding like cement being unloaded will not create a peaceful existence.
- Production. They have be able to do the job efficiently and effectively. Some of these pumps move quite a bit more water than others, but all are capable of a fairly high Gallons Per Hour discharge with a decent lift rate. (We have never been flooded. We live on the Canadian prairie. If we get 3″ of rain in a couple of days, it is a topic of conversation. But I am sure that for some of you, major league water pumping is of serious concern.)
- Installation. The average homeowner should be able to install the pumps themselves without having to call a plumber and/or an electrician except in special circumstances–such as a whole new installation.
- Price. To some extent. The price range starts under $100.00 and goes to over $1000.00. Obviously, there are a few more bells and whistles on some pumps than on others.
- Safety. All electrical equipment and appliances have the ability to cause injury, or worse. Although stuff can happen–like faulty manufacture or forgetting to unplug the thing before working on it–buying a product that meets UL and CSA safety standards is a minimum requirement.
- Warranty. Nothing makes the list without a warranty. But even warranties on the best pumps are not terribly long.
Our Choice for Best Quietest Sump Pump
The Basement Watchdog Big Combo CITS-50 Sump Pump has most everything a person could ask for in a sump pump at a very reasonable price from a company that has been in business for over 30 years. Even though I barely know an app from a cap–or how to use either–I will seriously consider this sump pump if my 15 year old Diamond pump ever gives out.
- Dual pumps–one primary AC powered, one back-up battery powered
- Automatic switching to back-up during power failure
- Pumps can be used simultaneously to move large volumes of water
- Preassembled c/w dual switches and dual check valves
- 24/7 in house monitoring system
- Apps available for phones and/or security system provide remote monitoring
- 2 year warranty
FAQs About Quiet Sump Pumps
Here are answers to some of the questions that people ask about sump pumps. I have provided links to Wikipedia articles that give way more detailed information on the subjects.
What Does UL/CUL Listed Mean?
UL Listed means that the product has passed Underwriters Laboratories safety standards. CUL is the Canadian equivalent.
What Does CSA Certified Mean?
CSA is derived from Canadian Standards Association. CSA certified means that the product meets the acceptable standard set for that particular type of product.
What Does TDH Stand For?
TDH means Total Dynamic Head which is a fancy way of stating how high a fluid is being pumped.
What is a ‘Top Suction’ Sump Pump?
A ‘top suction’ sump pump has the intake located just above the base. This helps keep dirt, stones, leaves, etc. from getting into the pump and reducing its effectiveness or causing damage to the impeller.
What is the Quietest Sump Pump?
Virtually all electric motors are very quiet. It is usually the peripheral attachments that will make the noise. (Think of a half inch stone rattling through your ABS pipe system. All of the sump pumps listed above are quiet. I have tried to list them in order of Best/Quietest. If you plug your pump in before hooking it up and submerging it in water, all you should hear is a low electric hum. Any noise you hear when it is pumping water will not come from the pump.
Is There a Quiet Sump Pump Available?
Sump pumps themselves are usually very quiet–about 30 decibels–the sound of a whisper or leaves rustling. The quietest sump pumps are the type that are completely submerged because the water in the pit and the surrounding material will dampen the noise. The noise, almost invariably, happens in the pipes. They can vibrate if not secured properly which is called water hammer. The sound of water rushing through them or back flowing when the pump turns off. Sucking, gurgling noises if your pit does not have a cover. The sound of gravel trying to pass through the pump or piping.
How do I Make My Sump Pump Quiet?
For all you need to know about making a sump pump quiet, please see our article ‘How To Quiet a Sump Pump – The Only Guide You Need’. From the pit to the pump to the pipes and discharge; we cover it all.
Personal Experience
Where I sometimes try to add little nuggets of information, and sometimes just rant. This includes both.
When we built this house 15 years ago, the law stated that we could not drain our sump into the sewer. So we had to leave an opening in the concrete footing to allow the weeping tile to drain into the sump in the basement. The weeping tile is 20″ lower than the top of the sump pit so a 4″ diameter hole had to magically appear in the side of our plastic sump barrel. Then we had to pump it out onto the lawn or into the ditch. We could not even just trench the weeping tile to the ditch. It is pretty dry here–average of about 20″ of precipitation (rain and snow combined) each year. We probably don’t pump 500 gallons a year. As far as our village septic pond is concerned, that is the equivalent of peeing into Lake Michigan. What kind or gold-plated loopy idiot thinks it is a good plan to pour a bunch of water into my basement–on purpose–so I can pump it out again?
How to Build a Sump Pump Cover
So I have a 45 gallon (imperial gallons) barrel dug into the clay and flush with top of the concrete floor as my sump pit–right in front of the clothes dryer confirming my wife’s theory that she married an idiot. I cut a piece of 3/4″ Good One Side birch plywood to fit into the top of the barrel. 3/4″ down from the barrel top I installed 6 five inch x 1/2″ concrete anchor bolts to set the lid on. (Both of us stand on it and the concrete anchors have great shear strength. Falling into the sump pit is low on the bucket list.) I installed a 2″ long piece of 2″ diameter ABS pipe close to one edge, threaded one end of Little Giant Sump Pump Discharge Hose through that and attached it to the sump pump. I drilled a 7/16″ hole for the electrical wire cut the end off, threaded it through and reattached the plug.
The pipe is about 4″ from the outside wall so the pipe just runs straight up the wall 5′ and through the wall. Two lift rings countersunk into the plywood allow me to lift the lid and swing it to the side for access without disconnecting anything.
And yes, you can consider me a little anal. But my wife is satisfied, which is pretty much all that counts.
