Submersible or pedestal
Submersible pumps sit in the basin, run quietly, and handle higher volumes — the right choice for nearly every South Florida application. Pedestal pumps keep the motor above the water, cost less, and last a long time, but they're louder and move less water. If the pit is shallow and the volume is small, a pedestal can be fine.
Sizing it honestly
Capacity is rated in gallons per hour at a given lift height, and the number on the box assumes very little lift. What matters is the flow at your actual discharge height and pipe run.
- Measure the vertical lift from pump to discharge point.
- Note the horizontal run and every elbow — each one costs flow.
- Size for the heaviest rain event you've seen, not an average day.
- Prefer a cast-iron body over plastic for heat dissipation and longevity.
- Use a solid float or electronic switch rather than a cheap tethered float.
Backup power is not optional here
Our worst water events and our power outages arrive together. A pump with no power is a decorative object. A battery backup pump runs for hours on its own; a water-powered backup uses municipal supply pressure and needs no battery at all, but consumes water while running. Whole-home generator owners should confirm the sump circuit is actually on the backed-up panel.
Keeping it working
Test the pump before every rainy season by pouring water into the basin until the float trips. Check that the discharge line is clear, still pitched away from the house, and not blocked by landscaping. Clean debris from the basin, and replace a backup battery every three to five years whether or not it has ever been used.
Want a sump pump sized properly for your home? Call 954-445-6443.
Call 954-445-6443