5 Best Portable Sump Pumps for keeping Your Basement Dry

Last updated on October 18th, 2022 | By: Grady Galvez

Waterlogged basements and backyards, clogged sinks and more can be really troublesome for a homeowner. Many of them may be having a permanent pump installed but owning a portable sump pump can bring more ease and protection to their home about which they may be inexperienced.

Why a portable sump pump? Who needs it? Why do they outcast other types of pumps?

Portable sump pumps are the quickest and most convenient to respond to flooding & restoration.

This equipment is compact, handy, easy to install and offers many other benefits and is perfect tool for professionals offering water restoration and to tackle flooded basements for their movability and stronger suction, unlike battery backup sump pumps, pedestal or submersible pumps which are fixed in their place.

Even draining standing water after a heavy rain, heavy-pumping, or dealing with occasional jobs, these portable models are just perfect.

You won’t even need to hire a plumber often. Hence, whatever you are looking for before you actually shop one, the list of best portable sump pumps is right here:

Note: After looking and checking out many kinds of pumps we chose the ones that can be picked with one hand and moved easily.

Quick Answer: The Best Portable Sump Pumps

     ★ Best Overall ★       

Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP

Portable Electric Sump Pump

  • Incredible Performance And Lightweight

  • Powerful And Reliable

  • Drains Water Quickly

     ★ Best value ★       

Sump Marine UTP 330

small water transfer pump

  • Small But Strong Enough

  • Easy To Use, Well Built And Quiet

  • Large Pumping Capacity

     ★ Premium ★       

Zoeller 57-0001 M57

hand held water pump

  • Premium Quality And High Flow

  • Build With Best Material

  • Best For Commercial Use

Top Choice Mini Sump Pumps - Detailed Reviews

     ★ Most Recommended ★       

1. Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Thermoplastic Portable Electric Pump

What makes it special?

The VIP50 portable electric pump by Wayne exhibits great power along with quick set-up time that makes it stand out.

Key Features:

  • Delivers dependable performance that lasts for years

  • Features a convenient carrying handle

  • Easy to install, use, and move

  • ½ HP motor

Product Description:

This portable sump pump has a high-flow rate of 41 GPM and lightweight that makes it easy to carry. This has the ability to clear water down to 1/8-inch. Offers you absolute convenience for varied outdoor and indoor uses alike.

This comes with a variety of adapters and features that are user-friendly due to which we like this pump as our choicest pick. It connects to any drainage or hose as the adapters stay compatible. The inside of the VIP50 can hand up to ½ solids, and leaves you with adequate comfort to set and forget.

Pros:

  • Suitable to work in any environment.

  • Made of strong thermoplastic body.

  • Pumps water down to 1/8 inch.

  • The discharge valve swivels 360 degrees to connect the drain lines.

  • Durable.

Cons:

  • Pump doesn’t work in less water (1 in.).

     ★ Best Budget ★       

small water transfer pump

2. Sump Marine UTP 330 GPH Portable Pump

What makes it special?

Not all your tasks will require a pump that is super powerful. The Marine UTP 330 GPH can be used for any on the go house work.

Key Features:

  • Heavy duty 1/10th HP pump.

  • Offers pumping capacity of 330 GPH.

  • Includes 6’ hose and water suction attachment.

  • Operates with standard 115V.

Product Description:

This is another portable pump made from durable metal hose connectors that offers higher reliability over the plastic threads. This heavy-duty 1/10th HP pump is light weight and extremely easy to carry in and around your house.

If you want a perfect product for chores like watering gardens/lawns and draining waterbeds, aquariums, and clogged sinks then this is probably the best option. You remain sorted with the 6’ hose, water suction attachment, along with the impeller replacement kit that comes included with this.

Pros:

  • Made from durable material.

  • Lightweight makes portability easy.

  • Perfect for household tasks.

  • Promises higher reliability.

Cons:

  • Ideal for everyday household water requirements only.

     ★ Best Selling ★       

portable transfer water pump

3. Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump

What makes it special?

When budget is your concern, and still you are looking for a portable sump pump than can be installed and moved in minutes then we advise you to try this.

Key Features:

  • Provides max 1800 GPH.

  • Screen filters large solids.

  • Split capacitor for extra pump power.

  • ¼ HP motor.

  • Double sealed interior protects the motor.

  • Made of thermoplastic exterior body.

  • Perfectly fits 1 1/4″ NPT discharge lines with hose adapter.

Product Description:

This Superior Pump stays portable, durable, powerful, and affordable at less than $50. The pump comes with a unique design and a thermoplastic exterior. The pump can drain water down to 1/8-inches off the ground and also helps in preventing any clogging and damage from particles.

From any small to medium jobs that have to be undertaken in and around the house this pump is a good option. The pump throws water at 30 gallons per minute (GPM) up to 25 ft. in the air. The Superior Pump is appreciated for its thermally insulated thermoplastic body. This pump is durable and built to last for years.

Pros:

  • The body is designed to last-long even in adverse conditions.

  • Comes with a garden hose adapter.

  • Factory tested device.

Cons:

  • You may require an extension cord for some tasks.

     ★ Premium Choice ★       

hand held water pump

4. Zoeller 57-0001 M57 Basement Sump Pump

What makes it special?

This super powerful pump can be easily carried and can be turned-on in minutes.

Key Features:

  • Cast iron and stainless-steel construction.

  • Weighs about 27 pounds.

  • Tested in factory before shipping.

  • Attaches to 1 1/2″ NPT discharge.

  • 3/10 HP pump.

Product Description:

This is a powerful and portable pump that is easy to carry anywhere. Though being one of the biggest yet can be picked up with one hand. This is made using cast iron and stainless-steel material and weighs just 27 pounds. This fits 1.5” discharge lines and comes with an anti-clog vortex impeller.

This is designed to work great for any sort of outdoor use and pass solids up to ½” in size. Since testing in a factory, we appreciate this as you remain confident that you are not getting anything fake or useless.

Pros:

  • Coated cast iron exterior that is rust and corrosion-resistant.

  • Powerful, durable, portable.

  • Able to pass ½” solids and debris.

  • Resolves commercial and residential wastewater issues.

Cons:

  • Has a bit shorter life span than the others in the list.

     ★ Also Great ★       

portable utility pump

5. Superior Pump 92333 1/3 HP - Pedestal Sump Pump

What makes it special?

They are designed to be light and portable yet don’t compromise with their pump power.

Key Features:

  • Pump max 3000 GPH at 20’ head.

  • Stainless-steel body.

  • Fits 1 1/4″ NPT discharge lines.

  • 1/3 HP motor.

  • Powerful enough to handle 90-degree turns in drain pipes.

  • Weighs 13 pounds approx.

Product Description:

The Superior pedestal sump pump may appear skinny but doesn’t sacrifice an inch on pump strength. The pump has the capacity to move up to 3000 gallons of water every hour. This is made of a cast iron body that keeps it strong and durable for a long. The drive shaft keeps it corrosion-resistant and the stainless-steel inside adds to its strength.

The product comes with favorable dimensions 7 x 31.5 x 9 inches and makes it easy to be installed anywhere around your home. This pump can lift water up to 20’ of vertical height and comes with 10’cord length. Engineered with quality components these are 100% factory tested and built to last.

Pros:

  • Easy to carry.

  • Factory tested and approved.

  • Features an adjustable switch on height.

  • Non-corrosive steel drive shaft.

Cons:

  • You have to place and keep it relatively straight.

Why To Buy A Portable Sump Pump? Is It Better Than Others?

In life there are times when you sell, buy, and own a home. Assessing and recognizing the water damage signs are much important as this in future can not only damage the floors, walls, home infrastructure but also may affect the family health.

This could cost you dollars…. and none of us want to be in a situation like this, I guess. The water damage could be of any type that could be due to underlying reasons such as floods, leaks and leaky applications, ice dams, accumulation of water in the basement and some others.

This could happen in any part of the house increasing your troubles. So, needless to mention a portable sump pump works as a boon for saving you from this dreaded damage. Groundwater levels may rise and trouble shooting the wet areas becomes of prime concern.

These portable sump pumps prove to be better of than others and get more recognition due to the undermentioned three most potent reasons:

  • Easy installation and movement

  • Minimal Maintenance

  • Troubleshooting becomes simple

Who Needs It?

There are many reasons when a portable sump pump proves to be of great worth as it can be kept handy, easily moved and activated in case of emergency situations like flooding, water flow, leaks etc. For a few more things it can prove of worth:

  • Clearing backyard floods

  • Draining pool covers

  • Emptying water beds

  • Preventing floods that could be due to heavy rains

handheld water pump

Note: Those of you who reside near a river we recommend you to own a pump of at least ½ HP for dealing with floods after a storm, and a movable pump is far better to use.

Tips You Should Be Aware Of!!

  • Portable sump pumps help in making you get rid of unwanted water despite of the premises or area to be treated. Follow the instructions clearly before you invest and the need you want the portable sump pump for.

  • If you are on a tight budget go for a reasonably-priced model.

  • Do check the warranty features and other niche capabilities of the pump you are planning to buy.

  • In case you have finally bought one then after unpacking the unit, the pump’s operation should be checked by filling the sump with water.

Some More Things To Consider

  • The pump’s horsepower HP should be compared.

  • The interior filters.

  • The body type and design.

  • Max flow rate that is measured in GPM i.e. gallons per minute.

For more comparison you can refer above in the product description of each.

Note: In every situation a super powerful pump is not required, but if you are undergoing and facing a problem like flooding the motor of extra power should be the topmost choice and preference.

The Wrap up

Concludingly, we hope that you after reading the above write-up will be confident enough to pick the best portable sump pump for fulfilling your household needs.

Enough ease and peace of mind you will have while using this handy product. Though all the models mentioned above are great the Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Thermoplastic Portable Electric Pump is one of our choicest due to its amazing features, portability, and performance. Get the one that suits you and your pocket and do check the features thoroughly before shopping for your perfect one.

Portable Sump Pumps FAQ’S

How do portable sump pumps work?

In a portable sump pump, there is an engine that lets the water migrates into the sump pit naturally through soil or drains. It pumps out the water away to keep the building area or basement dry.

How much does a portable sump pump cost?

The cost of buying and installing a portable sump pump completely depends upon the model you are buying.

How long do Wayne sump pumps last?

Wayne sump pump is a machine and no machine lasts forever. It depends on the frequency of use and other others that decide that life span of a sump pump. Wayne sump pump has a great life span expectancy of around 10 years.

What is the best sump pump on the market?

The best sump pump may be different for different people based on their different requirements. If you are looking for most recommended in terms of portability and compatibility, then WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP would be an ideal choice.

Why do I need a check valve on a sump pump?

There is a need to install the check valve on the sump pump to prevent the discharge of water into the sump pit. It doesn’t let water to re-pump that has already been pumped out.