Pedestal Vs Submersible Sump Pump
Let’s set aside all the details of what sump pumps are, what they do, and all the other nitty-gritty for now.
You’re here to learn one thing and that is the key difference between a pedestal sump pump and a submersible sump pump.
Here’s we go.
A pedestal sump pump is kept on a pedestal above and out of the water whereas a submersible sump pump (as the name suggests) is submerged underwater.
And it is the principal difference.
However, they have a common goal and that is to remove water out of your basement.
If you live in areas where you and you’re home is prone to flooding and frequent heavy rainfall and storm surges or if you live in low land areas, a sump pump is probably the most needed tool that can save your home from being flooded.
You’ve probably guessed it already and that is that there are mainly two types of sump pumps – pedestal and submersible. While their difference is in where they are placed at or in, they ultimately have the same goal and purpose – get rid of floodwater or water that gets into your basement.
In this article, I shall go in detail about the types of sump pumps, their constructional difference and how do they function and their advantages and disadvantages.
Pedestal Vs Submersible Sump Pump
What Is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a motorized (pedestal) or electrical pump (submersible) that is used to get rid of excess water from a basin or “sump pit” usually established in the basement of a home. Typically sump pumps are used in flood-prone regions or low land areas. As the water rises in the basin to a threshold point, it pumps it out to a place safe and far away from home.
Different types of sump pumps
There are generally two types of sump pumps – pedestal and submersible and they are mainly categorized based on their location. The pedestal sits above and out of the water whereas the submersible pump operates underwater.
Pedestal Sump Pump
Unlike a submersible sump pump, a pedestal sump pump is a motorized pump that sits on a pedestal out and above the water level. The way it works is that it has a float switch that gets activated when the water in the basin gets to a certain level. These pumps are intended to work where the water level is not too deep or is shallow.
Although it is a bit noisier than submersible pumps due to its motor residing above the water, these pumps came before the submersible pumps and were used extensively back in the time, and still are popular choices among people for its several advantages. Let’s take a look at both its advantages and disadvantages.
Key Features
- Placed above and out of water usually on a pedestal
- Works by activating and deactivating the motor with the help of float switch
- Motorized and Mechanical
- Long and thin in shape
- Made of stainless steel, cast iron or bronze
Advantages:
- Less expensive and affordable and low initial installation cost
- Consumes low energy to operate and thus saves money
- Easy to maintain
- Easy and inexpensive to repair
- Longer durability and lifespan
- Less exposed to water damage
Disadvantages:
- Noisier than submersible pumps
- Only works for shallow or narrow water level
- Not as heavy-duty as submersible pumps
- Not meant to handle heavy flooding in the basement
- Need permanent establishment on the basement flooring
- Not as fast and efficient in removing water as a submersible pump
Submersible Sump Pump
A submersible pump is a compact electrical pump that is designed in such a way that all the components including the motor are cased within a safe and waterproof container and are usually placed and installed underwater. As they are submerged underwater or fluid, it is hence named such. They are comparatively more expensive than pedestal sump pumps for good reasons as they are more powerful and heavy-duty than pedestal ones. Also as these pumps are submersed underwater they tend to be quieter and less noisy than the pedestal pumps.
The submersible pumps feature waterproof motor (sealed and submerged in oil) making it ideal for underwater immersion. Although a bit pricey than the pedestal sump pumps, they are far more efficient and has significant advantages over the pedestal pumps. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the submersible sump pumps.
Key Features
- Electronic and comes with both automatic and manual switches
- A submersible sump pump is submerged underwater and installed underground
- Watertight motor (sealed and submerged in oil) that separates it from water and makes it waterproof
- Compact and durable and cylindrical
- High water flow rate and powerful with a high horsepower rating
Advantages:
- Since they are submerged underwater down in the basin, they do not take up space in the basement
- Greater water handling and removal capacity and more powerful
- As submerged underwater, it produces very little noise and is very quiet
- Low maintenance required
- More robust and durable
- Higher flow rate (GPH or GPM) and greater Horsepower (HP)
- Both Automatic and Manual switch versions are available
Disadvantages:
- Submersible pumps are relatively more expensive and have a high initial installation cost
- Though not required frequent maintenance, since they are installed underground and underwater, the repairing and maintenance process is a bit labor-intensive and difficult
Conclusion
Selecting a sump pump, whether pedestal or submersible, depends upon your specific requirements and needs. They both have their advantages and disadvantages as mentioned above. While submersible pumps are more powerful, durable, and efficient and have a longer lifespan, pedestal pumps are more cost-efficient and easier to install and maintain.
However, in my personal opinion, if you can afford and can go with the initial installation process, you should consider buying a submersible sump pump, as the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. However, the pedestal sump pump is nevertheless a bad option either.
