Pedestal vs Submersible: Which Sump Pump Reigns Supreme?

When water accumulates at the lowest area of a building, such as a basement, after a strong downpour or because of a high water table, a sump pump is activated to remove the water. Both pedestal and submersible models are common for sump pumps. Learn the key distinctions between the two so you can decide which one is right for your house.

Submersible Sump Pump

Conversely, submersible sump pumps are made to be completely submerged in the sump pit. They feature a motor and pump enclosed in a plastic or metal enclosure that is designed to keep them dry. Submersible sump pumps provide a number of advantages over pedestal pumps, one of which is that they are far less noisy. Also, because the whole thing is underwater, they usually take up less room. Submersible sump pumps have the advantage of not having to be on the surface, but they might be trickier to service.

Benefits and drawbacks

The sump pit must be deep enough for a submersible sump pump, which is why these pumps are designed to work underwater. Each unit has a motor and pump enclosed in a plastic or metal casing to ensure that neither the motor nor the pump will fail in the presence of water. Submersible sump pumps provide a number of benefits over pedestal pumps, one of which is that they are far less noisy. As the whole thing is underwater, it also takes up less room. Submersible sump pumps have the advantage of not having to be on the surface, but they might be trickier to service.

Pedestal Sump Pump

As the name implies, pedestal sump pumps are mounted on a pedestal above the sump pit. A motor is mounted atop the pedestal, and a pump extends into the lower chamber. The simplicity of servicing a pedestal sump pump is one of its primary benefits. The motor is located above ground, making maintenance and repairs considerably simpler. The motor also lasts longer because it is not constantly exposed to water. A pedestal sump pump’s main drawback is that it is typically louder than its submersible equivalent.

Submersible pumps, of which a pedestal sump pump is an example, are designed to function underwater. These pumps are normally mounted on a metal or wooden pedestal and powered by a DC motor that is either hardwired into an electrical outlet or runs on batteries. When turned on, water is sent upward through an intake valve and out a check valve into a drainage system.

Benefits and drawbacks

As the name implies, pedestal sump pumps are installed on a raised platform above the sump pit. A motor is mounted atop the pedestal, and a pump extends into the lower chamber. The simplicity of servicing a pedestal sump pump is one of its most appealing features. Motors that are mounted above ground are much simpler to repair or replace. Furthermore, the motor does not become wet, so it lasts longer. A pedestal sump pump’s primary drawback is that it is typically louder than its submersible equivalent.

Sump pumps: pedestal or submersible?

Which one is preferable, then? This question is extremely context-dependent. A pedestal sump pump is a good option if your sump pit is large enough and the noise level is tolerable. However, a submersible sump pump may be preferable if installation space is limited and you prioritize silence.

Also, both pedestal and submersible sump pumps come in a wide variety of configurations and features. It is possible to find water-cooled motors in pedestal pumps, which significantly lowers their noise output. If you plan on running your submersible pump for long periods of time, it’s a good idea to invest in a model that has a “high-temp” switch.

Quick feature difference table

Feature	Pedestal Sump Pump	Submersible Sump Pump
Design	The motor sits on top of a pedestal and the pump hangs down into the pit.	The motor and pump are encased in a waterproof housing and are fully submerged in the sump pit.
Maintenance	Easier to access and replace the motor as it is above ground.	Difficult to access for maintenance as the entire unit is submerged.
Noise level	Tends to be louder than submersible sump pumps	Quieter operation
Space	May take up more space	Compact and takes less space
Lifespan	Motors not submerged in water, tend to have a longer lifespan	Motor submerged in water, lifespan may be shorter

Side-by-side comparison chart

Pedestal sump pump	Submersible sump pump
The pedestal is for small drains like laundry tubs, bathrooms, and utility rooms.	The submersible pump is for larger drains like sinks and bathtubs.
A pedestal pump is installed below grade level and is powered by a separate electrical source.	A submersible pump is installed at grade level and connected to the main building’s electrical supply.
Higher power consumption	Lower power consumption
Use larger motor and may provide more pressure.	Use a smaller motor and may provide less pressure.
The pedestal pump sits on top of the slab.	It is designed to be placed under the slab.
It has multiple intakes and outlets.	Features a single intake and discharge.
Highly reliable.	Less reliable.
Easier to install and maintain.	Complicated to install and maintain.
Pedestal sump pumps are less expensive.	More expensive than a pedestal sump pump.

FAQs

How do pedestal sump pumps work?
A pedestal sump pump is a type of pump used to remove water from a sump pit in a basement or crawlspace. It is designed to sit on top of a pedestal or column.

How do submersible sump pumps work?
A submersible sump pump is a type of pump that is installed at the bottom of a sump pit and is made to be immersed in water. When the water level exceeds a specific level, it pumps water out of the pit.

What are the primary distinctions between the pedestal and submersible sump pumps?
The manner the two types of pumps are built and installed is the fundamental distinction between them. A submersible pump is positioned inside the sump pit and is totally immersed in water, as opposed to a pedestal pump that is installed above the sump pit and has a motor set on a pedestal. Although pedestal pumps often cost less than submersible pumps, they are less effective and more noticeable.

Which kind of sump pump is superior?
Several considerations, such as the size of the sump pit, the volume of water that needs to be pumped out, and the homeowner’s budget, will determine whether to use a pedestal sump pump or a submersible sump pump. Compared to pedestal pumps, submersible pumps are typically more effective and quieter, but they are also more expensive.

Can a submersible sump pump take the place of a pedestal sump pump?
A submersible sump pump may be used in place of a pedestal sump pump. The installation procedure, however, can be more challenging and may call for expert assistance.

What is the lifespan of sump pumps?
A sump pump’s lifespan is influenced by a number of variables, including the pump’s quality, how often it is used, and how well it is maintained. A sump pump can survive between 5 and 10 years on average.

Do sump pumps need to be maintained?
A: To keep them operating effectively, sump pumps do indeed need routine maintenance. Cleaning includes cleaning the sump pit, inspecting the motor and switch on the pump, and changing any worn-out or damaged components.

Can sump pumps be used for purposes other than waterproofing basements?
The employment of sump pumps for other purposes, such as draining swimming pools, ponds, and other water features, is true.