Submersible vs Pedestal Sump Pumps

Before you schedule a sump pump installation, though, you need to decide which type fits your home: submersible or pedestal. In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we break it down in simple terms.

Understanding Your Options

Sump pumps come in two primary configurations: submersible and pedestal. Both accomplish the same basic goal of removing water before it floods your space, but they do it in distinctly different ways. Understanding these differences helps you choose the system that fits your property's needs and your budget.

Submersible Sump Pumps: Quiet and Powerful

A submersible sump pump sits completely submerged in water inside the sump basin. The motor seals tightly to keep moisture out, and the pump activates automatically when water reaches a certain level.

Since the motor stays underwater, the surrounding water helps muffle sound. This makes a big difference if your sump pit sits near a living area. In fact, homeowners often choose submersible models because they run quietly. Plus, the enclosure protects the motor from debris.

Submersible pumps also handle higher volumes of water. Considering Florida’s heavy rainstorms, that extra power is a game changer.

With that said, submersible pumps cost more upfront than pedestal models. Though the benefits often justify the extra cost, the price difference makes some homeowners hesitate. Moreover, you can't simply reach down and investigate when a submersible pump fails. This makes maintenance slightly more complicated.

Pedestal Sump Pumps: Accessible and Budget-Friendly

A pedestal sump pump takes a different approach. The pump mechanism sits at the bottom of the pit in the water, but the motor mounts on a pedestal shaft that keeps it above the pit opening.

The most obvious advantage is cost. Pedestal pumps typically cost half as much as comparable submersible models. For budget-conscious homeowners, this price difference can be decisive. Plus, pedestal pumps generally last longer than submersible models.

Because the motor sits above the pit in open air, it stays cooler during operation. This allows pedestal pumps to run for extended periods without overheating. Also, maintenance and repairs become simpler with pedestal pumps. The motor sits right there in the open where you can see it, hear it, and access it quickly.

Now for the drawbacks. As you might imagine, noise is a problem with pedestal sump pumps. With the motor exposed in open air, these units can be quite loud when running. The exposed motor is also vulnerable to humidity and moisture in the air.

Compared to submersibles, pedestal sump pumps generally pump less volume per cycle – and the exposed pedestal takes up space and isn't particularly attractive.

Add a Battery Backup for Extra Protection

Sump pumps rely on electricity, but storms often knock out power. If the power fails during heavy rain, your primary pump stops working right when you need it most.

A battery-powered backup sump pump solves that problem. When the power goes out, the backup system kicks in to continue pumping water until electricity returns.

Hire a Local Plumber

Whether you need a sump pump installed or are looking for emergency plumbing repair service, the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing is ready, willing, and able to help.

Call or message Mr. Rooter to speak with a live representative. We’re happy to schedule an appointment or have a plumber in Palma Sola, FL dispatched to your location as soon as possible.