Sump Pump Installation and Repair in Missouri

The Best Sump Pump Systems For Your Home

A Leawood sump pump system that failed and lead to a basement flood.

Improper sump pump installations can lead to moisture, odors, and noise coming from the sump pit. By selecting a sump pump that is reliable, quiet, long-lasting, and strong enough to keep your basement dry, you can be sure that your space is best protected from groundwater seepage.

With so many basements flooding these days, many different models of sump pump systems have been designed to handle this. The most common of these sump pumps are pedestal sump pumps, submersible pumps, water-powered sump pumps, and "floor-sucker" models.

We've carefully researched each sump pump model available on the market to determine which model we're willing to stand by when we waterproof your basement.

Below, we've provided a review of all four major sump pump designs, including the strengths and weaknesses of each one. Read on to see how we select our system, and which one is right for you.

Contact us today for your sump pump system installation! We serve Kansas City, Overland Park, Independence, Columbia and many surrounding areas, including Jefferson City, Gladstone, Blue Springs, St. Joseph, Raytown, Lee's Summit, Liberty and nearby.

crawlspace insulation quote in MO, KS, IA

Pedestal Sump Pump Systems

Pedestal sump pump system installed in a home in Leawood

Pedestal Sump Pumps are pumps that are not meant to be submerged in water.

These pumps are mounted above the water line, with a long line from the float switch down into the pit.

(Click each item below for more information.)

Pump Advantages

  • Higher Capacity -- Pedestal sump pumps are one of the higher-capacity sump pumps available on the market. They're more able than some models to keep up with heavy volumes of water.

Pump Disadvantages

  • Frequent Malfunctions -- These low-end pumps are notorious for early burnout. Pedestal pumps also "wander" in their sump pits and can jam their sump pump switch on the side, forcing it to stay on or off.

  • Noisy Operation -- Because the motor is out of the sump pit, the noise from the pump cannot be muffled by a lid. Pedestal pumps usually stand in open pits, which let in odors and humidity.

Submersible Sump Pump Systems

Leawood installation of a submersible sump pump system

Submersible Sump Pumps are installed in a sump pit and are meant to be immersed in water when operating. The water cools the unit to help prevent burnouts, while the sump pit can be covered for noise reduction.

(Click each item below for more information.)

Pump Advantages

  • High Capacity Operation -- Submersible sump pumps are high-capacity units that can keep any basement or crawl space dry. When combined with a battery backup submersible pump, they provide the best protection of available models.

  • Long Lifespan -- Because the cast iron housing around the motor can disperse heat naturally into the water, these self-cooling pumps are long-lasting and reliable protection for your home.

Pump Disadvantages

  • Initial Investment -- While a submersible sump pump will outlast several generations of similar pumps, they cost slightly more on their initial investment than comparable alternatives.

Water-Powered Sump Pumps

Diagram of a water-powered basement sump pump system

Water-Powered Sump Pumps are installed above the pump it and are powered by your water supply instead of electricity. These systems use your town water supply and depend on your home's water pressure for pumping capacity.

(Click each item below for more information.)

Pump Advantages

  • Runs Without Electricity-- Water-powered sump pumps operate by using your local water supply to help discharge water, allowing them to run through many power outages. 3-5 gallons will be used for each gallon of groundwater discharged.

  • Long Lifespan-- These pumps are long-lasting, durable systems that should continue operation for many years.

Pump Disadvantages

  • Low Pumping Capacity-- Unfortunately, water-powered sump pumps run at very low capacity. Heavy rains and water volumes will quickly overwhelm these systems.

  • Requires High Home Water Pressure-- If your home has low water pressure, it will greatly affect how useful these pumps are. If you experience a temporary loss of water pressure, they may fail to operate entirely.

"Floor Sucker" Sump Pump Systems

floor sucker sump pump used for dry basements in Leawood

"Floor Sucker" Sump Pumps will only switch on after the basement has already flooded. They're often used by contractors and many homeowners as an emergency pump to suck the water off of the floor before installing a better waterproofing system.

(Click each item below for more information.)

Pump Advantages

  • Requires No Sump Pit or French Drain -- "Floor Suckers" sit directly on the basement floor. There's no need to install a perimeter French drain or sump pit.

  • No Installation Time -- These pumps are ready for use immediately, making them a good option for emergency use, or to clear out flooded waters before installing a different system.

Pump Disadvantages

  • Does Not Stop Flooding -- Your basement must flood with more than 1/8" of water before this pump begins operation. If you're paying to dry your basement, this is not a solution.

  • Loud & Low Capacity -- These pumps are low-end models that will not be able to keep up with heavy floods. The pump operation, sucking sounds, and discharge line will all contribute to significant noise during operation.

Pedestal Pump Lifespan

Pedestal sump pumps are often mass-produced designs with a double engine casing around the engine that retains more heat than single casings.

This -- combined with the fact that pedestal pumps cannot be immersed in cooling water -- tends to make the engines overheat and break down prematurely.

Pedestal Pump Reliability

Pedestal sump pumps are raised high out of the water, and they generate a great deal of vibration when they're running.

These vibrations cause the sump pump to "wander" in the pit. If the pump drifts too close to the edges, the switch that turns the pump on and off may be jammed in an ON or OFF position, leading to problems. Additionally, the long line between the switch and pump clogs easily.

Pedestal Pump Capacity

Pedestal sump pumps tend to be less-expensive sump pumps that have been mass produced. Often, they are made out of plastic instead of cast-iron.

While much higher in capacity than other models, these low-end pumps are not always strong enough to keep up with the water flowing into the sump pit.

Pedestal Sump Pump Noise

Because a pedestal sump pump cannot be submerged in the water, they cannot be installed within the sump pump liner.

Because of this, they must run while suspended in the air in your basement. They're excessively loud, and the open sump pit below them will collect debris, while allowing odors and humidity into your basement.

Pedestal Pump Lifetime Cost

Pedestal sump pumps are more expensive than water-powered sump pumps and "floor sucker" models, but generally less expensive than submersible sump pumps.

However, because they break down so chronically, you can expect a submersible sump pump, and even a water-powered sump pump, to far outlast a pedestal pump. This makes them a poorer value for your money.

Submersible Sump Pump Lifespan

Submersible sump pumps come in a very wide range of quality and designs. However, submersible models are generally of a higher quality when compared to other models of sump pump,. They naturally disperse heat from the pump into the water around them.

For the longest life, find a submersible sump with a cast-iron center and an appropriately sized liner.

Submersible Pump Reliability

Submersible sump pumps often outlive several generations of pedestal sump pumps. When properly maintained, they can last for many years without failure.

A reliable submersible pump should have no screen on the intake and should include a plastic liner with a stand that keeps it off the bottom, where any debris will settle.

Submersible Pump Capacity

Submersible sump pumps are generally far more heavy-duty and higher-capacity than comparable other sump pump designs.

It's important to note that while submersible pumps are more powerful, the sump pump should be appropriately powerful for the job. If it's too powerful, it will turn on and off repeatedly. If it's not powerful enough, your basement will flood.

Submersible Sump Pump Noise

All sump pumps make at least a little noise, but submersible pumps are the quietest pumps available.

The quietest submersible sump pumps include a liner with an airtight lid, as well as rubber grommets around pipe and wire entrances. The discharge lines should also be large and straight, so that the sump pump isn't trying to noisily force water through narrow pipes.

Submersible Pump Lifetime Cost

The price tag for a single submersible sump pump is higher than other models on the market.

However, a good argument can be made for the quality and long life of submersible pumps. A submersible pump will outlast all other designs, bringing you the best value for your investment.

Water-Powered Sump Pump Lifespan

Water-powered sump pumps are a long-lasting sump pump model that outlasts pedestal pumps and "floor sucker" models by a large margin.

When used is a backup system for a submersible sump pump, water-powered sump pumps can be an appropriate part of a basement waterproofing system.

Water-Powered Pump Reliability

While water-powered pumps can last for a very long time, they are one of the less-reliable options for basement waterproofing.

Water-powered sump pumps rely on your home's water pressure to maintain proper operation. If your home has low water pressure, then your pump may not operate at full strength, resulting in a wet basement.

Water-Powered Sump Capacity

Water-powered sump pumps are, unfortunately, among the lowest-capacity sump systems on the market.

Water-powered pumps depend on your home's water pressure to run. They discharge 3-5 gallons of usable water from your plumbing for every gallon of groundwater pumped out of your house, and during heavy flooding, they are often overwhelmed, resulting in a flood.

Water-Powered Sump Noise

Water-powered sump pumps are among the quietest sump pumps on the market- especially when compared to noisy "floor-suckers" and pedestal sump pumps.

To ensure the maximum noise reduction, make sure the discharge and intake lines are large enough for the water being pumped through. An airtight lid should also be installed around the intake line on the sump pump lid.

Water-Powered Sump Pump System Lifetime Cost

A water-powered sump pump system is longer-lasting than "floor sucker" pumps as well as pedestal sump pumps and shorter-lived than submersible pumps.

At a lower cost, they are a better value than many sump pump models. They use no electricity -- however, they do use 3-5 gallons of water for each gallon of groundwater discharged.

"Floor Sucker" Pump Lifespan

A "floor sucker" sump pump can last for several years, but only because they only run when your basement is flooding at its worst.

A floor sucker cannot compete with a normal pump system when it comes to actual hours of operation, and they should not be counted on to last during heavy volumes, when they're needed most.

"Floor Sucker" Pump Reliability

A floor sucker sump pump will only turn on when the basement floods, making them the least reliable way to keep your basement dry of all models.

Even when a "floor sucker" is on and operating, it will not remove all water in your basement. A 1/8" layer of water, at least, will always remain after the pump completes its operation.

"Floor Sucker" Capacity

"Floor Suckers" are not known to be powerful, high-capacity sump pump systems.

During significant floods and heavy rains, these pumps are likely to be overwhelmed by flooding water, which will rise faster than these pumps can remove it.

"Floor Sucker" Noise

"Floor Suckers" are the noisiest sump pumps of them all -- even louder than pedestal pumps.

These pumps operate directly on your basement floor, discharging through a common garden hose. The literally suck the water from the floor, creating noise from the motor, suction, and through the discharge line (garden hose).

"Floor Sucker" Lifetime Cost

"Floor Suckers" the least expensive sump pumps on the market. They install with no need to create a sump pit or drainage channel, making them fast and inexpensive to install.

However, if you're paying to keep your basement dry, you've come to the wrong place. These are notoriously low-end pumps that can't keep up with heavy rains, and they will never last long.

Share |
Serving MO, KS, IA including the Greater Kansas City area
Our Missouri, Kansas, So.  Iowa, Western Illinois Service Area
Cities in Atchison County, KS
Atchison
Cummings
Effingham
Lancaster
Muscotah

Cities in Brown County, KS
Everest
Fairview
Hiawatha
Horton
Morrill
Powhattan
Robinson

Cities in Doniphan County, KS
Bendena
Denton
Highland
Troy
Wathena
White Cloud

Cities in Douglas County, KS
Baldwin City
Eudora
Lawrence
Lecompton

Cities in Franklin County, KS
Lane
Wellsville

Cities in Jefferson County, KS
Grantville
Mc Louth
Meriden
Nortonville
Oskaloosa
Ozawkie
Perry
Valley Falls
Winchester

Cities in Johnson County, KS
De Soto
Edgerton
Gardner
Leawood
Lenexa
Mission
New Century
Olathe
Overland Park
Prairie Village
Shawnee
Spring Hill
Stilwell

Cities in Leavenworth County, KS
Basehor
Easton
Fort Leavenworth
Lansing
Leavenworth
Linwood
Tonganoxie

Cities in Miami County, KS
Bucyrus
Fontana
Louisburg
Osawatomie
Paola

Cities in Osage County, KS
Overbrook

Cities in Wyandotte County, KS
Bonner Springs
Edwardsville
Kansas City

Cities in Andrew County, MO
Amazonia
Bolckow
Cosby
Fillmore
Helena
Rea
Rosendale
Savannah

Cities in Audrain County, MO
Benton City
Farber
Laddonia
Martinsburg
Mexico
Rush Hill
Thompson
Vandalia

Cities in Bates County, MO
Adrian
Amoret
Amsterdam
Butler
Drexel
Foster
Rich Hill

Cities in Benton County, MO
Cole Camp
Ionia
Lincoln

Cities in Boone County, MO
Ashland
Centralia
Columbia
Hallsville
Harrisburg
Hartsburg
Rocheport
Sturgeon

Cities in Buchanan County, MO
Agency
De Kalb
Easton
Faucett
Rushville
Saint Joseph

Cities in Caldwell County, MO
Braymer
Breckenridge
Cowgill
Hamilton
Kidder
Kingston
Polo

Cities in Callaway County, MO
Auxvasse
Fulton
Holts Summit
Kingdom City
Mokane
New Bloomfield
Portland
Steedman
Tebbetts
Williamsburg

Cities in Carroll County, MO
Bogard
Bosworth
Carrollton
De Witt
Hale
Norborne
Tina

Cities in Cass County, MO
Archie
Belton
Cleveland
Freeman
Garden City
Harrisonville
Peculiar
Pleasant Hill
Raymore

Cities in Chariton County, MO
Brunswick
Dalton
Keytesville
Mendon
Rothville
Salisbury
Sumner
Triplett

Cities in Clay County, MO
Excelsior Springs
Holt
Kansas City
Kearney
Liberty
Smithville

Cities in Clinton County, MO
Cameron
Gower
Lathrop
Plattsburg
Trimble
Turney

Cities in Cole County, MO
Centertown
Jefferson City
Lohman
Russellville
Saint Thomas

Cities in Cooper County, MO
Blackwater
Boonville
Bunceton
Otterville
Pilot Grove
Prairie Home
Wooldridge

Cities in Daviess County, MO
Altamont
Coffey
Gallatin
Jameson
Jamesport
Lock Springs
Pattonsburg
Winston

Cities in Dekalb County, MO
Amity
Clarksdale
Maysville
Osborn
Stewartsville
Union Star
Weatherby

Cities in Gasconade County, MO
Bland
Hermann
Morrison
Mount Sterling
Owensville
Rosebud
Boone

Cities in Gentry County, MO
Albany
Darlington
Gentry
King City
Mc Fall
Stanberry

Cities in Grundy County, MO
Galt
Laredo
Spickard
Trenton

Cities in Harrison County, MO
Bethany
Blythedale
Cainsville
Eagleville
Gilman City
Hatfield
Martinsville
New Hampton
Ridgeway

Cities in Henry County, MO
Blairstown
Calhoun
Clinton
Creighton
Deepwater
Montrose
Urich
Windsor

Cities in Howard County, MO
Armstrong
Fayette
Franklin
Glasgow
New Franklin

Cities in Jackson County, MO
Blue Springs
Buckner
Grain Valley
Grandview
Greenwood
Independence
Kansas City
Lees Summit
Lone Jack
Oak Grove
Sibley
Raytown

Cities in Johnson County, MO
Centerview
Chilhowee
Holden
Kingsville
Knob Noster
Leeton
Warrensburg
Whiteman Air Force Base

Cities in Lafayette County, MO
Alma
Bates City
Concordia
Corder
Dover
Higginsville
Lexington
Mayview
Napoleon
Odessa
Waverly
Wellington

Cities in Linn County, MO
Brookfield
Browning
Bucklin
Laclede
Linneus
Marceline
Meadville
New Boston
Purdin

Cities in Livingston County, MO
Chillicothe
Chula
Dawn
Ludlow
Mooresville
Utica
Wheeling

Cities in Macon County, MO
Anabel
Atlanta
Bevier
Callao
Elmer
Ethel
Excello
La Plata
Macon
New Cambria

Cities in Mercer County, MO
Mercer
Princeton

Cities in Moniteau County, MO
California
Clarksburg
Fortuna
High Point
Jamestown
Latham
Tipton

Cities in Montgomery County, MO
Bellflower
High Hill
Jonesburg
Montgomery City
New Florence
Rhineland
Wellsville

Cities in Morgan County, MO
Barnett
Florence
Stover
Syracuse
Versailles

Cities in Osage County, MO
Bonnots Mill
Chamois
Freeburg
Linn
Loose Creek
Westphalia

Cities in Pettis County, MO
Green Ridge
Houstonia
Hughesville
La Monte
Mora
Sedalia
Smithton

Cities in Platte County, MO
Camden Point
Dearborn
Edgerton
Farley
Kansas City
Platte City
Riverside
Weston

Cities in Putnam County, MO
Lucerne
Powersville
Unionville

Cities in Randolph County, MO
Cairo
Clark
Clifton Hill
Higbee
Huntsville
Jacksonville
Moberly

Cities in Ray County, MO
Camden
Hardin
Henrietta
Lawson
Orrick
Rayville
Richmond

Cities in Saline County, MO
Blackburn
Gilliam
Malta Bend
Marshall
Miami
Nelson
Slater
Sweet Springs

Cities in Sullivan County, MO
Green Castle
Green City
Harris
Humphreys
Milan
Newtown
Pollock
Winigan

Cities in Worth County, MO
Denver
Grant City
Sheridan
Worth

Cities in Pulaski County, MO
Dixon

Cities in Phelps County, MO
Dillon

Cities in Maries County, MO
Vienna

Cities in Clay County, Mo
Gladstone

Please call us at: 1-888-399-2945
Reviews
Testimonials

...I highly recommend your company with the utmost integrity.
Testimonial by Jean from Kansas City Metro; Independence, MO

After having all of my questions patiently answered I have a better understanding of what is going on with our house and how you are planning on fixing it.
Testimonial by John from Kansas City Metro; Alma, MO

credibility icons