A sump pump in the basement can stop working for many reasons putting your property at big risk. A sump pump alarm is one of the key parts of a sump pump support system. The alarms keep a strict eye on the sump pump performance and water levels in the pit. It prevents property damage when the sump pump fails to perform and water levels go beyond the permissible limit.
As a layperson, it is quite hard to guess which is the best alarm for a sump pump. Depending upon the requirement of your sump pit, the size of the building, and the potential of the pump, you need to consider various features while buying a sump pump alarm. To help you choose the best alarms for the sump pump, we have reviewed the seven best options you can buy.
Best Alarms For Sump Pump Overview
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Budget Friendly | Budget Friendly
|
Instapark Water Leakage Detection Alarm and Sensor |
|
Check On Amazon |
Premium Pick | Premium Pick
|
Superior Pump 92060 Sump Alarm System |
|
Check On Amazon |
Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty
|
In/Outdoor High Water Alarm |
|
Check On Amazon |
Best Overall | Best Overall
|
Zoeller 10-0623 A-Pak Indoor/Outdoor Alarm System |
|
Check On Amazon |
Editor’s Choice | Editor’s Choice
|
THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Model BWD-HWA Water Alarm |
|
Check On Amazon |
|
Control Products FreezeAlarm Homesitter Water Alarm |
|
Check On Amazon | |
|
Sump Alarm WiFi Sump Pump Alarm |
|
Check On Amazon |
7 Best Alarms For Sump Pump Review
1. Instapark Water Leakage Detection Alarm and Sensor
Instapak Water leakage detection alarm and sensor system is one of the most powerful options. This alarm system is designed for indoor use and offers the best in class loudness. The decibel rating of the alarm is 130 dB making it loud enough for large residential and commercial buildings. It is a low-cost leakage and flood detection solution that uses high-quality sensors. The pump instantly activates when the water level goes beyond the permissible limit.
This efficient system gives you complete peace of mind even in the peak snowmelt and rainy seasons. The alarm uses premium-grade circuitry and sensors making it one of the most efficient flood sores on the market. It uses a 9V alkaline battery as a power source. The battery is reliable and we didn’t face common battery-powered alarm issues like sump pump alarm going off or sump pump alarm backup battery beeping.
The maximum life of the battery is 2 years but to ensure a reliable operation it is advised to replace the battery after every 15 months. This alarm comes with a 44-inch long cord and offers effortless installation. You will get a pack of three sensors and it is advised to install the unit on various positions of the transmission line. The alarms come with a suction cup making the installation super quick and easy.
However, it is not a waterproof unit and its maintenance requirements are higher. For ease of cleaning and maintenance, an adhesive two-sided tape pad comes with the package. The alarm has got thousands of rave reviews for its impressive performance. The biggest downside of the alarm is that it needs battery replacement almost every year. Battery replacement is a costly and time-consuming process.
PROS
- Impressive loudness
- No power outage issues
- Professional grade flooding sensors
- Straightforward installation
CONS
- Regular maintenance requirements
- Battery replacement is so costly
If you live in an area with frequent power outage issues, the Instapark water leakage detector alarm is the best option you can have. This alarm system uses premium-grade sensors that minimize the chances of flooding and prevents property damage even in extreme weather conditions.
2. Superior Pump 92060 Sump Alarm System
Superoyis sump pumps, valves, and other plumbing accessories are famous for their class-leading performance and reliability rating. This alarm system by Superior Pumps comes with all those features that you may look for in the best alarm for a sump pump. The best part of this alarm is that it is highly resistant to corrosion and offers reliable performance with the least maintenance requirements.
The housing of the alarm is constructed with corrosion-proof NEMA. The rust-proof construction not only enhances the service life of the alarm but also prevents your whole system from irreparable damage. This sump pump alarm is designed for indoor uses and includes everything for a ready-to-go experience. We received a 15-inch flat switch along with mounting clips making the installation a real breeze.
Additionally, this is a high-performance pump that will not let you down even in the peak rainy seasons. The alarm has a loudness rating of 87 decibels making it loud enough for big houses. Plus it uses a split motor capacitor with impressive heat resistance. The motor doesn’t heat up quickly and ensures reliable performance for up to several hours.
The power outage issues in the rain and steam are common. This supports 9 Volt battery backup. It means you can sleep peacefully without being concerned about the flooding in the basements. However, the battery is not included in the package and you need to buy it separately. The low battery chirping is also available that helps you minimize the damage.
PROS
- 87 dB loudness rating
- Battery backup support
- Rust proof construction
CONS
- The battery is not included
The superior 92060 sump pump alarms system is designed for indoor use. This is an efficient alarm system that combines a reliable motor and impressive loudness making it perfect for heavy-duty applications. This alarm system is a perfect option for sump pits, large holding tanks, and sewage bins.
3. In/Outdoor High Water Alarm
That high water alarm by the Sump Alarms is one of the most versatile options currently available in the market. This alarm works efficiently in both indoor and outdoor environments. Plus it works efficiently with the basement pits, sump pits, septic tanks, and sewage ponds. What makes the alarm perfect for both indoor and outdoor uses is its solid construction.
It boasts IP67-rated gaskets. The waterproof construction ensures that water does not reach the internals. This flood sensor uses polypropylene float switches. Various float switch size choices are available. This is one of the most efficient flood sensors we have ever used. It detects the increase in water levels within the float switch limit and sends a notification before damage occurs.
Additionally, this alarm is exceptionally loud. The horn’s loudness rating is 90 dB making it equally useful for small and large buildings. Its high-power motor impressively handles the high temperature giving you reliability for performance even in tough situations.
The alarm is built for heavy-duty applications and we didn’t notice any major performance issues apart from some minor flaws. The cord included in the package is a little short and you need an extension to make things work. Plus it doesn’t offer a battery backup limiting its performance in case of a power outage.
PROS
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Class-leading loudness-90 dB
- Different float switch sizes are available
- Perfect for heavy-duty applications
CONS
- No battery backup
- Short power cord
The high water alarm by Sump Alarms is one of the most efficient flooding sensors you can buy. These alarms for sump pumps are built with waterproof material and will not let you down even in extreme weather conditions.
4. Zoeller 10-0623 A-Pak Indoor/Outdoor Alarm System
Zoeller A-Pak alarm system is designed to fit with Zoeller sump pumps. It is a premium-grade sump pump alarm that works equally great in both indoor and outdoor systems. The alarm offers a straightforward sump pump installation with terminal blocks. It also comes with mounting clamps and you can easily mount this system on a wall near the sum pit.
This alarm system works as a sump pump monitor and as a flood detector. It gives timely alerts if the sump pump is not working for any reason allowing you to take the action before the damage occurs. Also, it detects the water going above the permissible limit and gives you flood warnings. The loudness of this alarm is 87 dB which is good for indoor applications. However, for outdoor heavy-duty applications, its loudness level is a bit limited.
It comes with a 15-inch float switch that detects the water within a limit of 10 ft. This alarm is one of the most expensive units you can find on the market. Its biggest limitation is that it only works with Zoeller pumps. The alarm comes with battery backing up and in case of a power outage, you may face issues like a sump pump beeping or a sump pump alarm going off.
PROS
- Exceptionally loud for deep basements
- Straightforward installation with terminal blocks
- Efficient sensor technology
- Can be mounted on the wall
CONS
- Expensive
- Lacks battery backup
Zoeller A-Pak indoor outdoor-indoor alarms system combines efficient sensor technology with exceptionally loud alarms making it the best alarm for sump pumps. It is a perfect option for heavy-duty applications like deep basement pits and city sewer lines.
5. THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Model BWD-HWA Water Alarm
Basement Watchdog water alarm is a battery-powered early warning system that combines solid-state circuitry with an impressively loud horn making it the best alarm for sump pumps. This is an affordable battery-powered alarm that detects the water level in the basement and sends alerts to avoid irreparable damage.
What sets it apart from other alarm systems is its solid-state circuitry. It uses premium-grade electronics promising efficiency even in tough situations. This is a versatile flood and leakage system that can detect the water within a little limit of 1/32 inches. In addition to efficient sensors, this alarm uses an impressively loud horn.
The loudness rating of the horn is 110 dB making it perfect for deep pits and large commercial buildings. Since the alarms are powered by a battery, it ensures a stable performance even in a power outage. It is equipped with an 8V alkaline battery that lasts for around 3 years. Battery replacement is a little complex, expensive, and time taking process.
PROS
- Solid-state circuitry
- Perfect for deep basement pits
- Reliable battery performance
CONS
- Complex battery replacement
If you’re looking for an affordable battery-powered flood monitor for your basement, the Basement Watchdog alarm is the best option you can have. This is a reliable sensor system that comes with a 6-inch float switch and ensures reliable performance in extreme conditions.
6. Control Products FreezeAlarm Homesitter Water Alarm
Control Products FreezeAlarm is a perfect option if you do a lot of traveling. This alarm system connects to your phone to keep you updated about the water level and pump performance in the sump pit. This is an advanced sump alarm system that features a loud horn and a versatile sensor system.
The alarm system not only monitors the water level but also keeps a strict eye on the temperature condition and power status of the sump pit. The alarm connects to the sump pump via an 8-ft cord. It is an independent alarm system that you can mount on the wall. All the installation hardware is included in the package for a ready-to-go experience.
The only issue that we faced during the installation is that it has a short power cord. You need to use a long cord or add an extension to create a reliable connection. This alarm to three phone numbers and in case of any issue it notifies you via calls and SMS. To connect the phone you need to configure it with three phone numbers at the time of installation.
The programming is a little complex and you may need professional help to make things work. This feature makes the unit perfect for people who travel a lot. The alarms also give the low battery notification and ensure that the sump pump is working in the best of its form. The horn of the alarm is pretty loud and it works best even in the large residential and commercial buildings.
PROS
- Notifies on the phone
- Loud horn
- Monitors temperature and power
- Stable electric-powered system
CONS
- Complex programming short power cord
Control Products FreezeAlarm is an advanced sump pit monitoring system that gives you peace of mind even when you’re away from home. With a stable power supply system and loud horns, this is undoubtedly the best alarm for sump pumps.
7. Sump Alarm WiFi Sump Pump Alarm
Final on our list is the wireless alarms for sump pumps. This wifi water sensor by Sump alarm is one of the most advanced sump monitoring systems you can buy. The alarms are designed to fit with a wide range of septic pools, basement bit, and sewer lines. The alarm features an IP 67 waterproof-rated construction.
It gives an uninterrupted performance in all conditions. It uses a propylene float switch that detects the water changes within a range of 6-inch. It is also available in various float switch sizes making it suitable for both commercial and residential applications. The alarm connects to the WiFi and notifies you on the smart devices. Also, you receive email alerts even when you’re away from home. The email alerts are free but if you want to receive voice alerts and notifications, you can buy monthly or yearly subscription plans.
The alarm also uses 90dB alarms and an LED light indicator. It works even in extreme weather conditions and minimizes the chances of property damage due to abnormal water levels in the pump. The only downside of this alarm is that it is expensive. The installation is easy but the configuration process is a little complex and it is advised to go for professional service for an uninterrupted experience.
PROS
- WiFi support
- Free Email notification
- Variation application
- 90 dB horn
CONS
- Expensive
Sump Alarm WiFi water detector is an advanced system designed for the pool sump, grinders, lift station pumps, and sewage line applications. If you are looking for reliable sump pump alarm WiFi, this is probably the best option you can have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put an alarm on a sump pump?
Yes, you can put an alarm on the sump pump. Sump pump alarms monitor the pump’s performance and the water level changes in the pit to help you avoid the damage.
How do I monitor my sump pump?
You can monitor the sump pump by pairing it up with an alarm system. The flood detection alarm notifies you in case of a power outage or any other issues with the pump. Also, it monitors the water level within the pit.
Wrapping Up Sump Pump Alarms Review
We are hopeful that this review will help you choose the best alarm for the sump pump. All the alarms system reviewed above are tested for the reliability and performance in various environments but our top three picks from the list are:
- In/Outdoor High Water Alarm for 90 dB horn, with IP67 rated construction ability to work in most demanding conditions.
- THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Model BWD-HWA Water Alarm for reliable battery, affordable price, effortless installation, and solid-state circuitry.
- Sump Alarm WiFi Sump Pump Alarm for WiFi support, 90 dB horn, and free Email notifications.
If you live in an area where power outage issues are common it is advised to go for alarms with battery backup support. Plus, you must look for waterproof construction since the moisture in the basement shortens the alarms’ service life.
Adam Wilson is the plumbing products Editor for Mechanics Gear, covering everything related to plumbing. He have 15 years of experience as a plumber and written about plumbing gear for over two years and plans to continue writing for a long while to come. Since he started sharing his plumbing knowledge on Mechanics Gear, he loves nothing more than relaxing in his home and and writing his plumbing experiences. Adam Wilson likes finding new plumbing products and dive into, from manuals, forums and different plumbing groups.