Best Sump Pumps For Septic Tank – Reviewing Top Picks

To get rid of the under-sink smell in the kitchen and bathroom you need to install an efficient sump pump at the septic pool of your home. Choosing a sump pump for greywaters like a laundry drain, home sewage water or a restaurant sink drain can be a little challenging as not all pumps efficiently deal with it.

You need to install a sump pump in the septic tank that is powerful enough to deal with the changing flow rates and solid waste. The market is flooded with dozens of options making it a little hard to figure out the one that is perfectly in line with your needs.

Best Sump Pumps For Septic Tank Overview

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
Budget Friendly	Budget Friendly	Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump	Flow Rate: 2580 GPH Material : Cast Iron, Thermoplastic Weight: 21 lbs.	Check On Amazon
Premium Pick	Premium Pick	Superior Pump Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump	Flow Rate: 2400 GPH Material : Thermoplastic Weight: 7.8 lbs.	Check On Amazon
Heavy Duty	Heavy Duty	WAYNE CDU790 – 1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump	Flow Rate: 4600 GPH Material : Cast Iron, Stainless Steel Weight: 16 lbs.	Check On Amazon
Best Overall	Best Overall	Zoeller Waste-Mate 267-0001 Sewage Pump	Flow Rate: 7200 GPH Material : Cast Iron Weight: 36 lbs.	Check On Amazon
Editor’s Choice	Editor’s Choice	FLUENTPOWER 1/3HP Sump Pump	Flow Rate: 2400 GPH Material : Plastic Weight: 8.6 lbs.	Check On Amazon

5 Best Sump Pumps For Septic Tank Review

To help you choose the best sump pump for septic tanks, I’ve reviewed the five best options below.

1. Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump

Zoeller M53 mighty mate has made its way to the top of the list for its dependability, affordability, and efficiency. I purchased this pump about 2 years ago when I moved to a house with clogged sewage lines and a dead septic pool system. My mistake, I checked everything but didn’t visit the basement. To get rid of smelly bathrooms and basement flooding I hired a professional waterproofing company. After fixing everything, the plumber recommended a Zoeller M53 mighty-mate.

It was a little more than I wanted to spend but since I didn’t want to run on the treadmill anymore, I had a few pints that month and got it. The sump pump was more than what I expected. With a pumping capacity of 43 Gallons per minute and an ability to work as low as 3 inches, this pump is unstoppable in all seasons. The thing that I loved most about this unit was the low maintenance requirements. It comes equipped with a vortex impeller that can keep it from clogging and minimizes the maintenance requirements.

Although it doesn’t ask for maintenance frequently I recommend you regularly monitor it to avoid late-night calls due to pump failure. It comes with a ⅓ HP engine that is powerful enough to handle the sewage flow of a 4 to a 5-bedroom house. The engine comes with thermal overload protection and is one of the most dependable septic pool solutions that you can buy. It comes preloaded with the oil and functions properly even in the most demanding situations.

The float switch is automatically activated when the water level reaches a certain level. It activates and turns off every effectively making it an energy-efficient sump pump. Its cast iron body is highly resistant to corrosion and protects the motor pump and switch. What makes it the best sump pump for septic tanks is its ability to pass larger solids. With a 1.5-inch discharge diameter, it can handle solids up to ⅓ inches with maximum efficiency.

The flow rate at 10- feet is around 43 gallons per minute is okay considering its application in residential septic tanks. To avoid severe clogging issues in the flow pipes you need to clear the debris from the polymer base regularly. Its polymer base is highly accessible making it pretty easy to remove and clean the area. Zoeller M53 comes with a 9-foot power cord. It is long enough to reach a nearby electrical socket.

It doesn’t come with a built-in battery backup system and if you live in a flood zone or area where a power outage is common it’s advised to pair it up with a reliable power backup system. The most significant downside of this pump is that the switch has a relatively shorter life. You need to replace it after every three years to maintain a flawless operation in the septic pool. Another thing that I don’t appreciate much is the one-way valve. The one-way wall is highly prone to air trapping and dry operation that can burn the pump motor.

Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate is one of the most dependable solutions that you can buy for your septic tool. Apart from some minor weep hole clogging issues, I was unable to point out any major performance or quality flaw in this sump pump. With a highly efficient float switch and the ability to work as low as 3-inch, it is the best sump pump for septic tanks.

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2. SuperiorPump 91330 1/3 HP Thermoplastic Utility Pump

The second option to make way to the list of best septic tank sump pumps is Superior 91220. If  Zoeller’s mighty-mate 267 is beyond your budget, this is the option that you can buy. This utility pump is 3x times cheaper than the Zoeller M53 but offers an equivalent power rating and flow rate.

The pump is designed with the needs of small homes in mind. It can dewater the septic pool of a 4-bedroom house with maximum efficiency. The pump is mainly designed for the sump pits in the residential building but with its capacity to pump water within a height range of 25 feet it works really well for the septic pools. The submersible pump comes with a reliable ⅓ HP motor.

Its split capacitor works in two gears-one for the start-up and the other for smooth operation. It results in low power consumption making the pump budget-friendly. Copper motor wiring combined with epoxy-sealed steel shafts makes this sump pump exceptionally reliable and long-lasting.

Its premium-grade thermoplastic body minimizes the chances of accidental failure. All that you need to ensure a smooth flow in a septic pool is regular maintenance. The pump comes with a removable suction solid screen that can block solid up to ⅛ inches. The suction screen blocks the solid and prevents them from entering the impeller.

You need to regularly clean the screen to prevent blockage in the flow lines. With 1-¼ NPT it offers a maximum discharge rate of 2400 gallons per hour at 0’ and 720 Gallon per hour at 20’. It comes with an exterior float switch that is activated when the water in the septic tank rises to a certain level. Once the water drops down to the permissible limit the pump automatically stops working.

If we talk about limitations there is nothing much to say. The biggest issue is that it lacks thermal overload protection. In case of overload, it heats up quickly and shuts off. Additionally, its thermoplastic body wears out more quickly than its cast iron counterparts.

Superior pump 9133 with ⅓ HP motors and class-leading pumping capacity is the best sump pump for septic tanks that you can buy today. Although it is an affordable option it doesn’t compromise quality and performance making it the most dependable effluent pump for your septic tank.

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3. WAYNE CDU790 – 1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump

WAYNE CDU790 is another heavy-duty sump that you can consider to manage the heavy flow in your septic pool. The sump pump is designed for the needs of low-lying areas and is powerful enough to deal with high water flow rates with maximum efficiency. The pump comes equipped with a reliable ½ HP motor and ensures efficient performance to prevent property damage due to water.

The most common reason reported for the basement sump failure is the motor. The motor isn’t tested for around 1 million operations, making it one of the most trustable options. Its motor is made of steel and features a corrosion-resistant body and epoxy sealing.

It prevents the water from entering the internal motor parts and ensures reliable performance for many years to come. Furthermore, it uses a cast iron body with stainless steel fasteners making it highly resistant to water damage. Air locking due to weep holes is another issue that can lead to dry operation and motor failure.

Thankfully this pump features a top suction design that eliminates the need for weep holes. The pump offers direct fit and the installation process takes less than half an hour. The pump can handle a discharge rate of 3800 gallons per hour at 10 feet that’s pretty impressive.

The pump uses a vertical float switch that efficiently activates when the water reaches a certain level. Its activation level is 9 inches and off-level is 4 inches. However, you can install this pump in large septic tanks as low as 22 -inches. The pump activation range is compatible with residential building sump tanks. Since it is made for residential buildings the pump offers an ultra-quiet operation.

The biggest downside of this unit is its unreliable switch operation. It worked fine for the first 6 months but later on, I noticed some unexpected issues. The float was unable to engage the switch even when the water was a half inch above the permissible limit. Also, it doesn’t come with a check valve that you need to buy to minimize the chances of accidental failure.

Wayne CDU790 with an impressive pumping capacity and waterproof motor design is the best sump pump for septic tanks. The pump comes with a reliable vortex impeller that ensures blockage-free discharge operation and keeps the septic pool dry even under the maximum load.

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4. Zoeller Waste-Mate 267-0001 Sewage Pump

If your septic and sewer lines are highly prone to solid waste blockage consider this professional-grade sewer pump by Zoeller. Zoeller M267 waste mate pump can pass up to 2-inch solids making it one of the best options for septic tanks. A pump is an expensive option and it is designed for the needs of commercial-grade applications like cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

The pump comes equipped with a ½ horsepower highly efficient motor. The best feature is a split capacitor design that ensures an energy-efficient and reliable motor operation. It offers a maximum flow rate of 120 gallons per minute making it a powerful option for commercial-grade applications and large residential buildings.

Its cast iron body combined with rugged corrosion-resistant sealing makes it highly resistant to water damage. The epoxy-sealed leakage-proof design minimizes the chances of internal damage and helps you get reliable performance with little maintenance. One of the biggest causes of septic tank pump failure is a solid waste blockage.

It comes with a premium grade vortex impeller and allows passing the solids as big as 2-inch in diameter. In this way, it prevents damage to drain lines and discharge pipes due to solid waste. The vertical flow switch is mechanically activated when the water crosses a permissible level. It has a wide operation range and you can adjust it as per the depth of your septic tanks.

It comes with a 10 ft power cord making it pretty easy to access nearby electrical sockets. The pump is backed by a 3-year warranty. The warranty covers all parts of the system excluding the float switch. The pump offers a low noise operation even under the maximum load. The only issue that I found a little annoying is the backward water flow. A little water flows back to the pool every time the pump stops working.

Zoeller Waste-Mate 267 is one of the most powerful sump pumps that you can install in the septic pools of commercial buildings. With its ability to pass solid waste and efficient motor operation, this pump ensures a smooth operation even under the maximum sewage water load.

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5. FLUENTPOWER 1/3HP Sump Pump

The final option to qualify for the list of best septic tank sump pumps is the FluentPower ⅓ Hp sump pump. This pump is not as powerful as other options on the list but offers efficient performance if installed with under-sink septic pools or septic tanks under small homes.

With its ability to handle both clean and dirty water this pump can handle gray water with maximum efficiency. The unit comes equipped with a ⅓ horsepower motor and can maintain a flow rate of 2400 gallons per hour at zero feet. The pump works with tanks as deep as 23 ft and can pass solid up to 1-inch.

The horizontal discharge size is 1.2 inches which is large enough to deal with the regular flow rate in small septic pools. It comes with a fully sealed design and corrosion-resistant housing. The leakage-proof design ensures reliable and long-term motor performance with little maintenance.

Also, the pump uses a thermal overload protector ensuring flawless performance for many years to come. The pump comes with a float switch that automatically activates the pump when the water level goes beyond the permissible limit. If the water level in the septic pool is not enough to maintain the flow switch operation, you can also control the pump manually.

The unit comes with a 26.2 ft long cord; there is no need of adding an extension power cord. Unfortunately, the build quality of this pump is not as reliable as its expensive counterparts. After use for 5 to 6 weeks, the screws in the housing began to strip. Also, its pumping capacity becomes very low above 15 ft, limiting its application to only small residential buildings.

Fluent Power ⅓ HP is an affordable yet dependable option that you can buy for small septic pools under your laundry drain or kitchen sink. With its ability to deal with solid waste, and high pumping capacity it is the best sump pump for septic tanks.

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FAQs about Septic Tank Sump Pumps

Can you use a sewage pump in place of a sump pump?

Yes, you can use a sewage pump in place of a sump pump if you have to deal with a heavy flow rate. Also, if you want to manage the solid waste and debris in the sump pit you can use a sewage pump instead of a sump pump.

How does a septic tank sump pump work?

A sump pump is installed in the last chamber of the septic tanks. The pump comes with a mechanical float switch. When the pump reaches a certain level the switch is activated which triggers the pump operation.

Wrapping Up Sump Pumps for Septic Tanks Review

I’m hopeful that this review will help you choose the best sump pump for septic tanks. All the options reviewed above are tested for quality and performance and you will not regret your decision if you make a purchase. Here are my two favorites from the list:

• Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump for its premium grade cast iron construction, efficient float switch, and reliable vortex impeller.
• WAYNE CDU790 – 1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump for its corrosion-resistant construction, competitive price, quiet operation, and class-leading flow rate.

If you want to install a sump pump on the septic pool, buy the one that can also deal with solid waste. Greywater contains solid particles of various sizes that can cause clogging in the sewage drains if not pumped efficiently.