Updated On

February 20, 2024

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    Few things are quite as disheartening as waking up to a yard flooded by a rain shower the previous day. Putting your painstakingly crafted garden was hard enough as it is, and now you also have to spend an untold amount of extra time and money to bring it back to its former glory.

    Whether or not your garden has suffered this fate before, it is probably a good idea to take measures to keep your yard protected for the next time rains threaten to wash your handiwork away.

    If you’re on this page, we hope its not because your yard has already flooded! If it has those, we recommend reaching out to a professional for guidance on the safest way to drain it. You can click one of the buttons below to get connected with a local expert (and then purchase yourself a sump pump before it happens again!).

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    Top Outdoor Sump Pumps

    • DEKO 1HP Outdoor Sump Pump
    • Wayne WaterBug Submersible Pump
    • 6699 Portable Submersible Pump
    • Superior Pump 91250 Submersible Pump
    • Wayne CDU800 Cast Iron and Steel Pump
    • Schraiberpump APD 750 Sump Pump
    • MEDAS 3 in 1 Multifunction Pump

    DEKO 1HP Outdoor Sump Pump

    First on this list is this 1 horsepower sump pump from DEKO that boasts an impressive pumping rate of 3302 gallons per hour or GPH. Designed mainly as an irrigation pump, its high suction power is able to drain out both clean and dirty water containing solids of up to 1 inch in diameter. 

    Its mostly plastic construction might leave a bit to be desired, but the use of the material here makes the pump pretty lightweight. A carry handle is even integrated into the shell to make it easier to bring around.

    Wayne WaterBug Submersible Pump

    While the bright yellow WaterBug might not look like much on paper owing to its 1/6th horsepower motor, this sump pump makes up for it by being one of the smallest and most portable models on the market.

    Its most interesting feature is its versatile bi-directional pumping action, which allows it to siphon water from either the top or the side and push it out of the other end. However, we do want to repeat that the pump is quite small and isn’t designed for clearing out mud.

    6699 Portable Submersible Pump

    Another option for a great portable sump pump is this 6699 model. Its bottom inlet allows the pump to easily drain out all kinds of flooding, from underground basins to flooded flat areas like basements and driveways. 

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    Its small size makes it easy to store out of sight, and its 1/6th horsepower pump is more than capable of clearing out large flooded yards, although it will naturally take a while.

    It’s important to note, though, that this pump does not have an automatic trigger and needs to be turned on and off manually. This might be a deal-breaker if you need an automatic pump. 

    Superior Pump 91250 Submersible Pump

    The model 91250 is one of a line of sump pumps from Superior that is all available nin a variety of motor sizes. We’ve made the choice to recommend the 1/4 horsepower model here because of its favorable balance between size and power. 

    Its 1800 GPH flow rating is powerful enough to quickly clear out small gardens and yards while also being relatively compact and quiet during operation. The bottom intake and automatic operation also makes this sump pump an excellent flood prevention option for your yard.

    Wayne CDU800 Cast Iron and Steel Pump

    The WAYNE CDU800 is arguably the most robust sump pumps on this list, owing to its housing made out of cast iron and steel. These heavy-duty components allow the sump pump to move a maximum 5100 gallons per hour with the discharge height at 0 feet.

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    However, this is rarely the case in practice, so you can expect the actual performance to be somewhere close to half that number.

    The pump’s included vertical float is nice and sensitive, allowing it to reliably trigger when the water level reaches critical mass. The 1.5-inch pump channel also allows for maximum water flow, which is a feature you most definitely want to have when dealing with serious flooding. 

    Schraiberpump APD 750 Sump Pump

    With a large throughput diameter and a 1 horsepower motor rated for 3420 gallons per hour, the Schraiberpump APD 750 is a sufficiently powerful sump pump for moderately-sized homes.

    Its dual manual and automatic switching modes makes the pump quite versatile both for clearing out flooded areas around the house and for preventing similar mishaps while one is away from the house.

    MEDAS 3 in 1 Multifunction Pump

    Our last recommended sump pump on this list showcases a pretty unique feature of having multiple attachments for the inlet pipe on the bottom of the pump. 

    These attachments let the pump work most efficiently in three different scenarios: one base is made with large inlet holes to take in dirty water; another has smaller filter inlets for relatively clean water; and one can have no base altogether for maximum water removal.

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    This pump also includes several adapters to accommodate a majority of hose sizes, saving you the trouble of having to buy a hose of a particular size.


    How Do Sump Pumps Work?

    Whether indoors or outdoors, the sump pump generally works the same way. It takes excess water buildup in your yard from rain or other sources and preemptively pumps it out to a storm drain or a dry well to prevent the water from flooding over.

    The sump pump is typically installed under the yard in a plastic or metal basin that serves as the primary buffer for water to collect in. When the basin reaches a critical point, a water float or pressure sensor on the sump pump kicks the pump into action, siphoning the water until the basin is emptied.

    Exactly what sump pump to get depends on the size of your yard and how much rainfall is in your area. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a few examples of great sump pumps on Amazon with varying sizes and feature sets to show you what to expect. 

    Ready to speak with a pro? Enter your zip below and we’ll pair you with a local expert qualified to help you with your drainage needs.

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    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Alora Bopray

    Alora Bopray

    Staff Writer

    Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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    photo of Roxanne Downer

    Roxanne Downer

    Editor

    Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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