If your bathroom or laundry room sits at a lower level than your municipal; sewer system or septic tank, then proper flow of wastewater into the sewer line or septic tank will be impossible.

However, installing the best sewage pump in your bathroom can help solve this problem for good.

That said, it’s important to note that the market is filled with a variety of pump options. They come in varying materials, sizes, horsepower, prices, etc., which makes it quite tricky to choose the right model for you.

The following post will take you through all the crucial info you need to know about sewage pumps before buying as well as the 10 top-rated pumps you can get on the market today.

What’s a Sewage Pump

A sewage pump, otherwise referred to as sewage ejector pump, is a type of pump designed to facilitate smooth flow of sewage liquids and solids from one point to another.

Sewage systems usually operate on gravity—where the sewage flows downhill (from a high level to a low-level location) from your bathroom, laundry room, or any other plumbing fixture and enters into the septic tank or the municipal sewer line.

However, if your bathroom or laundry room sits at a lower level than the sewer line or septic tank, the flow of wastewater by gravity becomes impossible. Most of the bathrooms located in the basement areas are the main culprits here.

This is where the sewage pump comes in:

It forces the wastes—both liquids and solids—to flow against gravity and into the sewer system or the septic tank.

Sewage pumps come in many options. Some are manual; others are automatic. And some have the dual (piggyback) mode. The best pump for you should depend on your specific needs and preferences.

IMPORTANT: We highly advise you against going for the manual models. This is because these models require you to manually turn them on or off as the need arises, creating a possibility of sewage overflow inside the sewage basin.

Since this pump remains submerged most of the time, it also goes by the name submersible sewage pump.

Now let’s take a closer look at the 10 top-rated sewage pump reviews below…

Our Best Sewage Pump Picks:

1. Zoeller 267-0001 M267 Waste-Mate Sewage Pump

Sale

Zoeller 267-0001 M267 Waste-Mate Sewage Pump, 1/2 Horsepower, 115V

• 1/2 HP submersible sewage pump, 100% factory tested
• Automatic model with integral float switch
• 2″ NPT discharge, passes 2″ spherical solids
• Performance: 128 GPM at 5′ TDH, shut-off: 21.5′ TDH
• Cast iron construction, 10′ cord

$404.25

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Zoeller 267-0001 M267 is one of the most popular sewage pumps not just in the US market but all over the world. This pump boasts of durable cast iron construction for all its vital parts—including the base, volute, and motor house—making it a long-term investment.

The versatile pump is capable of pumping solids with a diameter of 2 inches, for up to 2.5 feet total dynamic head. It’s an automatic pump which means it automatically turns on or off when the wastes levels rise.

We love the fact that this pump features a 2-pole mechanical vertical float switch. This is a good thing if you have a sump pit that’s too shallow or narrow for the tethered float switch.

We also love the fact that this pump comes with a non-clogging vortex impeller which enables it to pass solid wastes with the ultimate ease. The impeller is made of plastic with metal insert to prevent it from being affected by the materials in the basin.

Keep in mind that this is a submersible sewage pump, so you’ll never have to spend time to prime it every time you need to use it.

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2. WAYNE RPP50 Cast Iron Sewage Pump

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Wayne RPP50 Cast Iron Sewage Pump with Piggy Back Tether Float Switch, Black

• 1/2 hp; max. Flow rate is 6200 gallons per hour; 3240 gph at 10 ft. Of discharge lift
• Durable, cast iron submersible sewage pump
• 2 in. Npt discharge capable of handling up to 2 in. Solids
• Ideal for basement or below grade installations
• Bottom suction design passes solids up to 2 inches large

$137.63

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If you’re looking for the best sewage pump for basement installation with reasonable cost, you can’t go wrong with the WAYNE RPP50 Cast Iron Sewage Pump. Like our previous model, this pump is also made from durable cast iron material for maximum durability and longevity.

This pump provides you with both manual and automatic modes of operation. Needless to mention, you should go for the automatic mode which will ensure the pump starts whenever the water is detected, preventing the possibility of sewage overflow.

The automatic mode is made possible by a “Switch Genius” water capacitive sensor which will last up to 5 times longer than the conventional switches.

With an incredible flow rate of 5700 gallons per hour, this pump will empty your basin pretty fast. The pump is also designed to handle solids with sizes of up to 2-in.

While most of the 1/2-Horsepower you’ll find out there are usually big in size, this pump has a similar motor rating, yet it has a compact design and weighs as light as 23.6 pounds. In other words, WAYNE RPP50 Cast Iron Sewage Pump is a “little beast.”

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3. Acquaer 1/2 HP Durable Cast Iron Sewage Pump

Acquaer 1/2 HP Durable Cast iron Sewage Pump with 10ft. power cord+Piggy back switch.

• Flow up to 6000 GPH @ 5 Ft
• 10 ft piggy-back tethered float switch for automatic operation
• Oil-filled permanent split capacitor motor
• 2″ NPT discharge capable for handling up to 2″ diameter solids
• 2-Year limited Warranty

$144.84

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Acquaer 1/2 HP Sewage Pump is another popular sewage pump suitable for residential as well as light commercial applications, where wastewater doesn’t contain any clogging materials. This is because its impeller can’t process clogged materials.

Other than that, this pump has a number of attractive features like a durable cast iron construction which enables it to last longer than the cheaply built models. It features a motor with ½ horsepower for efficient operation.

It provides you with a flow rate of 4800 gallons per hour (or 80 gallons per minute) which is within the acceptable rate for a pump in its price category. The pump can pump solids of up to 2-in spherical diameter. And has a maximum head of 27 feet, which is a bit higher than what you’ll get in most models with the same cost.

Also attached to the pump is a 10-foot power cord with tethered piggyback float switch which promotes automatic operation. When in action, this pump is so quiet that no one would even know you have a sewage pump in your home.

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4. Liberty Pumps P382LE51 Pro380 Series Simplex Sewage System

Liberty Pumps is also a respected name in the sewage pumps industry. It takes pride in manufacturing pumps for both commercial and residential applications. This particular Liberty Pumps P382LE51 model isn’t a really a pump but a complete sewage system with a submersible sewage pump integrated into it.

The system features a 24 x 24-Inch basin, which is ideal for use in bedrock and challenging soil conditions. The pump has a superior motor with ½ horsepower to ensure a great performance. Like most of the other options on this list, the pump is also capable of handling solid wastes as huge as 2 inches and have a shut-off head of up to 25 foot.

Another thing you’ll love about this pump is its amazing 140 GPH flow rate which translates to faster pumping performance. Not to forget it has a 40-gallon capacity plus longer pump cycles which go a long way in extending the pump life.

Since the entire system comes pre-assembled, it’ll save you a great deal of labor time at your job site. The clear disposable construction cover on the system is intended to protect it from damages during rough-ins as well as masonry work.

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5. ECO-FLO Products RSE50W Cast Iron Sewage Pump

Our 5th spot on the best sewage ejector pump reviews list goes to the ECO-FLO Products RSE50W Cast Iron Sewage Pump. This pump has the most economical price on our list, so we recommend it to all households on a tight budget.

Judging the sewage pump from its extremely low cost, you might think it’ll not put up a good performance. But the truth is that this pump is endowed with features similar to those you’ll find on the top-end models. It has a ½ horsepower motor for uninterrupted and impressive performance. The motor also has built-in overheating protection to enhance its reliability. The 20-ft long power cord ensures flexible installation.

Like all the other top-rated sewage pumps out there, this model allows solid waste with a diameter of up to 2 inches to pass easily. With a flow rate of 5700 gallons per hour, this pump would be ideal for small to medium-sized basins.

Above all this, it features a heavy-duty construction of cast iron metal to ensure it lasts longer than you can imagine. Some parts are made using thermoplastic material for total corrosion resistance and extra longevity.

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6. Superior Pump 93501 1/2-Horsepower Cast Iron Sewage Pump

Superior Pump was founded in 199 and has amassed a wealth of experience on what makes a good quality sewage pump. Besides great quality, all their products are priced fairly to make them affordable to everyone.

The Superior Pump 93501 is one of their most popular models, probably due to the perfect balance it strikes between high-end features and reasonable price tag. The submersible pump is capable of handling 2-inch solids. It’s powerful enough to lift water up to a vertical height of 25 feet. When used on a level plane, the pump will move as much as 80 gallons of water per minute.

Just as we’ve seen in most of the other pumps, this model also comes with an adjustable tethered float switch with a piggyback plug to help turn the pump on/off automatically.

Behind the consistent performance of this pump is a ½ horsepower, continuous-duty split capacitor motor. This 7.6-amp motor operates at excellent speeds of 1750 rpm and can produce as much as 912 Watts of power. It’s also thermally protected for reliability and extended lifespan.

Another thing that puts this pump on the map is the non-clogging vortex impeller. Designed using cast aluminum and cast iron housing, this is a superior impeller that can hold up to continuous use in the tough environments.

For maximum durability, the entire sewage pump is designed using the long-lasting cast iron material. The stainless steel fasteners plus baked-on powder coat finish takes the unit durability even higher.

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7. Liberty Pumps LE51A LE50-Series Submersible Automatic Sewage Pump

As we draw closer to the end of our list of the top-rated sewage pumps, we have another best ejector pump from Liberty Pumps. Like the previous model and nearly all the other pumps that made it to this list, this pump is designed using the cast iron material to maximize its longevity.

The pump comes with a slightly higher flow rate (160 gallons per minute) than its sister above, enabling it to empty your basin even faster. It features a highly efficient ½ HP with permanently lubricated bearings and stainless steel fasteners to facilitate an outstanding performance.

Even better, it’s equipped with a 2-van, semi-open impeller which is capable of passing solid wastes with a diameter of up to 2 inches.

Like the previous Liberty Pumps model, this is also a submersible automatic pump for hassle-free operation.

It’s also interesting to note that the pump features an adjustable wide-angle switch with piggy bank series plug for manual bypass operation. In case the switch fails, therefore, you can separate the quick-disconnect power cord and plug into an electrical outlet—enabling you to directly bypass the switch.

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8. Zoeller M264 Waste-Mate Sewage Pump

Zoeller, the respect sewage pumps brand makes a comeback on our list of top sewage pump reviews. This time, they offer you a cast iron automatic sewage pump which stands ready to serve all your residential as well as commercial wastewater needs.

Unlike the previous Zoeller, this model features a 4/10th Horsepower motor. Nevertheless, this motor is also able to stage a reliable, consistent performance. The fact that it’s thermally protected prevents overheating which can cripple its performance.

Thanks to the non-clogging vortex impeller, this pump is also able to pass small diameter (up to 2-inch, like in any other typical sewage pump) solids easily.

The automatic submersible sewage pump housing is made from the durable cast iron material. Also, other parts like switch case and motor are also made from the same material to enhance the sturdiness and longevity of this pump. Add to the fact that this metal is powder coated with a rust-resistant finish and you’ve got a pump that’ll last a lifetime.

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9. Wilo 2708302 WCC17-20.50 115-volt Sewage/Effluent Pump

Wilo 2708302 WCC17-20.50 sewage pump is another good choice for homeowners looking for quality and affordability. Much like any other pump that made it to this list, this model also comes with a cast iron housing plus corrosion resistant finish to enable it to serve you for many, many years.

Getting into deeper details, this effluent pump has a 2-inch NPT discharge, and this enables it to handle solids with a spherical diameter of up to 2 or ¾ inches. Even with its economical price, it also managed to offer you a thermoplastic vortex impeller which enables it to mash everything that crosses its path.

The pump has a replaceable float switch to facilitate automatic promotion. The best thing about an automatic sewage pump is that it always jumps into action whenever the water levels rise, preventing any overflow scenarios.

The pump’s incredible performance is made possible by the ½ horsepower rated motor which ensures a smooth, continuous pump operation. The extra-long 10-ft power cord ensures flexible application.

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10. Zoeller 267-0002 N267 Waste-Mate Submersible Sewage/Effluent Pump

Lastly, in our best sewage pump lineup (but definitely not the least), we’ve got another pump from Zoeller the highly reputable brand. This pump goes by the name Zoeller 267-0002 N267.

First off, this pump has a lower cost than its two sisters we’ve discussed previously. But what it offers you in exchange for the small cost is gold. It has a fully submersible design and features a 2-in female and 3-in male discharge. It can pass spherical wastes of up to 2-in diameter.

Unlike the other pumps under its price category, this model has an excellent flow rate of up to 128 gallons per minute. And this enables it to empty your basins pretty fast. It has a superior ½ horsepower motor which acts as the force behind its continues and dependable performance.

Regarding the construction, this pump is made of the same top-quality cast iron material used in the other Zoeller models.

Other noteworthy features of Zoeller 267-0002 N267 sewage pump include a non-clogging vortex impeller, 21.5 feet shut-off head, 15-Foot 3-wire neoprene cord, and 100% water- and dust-tight design.

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Difference Between a Sewage Pump and a Sump Pump

Both the sewage pump and sump pump are handy devices used in homes to help drain wastewater properly. Both are meant for installation into the home septic system.

However, the two types of pumps have clear-cut differences—right from the way they function to the type of care they require.

Below, we discuss the key differences between a sewage pump and sump pump:

1. Intended use

The primary function of the sump pumps is to remove naturally occurring water or any other water in your home that can lead to flooding. This is the reason why you’ll find these pumps popular in homes or areas that are prone to flooding.

As you all know, not taking care of flooding water can lead to costly damages to your home structures and finishes, which explains why a sump pump is crucial.

The sewage pump, on the other hand, is designed primarily to remove sewage from your sum pit and send it to city sewer line or septic tank. Sewage pumps are usually helpful when you have a bathroom or laundry room sitting below the level of the sewer line, making it hard for the wastewater to flow through gravity. The pump will force the wastes to flow against gravity.

2. Power options

A sump pump is powered by electricity. In case of power outage, however, it gives you the option of using a backup battery. This is unlike the sewage pump which can only be powered by plugging it into an electrical outlet.

3. Type of waste

The type of waste that the two types of pumps can handle also varies. Remember we’ve said earlier that sump pumps are intended for removing excess water. This is to say they can only handle liquid waste and nothing more or less.

When it comes to the sewage pumps, the story is different. These pumps are capable of handling not just liquid waste but also the solid waste. In fact, they can handle solid wastes as large as 2 inches or even bigger.

NOTE: This sharp contract in the type of materials the two pumps makes it easy to understand why you can NOT use a sump pump in the place of a sewage pump.

4. Maintenance

The last basic difference between the two pumps is the care attention they require. The sump pump requires regular maintenance to continue functioning at its best and for an extended lifespan.

If you’re using the pump in a flood-risk area, then you’ll need to inspect your even more frequently.

As for the sewage pumps, they don’t require any maintenance. This is a relief to the homeowners as it’ll save you time and energy that you can invest in other helpful activities.

However, keep in mind that you might be forced to inspect your pump if it fails to activate or when solid wastes block the unit from channeling. Failing to act quickly in such scenarios can lead to sewage flooding.

What To Look For Before Buying?

As we’ve said several times before, choosing the best sewage pump from the multiple options available at the market can be a daunting task. This is especially true if you’ve never used one before and don’t know exactly what to look for.

In this section, we’ll take you through a list of crucial factors that you should keep in mind when buying your sewage pump.

Durability

It’s important to look for a pump made with the highest quality materials to ensure it serves you for an extended period of time.

Most of the top-rated sewage pumps from reputable manufacturers have their housing and parts made from the cast iron material which has superior durability.

The economic models feature thermoplastic construction which also offers excellent quality.

Motor Horsepower

Another important thing to look for in a sewage pump is the motor horsepower rating.

For those who don’t know, the horsepower (abbreviated as H.P) is a term used to measure the power of the pump motor.

A pump with higher horsepower rating means more power (and faster pumping action).

If your home has more people, say more than 4 people, we advise you to go for a pump with greater horsepower as you’ll need to pump more water minute and more frequently.

Surprisingly, the lifetime of your pump will also depend on the number of hours you run it. That is, if you buy a pump with less HP and run it more than it’s capable of handling, you’ll shorten its lifespan.

The typical horsepower rating found in most sewage pumps for home and residential applications is ½ H.P

Pump Flow Rate

The pump flow rate—expressed in gallons per hour or minute—refer to amount of waste materials in gallons that a pump can move in an hour.

The flow rate is a direct result of the motor horsepower…and is affected by the elevation between your home sewage basin or septic tank and the main sewer line.

The higher the elevation, the lower the flow rate becomes.

If you make the mistake of buying a pump with less GPH, it’ll force the pump to handle more than the manufacturer specification. And this leads to a shorter lifespan.

Cost

Judging from the top 10 pumps we’ve outlined in this guide, we can safely say that the cost of sewage pumps varies from model to model.

You’ll find some models on the lower end and some on the higher end of the cost spectrum. The higher the price, the better the quality, features, and performance of the pump.

For the homeowners on a tight budget, you should be careful not to fall for the low-cost cheaply built that might end up disappointing you. Just put the extra effort into your research, and you’ll find a good quality model that fits your budget.

Brand

If you want to be 100% sure that you’re buying a product made of quality and dependable performance, then buy from the respected brands in the industry.

Some of the most reliable brands include Zoeller, WAYNE, Liberty Pumps, and Superior Pumps.

Such companies have a track record of producing top quality products that rarely disappoint in terms of performance.

Sewage Pump Installation: How To Do It On Your Own?

Now that you’ve finally gotten your best sewage ejector pump, you might be torn between hiring a professional plumber to install it for you or do it on your own.

GOOD NEWS is that the installation part isn’t as hard most people tend to think. With a proper set of instructions and the willingness to do it, you can get the job done easily and quickly.

Let’s discuss the crucial installation steps you need to follow to install a typical sewage pump:

Step 1: Setting up the basin

The first thing you need to do is install the basin where water will be drained into whenever you flush the toilet. Mount the basin on the floor and attach your pump to it. Ensure the pump isn’t wobbly to prevent it from tipping or falling off when hit by water. The basin too ought to be securely attached to the ground to prevent any cracks or leakage.

If you have the septic tank or basin already installed in your home, then this step will be easier for you as you’ll only need to attach the pump.

Step 2: Installing the float switches

Once you’ve your pump in place, you can then go ahead and set the float switches to detect when the pump should start pumping. The switch works in a way that when the wastewater reaches it, it’ll automatically turn on the pump—suctioning the wastes through the check valve and into the basin or septic tank.

Confirm that the vent and discharge outlets aren’t plugged or clogged for efficient pump functioning.

Step 3:  Piping and testing

You can choose to make the side inlet piping with a 4-inch pipe, or 3-in if you prefer a smaller pipe.

When the piping is done, test your toilet and drains to ensure they’re working well. Ensure there are no signs of yard flooding or leaking for the basin or pump. In case of any leaks, make the necessary readjustments or add some hard hold glue of your choice.

NOTE: This is a general installation guide for all pumps out there. For more details on how to set up your specific pump, we encourage you to go through your user manual.

How Long Does It Last?

There’s no set lifespan for sewage pumps. Keeping in mind that these pumps are submerged in in harsh environments, they’re likely to wear out easily and quickly.

BUT…not so fast! Most homeowners have confessed about their pumps lasting as long as 7-10 years or even more.

How much the pump runs can also affect its lifespan. If you have a smaller pit and many people in your home, then you’ll expect your pump to operate for more hours than houses with larger pits and fewer people. A pump that works 2 times harder will have a shorter lifespan than one that operates less frequently.

Overall, picking a pump that’s appropriately sized to your specific application, installing it correctly, and taking good care of it will help extend its lifespan.

Final Verdict

The best sewage pump comes handy when you’ve got a basement laundry room or bathroom where the flow of the waste liquids and solids into the septic tank or sewer system might be a challenge.

As we’ve seen from our sewage pumps guide above, these helpful devices differ in terms of the type of construction material, size, horsepower, and even cost.

To help you pick the right model that works according to your expectations, we’ve outlined a quick buying guide to show you the key features that you should look for in a sewage pump.

Our list of the 10 top-rated sewage pumps available at the market today will also point you in the right direction when buying your sewage pump.