Nobody wants to fall victim to a flood. When it happens inside the home, you’ll be left with costly repairs and the loss of treasured belongings. Left unchecked, flooding can also lead to irreversible foundation damage and mould growth. It may seem like an unlikely scenario, but water can work its way inside via many different routes, from overflowing rivers to plumbing leaks and flash flooding. 

Thankfully, flood pumps offer robust protection for the areas of your home most vulnerable to flooding, including basements, cellars, flat roofs, and crawl spaces. 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about flood and water pumps, including information on the different types and their benefits, and the best water pump for flooding according to your needs. 

Types of Flood Pump 

Generally, there are two main types of flood pump, submersible and centrifugal. Both use centrifugal force to transport water from one place to another. 

Centrifugal flood pumps can transfer large volumes of water and liquid substances but are not ideal for flood protection because they cannot be submerged in water. Therefore, a submersible flood pump is typically considered the best water pump for flooding in the home. 

The most common types of submersible flood pumps are sump pumps and puddle pumps. We’ll cover both below to help you choose the right one for your needs

What is a Sump Pump?

Sometimes referred to as a basement or cellar pump, a sump pump can be permanently installed inside your home for reliable flood protection. 

Located in the lowest part of your basement, the sump pump sits in a 2ft basin, where any excess water is collected from perimeter drains. If the basin begins to fill, the pump is activated automatically to draw water up and outside your home via a discharge pipe. 

Why Are Sump Pumps Used in Basements and Cellars?

Sump pumps are traditionally used in basements and cellars because these below-ground spaces are particularly prone to flooding, leaks and water accumulation. Water can seep inside from the surrounding soil during periods of heavy rain or flash flooding. A basement sump pump prevents this from happening. 

How Do Sump Pumps Prevent Flooding?

Here’s how a sump pump works to draw water away during a flood:

  1. A sump pump sits in a specially built pit known as the sump pit or basin, where any water that enters through foundation cracks, drains, or seepage is collected.
  2. When the water level reaches a certain point, a clever tool known as the float switch automatically activates the flood water pump.
  3. Once activated, the pump uses centrifugal force to draw water up from the basin and outside the home via a discharge pipe, preventing foundation damage. 

What is a Puddle Pump?

Unlike other types of submersible flood pumps, a puddle pump still works even when not fully submerged in water. Small and portable, they are a great choice for minor floods, leaks, removing residual water left behind on the basement floor, or draining excess water from a flat roof. 

Some types of puddle pumps can remove water to extremely low levels, down to just 1 millimetre of unwanted water. 

How is a Puddle Pump Used?

Unlike sump pumps, puddle pumps are generally used to tackle minor flooding instances and are not permanently installed for proactive flood prevention. They are particularly handy for:

  • Flood Cleanup: After the main flood water has been drained away, a puddle pump is used to remove the remaining shallow water on floors and other flat surfaces. 
  • Appliance Leaks: A puddle pump is an ideal tool to help you tackle unexpected leaks, from washing machines to dishwashers, water heaters and clogged sinks.
  • Flat Roof Drainage: If your flat roof has inadequate drainage, a puddle pump can be used to remove accumulated water after a storm. 

Things to Consider When Choosing a Flood Water Pump

By now you probably know whether you need a sump pump or a puddle pump to best protect your home from flooding. Before choosing a specific make and model, here are a few additional things to bear in mind.

Pump Size 

Consider the area that needs to be dewatered as well as the potential flood water depth to help you select a pump with the appropriate capacity. 

Also referred to as the flow or discharge rate, the pump’s capacity refers to how much water can be moved in a given timeframe and is often measured in l/min (litres per minute). 

Horsepower (HP)

You might find that a smaller pump with a higher horsepower can handle larger volumes of water than a weak pump with a higher capacity. 

Maximum Head 

The max head refers to the vertical distance a pump can push water, ensuring it reaches the designated drain. This might also be referred to as the vertical lift.

Portability 

Especially important for puddle pumps, don’t forget to take into account the weight and general size of your pump as well as ease of use, particularly if you need it for hard-to-reach areas such as the roof. 

Noise Level

If you are comparing sump pumps for a basement that will be used as an extension of your living space, you’ll need a quieter pump than if you were opting for a puddle pump that will only be used occasionally. 

Conclusion 

In summary, the best water pump for flooding really depends on your home and the application. 

If you need something to pump flood water occasionally, in small amounts from the basement floor or flat roof, then a compact, powerful puddle pump is for you. If you have a basement or space that is vulnerable to flooding, a permanent sump pump offers the best protection. 

If you live in a particularly low-lying area or a climate that sees regular heavy rainfall, investing in additional flood defence measures is always a good idea. This includes sandbags and barriers, flood kits, and robust waterproofing for basement walls.