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Standing water will start to cause structural damage surprisingly quickly, but there are several types of pumps for flooded yards that can tackle the problem. These devices can also help clear a soggy garden before lawns become impassable quagmires or border plantings are ruined.
One solution is to use a sump pump. Many people are familiar with their use indoors, and a number of outdoor sump pumps are available. Our favorite from Green Expert is inexpensive and remarkably versatile. However, there are several other outdoor water pump types to consider.
Here we’ll take a closer look at whether the best pumps for flooded yards are the same types you’d use in your basement or whether it’s best to buy one of the alternatives.
- BEST OVERALL: Green Expert ⅓ HP Sump Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Milescraft 1314 DrillPump750 Water Pump Attachment
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Champion Power Equipment Gas-Powered Transfer Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SUBMERSIBLE: Zoeller Model 53 Submersible Sump Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST UTILITY: Dekopro Submersible Utility Water Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST TRANSFER: Vivosun 115V Water Transfer Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BATTERY: Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Transfer Pump
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
Each water pump for flooded yard use in our list of top picks satisfies the criteria outlined above. These pumps are often more efficient or more economical than their rivals.
Best Overall
Green Expert ⅓ HP Sump Pump
Product Specs
- Type: Sump/utility pump
- Power: ⅓ horsepower (hp)
- Maximum flow rate: 2,000 gallons per hour (GPH)
What We Like
- Works as a submersible or surface water pump
- Automatic or manual operation
- Comes with 3 plastic adapters and a 25-foot power cord
What We Don’t Like
- Cannot be used with expandable hoses
- Must not be allowed to run dry
With so many suitable options on the market, it’s not easy to choose a single model as the best pump for flooded yards. The Green Expert sump pump takes the award for its combination of versatility, performance, and value for the money.
At just over 10 inches tall and weighing slightly less than 9 pounds, this is a relatively small submersible pump. However, it delivers a flow rate of 2,000 GPH pumping at ground level and 1,350 GPH with a lift of 10 feet. It’s waterproof to the international IPX8 standard, so it can be installed permanently as a sump pump. It can also be used for draining pools, fitted in a rain barrel, or employed as a surface pump for clearing up indoor flooding after a burst pipe, for example.
The Green Expert sump pump can run in auto mode using the fitted sensor, clearing water to a depth of 0.4 inches. In manual mode, this goes down to just 0.04 inches, but it does need constant monitoring because allowing the pump to run dry can cause damage.
Get the Green Expert pump for flooded yards at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Milescraft 1314 DrillPump750 Water Pump Attachment
Product Specs
- Type: Transfer pump
- Power: Depends on drill used
- Maximum flow rate: 750 GPH
What We Like
- Low-cost, go-anywhere pumping solution
- Uses standard ¾-inch garden hose fittings
- Fits any corded or cordless drill up to 2,800 rotations per minute (RPM)
What We Don’t Like
- Needs to be greased after each use
- There have been reports of jams or breakdowns
Milescraft offers a simple and very low-cost solution for emergency use and general pumping duties. It works on the same principles as any transfer pump with an impeller that draws water in from one side and expels it from the other. Rather than having its own motor, the user simply fits the ⅜-inch shaft into any standard drill and pulls the trigger. Maximum drill speed should not exceed 2,800 RPM, and the pump should be screwed to a board for stability rather than held in the hand.
The inlet and outlet take standard ¾-inch garden hose fittings, and a flow rate of up to 750 GPH is possible. Additionally, the self-priming function prevents air locks that would hamper efficiency. Milescraft warns that drills should not be used in wet weather and that the pump is not suitable for use with flammable liquids.
Get the Milescraft pump for flooded yards at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Heavy-Duty
Champion Power Equipment Gas-Powered Transfer Pump
Product Specs
- Type: Transfer pump
- Power: 212-cubic-centimeter (cc) gas engine
- Maximum flow rate: 158 gallons per minute (GPM), or 9,480 GPH
What We Like
- Can clear large volumes of water very fast
- Handles solids up to ½ inch in diameter
- Includes 12-foot suction and 25-foot discharge hose
What We Don’t Like
- Requires a considerable investment
- Although U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved, it’s still a gas engine
For those who need to move a lot of water quickly, there’s no substitute for power. Sal Musto, president of SalCorp Landscaping & Construction in Walpole, Massachusetts, says, “I always recommend going bigger with pump capacity in cases of really heavy flooding.” The Champion Power Equipment transfer pump meets this challenge with an impressive flow rate of up to 9,480 GPH. Dirty or contaminated water presents few problems, as this pump can handle waste particles up to ½ inch in diameter.
The high-performance 4-stroke motor is EPA compliant. It combines with a self-priming pump and a cast-iron impeller to provide long-term reliability and durability. Hoses, clamps, and a filter are included, and its 8-inch wheels aid mobility.
Get the Champion Power Equipment pump for flooded yards at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.
Best Submersible
Zoeller Model 53 Submersible Sump Pump
Product Specs
- Type: Sump pump
- Power: 3/10 hp
- Maximum flow rate: 2,680 GPH
What We Like
- Fuss-free, fully automatic operation
- Brand renowned for build quality and durability
- Handles solids up to ½ inch in diameter
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than many rivals
- Automatic switch is occasionally prone to sticking
Zoeller is one of the industry’s leading brands, and we’ve looked at the company’s products before in our review of the best sump pumps. The M53 is a fine example of Zoeller’s high quality. Most of the body is cast iron, with the float guard, handle, and switch arm in noncorroding stainless steel. The impeller is made of engineered plastic, which provides smooth flow for water and debris. It can handle solids up to ½ inch in diameter, and flow is rated at up to 2,680 GPH.
The fully automatic pump is float operated: As soon as water reaches a certain level, it pushes the float up and activates the pump. When the level drops, it turns off. The float itself is solid so there’s no danger of it getting waterlogged and failing to start the pump.
Get the Zoeller pump for flooded yards at Amazon.
Best Utility
Dekopro Submersible Utility Water Pump
Product Specs
- Type: Utility pump
- Power: ⅓ hp
- Maximum flow rate: 2,450 GPH
What We Like
- Versatile; great value for the money
- Submersible or surface operation
- Adapters for different-size discharge hoses included
What We Don’t Like
- Not capable of operating automatically
- Random faults suggest quality control is inconsistent
When you consider the performance delivered for the price, the Dekopro submersible utility pump is an impressive unit. The ⅓ hp motor produces a standard flow rate of up to 2,450 GPH, and with a 20-foot lift, it still delivers over 1,100 GPH. That’s competitive for such a compact and portable device.
The main body of the Dekopro pump is thermoplastic, so it’ll take a few knocks and bumps. It can handle solids up to ⅛ inch, and there’s a debris screen underneath that can be detached for cleaning. A 1¼-inch discharge pipe or a standard ¾-inch garden hose can be used. In addition to floodwater removal, the pump can be used for pond or pool draining and irrigation.
Get the Dekopro pump for flooded yards at Amazon.
Best Transfer
Vivosun 115V Water Transfer Pump
Product Specs
- Type: Transfer pump
- Power: 1/10 hp
- Maximum flow rate: 330 GPH
What We Like
- Well made, affordable, and versatile
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability
- Hose and useful spares included
What We Don’t Like
- Comparatively modest flow rate
- Power cable is only 6 feet long
For those who only suffer occasional yard flooding, or if the volume of water is modest, the Vivosun transfer pump is an economical solution. It comes from the same brand that took the top spot in our best pond pump review. Although the flow rate is only 330 GPH, we expect the same quiet, reliable operation.
The Vivosun transfer pump has a rugged metal shell and an ergonomic carry handle. Included in the kit are a 6-foot garden hose; a water suction attachment for small spills; plus a spare impeller, gasket, and brushes for the motor. This means if it does eventually wear out, you’ll have the parts on hand to get it running again. As with the drill-powered model on our list, we recommend attaching it to a board for stability.
Get the Vivosun pump for flooded yards at Amazon.
Best Battery
Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Transfer Pump
Product Specs
- Type: Transfer pump
- Power: 18 volts
- Maximum flow rate: 480 GPH
What We Like
- Works even if the power is out
- Automatically shuts off when dry
- Even with its small size, it has a flow rate of 480 GPH
What We Don’t Like
- Requires recharging after pumping 240 gallons
- Expensive compared to corded models
Milwaukee claims that this is the world’s first cordless transfer pump, something that’s ideal if you have a flooded yard and the power is out. It’s just 13 inches long and weighs only 7.9 pounds, yet it has a flow rate of up to 480 GPH. However, the battery is likely to need recharging after moving around 240 gallons, so it’s a good idea to invest in a spare.
The build quality of its power tools is a hallmark of the Milwaukee brand. This pump has a corrosion-resistant aluminum housing and brass hose fittings rather than plastic. The pump is self-priming, and it will automatically turn itself off if there’s no water flow. There’s also overload protection for the motor.
Get the Milwaukee pump for flooded yards at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Pumps for Flooded Yards
During our research, we found that using a sump pump for yard flooding was a popular choice, and there’s no doubt they can be effective in some cases. However, they require a fixed position, and if professional installation is included, sump pump costs can be surprisingly high.
We wanted to offer options for a variety of budgets and locations. Our carefully curated list is the result of researching over 60 electric water pumps and checking construction, flow rate, portability, durability, safety, and maintenance requirements. We looked at solar-powered water pumps too, but unfortunately they are not currently powerful enough.
In addition, we contacted a number of professionals to get their take on selecting an outdoor water pump for flooded yard drainage. Steven Schumacher, owner of Boston Landscape Co., a commercial and residential landscaping company located in the greater Boston area, had some valuable advice about sump pumps. “If you choose a sump pump, install it in a pit in the lowest area of the yard. The pump remains submerged as it clears the water, delivering maximum efficiency.” He also had this sensible advice: “Always test any pump before a flood to ensure proper operation and prevent frustration during an emergency.”
What to Consider When Choosing a Pump for a Flooded Yard
Our top picks cover all the main types of pumps for yard flooding and can help you picture the kind of drainage pump that is likely to provide the performance you need. The following section focuses on key elements that will impact your decisions before buying.
Where you drain the water is also important; Musto points out that there are usually restrictions: “You need to discharge the water to a suitable outlet like a drainage ditch, and never the sewer. Check your local codes.” A properly maintained French drain can work well, but installing one isn’t always practical. You may want to consider a dry well or a large rain barrel or other storage (allowing you to reuse the water when the garden is dry).
Type
One of the key decisions concerning the best type of pump for flooded yards will be whether you expect it to perform multiple functions or only clear floodwater.
- Sump pumps are usually fixed in their own pit. Most can operate automatically in much the same way as an outdoor sewage ejector pump system. They start to work as soon as the water reaches a certain height and will switch off again when the level drops.
- Transfer pumps can vary considerably in size and performance but are quite straightforward. An impeller (a type of paddle wheel) creates a difference in pressure, thus drawing water in from one side and pumping it out the other.
- Utility pumps are arguably the most versatile suction pumps for water and are generally compact and portable. They can be used to clear floodwater in the yard or basement, drain a pool or pond, or pump water for a sprinkler system.
Capacity and Horsepower
The capacity of almost every pump for flood clearance is given in GPH or GPM. You can make a rough calculation of the water you need to move using the area of your yard and the usual flood depth.
Then you’ll want to consider just how quickly you want to clear it. A high-capacity pump may work fast but will likely require a larger investment and cost more to run. Equally, you’ll want to avoid an underpowered model that will chug away all day with little effect. Another factor is lift. This refers to floodwater that needs to be raised to a higher level for draining. Depending on the amount of lift required, the motor will need to work harder and the GPM will drop. If that’s a situation you face, be sure to check that lift figures are available.
Greater horsepower equals more power and usually coincides with higher capacity. It can also affect durability. A motor with more horsepower will often be under less stress than a lower-powered rival. As with capacity, purchase price and running costs need to be taken into account.
Safety and Maintenance
Whenever electrical equipment is used outdoors, it should be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter. This is an outlet that cuts power in a fraction of a second if there’s a short circuit or other problem, thus preventing a potentially lethal shock. Be sure to check that the pump is rated for outdoor use or that it can be housed in a suitable protective enclosure. Some pumps have a safety shutoff if they run dry to prevent internal damage.
The amount of maintenance required will depend on the individual pump. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to maximize working life. One common task is to clear debris from intakes to prevent blockages. This is particularly important if the pump is outdoors all the time and dead leaves and other debris can accumulate. An annual inspection is usually recommended for sump pumps.
FAQs
Despite the information provided above, you may have a few additional questions. Read on to see if there’s an answer to yours.
Most submersible pumps can stay in water indefinitely. If used outdoors, the waterproof seals that protect the motor could be damaged by frost, so unless they are installed below the frost line, submersible pumps should be removed during winter.
It’s best to always refer to your owner’s manual, which should give specific instructions on cleaning your submersible water pump. These may include checking the intake and/or filter basket, removing any debris, and flushing the pump with clean water using a hose.
How long a sump pump lasts will depend on the model and whether it’s maintained properly. Experts we checked with said a normal life expectancy is 7 to 10 years.