Cellars and basements sit below ground level, which makes them one of the most flood-prone parts of any property. Whether you are dealing with groundwater seeping through brickwork, surface water overwhelming external drainage, river flo...
Cellars and basements sit below ground level, which makes them one of the most flood-prone parts of any property. Whether you are dealing with groundwater seeping through brickwork, surface water overwhelming external drainage, river flooding, or a burst pipe, the right pump removes water quickly and reliably and, if installed permanently, keeps the space dry for good. Below you will find our full range of pumps suited to cellar and basement drainage, from low-level puddle pumps for one-off events through to fully automatic sump systems for properties that flood regularly.
The deeper read: what's in this range, how to pick, and when to talk to us before you buy.
The best pump for your cellar depends on how often it floods and how the space is used.
For occasional or one-off flooding, a puddle pump is the simplest and most cost-effective option. It sits directly on the floor with no installation required, and is used manually when needed. The Tsurumi LSC1.4S Puddle Pump can pump down to as low as 1mm, making it ideal for clearing the last of the water. The Stream SPP2-4 Submersible Puddle Pump is also a strong value option for emergency use.
For regular flooding, an automatic submersible pump installed inside a sump is the right approach. The pump activates when water reaches a set level and switches off once drained, giving you a passive system that protects the cellar without intervention. The AMA Drainer 301 is the most popular choice in this scenario, helped by its narrow arm float switch which suits tight sumps. Our Sump Pumps and Packaged Stations range covers complete kits including the FPS Iguazu Sump 635.
For high flood risk, some properties benefit from a dual-pump setup. In the cellar pictured above, an AMA Drainer 301 was installed alongside an APP HD-15. The AMA Drainer was used to manage day-to-day water ingress, while the APP HD-15 provided additional high-capacity pumping for more significant flood events, such as river flooding. Both pumps were fitted with non-return valves to prevent backflow and stop the pumps from cycling unnecessarily.
For full cellar conversion or waterproofing, pumps work alongside a Type C cavity drainage membrane system. We recommend speaking with a basement waterproofing specialist before undertaking this kind of work, as the pump is one part of a wider system.
A quick note on safety: petrol and diesel engine driven pumps must never be used inside a cellar or basement due to exhaust fumes. Only electric pumps are suitable for indoor use.
Manual pumps are turned on and off by the operator. They are cheaper, simpler, and well suited to occasional use.
Automatic pumps are left in position and activate themselves when water rises to a trigger level, then switch off once the level drops. They are essential for properties that flood regularly or where the cellar is not regularly visited. The EGO500 Water Pump offers both modes in one unit, reaching as low as 10mm in manual mode.
For more detail on switch types, see our guide on automatic water pumps and the different switches available.
A properly installed pump prevents costly water damage, protects stored equipment and stock, and keeps the cellar usable. For pubs, restaurants, and commercial properties where the cellar is operationally critical, a reliable pump is not optional. For homes, it protects boilers, electrics, and storage, and supports any basement conversion or habitable use of the space.
Yes. Automatic submersible pumps are well suited to managing groundwater ingress. For severe cases, a layered system with a primary and backup pump is often used.
For a one-off flood, a puddle pump such as the Tsurumi LSC1.4S or Stream SPP2-4 is the quickest and easiest solution. For recurring flooding, an automatic submersible pump in a sump, such as the AMA Drainer 301, gives you a permanent passive system.
No. Engine driven pumps produce exhaust fumes and must never be operated inside a cellar, basement, or any enclosed space. Only electric pumps are suitable.
A puddle pump such as the Tsurumi LSC1.4S can drain down to 1mm. Most automatic submersible pumps leave a small residual level of around 30mm to 50mm, which is why they are typically installed in a sump below floor level.
Not for occasional use. A puddle pump can be placed straight on the floor. For permanent automatic drainage, a sump is recommended so the pump sits below floor level and clears water before it spreads across the cellar.
The terms are used interchangeably in the UK. Both refer to a space below ground level beneath a building. Drainage and flooding solutions are identical for both.
