Sump pumps are submersible water pumps designed to remove water from a sump pit, basement, or low-lying area where water naturally collects. Sat at the lowest point of an installation, the pump activates as water enters and discharges it...
Sump pumps are submersible water pumps designed to remove water from a sump pit, basement, or low-lying area where water naturally collects. Sat at the lowest point of an installation, the pump activates as water enters and discharges it to a higher drainage point, keeping the area dry. Sump pumps are widely used in basements, garages, cellars, lift shafts, and any property at risk of groundwater or surface water flooding. Need a complete system with the chamber included? See our Packaged Pump Stations.
A sump pump is a submersible pump installed at the lowest point of a chamber, pit, or floor area where water collects. As water enters the sump, the pump removes it through a discharge pipe to a drain, soakaway, or sewer at a higher level. Sump pumps run intermittently rather than continuously, switching on only when water is present.
They are an essential part of any property's flood protection or basement waterproofing strategy, providing automatic, unattended water removal that keeps living and storage areas dry without daily intervention.
New to sumps? Read our guides on what a sump pump is and how to install one, what sump pumps are used for, and common sump pump mistakes to avoid.
For help choosing a drainage pump by job, see our drainage pumps guide.
The deeper read: what's in this range, how to pick, and when to talk to us before you buy.
Sump pumps are used wherever water needs to be removed from a low point and discharged elsewhere. Typical applications include:
Sump pumps are available in both automatic and manual versions. The right choice depends on whether the pump will be left in place to operate unattended, or used on demand.
Automatic Sump Pumps
Automatic sump pumps include a float switch that activates the pump when water reaches a set level and switches it off again when the level drops. They are the right choice for permanent installations such as basements, lift shafts, and unattended properties, where the pump needs to operate without anyone present.
Manual Sump Pumps
Manual sump pumps are switched on and off by the user. They are typically used for one-off jobs such as draining a flooded room, emptying a tank, or removing water during construction work, where continuous unattended operation is not needed. Manual pumps are also used in attended flood-response situations, where an operator is on site managing the pump.
Manual pumps can also be integrated into a wider system where switching is controlled separately, such as via an external float switch or control panel.
Some sump pump models are available in both automatic and manual versions of the same unit, allowing the same pump to be specified for either application.
Sump pumps are available in two voltage options for UK use:
Choose 230V for domestic and permanent installations. Choose 110V for construction site work and where required by site safety policy. Some sump pump models are available in both voltages.
Three questions usually settle the decision:
If you are not sure which pump fits your application, call our team on 0115 987 0358.
Sump pumps are the active component of most Type C cavity membrane basement waterproofing systems. Water that enters the cavity is channelled to a sump, where the pump removes it and discharges it above ground. For basement waterproofing where pump failure cannot be tolerated, a twin-pump packaged system is recommended for redundancy, available in our Packaged Pump Stations range.
We hold our sump pump range in stock at our Nottingham warehouse for next-day delivery. Every pump is backed by manufacturer warranty and aftersales support from our in-house team. We supply the Environment Agency, NHS, water companies, and councils alongside domestic and trade customers.
A sump pump is a single submersible pump that sits inside an existing chamber. A packaged pump station is a complete system with the chamber, pump, internal pipework, non-return valve, and float switch supplied as one ready-to-install unit.
Service life depends on the pump model, duty cycle, and water type. Quality submersible sump pumps in typical domestic basement duty give many years of reliable service. Pumps used in heavy-silt, foul water, or continuous-duty applications may wear faster and need replacing sooner.
For permanent installations where pump failure is not acceptable, such as inhabited basements or properties with valuable contents below the flood line, a twin-pump system or battery backup is recommended.
Standard sump pumps handle clean and grey water only. For foul water containing sewage you need a sewage-rated pump with a vortex or grinder impeller. See our sewage pumps collection.
Installation depends on whether the sump chamber already exists. For an existing chamber, the pump is lowered in, connected to the discharge pipe, and wired to a power supply. For a new installation, a sump pit or chamber needs to be excavated and prepared first. Pump installation is site-specific and we recommend using a qualified installer.
