The Best Septic Tank Pumps For Your Septic System

Homes not connected with municipal sewer systems depend on a septic system for managing waste. Some Septic systems require septic pumps, this article will list 6 of the top septic tank pumps on the market.

However, with a quality septic tank pump, a septic system can’t work efficiently. Best septic tank pumps can easily handle large quantities of water (usually up to 10,000 gallons per hour) and feature cast-iron construction.

While there’s no shortage of septic tank pumps in the market, not all are equally good. In this post, we have listed 6 top septic tank pumps, so that you can pick one that best suits your needs and budget.

This Zoeller model is a reliable, buy-it-for-life septic tank pump, thanks to its powerful motor, which can pump 128 gallon per minute (GPM) on just 0.5 horsepower. It boasts a solid, iron-cast construction, which gives it a heavy-duty, confidence-inspiring feel. What’s more, this model comes with an impressive 3-year warranty.

There’s a float switch that automatically turns off the pump. This model has a length of 16 inches, width of 13.7 inches, and depth of 10.8 inches. And the maximum height is 21.5 feet. In addition, its grinder can handle solids up to two inches.

Given that this model has so much to offer, it comes as no surprise that it is a tad on the expensive side.

Pros

• Completely submersible, cast-iron housing
• Pumps 128 gallon per minute
• Can handle solids up to two inches
• Automatic float switch feature
• Maximum vertical height of 25 feet

Cons

Expensive

A super-efficient motor and sturdy, cast-iron housing makes the Liberty Pump LE50 one of the best septic tank pumps going around. Its powerful motor can produce 160 GPM flow rate on just 0.5 horsepower. This, in turn, translates into better life expectancy and lower energy costs.

Other features that enhance this model’s life span include a permanently lubricated bearing and thermally protected oil-filled motor. Add to these the capability to easily handle solids up to two inches and a maximum height of 25 feet, and it becomes clear as day that the Liberty LE50 is among the top sewage grinder pumps available in the market.

However, all these goodies don’t come cheap. The Liberty LE50 pump is at the higher end of the price range.

Pros

• Pumps 160 gallons per minute at 0.5 horsepower
• Can efficiently handle solids up to two inches
• Impressive life-span
• Maximum vertical height of 25 feet
• Comes with a 2-year warranty

Cons

• Expensive

The Superior 93501 has some impressive features. Take for instance its non-clogging, cast-aluminum vortex impeller, which can easily take care of solids up to two inches. Another worthwhile feature is its thermally-protected motor, which enhances its longevity and ensures it can handle continuous work. The pump can produce 80 GPM of water flow at 0.5 horsepower. While this is a respectable rate, it is considerably lower than what high-end septic pumps offer.

The Superior 93501 pump can pump water up to a height of 25 feet and comes with a one-year warranty. This is another feature where it falls short of premium septic pumps, which usually come with a two-year or three-year warranty. Another gripe we have it is that it is a little on the heavier side.

All in all, Superior Pump 93501 is an excellent choice for budget buyers. However, if you don’t paying a little extra, you may be better off buying off a high-end septic tank pump.   

Pros

• Corrosion and rust-resistant cast-iron housing
• 80 gallons per minute
• Maximum vertical height of 25 feet
• Cast aluminum vortex impeller
• Affordable

Cons

• One-year warranty
• Heavy

If it’s impressive power rating (1.0 horsepower) is any indication to go by, this model is a powerful beast. And when it comes to lifting capabilities, the Hallmark MA0387X-9 is the best hands down. It has an unbeatable maximum height of 49 feet. Its ability to move water is not shabby either — 120 gallons per minute. While the Hallmark pump is not as efficient at moving water as the first two names in the list, it does move sizeable volumes of water.

Like other best septic tank pumps, it is fully submersible and has motor that’s hermetically sealed with thermal protection. This means you are not likely to encounter overheating issues if you keep it on continuously. So if you’re looking for a buy-for-life septic tank pump, this model should be at the top of your list, especially if you don’t mind its one-year warranty and less-than-perfect float switch. You will need a 220V outlet to use this pump.

Pros

• 120 gallons per minute
• Maximum vertical height of 49 feet
• Sturdy and long lasting
• Cast-iron grinder impeller can easily crush solids

Cons

• One-year warranty
• Float switch may get stuck
• Needs 220V electric

Looking for a quality basic sewage pump under $200 that can handle impressive volumes of water? If yes, you may want to consider the Wayne RPP50. Offering a respectable 103 gallons per minute flow rate on 0.5 horsepower and built from cast iron, the RPP50 is both efficient and sturdy. Like other names in the list, it can handle two-inch solids with ease. It comes with piggy-back tether switch, giving you the option of enabling manual operation if you require it.

The Wayne RPP50 is built for sewer basins having a diameter of at least 18 inches and backed by a 1-year limited warranty (covers only factory defects). Some users have complained about severed wires, float switch issues, and seals leaking oil.

Pros

• Flow rate of 103 GPM
• Automatic operation and manual operation capabilities

Cons

• 1-year warranty (limited)
• Small quality control issues can occur

The biggest selling point of this model is its impeller, which is almost as efficient as a grinder. Made of cast-iron, its impeller can handles solids with ease, even those that have a thickness of greater than two inches. However, for the record, it won’t handle sanitary pads and trash. So, don’t go pumping these things into your septic tank because they can cause permanent damage to the sewage pump. Another reason to include this model in our list of best septic tank pumps was is stainless-steel construction. The BURCAM pump is as sturdy as they come.

However, it has some drawbacks. Its performance, surprisingly, is not up to the mark, which stands out like a sore thumb because of the expensive price tag. Its performance, too, is not anything to write home about. Even though the motor (0.75 horsepower) is powerful, the BURCAM pump can’t handle very high volumes of water. With it, you get a flow rate of 70 gallon per minute, which is not great by any stretch of imagination. So, don’t expect it to help you reduce your energy costs.

Pros

• Sturdy built
• Powerful impeller

Cons

• Pricey
• Unimpressive flow rate of 70 GPM
• Loud operation
• Inefficient design

Conclusion

There are many things worth trying to get as cheaply as possible, but a septic tank pump is certainly not one of them. While price is always a factor when you buy something, consider several other factors as well when shopping for a sewage pump. These include power/flow rate, efficiency, reliability, and warranty. 

Best septic tank pumps are those that score well on most or all of these factors. Our research shows that the Zoller model is the best one on the market, with the Liberty model coming a close second. The list also includes a few budget options — like the Wayne model — in the list for price-conscious buyers.