The 10 Best Utility Pumps
Special Honors
Barnes 126 This durable piece of machinery can handle high temperatures and small solids, making it a smart choice for plumbers. The water-cooled motor has built-in overload protection, so there's no need to babysit it. waterpumpsdirect.com
Saniflo Sanicom 1 This model is well-suited for commercial kitchens, as it can handle water up to 194-degrees Fahrenheit. The rubber discharge elbow can be rotated 360-degrees, giving you myriad installation options. lowes.com
Editor's Notes
January 31, 2021:
We’ve included a variety of types of pumps here that may fall under the broader umbrella of utility pumps, from sump pumps like the WaterAce WA80UP and HydraPump Smart, as well as other submersible pumps, to non-submersible types, which include transfer pumps like the Wayne PC2 and ExtraUp Low Suction. While many of these models are fine for lighter-duty and less frequent use around the house, I have argued before - during my update of the best sump pumps - about durability and why I prefer cast iron and metal housing over thermoplastic, so I’ve added relevant options like the Zoeller M53 to reflect this, while taking out a few more thermoplastic options. I’ve also added a battery backup option in the Wayne WSS30VN.
August 12, 2019:
The Wayne Waterbug is one of the more interesting models on this list, as it's incredibly versatile and perfect for outdoor use. If you have standing water that's drawing mosquitoes and other bugs, it can help clean everything up with minimal effort, especially since it has discharge ports on both the top and side.
Regardless of which unit you choose, read the operating manual before you get started. Some, like the HydraPump Smart, will start and shut off on their own, but others require you to monitor them, because continuing to run them after the water's gone will burn out the motor. Also, not every unit is capable of being fully submerged, so do your research beforehand.
These pumps are designed for sporadic, as-needed use. If you need something more permanent, consider a sump pump instead. They're better-suited for permanent installation in your basement or other flood-prone area.