There are two primary types of residential sump pumps — submersible and pedestal — along with battery backup units and combination systems that pair a primary pump with a backup. Each type has distinct advantages depending on your basement setup, noise tolerance, how often the pump cycles, and how important continuous protection during power outages is to you. Getting the right type for your home is as important as getting the right horsepower rating.

Submersible Sump Pumps

A submersible pump sits fully inside the sump pit, submerged in water when the pit fills. Because the motor is sealed and submerged, it runs much more quietly than a pedestal pump — you can usually hear a pedestal pump across the room, while a submersible often goes almost unnoticed. The motor is also cooled by the surrounding water, which extends its operating life during long pump cycles.

Submersible pumps handle larger volumes of water more efficiently than pedestal units, and their low profile inside the pit makes them easier to cover with a sealed pit lid — which reduces odors, humidity, and radon entry into the basement. For finished or semi-finished basements in the Denver area, a submersible with a sealed lid is generally the preferred choice. Typical lifespan is five to fifteen years depending on usage, water quality, and pit sizing.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

A pedestal pump has its motor mounted on a vertical shaft above the pit, with only the pump impeller sitting in the water. Because the motor is not submerged, it is easier to access for service or inspection. Pedestal pumps are typically less expensive upfront and can be a practical choice for narrow pits where a submersible will not fit properly.

The trade-off is noise — a pedestal motor runs audibly whenever the pump cycles — and the exposed motor is a consideration in basements where the pump area is used for storage or living space. Lifespan is often longer than a submersible because the motor avoids moisture exposure, though this advantage depends on the specific model and maintenance history.

Battery Backup Sump Pumps

Colorado’s severe weather — summer thunderstorms, heavy snowmelt events, and occasional ice storms — creates exactly the conditions where sump pumps are needed most and power outages are most likely. A battery backup system provides a secondary pump that activates automatically when the primary pump fails or when power is lost.

Most residential battery backup systems use a 12-volt marine battery charged continuously by a trickle charger connected to household current. When power is lost, the backup unit draws from the battery and continues pumping. Run time depends on how fast water enters the pit — typically enough for several hours of moderate inflow before the battery depletes. Many current systems also send smartphone alerts when the backup activates, which is valuable when you’re away from home during a storm.

Combination Systems

  • Submersible pump — quiet, efficient, best for finished basements
  • Pedestal pump — easier motor access, lower upfront cost, noisier operation
  • Battery backup — continues pumping during power outages; critical for storm events
  • Combination system — primary submersible plus integrated battery backup in one unit
  • Water-powered backup — uses municipal water pressure; no battery required but consumes significant water

A combination system integrates a primary submersible pump and a battery backup unit in a single assembly that fits in a standard sump pit. These systems are the most practical all-in-one solution for homeowners who want primary and backup protection without managing two separate units. They’re a particularly good fit for Denver-area homes in low-lying areas, neighborhoods near creeks, or homes where the basement is fully finished.

Choosing the Right System for Your Home

The right pump horsepower depends on pit size, the volume of water your basement collects during a heavy event, and the length of the discharge run. Undersizing a pump causes it to run continuously and burn out prematurely; oversizing wastes money upfront without adding meaningful protection. Done’s plumbing team can assess your existing setup or design a new system matched to your home’s actual drainage conditions.

For sump pump installation, replacement, or adding a battery backup to your current primary pump, Done serves the entire Denver metro. Learn more on our sump pump services page, or visit our emergency plumbing page if you’re dealing with water in the basement right now.