Happy DIY Home, the home and garden authority. Master gardeners, interior designers, professional contractors

How to Grow Freesia Flowers

Bright and colorful the freesia is a fragrant flower that is a delight in any garden. Producing trumpet shaped, upward facing blooms on leafless stems these unusual flowers are ideal…

How to Grow Chives

An attractive ornamental plant, chives are regularly found in herb gardens, edging paths or in mixed flower beds. Versatile and easy to cultivate, both the foliage and the flowers can…

How to Grow the Evening Primrose Plant

The delicate evening primrose plant is an attractive, ornamental flower that suits a range of planting schemes. Unusually it is a nocturnal plant meaning that its usually yellow flowers remain…

How to Grow Your Own Pumpkin Plant

Pumpkins are one of the most eagerly awaited signs of fall and extremely fun to grow in the garden. Whether you want to eat, carve, or decorate your pumpkins, there’s…

What Does a Carport Cost to Build?

If you own a home and you don’t have a traditional garage but you want a way to keep the rain, sun, and snow off your car, figuring out your…

How to Build Shed Doors

Many people often wonder how to build shed doors for their new sheds, and it’s surprisingly easier than you think. Some designs have been in use for thousands of years,…

Although trees are an important part of the natural world, there are several reasons why you could want to start considering tree removal costs. Although trees are beautiful and they…

How Much Does a Greenhouse Cost to Build and Maintain?

A greenhouse is one way to grow your plants all year round for food because it helps shield them from the elements while allowing sunlight to stream in and warm…

The Best Gardening Tools We Recommend

Looking for the best gardening tools? This page lists our top picks based on what we use in our home and garden. These are the products we recommend and love.

We update this list regularly to make sure it is up-to-date. If you plan to work on your garden regularly, we recommend investing in quality gardening tools as they can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.

How to Grow Freesia Flowers

Bright and colorful the freesia is a fragrant flower that is a delight in any garden. Producing trumpet shaped, upward facing blooms on leafless stems these unusual flowers are ideal

How to Grow Chives

An attractive ornamental plant, chives are regularly found in herb gardens, edging paths or in mixed flower beds. Versatile and easy to cultivate, both the foliage and the flowers can

How to Grow the Evening Primrose Plant

The delicate evening primrose plant is an attractive, ornamental flower that suits a range of planting schemes. Unusually it is a nocturnal plant meaning that its usually yellow flowers remain

How to Grow Your Own Pumpkin Plant

Pumpkins are one of the most eagerly awaited signs of fall and extremely fun to grow in the garden. Whether you want to eat, carve, or decorate your pumpkins, there’s

How to Ripen Green Tomatoes

Learning how to ripen green tomatoes is a vital part of growing the fruit. Whether you are growing small cherry tomatoes or large beef toms, it is a useful skill

How to Grow a Butterfly Bush

The butterfly bush is an elegant specimen known for its long panicles of colorful flowers. Flowering from spring until late summer, as the name suggests the plant draws scores of

Ultimate Guide to Growing Lilac Bush

The lilac bush (Syringa vulgaris) is an attractive deciduous shrub that flowers in mid to late spring. An attractive ornamental plant that thrives in a range of different planting schemes,

Vermiculite Vs Perlite: When To Use Which And How

With millions of plants growing in soil, you may occasionally question what is in your soil media, and if you need to add anything to your soil for optimal plant

Preserving Apples: 13 Best Storage Solutions

If you have some apple trees in your backyard, an orchard nearby, or a farmer’s market that sells apples, you may end up with more fruit than you can eat.

Growing Sweet Corn Guide

Sweet corn is one of the most familiar vegetables of late summer. Most people leave it to the farmers to grow corn, but there’s no reason home gardeners can’t add

How to Grow a Banana Tree

A banana tree is a great way to bring a tropical feel to your home or garden. These attractive specimens are also a good way to introduce structure and shade

How to Grow a Big Beef Tomato

The big beef tomato is popular for its meaty texture and deep old fashioned flavor. Unlike smaller cherry tomatoes, they also retain their shape well after slicing. This makes them

Why Use Epsom Salt for Tomato Plants

Considered Epsom salt for tomato plants? Growing healthy productive tomato plants is a time consuming obsession. When it comes down to producing flavor filled tomatoes every keen grower will have

Growing Eggplant: A Complete Guide

Growing eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a great choice for a number of reasons. These stately plants add elegance to both vegetable and ornamental borders. Ideal for gardens that enjoy long,

How to Grow Alpine Strawberries

Originating in Asia and Europe, alpine strawberries are the traditional fruit that our ancestors enjoyed. Smaller and more delicate than the common garden strawberry these attractive little plants, also known

How to Store Potatoes

Learning how to store potatoes correctly is a surprisingly useful skill. The methods I will outline here can be applied to potatoes you have grown and freshly harvested in your

Growing Oregano Plant: Planting, Care, and Harvest Guide

Oregano is a very popular herb found most often in pizza and pasta sauce. It’s also used frequently in Greek cooking and has made its way into recipes around the

A Complete Guide to Growing Zucchini

More and more people are growing zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) in their gardens and it’s easy to see why. These attractive plants are surprisingly low maintenance and reliably produce large, great

How to Grow Mexican Petunia

The Mexican Petunia (Ruellia brittoniana) is one of the flower gardens’ most attractive members. A member of the Acanthaceae family, these evergreen shrubs are commonly grown for their violet blooms,

How to Grow Sunflowers

Tall and bright, sunflowers are one of the summer’s most popular plants. Not only are sunflowers incredibly easy to grow they are also quick to flower. Most varieties flower within

How to Care for Oxalis Triangularis

Oxalis Triangularis is a popular houseplant choice because it is a distinctive houseplant that enjoys a reliable, prolific growth habit. Easily identifiable thanks to its eye catching purple foliage, when

21 Best Late Summer Vegetables to Plant This Year

Things may quiet down in your flower garden during late summer, but it’s a great time of year if you’ve planted a vegetable garden. You might think that not much

How to Grow Sweet Potatoes

Popular in the southern states, almost anyone can learn how to grow sweet potatoes. Despite often being called a yam (Dioscorea sp.), the two vegetables are actually unrelated. Similarly sweet

How to Plant a Weeping Willow

Graceful and elegant, the weeping willow is a great way to add drama and interest to a landscape. The drooping branches of these weeping trees cascade down to the ground,

Growing Cantaloupe Guide – How to Grow Cantaloupe at Home

For many people the watermelon is their go to summer melon. However if you want a melon that is really filled with sweet, juicy flavor then why not try growing

How Much Does a Koi Pond Cost to Install and Maintain?

Adding any type of pond to your landscaping in your backyard can be a beautiful and relaxing addition. The sound of water trickling and the tranquility the pond lends to

22 Best Flowering Vines to Add to Your Garden

Vines add height and interest to the garden. They are a great option for making use of vertical space in small gardens but are also a great addition to any

Growing Lovage Plant: Complete Planting and Care Guide

Lovage is an outstanding herb that many gardeners don’t know about. It was found in almost every kitchen garden during the Middle Ages but somehow got lost and almost forgotten

Growing Green Beans – Ultimate Guide

Green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are prized for their easy growing nature and quick growth habit. One of the easiest vegetables you can grow, whether you are new to gardening or

How to Grow and Care for Gaillardia

Gaillardia is a cheerful flower that brightens up the garden all summer long. It’s easy to grow and will thrive in hot, dry areas of your landscape where other plants

Growing Spinach Guide – How to Grow Spinach at Home

Growing spinach is an intense but deeply rewarding activity. A relative of Swiss chard and beets, spinach has a vigorous growth habit. A cool weather loving plant. Once you work

Growing Garlic Guide – How to Grow and Care for Garlic

Growing garlic is a pleasingly easy and low maintenance process. Thriving in cooler climates garlic plants do not require lots of space or attention. This means that practically anybody can

Bamboo vs Hardwood: Which Flooring is Better?

Flooring is one of the most important aspects of every house, and whether you are looking to increase your home’s value or simply remodel – the best way to invest

How to Plant a Moon Garden: Design, Layout, and Plant Selection

The sun is one of the plants’ required food sources, one of three they need to survive, grow, and reproduce. They also need it for photosynthesis, which is the chemical

Growing Rhubarb Guide – How to Grow Rhubarb at Home

An old fashioned favorite, gardeners have been growing rhubarb for centuries. In recent decades this incredibly tart vegetable has undeservedly fallen out of favor. If you’ve never experienced the sour

Growing Ginger Guide – How to Grow Ginger At Home

A useful ingredient, ginger is commonly used in both Asian and Indian cuisine. Once mature the root is easily used either fresh, powdered or juiced into a smoothie. These knobbly

Pruning Tomato Plants for a Bigger Harvest

Pruning tomato plants is vital if you want to encourage lots of healthy growth and flowers. As any keen grower will tell you, the more flowers there are on a

Growing Fennel Plant: Detailed Care and Harvesting Guide

Fennel is a unique plant because it can be grown as an herb, a vegetable, or both. Some varieties are also grown as ornamental plants because of their decorative foliage.

How to Grow a Fruitful Cherry Tomato Plant

Vine-ripened tomatoes are one of the best signs of summer in the vegetable garden. They are filled with so much more flavor than store-bought options and are many gardeners favorite

Growing Anemone Flower: Complete Planting and Care Guide

Anemones make show-stopping cut flowers and also put on a beautiful display in the garden almost all season. They are easy to grow and very hardy plants- perfect for beginner

How to Start an Herb Garden

Ever thought of having your own herb garden and growing herbs at home? Gardening has been around for centuries as people have used it first and foremost as a food source and a means of livelihood. While those reasons are still prevalent today, many are getting into gardening as a hobby and as a way to be healthier and more economically responsible.

Herbs are able to add a lot of flavor to a variety of dishes and baked goods. You can also use them to brew your own tea. You can really enjoy whatever you make knowing it’s all thanks to your green thumb!

Whether you’re a novice gardener or just getting into it, starting an herb garden will bring you a lot of satisfaction without much hard work as herbs are able to grow in a variety of conditions. Use our detailed guide to learn how to start an herb garden.

Select the Herbs for Your Herb Garden

Once you decide you want to start an herb garden, you need to pick what herbs you’d like to grow in your herb garden. You can either start with seeds or starter plants, depending on your preference. There is a wide variety of herbs to choose from for your herb garden, including:

• Basil
• Chives
• Mint
• Coriander
• Dill
• Fennel
• Tarragon
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Lemon balm
• Lavender

There’s a lot you can do with herbs. If you’re looking to use them to cook with, basil, chives and oregano add a punch of flavor to savory dishes, while lavender and herbs like rosemary add both aroma and flavor to many baked goods. If you’d like to make tea or cocktails, mint is especially refreshing.

Choose Your Container for Growing Herbs

Once you decide what herbs you’d like for your herb garden, you need to find the right container for growing herbs. Even if you have space for a garden, or currently have a garden, planting your herbs in a container will be beneficial in many ways.

For one, herbs don’t require much maintenance and planting them in a container allows you to move them indoors if and when the weather turns cold. You can also start your herbs in the winter or early spring and move them outdoors when the weather is ready for them.

Placing your growing herbs in individual containers is also aesthetically pleasing as you can put them in a variety of containers including:

• Colored ceramic pots
• Vases
• Metal boxes
• Wooden boxes

You can choose a bigger container and plant herbs with similar growing requirements together, if desired. However, you’ll want to make sure to plant mint in its own pot as it tends to spread and can take over anything near it in the herb garden.

A pot of mint. It’s best to plant mint in its own container because it tends to grow out and spread.

Whatever container you decide on, it’s important that it has drainage holes in order to avoid root rot. If not, you can simply drill a couple into the bottom of the container. It’s also important to use high-quality potting soil.

The potting soil you plant your herbs in will be its foundation. If you think about it, the container and potting soil will be the home that nurtures your herbs so you’ll want to choose a soil that gives herbs what they need to thrive.

Herbs will do best in a potting soil that holds water but also provides good drainage. One soil that we found does just that is Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro. Mix the soil thoroughly in a big container before using some to plant your herbs. A great thing about this mix is that it can be used whether you choose to plant your herbs in a container or in the ground.

Find a Place for Your Herb Garden. Outdoor Herb Garden

You have several choices when it comes to where you want to plant your herb garden. If you wish to go the more traditional route and place your herbs in an outdoor garden, make sure you choose a sunny space for your herb garden with full sun and rich soil, which will make an ideal place to plant your herb garden. But if your soil leaves much to be desired, you can certainly plant herbs in a raised bed and fill the raised beds with high-quality soil that your herbs need to thrive in the raised bed gardens.

Two raised garden beds are pictured along with several pots of various herbs. While herbs can be planted directly in the ground or in a raised garden bed, planting them in containers allows you to move them around as needed.

If all your lawn space is in the shade, there are herbs, including parsley, mint and cilantro, that do well with just receiving 3 or 4 hours of sun. Rosemary, thyme and lavender would do better receiving more sun, so consider what the area you have in mind receives when it comes to sun and shade. You can simply check the plant tag to see how much sun each herb should receive.

It is important to note that if you live in a very hot climate, too much sun can dry out your herbs. This is another reason why planting your herbs in a container is a smart move because then you can move the container if you see they’re receiving too much sun or shade.

If you have more space for your plant, a herb spiral could also work very well.

Balcony Herb Garden

A garden box attached to a balcony, filled with lavender, chives, rosemary and mint.

Many people might not have the outdoor space for a garden. Apartment buildings or condos often have no place for a personal garden. However the absence of a lawn does not mean that you can’t have a garden!

If you don’t have lawn space, but happen to have a balcony, that will make a great space for a windowsill herb garden. That way you’ll have easy access to your herbs while allowing them to get the sunlight that they need. Simply secure either a box to the balcony, which will allow good drainage, or opt to set several containers with herbs on the balcony.

Indoor Herb Garden

Many herbs can be grown indoors so if you don’t have outdoor space or a balcony, you’ll still be able to grow herbs indoors. Ideally, you may want to keep your herb garden in the kitchen so you can cook and bake and have quick and easy access to fresh, homegrown herbs.

To grow indoors, herbs need a lot of natural sunlight. We’re talking at least six hours a day for most herbs. If your kitchen doesn’t receive a lot of natural light or if you don’t have the counter space there, you can absolutely set up your herb garden in another room.

Whatever room you decide, place your herb garden next to a window in a sunny spot. If you have a hard time finding a place that receives a lot of natural sun, you still have options! A grow light mimics direct sunlight so it can work if you can’t find a sunny area in your home or apartment.

However, before purchasing a grow light, it might be worth it to see how your herbs so with the indoor sunlight that they’re receiving. Watch for signs that your herbs aren’t receiving enough sun, such as becoming pale in color and producing small leaves. If there’s not enough sun inside or outside your home, you may want to look at getting a grow light.

As for temperature, herbs will be happy with a mild 65-70 degree indoor temperature.

Feeding Your Growing Herbs

It’s important to plant your herbs in high-quality potting soil. Once your herbs are planted, you’ll want to make you sure to regularly water these plants, especially in the summer months. If you choose to keep your herb garden outdoors, a good garden hose will help you easily water all your herbs and other plants while saving you time. We recommend the Reel RSH125 Crate Hose Reel for a high-quality self-winding hose that will help you well water your herbs and other plants without getting caught and tangled as you water.

As stated above, growing herbs are pretty easy to maintain as they typically don’t require fertilizer, as long as you use a high-quality potting soil. Once again, be sure to check the plant tag well for the special needs of each herb.

How to Harvest Herbs From Your Herb Garden

When it comes to harvesting your herbs, the more plants you pick, the more plants you will get so harvest often. It’s also important to harvest before your herbs start flowering because you’ll get more flavorful, better tasting herbs before the plants start to flower so make sure to check how much they’re yielding.

Make sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant to ensure that it will keep growing. When harvesting, just pinch off individual leaves, not the whole stalk. Remember to pinch back after harvesting.

Whether you plan to use fresh herbs in a recipe, or dry them to use later, growing them yourself ensures that you’ll have plenty or fresh, flavorful herbs ready at your fingertips.

How to Grow Basil Indoors. How to grow basil indoors? Growing basil plants is one of my favorite hobbies.

I hope you had an amazing summer overloaded with fresh garden fruits and vegetables. I know summer is coming to an end when the farmers market heats up with the season’s final produce. My potted tomato and basil plants topple into each other on my patio as if they couldn’t resist themselves. I always keep basil on hand by growing it indoors year round so I can add fresh basil to many of my dishes and sauces.

Fend off Frost

For those of us in northern climates, some of our tender leafed varieties have already objected to the frosty mornings and it’s high time to bring those plants inside so we may continue to enjoy the shine of summer in our fall and winter dishes. There is a lot to gain by growing basil indoors during the time of year when colder temperatures or a blanket of snow makes it hard to keep bounteous aromatic green leaves outside of a greenhouse.

Why the trouble?

Besides the delicious flavor, basil is an aromatic herb used in many styles of cooking the world over. Basil combines beautifully with the ubiquitous tomato or minced and sprinkled over grilled peaches. It is amazing infused into oils and can be added to seafood dishes.

It has many health benefits and it brings me joy just to grow basil. The wide glossy basil leaves, its fragrance and even the feathery flowers I pinch off now and then all add to the fullness of my life.

5 Easy Steps to Grow Basil Indoors

1. To bring a plant inside from your garden just follow one or two stems to the dirt and cut out as much of the attached root ball as possible with a garden trowel. Take as much of the root system as your pot size will permit. The goal is to keep the roots intact and as undisturbed as possible when growing indoors.

2. Pot the basil plants with extra potting soil and give it a little water.

3. Use sharp pruners to prune away any flowers that may have gone to seed over the summer.

4. Also remove any thin leggy unproductive stems that just compete for nutrients with the main plants.

5. Bring your basil pot indoors and place it in a warm sunny spot. When growing indoors, basil is one of those plants that requires warmth from its roots to the outer basil leaves.

Hedge your Bets: Tips for Success on Growing Basil Indoors

I sprinkle basil seeds along with the newly potted plants.

If planting from seeds, space the basil seeds 10 inches apart.

You can harvest basil seeds from the flowers or use last spring’s seed packet. This gets a few plants started just in case you caught your plant too late in the season.

This strategy is handy to get a head start on the seedlings you hope to plant outside when the weather warms.

When that time comes, you just have to remember to acclimate your plants to the outdoor weather conditions. In early spring, it’s advisable to bring your plants indoors at night to guard against unexpected weather. They will not be happy if your area experiences the onset of hail or other seemingly spontaneous instances of basil plants damaging weather.

Good Warm Soil Composition equals Great Taste

Nutrients are taken directly from the soil and into those bright flavorful leaves. Good soil directly impacts the intensity of the basil flavor. A good base to start with is the commercial seed start soil found in garden centers. I also mix in rich mature compost and fertilizer to feed the soil ecosystem. While you should keep the soil moist as basil likes moist soil, make sure the moist soil is well drained and that you didn’t add too much of the fertilizer.

Compost can hold onto water like a sponge. Sand definitely has its place in soil composition and will help to correct the drainage if you went a little crazy with the fertilizer. Strong root systems are made because a plant’s roots are seeking water not just drowning in it. Water once or twice a week and you are all set.

When growing basil indoors, it is important to remember that soil temperature is critical. According to West Coast Seeds the soil temperature must be 70°F for your seeds to germinate and you can expect to see basil sprouts in no time. I recommend using a seed heating pad for this scenario. Your basil will appreciate it!

Lighten up

Another consideration to successfully grow your rescued basil plant indoors is providing your plants with UV light that mimics natural sunlight. The good news is that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. UV light (and basil) can help keep the winter blues at bay.

Be cautious of placing your basil plants on a window sill. A window on a winter day won’t be quite up to the task of providing the right quality of full sun sunlight and can be too drafty for the basil which can negatively impact the soil temperature. Try to make sure your plant gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.

We recommend a broad spectrum UV light. Utilizing different wavelengths produce various characteristics in the basil plant mirroring the seasons and the plant’s natural life cycle. For instance, blue spectrum wavelengths help seeds to sprout while red spectrum wavelengths may be more concentrated in late summer sunlight to produce larger leaves.

The Rewards of Growing Basil Indoors: Cooking with Sweet basil and Thai basil

There are many varieties of basil that you can grow. My favorites are sweet basil and Thai basil. Sweet basil is a delicate and aromatic herb that you can mince with a sharp knife. Simply add basil to mayonnaise for a basic aioli. Thai basil can be grown alongside common sweet basil. Because it holds up better to heat, Thai basil is ideal for wilting into sauces at the end of cooking. To me, Thai basil lends a bit of mystery to a dish with warm licorice or anise flavor.

At the end of the growing season, keep your basil. Use these tips and strategies to bring and grow your basil inside. It’s empowering and during the short nights of winter it will add the right amount of warmth to your plate. Your day will be made brighter for it. I would like to know how you plan to enjoy your indoor basil.

Mastering how to grow basil indoors is a great skill to learn, and can reap rewards for you for many years to come once you get the hang of it.

Dishwasher Installation Cost Guide

A dishwasher adds a layer of convenience to your home, and it’s easy to justify your dishwasher installation cost when you’re doing a kitchen remodel and you want to add this to your space. A dishwasher is a very energy-efficient and convenient way to do your dishes each day, and it’s easy to customize them with more features to help them fit into your life better. Additionally, dishwashers come in a large range of styles and sizes that allow you to fit it into your design aesthetic without a problem. The different sizes can also fit well into different counter heights, even if space is at a premium.

The national average dishwasher installation cost ranges from $700 to $2,000. A lot of homeowners find themselves paying just under $900 for their dishwasher installation cost, and this is for a standard 24-inch dishwasher that is built into the cabinets with an average sound rating. Your price range starts at $350 for a smaller portable model, and it can easily go up to $3,500 for a high-efficiency, extra-large model that features the quietest sound rating and leak sensors with temperature controls.

Because it’s important to budget for any new addition to your home, you want to nail down a rough estimate for your dishwasher installation cost. This guide can help, but you have to consider fluctuations based on your area too. The type, size, and how many convenience factors the unit has are the three biggest price factors to worry about when you create your budget.

This guide will outline all of the big points you should keep in mind when you start considering your dishwasher installation cost. We’ll also talk about the smaller factors that will dictate how your costs fluctuate, and this will allow you to see which features you can and can’t comfortably afford.

Dishwasher Types and Price Points

There are several types of dishwashers available, and each one will affect your dishwasher installation cost. Your available space, where you want to install it, and how much you plan on using it contribute to each category, and the most popular types include:

Built-In

A built-in model comes designed to match your kitchen cabinets. This can give you a sleek and cohesive look throughout your kitchen. These types of dishwashers get installed underneath your countertops and the cabinets box it in and surrounds it. You’ll find these models in all types of homes, especially more modern looks. A built-in model will take your dishwasher installation cost to $350 to $1,600.

Countertop

This is a type of portable dishwasher that uses a hose to pull water from your faucet. As the name suggests, it sits right on your counter, and you’ll have to put them somewhere close to your sink. This is a convenient choice for small kitchens, but they lack a lot of the options full-sized models have. The smaller size and lower capacity means that you have to wash larger pans, pots, or dishes by hand. They’re great for when you’re renting a place because you can pack them up and move them with you. This model will increase your dishwasher installation cost by $250 to $290.

Drawer

This is a non-traditional model that is quickly gaining in popularity. You’ll split the dishwasher’s upper and lower racks into two appliances that run independently. The drawers will slide out toward you instead of downward using a hinged door, and this is great for people who have trouble bending down. You can get a single or double drawer design. A single-drawer dishwasher ranges from $750 to $950. The dishwasher installation cost for a double-drawer model ranges from $1,200 to $1,500.

Full Integrated

You can compare a fully integrated dishwasher with a built-in one because they both have very similar designs. These models come designed to blend in with your surrounding kitchen cabinets when you close the door all of the way. However, this is an extra customization, so this will increase your dishwasher installation cost by $630 to $3,000. The size and access restrictions will all factor in.

Portable

A portable dishwasher is nice if you don’t have room for a built-in one, and it has a freestanding design that allows you to wheel it around as you need to move it. This makes it a great piece for your apartment decor or in mobile homes. They have a compact size that makes them convenient, but they have a very limited capacity. They also lack a lot of features, and they don’t require plumbing work. This makes the dishwasher installation cost lower, and it usually ranges between $300 and $750.

How Finish Impacts Dishwasher Costs

You want to pick the perfect finish to help tie your entire kitchen aesthetic together and create a cohesive look. Most dishwashers offer various finishes without impacting your overall dishwasher installation costs, and you can customize your look. Along with looking sleek, many finishes help to protect your dishwasher from wear and tear.

Bisque

There is a soft orange tone with bisque that makes it a good alternative to pure white. It’s a lighter and more neutral color, so it blends well. You’ll want to have the rest of your appliances match if you choose bisque, and different variations of it can look messy. The dishwasher installation cost with this finish falls between $300 to $600.

Black

Black appliances can make a statement, and they go very well with a more modern-looking design. It allows you to create contrast with stainless steel and white shades, and there are several different shades of black to choose from. However, too much black makes the room feel closed off and dull. You can find a dishwasher in black for $330 to $1,100.

Black Slate

This finish gives your kitchen a modern look while being resistant to fingerprints. They have a very rich tone and they look great against white cabinets or tile flooring. Slate doesn’t go well with shiny finishes, so you need to pick one or the other for consistency’s sake. This finish will generally increase your dishwasher installation cost by $700 to $1,200.

Black Stainless Steel

This is a very easy-to-clean finish that is less prone to holding fingerprints. They give your kitchen a modern and sleek look, but each brand will have a subtle tone difference that makes it challenging to match. This type of dishwasher will cost between $650 and $2,000.

Bronze

Bronze is a warm finish that can completely upend the look and feel of your kitchen. It’s resistant to smudges, and it has a satin finish that gives it a stunning metallic texture. They add a unique look to many kitchens, and they can increase your dishwasher installation cost by $850 to $1,000.

Copper

Copper is another warm tone that adds an elegant touch to your home. It’s also easy to maintain because copper will resist fingerprints, stains, and dust. This is a more expensive option, and you can find attractive copper finished models for $850 to $1,000.

Matte Black

A matte black finish gives you a very sleek and modern tone. It works well to hide fingerprints if your kids have friends over for sleepovers who raid the dishwasher, and it also resists peeling and chipping. You’ll get a deeper shade than you’ll have with black slate, and this adds depth. Matte black dishwashers can boost your dishwasher installation costs by $950 to $1,300.

Matte White

Matte white will give you a classic look, just as you’d get with an average white finish. When you pick out a matte finish, it eliminates the need to worry about fingerprints or smudges. It also lends a modern feel to your kitchen, and it’ll cost between $900 and $1,100.

Slate

Slate gives you a cross between a matte finish and a metallic look. It mimics the look of stones, and this makes it slightly less monochromatic than traditional stainless steel. It can add a slightly warmer look to your kitchen, but it is easy to make it clash with more modern finishes on your cabinets. Slate finishes increase your dishwasher installation costs by $550 to $930, so it’s more cost-effective.

Stainless Steel

This is a very popular go-to finish for many dishwashers, and it offers a classic look. Stainless steel is also prone to showing fingerprints, and this means that you’ll spend a lot of time cleaning it to keep it looking flawless. Traditional stainless steel finishes can make your dishwasher installation costs climb by $350 to $1,500.

White

White is a very classic but safe choice for your appliance. They’re easy to clean, lower maintenance, and they come in several styles. However, cheaper models can slowly develop an unattractive yellowish hue over time, and this can give you space a worn down look. You can expect to spend between $330 and $1,100 for a white finish.

Wood Grain

If you want to create a seamless look for your entire kitchen area, consider a wood grain finish on your dishwasher. This is a custom style that makes it very easy to ensure that all of your appliances blend flawlessly with your surrounding cabinetry. The dishwasher installation cost with this finish ranges from $850 to $1,000. This puts it at the upper end of the spectrum.

Dishwasher Installation Costs by Size

Your dishwasher installation process can range from complex to straightforward, and a big component of your dishwasher installation cost will fall to size. You’ll need to get three critical measurements, including the height, width, and depth. They need to be exact because being even ¼-inch off can slow down or stall your installation process. When you’re replacing a current dishwasher, measure it and get a model that is very close to the same size.

Small Size

The smallest sized dishwashers available on the current market sit right on top of your countertop. They’re around half of the size of a traditional dishwasher, and this can push your dishwasher installation cost down. They’re great if you plan to move or have a small kitchen. They can’t wash as many dishes at once due to the compact size, but the prices range between $250 and $300.

Slimline Size

For smaller homes or smaller families, the slimline size is a good pick. Many of these models have a lot of the same features and benefits that you’d get with a traditional-sized model. The width is smaller, so it can’t fit as many dishes in one go. They’re also not as water or energy-efficient as other models. The dishwasher installation cost with this model fluctuates between $300 to $1,000.

Standard Size

This is the most common size most people have in their homes. They’re large enough to fit complete table settings for 12 people and lower. Many of them come with adjustable legs to accommodate different cabinet heights or countertops. The average width is 24-inches, and it’ll slide under most countertops without having to perform any additional renovations. On average, you’ll pay between $350 and $1,600 for this size.

Oversized Size

For larger families, you may need an oversized model. They usually have similar measurements when you compare them to standard models, but the interior differers. It has a much flatter dual motor instead of a bulky single motor, and this helps to free up space. However, it also makes them very challenging to install since it’s hard to reach the working parts. You can wash place settings for up to 16 people at one time with this model, but it’ll increase your dishwasher installation cost by $450 to $1,800.

Breaking Down Dishwasher Installation Costs

If you don’t include the dishwasher itself, your dishwasher installation costs range between $100 and $300. How complex the installation process is will dictate the final price. Also, how much you pay for a basic compact unit will vary from a customized integrated unit.

As a bonus, it’s easy to get a local company to perform the entire installation process, and they charge between $100 and $200 an hour. Between the unit, labor, and installation, your dishwasher installation cost will range between $700 and $2,000. If you choose a standard-sized freestanding unit, your prices will be closer to $700. If you want a more modern, bigger built-in unit with smart technology, hidden top controls, or matte finishes, your dishwasher installation costs will go toward the high end.

Dishwasher Plumbing Installation Costs

If you need to reroute drain lines or if you need new connections, you might need extra plumbing installed. Plumbers can charge between $45.00 to $200 an hour, and the project can take several hours from start to finish. The length of the project depends on whether the plumber needs to run new lines or if they work on existing ones. Running new lines costs between $3.00 and $10.00 a linear foot.

Dishwasher Wiring Costs

You may have to install new outlets, rewire, or form connections. Outlets cost approximately $140 to $175 for each grounded outlet you need installed. Most electricians will charge you between $40.00 to $120 an hour, depending on your location and how complex the project is. Wiring your new dishwasher shouldn’t take more than two or three hours.

Adding Your Dishwasher to Existing Cabinetry

You might have to make adjustments to your cabinetry to fit your dishwasher, and this can increase your dishwasher installation costs. You might have to trim the new dishwasher differently. Even if you picked out a freestanding dishwasher, you might want to include a stand-alone cabinet to help hide it between uses to give your kitchen a less cluttered look.

If you have existing cabinets and want to add a dishwasher, you might have to make the opening bigger if you choose a built-in model. If you plan to cut cabinets for a dishwasher or attach it to granite countertops, you’ll need a professional to help. Most projects will take between an hour or two, and labor costs range from $50.00 to $100 an hour.

Replacing a Dishwasher Cost

It’s less expensive to replace an existing dishwasher than it is to install a whole new one because most of the work is already done at this stage. A plumber is usually able to hook up your replacement dishwasher in an hour or two, and this costs between $75.00 to $150 an hour. You also have to factor in the dishwasher removal cost, and it costs between $100 and $150 to get rid of the old one.

You’ll replace your water inlet valve for $80.00 to $120. If you want to replace your old unit with one of the same type, model, and size, you can use the existing inlet valve. You’ll want to check the valve’s condition with the plumber. So, the dishwasher installation cost and removal cost is around $250 to $425.

Cost to Maintain Your Dishwasher

There are several parts in your dishwasher that can malfunction, including the motor, pump, filtration system, and disposal. If you take the time to maintain your dishwasher, it can last up to 10 years without an issue. However, since maintenance can be expensive, you should ask yourself if you can justify the dishwasher installation cost for a whole new unit.

You should set aside time every three or four months to clean out your dishwasher. If you have more serious problems, it’s a good idea to contact a professional. No matter the model, most dishwasher repairmen will charge between $50.00 to $200 an hour to fix the problem, and you’ll add to the cost for any materials. A portable or freestanding dishwasher takes less time to repair at around an hour. Built-in models can take around two hours to repair.

Additional Features and Price Points

Dishwashers come in several sizes and shapes, and you can personalize it with a range of high-tech features. This can increase your dishwasher installation costs with each additional feature you have. The most popular ones include:

Automatic Temperature Control Suite

If a dishwasher has an automatic temperature control suite, it will balance the water temperature to ensure it stays at the optimal cleaning temperature. This will help to ensure that your detergent dissolves correctly, and this gives you clean dishes with each load. The dishwasher installation cost for this feature runs between $350 and $1,800. A dishwasher with a bottle washing station has jets on the upper rack that will force detergent and water inside any containers with narrow openings, like bottles. They also work well for travel mugs and wine flutes. It will add around 20 minutes to your wash cycle each time you run it, and it can cost between $550 and $1,600.

Fingerprint-Resistance

Dishwashers with fingerprint-resistance won’t track fingerprints from everyday use. It looks good no matter how many people touch and use it throughout the day. Stainless steel and slate are two finishes that are very fingerprint-resistant, and the models with this finish can cost between $500 and $1,700.

Hard Food Disposer

This type of dishwasher uses a chopper to break up food particles, and this can stop them from recirculating through the unit. This makes them maintenance-free, but they can be noisier than a unit that comes equipped with filtration systems. The dishwasher installation costs for this model runs between $330 and $1,700.

Leak Sensor

Leaks in your dishwasher may start small, but they can quickly ruin your floors if you don’t address it straight away. This is especially true if you have hardwood flooring. If your dishwasher has a leak sensor, it’ll help pinpoint it so you can fix it. There is also a moisture sensor below the dishwasher that will alert you if there is a problem. It may also cancel the cycle and pump out the water to minimize the damage. The dishwasher installation cost for this model runs between $450 and $1,500.

Third Rack

If your dishwasher has a third rack, it’ll allow you to wash more silverware, dishes, and cooking utensils per load. It gives you more space, and it cleans your flatware very thoroughly because you can spread them out. Since this design is quickly becoming the new normal, you should only expect to pay between $600 and $1,700 per unit.

WiFi Compatible

Smart dishwashers with WiFi compatibility are gaining in popularity. It allows you to control your dishwasher through a smartphone app. You’ll be able to start and stop cycles, monitor the dishwasher’s performance levels, and check your cycle status. You can get notifications about leaks and monitor your energy usage too. This will push your dishwasher installation costs up, and you can pay between $650 and $2,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Asking the correct questions when you approach local companies will help you get good working estimates of the project across the board, and this will make your choice easier. Kitchen remodel – Dishwasher hack by davef3138 / CC BY 2.0

1. What is the average installation time for a dishwasher?

It’ll take around an hour to install a new dishwasher if it has the correct sizing and you don’t need carpentry or plumbing work. If you have to replace a current model, add an hour for the professional to remove the existing unit.

2. Can you put your refrigerator and dishwasher side-by-side?

Yes, but it’s not a good idea. Your dishwasher gets humid and hot when you use it, and your refrigerator works hard to stay cool. Putting these appliances side by side makes both work harder, and this can drive your utility bill up. It might also impact your refrigerator’s ability to reduce condensation, and this can cause problems later on.

3. How long does the average dishwasher last?

It’s easier to justify the dishwasher installation cost when you realize that it can last between 9 and 10 years with proper maintenance. Depending on the brand, type, usage, and maintenance, it could last between 7 and 12 years.

4. If you’ve never had a dishwasher, how much is the dishwasher installation cost?

If you’ve never had a dishwasher before and you’re installing a brand new one, this can increase your dishwasher installation cost by $1,300 to $3,200 because you’ll probably need new plumbing. If you have to replace or remove countertops or cabinets, your costs could go up by several hundred dollars.

Bottom Line

Your dishwasher installation costs depend on a variety of factors, and you can look at the biggest ones in this guide. This will help you get a rough idea that you can take to your local contractors and see which one offers you the best price without sacrificing quality.

Best Sump Pump to Clear a Flooded Area in Your Yard or Home

Anyone who has ever had a flooded basement or yard knows how much damage the water can do in a very short amount of time. It can cause your foundation to shift and crack, and this can cost thousands of dollars to fix. A flooded yard can result in dead plants, dying trees, and waterlogged lawns that take weeks to dry out properly, and you may find yourself having to spend a lot of money to put your yard or garden back to the way it was before the floods. Luckily, a high-quality sump pump can help you remove the water relatively quickly, and this works to minimize the damage it wreaks on your area.

There are dozens of sump pumps available in all price ranges from different brands, and this can make it difficult to find the best one for your needs. You want to have one ready to work before your yard or home floods to get the water out as quickly as possible, and this is why I’ve picked out 10 sump pumps for you to review below. Once you look through them, you can use the short buying guide to make your final choice and ship it straight to your door.

1. Little Giant Automatic Sump Pump

The first sump pump on the list comes from Little Giant. It comes designed for continuous work, and this is a great pick if you have a basement that has high humidity and is prone to flooding throughout the year. It has a ⅓ horsepower shaded pole motor that is very durable and resistant to damage, and it comes with overload protection built into the design to prevent it from accidentally overheating and dying when you run it around the clock. In turn, it’ll be able to run at peak performance without burning up any parts and making you replace it. It runs on a standard 115-volt plugin, and it’s easy to plug it into an extension cord if you need more length.

This sump pump has upper and lower sintered sleeve bearings for added durability, and it comes with an epoxy coated cast iron housing. This housing will resist rust, corrosion, wear, and tear with hard use, and it can help extend the pump’s life for years of continuous use. It has a broad base that helps ensure it won’t accidentally tip over and stop working mid-use, and there is a simple handle at the top that makes it easy to carry or pick up and move from location to location.

Benefits: ,

Works continuously ,

Shaded pole motor included ,

Overload protection built in

Drawbacks: ,

Can corrode along the edges ,

Not powerful enough for larger projects ,

Handle is thin

2. Superior Pump Utility Pump

This sump pump by Superior Pump comes in 12 styles that allows you to customize your setup to suit your home or yard. If you pick out the ¼ HP utility pump model, it can move up to an impressive 1,800 gallons every hour. It’s also powerful enough to lift the water up 25-feet vertically, and this is nice if you have a flooded basement and you need to get the water up and out a set of stairs to drain away from your foundation. The cord length for this pump is a slightly longer 10 feet, but you can hook it up to an extension cord if you need more length for your project without it burning out.

This sump pump uses a thermoplastic construction that is very durable, and it’ll withstand hard usage without burning or getting overheated. It comes with a 1 ¼-inch NPT discharge, and this gives you very high-capacity pumping action. You’ll get a ¾-inch garden hose adapter in every purchase that allows you to funnel the water well away from your home or garden. There is a removable suction screen that you can use to pick up ⅛-inch solids and get rid of them, and each pump comes 100% factory tested.

Benefits: ,

Comes in 12 styles ,

Can handle 1,800 gallons per hour ,

Can hook it to your garden hose

Drawbacks: ,

Can periodically switch on and off ,

Thermal overloading protection is very sensitive ,

Screws rust and corrode quickly

3. WAYNE Stainless Steel Sump Pump

Anyone who has a fountain or pond they clean annually will like this sump pump from Wayne. It comes assembled in the United States using strict quality control guidelines, and the stainless steel design is very durable and resistant to rust or corrosion. It’ll cycle through 4,600 gallons per hour, and this means that it’ll make short work of your larger ponds out fountains so you can move onto cleaning it and refilling it with minimal hassles. It uses a 10-foot discharge hose, and you can funnel the water into your flower beds, planters, and more to give them a boost of nutrients so you don’t waste the water.

This sump pump has a top suction design that helps to minimize the chances of clogging or air locks when you run it, and this makes the whole process go much smoother. It uses a stainless steel motor housing with a cast iron pump base, and both of these components increase the durability factor, and you won’t accidentally damage it if you drop it or tip it over. There is a vertical float switch that will automatically shut off the pump to stop it from burning out, and it comes tested to one million cycles.

Benefits: ,

1 ½-inch NPT discharge is building code compliant ,

Stainless steel design ,

Has a float switch

Drawbacks: ,

Uses a lot of power ,

Doesn’t have a soft start ,

Warranty is restrictive

4. Zoeller Submersible Sump Pump

Zoeller’s sump pump comes in a pack of one, two, three, or four. This is a 3/10-HP pump that works for residential use or septic tanks. It’s an automatic model that gets rid of a lot of the guesswork that comes with manual ones, and it reduces the chances that it’ll accidentally burn out because it comes equipped with a float-activated switch. Once the water gets up to your set level, the pump will switch on until the water drops below the switch. It’ll automatically switch off, and this means it frees up your time to use on other projects around the house.

There is a ½-inch discharge on this sump pump that can pass up to ½-inch spherical solids without it clogging or slowing down. It has a cast iron switch case, pump housing, motor, and a plastic base to make this a heavy-duty option that won’t rust, corrode, or break down after years of use. It also makes it heavier, and this lowers the chances that it’ll accidentally tip over with deeper water. Each pump comes 100% factor tested for power and durability, and it has a stainless steel carrying handle on the top that makes it easy to move it around or relocate it when it’s running.

Benefits: ,

Can pass up to ½-inch solids ,

Cast iron design ,

Float-activated switch mechanism

Drawbacks: ,

Float switch can be finicky ,

May only last a few years ,

Switch fails quickly

5. DEKO Sump Pump

If you want to clean out your koi pond, this sump pump from DEKO is a powerful option that can help you complete this chore in a very short span of time. It comes with a 1-HP, 750-watt motor that can pump up to 3,302 gallon per hour to speed up your draining job in a fraction of the time. It will pass solids that are up to an inch in diameter, and it works well for swimming pools, flooded yards, basements, cellars, ponds, and much more. It works with 1 ¼-inch and 1 ½-inch hoses, and there are three different fittings for outflows of different diameters, including 1-inch, 1.25-inches, and 1.5-inches.

The sump pump will cut off right away if the pump fails to prevent the coil from burning out. There is an automatic float switch that will turn the pump off when the water levels fall below 4.7-inches, and it’ll start back up when it goes over this level. There is a thermoplastic body that resists corrosion, and it protects the metal parts from rusting. This pump comes manufactured in line with all valid safety requirements, and it uses an oil-free motor to make maintenance easy.

Benefits: ,

Pumps up to 3,302 gallons per hour ,

Has three different fittings ,

Automatically switches on and off

Drawbacks: ,

Water won’t go below 4.75-inches ,

More narrow and unstable bottom ,

Metal parts can rust

6. WaterAce Pedestal Pump

This pedestal sump pump by WaterAce is perfect for basements, and it can prevent them from accidentally flooding and causing damage to your home or business’s foundation. It has a powerful 115-volt capacitor motor, and this will move a decent amount of water in a short period of time, and it has a lightweight but durable design that is very easy to place in your basement without a lot of hassle. Along with water, this pump can easily get rid of solids up to ⅜-inches in diameter, and this helps to ensure that the pump will accidentally clog and stop working mid-use.

There is a 1 ½-inch FNPT discharge that will get rid of any excess water or solids, and it has a top-mounted adjustable float switch. This switch will allow you to set your chosen water level, and the sump pump will switch on and off as your water hits this level and falls below it to prevent burnout. The pump has built-in overload motor protection that stops the motor from burning out from continuous use, and this extends the pump’s life. It will mount securely to the floor and stay in place, and it has a corrosion-resistant metal and plastic design.

Benefits: ,

Top-mounted adjustable float switch ,

Overload motor protection ,

Mounts securely to the floor

Drawbacks: ,

Lower pressure levels ,

Not suited for large amounts of water ,

Can fail within a year or two

7. Homdox Stainless Steel Sump Pump

If you’re building a wildlife pond, you’ll want a sump pump on hand to help control your water levels until it establishes itself. This 1.5-horsepower pump can move an impressive 4,356 gallons per hour, and it can funnel water away from your location very quickly. The max flow rate on this pmp is 16,500-liters an hour, and it uses an oil-cooled electric motor. It is compatible with 1 ½-inch and 1 ¼-inch hoses, and there are three fittings in different diameters that allows you to get precision control over your flow rates. You’ll use the wider outlets for bigger flow rates. There is a high base plate on this setup that prevents debris from collecting and clogging the unit.

The stainless steel design on this sump pump won’t rust easily, and this can extend the unit’s life with continuous life. It has an automatic float switch on it that lets you use it in automatic operation or as a standard submersible pump. The pump will start when the water hits eight inches high, and it’ll shut off as it falls below this level again. This can prevent the coils from burning out when it runs when you’re not around.

Benefits: ,

Available in for colors ,

Cycles 4,356 gallons per hour ,

Comes with three fittings

Drawbacks: ,

Doesn’t pump water below eight inches ,

Switch can fail relatively quickly ,

Average lifespan is two years

8. FLUENTPOWER Sump Pump

This sump pump comes with an energy-saving and portable design that has a maximum water transfer capacity of up to 3,300 gallons per hour when you want the water to funnel 26 feet away. If you only want it to go 10 feet, it can pump 2,200 gallons per hour. This pump comes with a pure copper motor that can make the motor last longer to extend the life of the pump. There is a thermal protector inside the motor that ensures the motor doesn’t overheat or burn out with extended use. After it triggers the thermal protector, the pump will switch off to cool down before starting again.

There is a durable sealing structure on this sump pump that locks water out and protects the internal components. You can sumberg the pump in water without a problem, and it works well for flooded basements, fountains, swimming pools, and drainage needs for commercial and residential buildings. There is a float switch that you can easily disable if you don’t want to use it. There is a 1.5-inch discharge port that will increase your output rate, and it can filter solids up to 35mm in diameter without clogging.

Benefits: ,

Comes with a 26.2-foot cord ,

Can pump up to 3,300 gallons per hour ,

Commercial and residential use

Drawbacks: ,

Tricky to enable and disable the float switch ,

Has a very narrow and unstable bottom ,

Clogs easily

9. AmazonCommercial Sump Pump

If you want a relatively inexpensive sump pump to tackle your runoff from your container garden, AmazonCommercial’s pick is a straightforward option. You’ll get a ⅓ horsepower split capacitor motor that can handle up to 60 gallons per minute, and this adds up to 3,600 gallons every hour when you run it on flat ground over short distances. The longer the distance is, the fewer gallons it’ll remove each hour. This makes it a nice choice for smaller volume jobs, and it’s not powerful enough for large-scale flooding. It can lift water vertically over 30.5 feet without struggling, and this is nice if you have to run it up stairs from a cellar or basement.

There is a 10-foot grounded waterproof cord that won’t shock you when you go to plug it in or unplug it in flooded environments. The cast iron impeller on this sump pump is very durable, and it will resist rust and corrosion. It filters solids up to ⅜-inch in diameter without clogging or slowing down, and it has an automatic thermal overload protector in place that extends the life of the motor because it switches it off if it starts to overwork and get too hot.

Benefits: ,

⅓ horsepower split capacitor motor ,

Can lift water vertically 30.5 feet ,

Grounded waterproof cord included

Drawbacks: ,

Only pumps 60 gallons a minute ,

Not suitable for large jobs ,

No automatic float switch

10. TACKLIFE Submersible Sump Pump

Tacklife’s sump pump is the final entry on the list, and it’s powerful enough to move 2,250 gallons per hour on flat ground or 1,950 gallons per hour on a 10-foot discharge lift. It’ll easily move water up a 25-foot vertical lift without a problem, and each pump comes equipped with a check valve to stop the water from reverse flowing while it runs. The water has to be at least 1 ¼-inches to allow the pump to operate, cycle, and charge, and it’ll stop pumping when the water falls below this level. This makes in a nice little pump for basements that have seasonal flooding issues.

There is an automatic off and on setting that will automatically switch the pump on when it senses water and switch it back off when the water gets too shallow to prevent burnout or overheating. The 10-inch power cord does hook to an extension cord, and there is an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to pick up and move this pump from spot to spot as areas of your home or garden dry out. The pure copper motor resists rust and corrosion, and there is a built-in thermal protection setting to prolong the life of the unit.

Benefits: ,

Can lift water 25 feet vertically ,

Doesn’t allow for reverse water flow ,

Automatic water sensor

Drawbacks: ,

Slightly louder operation ,

Can miss the water rising ,

May leak and let water inside the casing

Sump Pump Buyer’s Guide

Picking out a sump pump can be an expensive investment, but there’s a lot on the line if you don’t pick out a high-quality one. It can mean the difference between saving your home and garden from flooding or spending thousands to try and repair the damage. There are several things you want to look for when you start to shop, and I outlined them for you below.

Gallons Per Hour

The gallons per hour tells you how much water the pump can move from the flooded area away from your home or yard each hour you run it. If you’re trying to save your outdoor entertainment area flooring, you may not need a very high gallon per hour rate. But, if you’re trying to pump out a larger pool or fountain, having a higher rate will make your project go much faster. See how many gallons it’ll move, and pay attention to the flat and vertical speeds because most of them slow down if they have to transport the water uphill or further away from the site.

Ideally, it’s always good to have a more powerful sump pump than you need to combat any flooding you have. If it’s not, you run the risk of having to buy a second one to keep up with the water levels.

Automatic Float Switch

An automatic float switch is a nice feature to have if you don’t have time to sit and watch your pump run. What it does is it automatically turns the pump on when the water hits a certain level on the float switch. It’ll let the pump run until the water falls below a preset level, and then it’ll turn the pump off. This is very useful because you can let it run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without fear of it accidentally sucking the area dry and burning the motor out or overheating the unit.

Material

Since this sump pump is going to sit in or under the water, you’ll want something made out of durable materials. Again, this will depend on where you want it. If you’re building a garage and need something to keep the floor dry, you can most likely get away with a sealed thermoplastic design. If you’re submerging it in your yard, you’ll want cast iron or stainless steel with plastic because this resists rust and corrosion while making it very durable. Both types should have seals to prevent water from getting into the motor.

Maintenance

There are generally two broad categories available when it comes to these types of pumps. One requires more maintenance and care than the other to stay operational. Electric sump pumps are lower maintenance, and all they require is that you plug them in and let them run. Others require that you add oil to the motors to keep them running in top shape. Obviously, this means you’ll need to take more time with it, but both options are very durable and reliable.

When it comes to picking out your pump, you want to take the project size, maintenance needs, type, and materials into consideration. This will help ensure you get something that will last at least a few years without breaking down on you.

Warranty

These pumps can be a relatively expensive investment, so it should come with a warranty attached that starts the moment you buy it. Ideally, your warranty will last at least three to five years. If not, you really want to put the pump through a few uses before it runs out. Also, check and see what the warranty covers. A limited warranty is much more restrictive than a full warranty.

Bottom Line

This type of pump can be seen as preventative measures for your homeowner’s insurance, especially if you live in flood zones. It’s a good idea to have one on hand before anything floods so you can avoid the majority of the damage the water can do to your property. I’ve given you 10 high-quality options to consider, and you can use the included buyer’s guide to narrow down your final pick.

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