Black & Decker 1/3 HP sump pump

Why I picked up this pump

I needed a lightweight, corrosion-proof pump for a couple of jobs: keeping a shallow pit in a crawl space under control during heavy rain, and occasional portable dewatering tasks like clearing a winter cover and transferring water around the yard. A cast-iron unit would have been overkill—and a lot heavier—so I reached for the Black & Decker 1/3 HP sump pump. After a few weeks of use, it has proved to be a sensible, no-drama tool with a couple of quirks worth noting.

Design and build

The pump’s fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic housing is the star of the show. It won’t rust, it shrugs off the kind of mineral-laden sump water that cakes metal pumps, and at roughly 7.5 pounds it’s truly grab-and-go. The integrated carry handle and 10-foot power cord make it easy to reposition for temporary jobs.

Inside, you get a thermally protected 1/3 HP motor and a simple impeller paired with a removable intake screen. The intake openings are intentionally small to keep out debris; the pump is rated to handle solids up to 1/8 inch. That’s perfect for clear water and light sediment, but it’s not a trash pump—more on that in limitations.

Physically, it’s compact enough to live in a typical residential pit. With a footprint under 9 inches across, it fits comfortably in pits around 12 inches in diameter and leaves room for the float to operate when it’s set up correctly.

Float switch: flexibility with a caveat

This pump uses a tethered piggy-back float switch. The piggy-back design is convenient because it gives you two operating modes without rewiring:

• For automatic operation, plug the pump into the float’s receptacle and the float into your outlet.
• For manual operation, bypass the float by plugging the pump directly into the outlet.

The tether length is adjustable, which lets you fine-tune the on/off levels for your pit. That’s handy to reduce short-cycling and to account for pit depth. The caveat: tethered floats need room to swing freely. If your pit is especially narrow or has irregular sides, you’ll want to test the float path and adjust the tether so it can’t hang up on the discharge pipe, the pit wall, or the pump handle. A couple of zip ties and thoughtful routing go a long way here.

Installation notes and plumbing

Discharge is 1-1/4 inch FPT, and the pump includes an adapter to step up to 1-1/2 inch FPT. If you have the option, go with 1-1/2 inch PVC for your riser and horizontal runs; the larger pipe diameter reduces friction loss and preserves more of the pump’s available flow. If your existing line is 2 inches, plan on a reducer and understand that adapters and extra fittings add resistance and nibble away at performance.

A check valve on the discharge line is a must to prevent water from flowing back into the pit when the pump shuts off. Install it above the pump and below the first horizontal turn, following local code. Thread seal tape and properly seated fittings will prevent air leaks that can hamper priming and reduce lift.

Electrical is straightforward: a grounded GFCI-protected outlet is strongly recommended for safety. The 10-foot cord is generous in a crawl space or basement, but as with any pump, avoid using lightweight extension cords; if you must extend, use an appropriately gauged outdoor-rated cord.

Performance

On paper, the pump is rated for up to 2,500 GPH with a maximum vertical lift of 28 feet. In practice, that translates to brisk evacuation in shallow lift scenarios and steady, predictable performance as head increases. In my setup, lifting water 8–12 feet with a couple of elbows, it cycles efficiently, clears the pit quickly, and doesn’t short-cycle once the float is set correctly.

Flow curves (which manufacturers don’t always publish for homeowner pumps) typically fall off as head increases; that’s expected. At around 15–20 feet of lift, the flow is naturally lower, but for moving water to grade in most residential situations, the pump has enough muscle. If you’re pushing close to the 28-foot maximum or running through long horizontal runs with multiple fittings, understand that this is a 1/3 HP unit—you’ll want to design your plumbing to minimize restriction or step up to a larger pump if your site demands it.

Noise and vibration are modest. It’s an electric hum with a bit of water-rush on discharge—nothing out of the ordinary for a submersible. The thermoplastic housing doesn’t transmit as much ringing as some metal pumps, which is a bonus if it’s sited beneath living areas.

Real-world uses beyond a sump pit

Because it’s lightweight and fully submersible, I’ve found it handy for more than just sump duty:

• Draining standing water from a pool cover or shallow ponded areas
• Clearing a window well after a storm
• Temporary dewatering for small DIY projects where you need to shift water from one place to another

For portable tasks, the piggy-back float can be bypassed for continuous run, and the carry handle makes redeployment painless. Just remember that the intake screen sits close to the surface; keep it off muddy bottoms with a paver or stepping stone so it doesn’t ingest silt.

Maintenance and reliability

The removable intake screen is the main maintenance touchpoint. A quick rinse knocks off fines, and periodic checks keep the impeller from getting gritty. In cleaner pits, it’s basically set-and-forget. In dirt-floored or sandy pits, plan on more frequent checks. The thermally protected motor provides a safety net if the pump runs dry or encounters a blockage; once it cools, it resets and returns to service.

The thermoplastic construction is a real advantage in damp, mineral-rich environments—no flaking rust or seized fasteners. For homeowners who’ve pulled a cast-iron pump after a few years and dealt with corrosion, this is a noticeable upgrade. There’s a 1-year limited warranty, which is standard in this class. Registration and keeping receipts are worth the few minutes it takes.

Limitations to consider

• Not a trash pump. The 1/8-inch solids rating and small intake openings mean this pump is intended for relatively clean water. Heavy silt, pea gravel, or organic debris will clog it or shorten its life.
• Tethered float needs space. Pits smaller than about 12 inches in diameter can cause float hang-ups. If you’re stuck with a tiny pit, a vertical float-style pump might be a better choice.
• Discharge sizing. If your existing plumbing is 2 inches throughout, you’ll need reducers. It’s not a dealbreaker, but added transitions can reduce performance.
• Cord length and outlet location. Ten feet covers most basements and crawl spaces, but plan your outlet location to avoid extension cords.

Tips for best results

• Use 1-1/2 inch discharge if possible to preserve flow.
• Mount the check valve vertically and keep elbows to a minimum.
• Set the pump on a flat paver to keep the intake off mud or silt.
• Adjust the float tether so the pump runs long enough to clear the pit without short-cycling.
• Test the float path after installation and again after any plumbing adjustments.

Who it’s for

This is a solid choice for homeowners who need a reliable, low-maintenance sump pump for typical residential use, or a portable submersible for clear-water transfer. If your environment is corrosive (older basements, crawl spaces, coastal areas) or you value light weight for portable tasks, the thermoplastic build is a real benefit. If you regularly contend with sand, silt, or debris, consider a pump designed for solids handling instead.

Recommendation

I recommend the Black & Decker 1/3 HP sump pump for standard residential sump pits and general clear-water dewatering. It’s light, corrosion-proof, easy to install, and offers practical flexibility with its piggy-back float. The performance is right where it should be for a 1/3 HP unit—plenty of flow at common lift heights, with the headroom to handle taller runs when needed. Just be honest about your site conditions: keep it out of trashy water, give the float room to work, and choose the larger discharge size if you can. Do that, and this pump delivers dependable, low-fuss service at a sensible size and weight.