A water-powered sump pump is a type of sump pump that uses the pressure of your home's water supply to pump water out of the sump pit. . They're a reliable alternative to battery-powered backups. Instead of using electricity, water-powered pumps use a venturi system that creates a vacuum to draw water up from the sump pit.. Water-powered sump pumps are a good option for homeowners who want a reliable backup system that doesn't require electricity or batteries. . They're not as powerful as electric pumps They also require a continuous and sufficient municipal water supply to function effectively. .