How Does a Battery Backup Sump Pump Work
Can you trust your current sump pump? When lighting strikes or if your electricity goes out, can you depend on your pump?
A battery backup sump pump ensures your peace of mind, especially in severe weather. During a power failure, a battery backup sump pump automatically activates to help reduce flooding.
Statistics suggest up to 60 percent of homeowners experience some form of house flooding yearly. Flooding usually occurs in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Additionally, water can seep into your basement through cracks in your foundation. Other factors such as blocked drains on your property can also cause water to accumulate.
Most families store equipment, furniture, electronics and other family heirlooms in the basement. It’s no fun watching valuable items, family treasures or carpet float right before your eyes. The task to repair or replace possessions can be expensive, daunting and stressful. Moisture can also help promote mold and affect the air quality in your home. A backup sump pump is your best bet to help supply extra power in emergencies. It takes over as the main pump until normal power returns. It helps protect your investments that may be costly or impossible to replace.
So, What is a sump pump?
A sump pump helps to channel water away from low-lying areas like your basement. In the event of flooding, your sump pump kicks in to help drive water away. The sump pump helps channel the water from your home into nearby drains or dry wells. It is also useful to pumping water from a flooded basement, keep your basement dry and reduce moisture and mold.
Where do I install my backup sump pump?
The ideal place for your backup battery sump pump is anywhere near your regular pump. The pump is best situated slightly lower than your existing floor height. Another way is to place it higher than the watermark in your sump pit.
Bear in mind, backup sump pumps have their separate battery and charging systems. They can be connected to your existing pump to give extra power when needed. They are not to replace your main sump pump.
How do Backup Sump pumps work?
Backup sump pumps can work on 12 or 24 volt battery power. The battery gives added power when your main pump does not work. Backup sump pumps:
- automatically get to work when water in low-lying areas begin to rise
- provide added power during power outages
- supply power when there is a breakdown after extended use
- pump water away from your basement to areas outside your home
- protect household power systems like your furnace or water heaters
How important is a backup sump pump?
Your back up sump pump comes to the rescue:
- when your main source of power goes out
- when flooding occurs that adds extra stress to your main pump
Here are some conditions that will cause your backup sump pump to kick in:
- Power failures from fuses that blow, breaker trips or lightning
- When your main pump becomes blocked with debris
- Flooding caused by faulty plumbing or severe weather conditions
- Rain, sleet, or snow that cause extra moisture to build up in your basement
What are some of the implications of not having a battery backup sump pump?
In the event you experience flooding, it takes time, energy and money to clean up afterward. Situations like this can be overwhelming and increase your stress levels. If there is not sufficient coverage, your insurance costs could increase. Family treasures may be costly or impossible to repair or replace.
How to choose the best battery backup sump pump
It’s always best to put systems in place to protect your property. A battery backup sump pump will help keep your home dry and minimize moisture.
In choosing a system:
- Know beforehand how much water your pump can remove within a given time frame (minute /hour)
- Have a pretty good idea of the volume of water entering your basement
Get the right battery power:
Select a battery backup sump pump with maximum charging power. It must provide sufficient coverage during extended power failures. For one-off or minimal flooding, a cheaper unit may be enough. It must work well during water or electrical failures.
Choose the right size:
Size is important. Most battery backup sump pumps can remove:
- 35 to 60 gallons of water per minute
- 2100 to 3600 gallons per hour.
A good pump will handle just as much or more water than your main pump.
Choose Function:
Your battery backup sump pump must operate with minimal maintenance issues. A good battery backup sump pump will switch easily when power outages occur. Get a system that can provide timely alerts and keep you updated in bad weather. Make sure your battery is easy to charge and stays charged up for emergencies. Periodic checks will help reduce problems when you need the backup system most. Well maintained systems can last for up to 5 years.
Chose Durability:
Battery backup sump pumps come in either plastic or cast iron. Opt for material that can stand the test of time and normal wear and tear.
Types of Battery Backup Sump Pumps
The main types include:
- DC or deep cycle marine batteries. They operate pretty much like your regular car battery. They require little maintenance and operate only on battery power. However, you will need to top up with water regularly to extend the battery life.
- AC/DC pumps use both electrical and battery power.
- AGM Batteries have extended the running power and can last up to 7 years.
Conclusion
A high quality battery backup sump pump is a must-have for emergencies and severe weather conditions. It’s designed to complement your existing sump pump. It kicks in the minute your main power supply is disrupted for any reason. Your battery backup sump pump will save you money and energy in an eventuality.
It will help keep your basement dry during a power outage. It helps protect your valuables from water damage. Some items may be expensive to repair or impossible to replace. Your battery backup sump pump will give you added comfort and peace of mind. It can help you cope better in crisis situations.
