A properly working sump pump is a great way to keep your basement dry. But what happens when the power goes out or your main sump pump fails? You may be asking yourself, “Do I really need a backup sump pump?”. The short answer is no, you don’t need one. Is it recommended for ultimate protection and peace of mind? Yes. Allow us to explain.

Advantages of a Battery Backup Sump Pump

Peace of mind is the most significant advantage of owning a battery backup sump pump. Whenever a main sump pump loses power or malfunctions, a battery backup pump kicks in to protect your basement and its belongings. This alone is benefit enough. But here’s more:

• Because a battery backup pump charges on its own, it’s always ready so you never have to worry about it losing power.
• Should your main pump shut down due to a clog, the backup takes the place of the primary.
• A connected backup sump pump can send notifications to your smartphone to let you know the pump’s status.
• A combination battery backup unit includes both a primary pump and a backup pump to make installation easier.
• If water levels get too high during heavy rainfall, the backup pump gets to work to alleviate the burden placed on your primary pump.

What to Consider When Choosing a Battery Backup Sump Pump

Dependability and durability are among the top considerations when deciding on the best backup sump pump. Here are four factors to keep in mind:

Material –

Because of exposure to water, backup systems often feature housings made from heavy-duty stainless steel, thermoplastic, or other waterproof materials made to resist corrosion. The housing should also be sealed to prevent moisture from getting into the pump’s components.

Type –

Like primary sump pumps, battery backups are available in two types, pedestal and submersible.

Pedestal: The pumping motor sits atop a column that is approximately 2 to 3 feet tall. The base of the column sits in the sump pit. Since the pump sits above water, it must be moisture-resistant but does not have to be fully waterproof.

Submersible: A submersible sump pump sit in the sump pit, which is within the basement floor. When water enters the pit and reaches a certain level, a float switch or sensor kicks on to pump the water to the surface.

Battery and Runtime: The higher the battery amperage, the more powerful the battery and the longer the backup pump will run. How quickly a battery runs down depends on how much water is entering the sump pit and how often the pump must cycle to pump it out. Keep in mind that an older battery will have less runtime. Choosing a powerful battery—and replacing every four or five years—is your best bet for keeping your basement dry.

Flow Rate: A backup sump pump’s flow rate (or capacity) is measured in gallons per hour (GPH). This value estimates the maximum number of gallons it can pump out in an hour when the battery is fully charged. You can usually find a pump’s flow rate on the label or in its product description.

So, do you need a backup sump pump? Maybe not, but why would you risk water filling your basement when PC Plumbing, Heating, AC & Remodeling can install a back-up pump that can easily solve the problem. Plus, we service and repair all makes and models of primary and backup pumps. Contact us today for more information.