Does your house constantly lose electricity when there’s a storm? Consider getting a battery backup sump pump for your basement. What’s the point of having a basement sump pump if it goes down with your electricity when it is most needed?
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What is a battery backup for a sump pump?
A battery backup for a sump pump is a system that allows the pump to continue operating in the event of a power outage. It consists of a battery, a charger connected to the sump pump, and a control panel that monitors the operation of the pump and the battery.
During regular operation, the home’s electrical system powers the sump pump, and the battery remains charged. If the power goes out, the control panel detects the outage and switches the pump to battery power. The battery will then power the pump until the power is restored or the battery runs out of charge.
Battery backups for sump pumps are an essential safety feature, as they can help prevent water damage during a power outage. They are handy for homes in areas that are prone to flooding or heavy rain, as these conditions can often coincide with power outages.
A battery backup for a sump pump is a good investment for any homeowner concerned about the risk of water damage due to power outages or other disruptions to the home’s electrical system.
My old house in Laurel, Maryland, used to lose power frequently, especially during a severe storm. Unfortunately, our sump pump didn’t have a battery backup system. So when it rains a lot or is windy, ironically, our last defense mechanism against flooding doesn’t exist anymore.
I had a portable generator, so there was a workaround without a battery backup system. It is also a great idea, but a battery backup sump pump could handle all the hassle and automatically work when needed. Installing a battery backup sump pump is an excellent investment for your house protection.
What you need to know when choosing a battery backup for a sump pump
The most common battery backup sump pumps can pump water out for anywhere between 5 and 15 hours, depending on the brand you get. But if you choose a battery backup sump pump based on the pumping hours, you are approaching it wrong. You also must consider the pumping capacity of a battery backup sump pump. Here is a list of things you must remember when choosing a battery sump pump for your basement.
How many gallons per hour (GPH) can your sump pump handle? 1000 GPH? 3000 GPH?
The pumping capacity of the sump pump is usually measured in gallons per hour (GPH). It indicates how much water the pump can move in one hour. A higher GPH means the pump can handle a greater volume of water, vital in areas with heavy water flow or potential for significant flooding.
How fast can it recharge itself?
For sump pumps with battery backup systems, how long does it take for the backup battery to fully recharge after being used? A faster recharge time means less downtime and more reliability in continuous usage, especially during prolonged power outages.
Does it switch automatically when the power fails?
When the power fails, does the sump pump automatically switch from regular electrical power to a backup power source (like a battery) during a power outage? Automatic switching is crucial for the continuous operation of the pump during power failures, ensuring your basement remains dry.
Does it have self-diagnosis or testing features?
Does your sump pump automatically check its own functionality and operational status? Self-diagnosis or testing features help preemptively identify issues before they become more significant problems, thus maintaining the pump’s efficiency and reliability.
Does it alarm when there’s a problem?
Does the sump pump have an alarm system to alert the homeowner in case of malfunctions, like motor failure, excessive water levels, or other operational issues? An alarm system is crucial for timely action to prevent flooding or damage.
Does it show the percentage of power remaining in the battery?
For sump pumps with a battery backup, is there an indicator showing how much charge remains in the battery? This feature is handy to gauge when a recharge might be necessary and ensure the backup system is always ready.
It would be best to remember those things when choosing a battery backup system for your basement sump pump.
