Why You Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump
- December 17, 2020
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A battery backup sump pump is a critical element to each basement waterproofing system that is installed. Consider that every fall and winter, Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia face power outages due to high winds, ice storms, and even vehicles crashing into power poles. This sends families into darkness and cold. If you have a sump pump system, a power outage can be more than an inconvenience – it can spell disaster.
For homeowners that have had previous basement flooding, a damp basement, or a wet crawl space, the sound of a sump pump running is music to their ears. If there has been heavy rain or snow melt, the sump pump may be running more than usual. That’s a good sign because it means it’s pumping water out and away from your home’s foundation instead of letting the water seep onto your floor.
But what if the lights go out and the sump pump goes silent? It’s enough to strike fear in the hearts of homeowners.
A Battery Backup Sump Pump System is the Solution
If you (or the previous homeowner) invested in a basement waterproofing system with a French drain and one or more sump pumps, you made a smart decision in protecting your home and your family’s health. But even the best systems need a backup. The last thing you want is for your dry, finished basement to become a wet and soggy mess.
A battery backup sump pump protects your investment in the event of:
A Power Outage
Heavy winds, lightning strikes, and ice storms are the most common reasons for a power outage. And in many cases, there is heavy rain or snow melt that isn’t going to stop just because the power goes out. This is the main reason you need a battery backup. You never know when something like this is going to happen – you could be sleeping and not realize it, or you could be out of town for the holidays.
Who wants to come home to a flooded basement? Not you.
Primary Sump Pump Mechanical Failure
Sump pumps last an average of 7-10 years. Some last longer and others, even good quality pumps, can fail earlier. Your primary sump pump can fail for a number of reasons, including:
- Improper sizing – either too powerful or not powerful enough
- Improper installation
- Float switch problems
- Debris
- Increased run time
- Frozen or clogged discharge lines
With the exception of #6 being the problem for the primary pump failure, the battery backup pump will come to the rescue and an audible alarm will sound. There are even some smart Battery Back Up Sump Pumps that will text you letting you know they are engaging! And even in the case of frozen or clogged discharge lines, the backup pump will come on, but will be unable to discharge the water.
Discharge lines, if installed properly and buried deep enough, should not freeze. But if heavy snow blocks the end of the discharge line at the surface, you may want to consider digging out around it to allow water to flow freely.
Primary Sump Pump Is Overwhelmed
This may have to do with a pump that is improperly sized for your home. But a primary pump can become overwhelmed in extremely heavy rain events, where it just can’t keep up with the rising water table. Your primary pump can still be pumping away, even as the water is rising. In this situation, the battery backup sump pump will kick in, increasing the speed and amount of water being discharged. A battery backup sump pump can also be installed with it’s own discharge line should you be concerned with it being overwhelmed.
This was a common situation during the heavy rains from Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. Many homeowners had inadequate waterproofing systems where pumps either failed, or kept pumping, but couldn’t keep up with rising water levels.
Best Battery Backup Sump Pump
The best battery backup sump pump is the one that does the job, every time. But how do you pick the one that is right for your home? You can search online and read reviews, but you should ultimately consult with an expert such as Value Dry to ensure that you get the right battery backup sump pump system.
Otherwise, you may buy a battery backup sump pump system that is too small or not powerful enough to do the job. And if the backup pump runs frequently due to intermittent power, you need to ensure the battery recharges quickly.
Some differences you will notice between battery powered sump pumps include:
- Type of battery
- Horsepower of pump (1/3, 1/2 etc…)
- Power and voltage
- Material – cast iron, stainless steel, plastic
- How long it takes to charge the battery
- Pump capacity
Benefits of a Backup Sump Pump
There are several benefits of installing a sump pump battery backup, including:
- Peace of mind
- Protect family and investment
- Security
- Saving money overall
We know we’re biased, but it seems to us that if you are going to combat foundation seepage with a basement waterproofing system, you should take the extra step of installing a backup system. Our employees have them in their own homes. Some homeowners’ insurance policies require a battery backup sump pump in order for you to qualify for a sump pump rider or drain over flow insurance!
Don’t Try to Do It Yourself
Please don’t try to install a battery backup sump pump yourself. Hire professionals like the team at Value Dry, or at the very least, a plumber. It’s critical that your battery backup pump have close to the same pumping capacity as your current pump, and that it will fit in the space you have.
And whether the installation is in your basement or in your crawl space, you really don’t want to be crawling around on your hands and knees.
Schedule a Battery Backup Sump Pump Installation
If you want to increase your peace of mind and never worry about a flooded basement or crawl space again, schedule a sump pump battery backup installation. Whether we installed your original basement waterproofing system or not, we can install a sump pump battery backup system for you. If we did not install your system, we will perform a thorough check of the entire system, and let you know of any issues, and our recommendations.
Value Dry Waterproofing serves homeowners throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia, as well as Kent County and Sussex County in Delaware. We offer competitive rates and superior products, and a sump pump battery backup installation visit is generally quick and easy.
Give us a call at (888) 768-2583 or fill out the online form and our office will get in contact with you to schedule a free inspection and consultation.