If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain, have a high water table, or is situated near a floodplain, you probably already know the significance of a sump pump. During a storm or flood, a sump pump can be a lifesaver. This disaster-prevention device keeps the water out of your house, allowing you to sleep peacefully through stormy nights without worrying about the weather. It alleviates basement flooding by collecting water and then directing it out of the house.
If the sump pump fails and you don’t have a backup plan, you will be left to deal with the aftermath of water damage. When water gets into places where it’s not supposed to be, it not only wreaks havoc and ruins your household items but it can also damage the structure of the house. In addition to that, it can lead to mold growth, which is a persistent and long-term problem.
Luckily, a battery backup sump pump offers a simple solution to ensure protection against flooding and water damage – even if your primary sump pump fails without a warning. Let’s take a closer look at this useful appliance to learn more about it.
Table of Contents
What Does A Battery Backup Sump Pump Do?
A battery backup sump pump is installed to take charge when the primary pump is down. Keep in mind that the primary pump can fail for a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons is power outages, which are fairly common during the storm season. Furthermore, the supply of energy can also be hindered by some common event. For instance, GFCI outlets may trip or the pump may not be plugged in properly. In other words, while the primary pump gets the job done, it can fail any time without a warning.
This is where the battery backup sump pumps come in! These pumps work in the same way as the primary pumps and direct the water out of the basement. The added bonus is that they don’t require electricity to work. This means that they can take charge as soon as something goes wrong with the primary pump. Keeping the hassle of dealing with a flooded house and the cost of reversing water damage in mind, it makes sense to invest in a battery backup sump pump.
How It Works
A battery backup pump generally uses a 12 or 24-volt battery to work. The three most common types of batteries used by these pumps include the following:
- DC or Deep Cycle Marine batteries
- AC/ DC batteries
- AMG Batteries
DC batteries are similar to the batteries installed in cars. They require some maintenance and you’ll occasionally have to add distilled water to make sure the lead cells do not dry out prematurely. This will help extend the overall life of the battery.
AC/DC batteries, on the other hand, use electrical as well as battery power to run the pump. AMG batteries are the latest technology. They don’t require you to regularly add water and generally have longer run-time as compared to other batteries. They are fully sealed so you can install and forget about them!
When faced with a power failure or problem with the primary system, the battery backup sump pump will activate automatically and takes over as the main pump to prevent flooding. It collects the water in a sump basin and pushes it out of the house to appropriate drains through a separate discharge line.
Why You Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump
Battery backup sump pumps provide you with multilevel protection. You can rest assured and that your house is fully protected at all times. Apart from peace of mind, there are multiple advantages a secondary battery backup pump.
- During heavy flooding, the main pump can get overworked. When that happens, a backup pump can work simultaneously with the main pump. In this way, it protects the primary pump from burning out.
- In case of a power outage or main pump breakdown, a backup pump can take charge and prevent water damage.
- Installing a battery backup sump pump is a smart financial move as the cost of replacing ruined goods and reversing water damage is often drastically greater than the cost of installing a backup pump.
- A battery backup pump is essential to make sure that the power systems of your house like the furnace or water heater are protected at all times.
- Mold grows due to excessive moisture. It is harmful not only for your property but also for the health of people residing in the house. It can lead to allergies and even respiratory problems. You can prevent this problem by installing a backup sump pump which will make sure your basement never floods and, as a result, remains mold-free.
Installing a Battery Backup Sump Pump
Installing a battery backup sump pump is fairly simple and most homeowners prefer to do it themselves. Generally, all battery backup pumps come with installation instructions that are easy to follow. Ideally, it should not take you more than 2 – 4 hours to install a backup pump. Here are a few installation tips that can help you install your battery backup pump swiftly and correctly:
- Make sure you install a check valve. It will keep the water from flowing back into the pit of the sump. Also, don’t forget to seal the threaded ends of the valve with some tape.
- Do not put the battery on the ground. It is advisable to place it on a wall-mounted shelf or any other place above the ground. For added protection, place the battery in a protective plastic cover.
- Make sure that the water is released on a downhill slope or you can pump the water into a drainpipe that takes it away from the house. Otherwise, the water can drain back into the basement.
Top 5 Battery Backup Sump Pumps Reviews
Now that you know all about why battery backup pumps are a smart addition to your home, scroll down to take a look at some of the best available models on Amazon.
1. Basement Watchdog BWE 1000 Gallons Per Hour Basement Watchdog Emergency Back-Up Sump Pump
- Pumps 2,000 GPH at 0 ft. of lift and 1,000 GPH at 10 ft. of lift
- User-friendly control panel monitors pump, power and battery conditions 24 hours a day and provides visual and audible alarms to describe what to do for easy maintenance
- Dual float switch provides 2 times the protection
- Provides days of intermittent pumping power on a single battery charge
- Fluid sensor monitors fluid level of the battery
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Product dimensions: 17 x 10 x 11.7 inches
- Material: Thermoplastic
- Power source: Corded-electric
- Voltage: 100 volts
- Horsepower:1.00
- Battery required: No
- Battery included: No
Basement Watchdog Emergency backup sump pump can pump up to 1,000 GPH at 10-feet of lift and 2,000 GPH at 0-feet of lift. It comes with a user-friendly panel that lights up automatically to indicate when maintenance is required. It can also give audio alerts. In addition, a sensor is installed to monitor the levels of battery fluid. All this ensures that your Basement Watchdog pump is always in optimal condition and ready to pump out excessive water.
This backup sump pump is compact so you can easily install it in small and narrow places. It is compatible with AGM batteries as well as wet cell batteries. However, keep in mind that it requires proprietary batteries which may cost more than ordinary batteries. Apart from that, the product works well and is dependable. It can pump up to 6 hours effectively.
2. Superior Pump 92910 12V Battery Back Up Submersible Sump Pump with Vertical Switch
- 12 Volt Sump pump moves up to 1,380 gallons per hour; pump will lift water up to 25' of vertical height
- Tough thermoplastic construction; 10-foot cord length
- Vertical float switch to automatically turn the pump on/off
- 1-1/4 inch or 1-1/2 inch NPT discharge for high capacity pumping
- Superior Pumps are Built to Last, engineered with quality components and are 100% factory tested
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
- Weight: 12.25 pounds
- Product dimensions: 17 x 13.5 x 10 inches
- Material: Thermoplastic
- Power source: AC
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Battery required: No
- Battery included: No
The Superior Pump can move up to 1,380 gallons of water per hour and lift water up to 25’ vertically. It is designed with to work with a 12 volt, lead-acid deep cycle battery. An AMG battery is also compatible. Remember, when you are choosing a battery, it is important to make sure you get a battery with a minimum 90 amp-hour rating and 175 minutes reserve capacity. The manufacturers advise against using car batteries for your battery backup sump pump.
It comes with a vertical float switch which works to detect the water level and turn the pump on or off as required. 1-1/4 inch or 1-1/2 inch NPT discharge is also available to allow for high capacity pumping at all times. The battery sump pump is pretty sturdy and requires little maintenance. You can trust it to keep you covered.
3. Wayne ESP25 Upgraded 12-Volt Battery Backup System, Black
- Indoor Use Only - This 12 Volt WAYNE basement battery backup sump pump is perfect to keep your basement dry during heavy water flow when you lose electricity. Whether it’s rain, snow melting, etc. WAYNE model ESP25n can keep your basement dry.
- Back-Up Ready - ESP25N will pump up to 2,700 GPH and remove/evacuate/expel/get rid of up to 10,000 gallons on a single battery backup charge. WAYNE WSB1275 75 AH Battery is required for back-up but not included.
- Efficient Design - Fits in 14” diameter or larger sump basins, with no need to drill a weep hole
- Additional Features - Epoxy-coated steel housing with a cast-iron base. Corrosion-resistant thermoplastic impeller for maximum water flow. Protective battery case includes LED display and an audible alarm to let you know if there’s a problem.
- Quality You Deserve - Proudly assembled in the USA for quality you can trust. Warrantied for 2 years for dependable, efficient, & ultra-quiet performance.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
- Weight: 23.1 pounds
- Product dimensions: 17 x 10.5 x 14 inches
- Material: Epoxy coated steel and cast iron construction
- Battery required: Yes
- Battery included: No
Wayne ESP25 can move up to 2900 GPH at 0 feet of head, 2340 GPH at 5 feet of head, 1680 GPH at 10 feet of head, and 600 GPH at 15 feet of head. It works best with sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries. Keep in mind that while these batteries are a bit expensive as compared to other types of batteries as they are built to last longer. While the battery itself is not included with the package, an oversized battery case is included which will accommodate a 12 volt SLA battery.
One quality that homeowners often look for in sump pumps is that they work noiselessly. Fortunately, Wayne ESP25 pumps very quietly. It is also easy to install since it is pre-assembled. While the pump is of high quality, homeowners often complain about the controls. The control board is built onto the battery cover. Also, the alarm rings for a few seconds only, which some homeowners find troubling.
4. PumpSpy PS2000 WiFi Battery Backup Sump Pump System with Internet Monitoring & Alerts
- WiFi-COMPATIBLE: PumpSpy's PS2000 Battery Backup Sump Pump System connects to a local WiFi network so that you can monitor your basement anywhere! Our proprietary app allows remote monitoring and alert services with no monthly subscriptions. The PumpSpy remote monitoring and alert services are available anywhere with an internet connection.
- EASY TO USE: This smart battery backup sump pump works with any 120-Volt primary sump pump! Simply plug your sump pump into the 120-Volt outlet on the controller so PumpSpy can start watching your sump pump system. The backup pump can pump a maximum of 3,600 gallons of water per hour, 2,400 gallons/hour at 10 feet of lift. It sits next to the main pump and automatically activates when there is a power outage or pump issue.
- MORE FEATURES FROM THE APP: Get instant alerts on your phone with the PumpSpy app that you can install on Apple and Android mobile devices. Receive alerts when the primary or backup sump pump malfunctions, pumps run too long, pumps draw excessive current, there is a high water level, a power outage, and a WiFi connection loss. Alerts are sent via SMS, email, or push notifications, so you can act quickly and prevent flooding problems in your home.
- REMOTE MONITORING: Aside from the app, we also provide remote monitoring service via patented and proprietary technology. PumpSpy computers watch your primary sump pump, backup pump, and battery. System tests are performed 3X per week to ensure your primary and backup pumps are ready to protect your basement from the next storm.
- HELPING KEEP BASEMENTS DRY: Here at PumpSpy, we design, manufacture, and distribute easy-to-install products for keeping basements flood-free. Our products, from plug-in smart outlets to combinations of primary and backup sump pumps for basement protection, are assembled in the USA using domestic and imported parts.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Product dimensions: 16 x 17 x 11 inches
- Material:
- Power source: AC/DC
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Horsepower: 0.5
- Battery required: Yes
- Battery included: No
PumpSpy PS2000 battery Backup Sump Pump can move up to 2990 GPH at 5 feet of head, 2400 GPH at 10 feet of head, and 1625 GPH at 15 feet of head. PumpSpy can alert you about the problems with your system before they can occur. Their Remote Monitoring Service connects with your pump and keeps track of its status round the clock. It can save you hundreds of dollars by notifying you of the impending problems in advance.
In order to get detailed instant alerts on your phone, all you have to do is install the PumpSpy app. The system keeps a track on your pump and as soon as a problem is detected, it will notify you through an alert. This feature drastically improves the user experience for homeowners.
On the other hand, some homeowners find it a bit frustrating to connect your system to the internet and the remote monitoring, especially if you have to do it manually. However, if you are a tech-savvy individual, this is the battery backup sump pump for you!
5. Liberty Pumps 441 Battery Back-Up Emergency Sump Pump System
- High output 12 volt submersible pump
- Automatic, mercury-free switch - Control panel
- Battery box and strap (battery not included)
- Tee, check valve and bushings for 1-1/2" or 1-1/4" connections
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features
- Weight: 12.9 pounds
- Product dimensions: 10 x 10 x 13 inches
- Material: Thermoplastic
- Battery required: No
- Battery included: No
This is a considerably good-quality emergency sump pump that gets the job done. The installation instructions are fairly easy to follow through and technical support is also readily available. It has a silent mode that you can turn on to turn off the noise.
It also has a very loud alarm that kicks in as soon as the pump runs, alerting the homeowner. While the pump works well, it is not very sturdy. So, if a lightweight pump is going to be a problem for you, you may want to think twice before purchasing this product.
Backup Sump Pumps: Final Thoughts
Remember, a battery backup sump pump is an important disaster-prevention device that can save you a lot of cash in the long run. For a small investment you can add important protection to your property. Therefore, it is advisable to secure your house today by getting a good-quality battery backup sump pump.