Do I Need A Battery Backup For My Sump Pump?

Areas that have a lot of rainfall, are close to a floodplain, or have a high water table are likely familiar with a sump pump. The purpose of a sump pump is to send water away from a house to a storm drain or drywell, preventing basements and lower parts of the house from flooding. Sump pumps will turn on more often in some areas, while in others, they may not turn on at all. However, it's always good to have a battery backup for the pump. Let's take a look at why a battery backup is so necessary for your sump pump, as well as how much battery backup you might need.

How Do I Know If I Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump?

Battery backups for your sump pump are crucial in a few main instances:

• Risk of a power outage. Power outages can happen during strong storms, taking out the sump pump. If you have these situations a few times a year or even once a year, a battery backup will be worth the investment. This will eliminate the cost of repairs, water removal, and other issues that come with flood damage. A battery backup will decrease your risk and give you peace of mind that your property is protected from problems.

• An older sump pump. An aging pump can also have a higher chance of failure without a power outage. If your pump is 10 years or older, it's likely time to invest in a new one. If your sump pump is more than five years old, a battery backup will come in handy to ensure that your aging appliance comes back online quickly.

• Area that sees a lot of extreme weather. If your area has significant rainfall and high winds, this often can cause power outages and flooding. When the power goes out, your electrically powered sump pump will stop running, and won't be able to prevent that incoming water from entering your home. A battery backup sump pump ensures that even if the power goes out or a circuit breaker is tripped, your backup sump pump will continue to operate effectively.

Benefits of a Battery Backup for a Sump Pump

Battery backups for sump pumps have a number of benefits:

• They keep your basement flood free. This is important if you want to avoid major water damage during heavy rains.
• They’re easy to maintain. It's simple to install a battery backup, and that they will work even when there's no water supply. 

• They warn you of danger. Some solutions monitor battery status, test themselves, and alert homeowners in signs of trouble. This type of interfacing adds a layer of oversight that will be important to protecting your house and ensuring that your property remains dry. If your sump pump fails, and you have a finished basement, or important objects in your crawl space, how much would it cost to recover from a flooding event? A battery backup pays for itself in this regard, as it can notify you to prevent damage.

• They buy you time if the main pump fails unexpectedly. The weather may not be at fault for an inoperable sump pump – sometimes it can come due to certain issues within the appliance itself. As water flows through the sump pump, it's likely that there will be some debris that comes with it. While this may not be an issue initially, rocks, dirt, sticks and other debris can clog the pump’s intake screen. 
  
  

How Much Battery Backup Do I Need?

It depends on how long you anticipate being without power. One study concluded the following:

• 40aH batteries will offer 32 hours of protection.
• 84aH batteries will offer 68 hours of protection.
• 120aH batteries will offer 96 hours of protection.

If you don’t have the right battery for your pump, it can run down before the power comes back, so it will be crucial to choose a solution that has the right capacity for your home. For example, if you have a pump that runs once a minute, you'll require a different battery capacity than a pump that runs every five minutes. These differences will play a big part in what battery is installed and how long you can expect to keep your pump operational.

How a Battery Backup for a Sump Pump Works

A battery backup sump pump is installed alongside your primary sump pump inside the pit. The plumber typically places it several inches above the primary pump so that it only activates when the water level reaches a predetermined level inside the pit. That way, the battery powered pump won’t turn on unless the primary sump pump fails to turn on.

The pump is usually powered by a marine grade boat / car battery that is kept continually charged with A/C power.

Get Your Sump Pump Battery Backup Today

A sump pump isn't necessarily something that every house requires, but it has saved countless homes from the dangers of flooding and water damage. For those that are at higher risk of these events, a battery backup will be essential. With this, homeowners can have peace of mind as these appliances are easy to maintain, and many of them will sound the alarm to minimize potential damage. Call your Roto-Rooter expert today at 800-768-6911 for a sump pump consultation or any questions that you may have about these appliances.

FAQs About Sump Pump Battery Backups

Is it worth getting a sump pump battery backup?

Yes. A battery backup keeps your sump pump running during power outages, when flooding is most likely. It’s extra protection for your basement and belongings.

Does every sump pump need a battery backup?

Not every home needs one, but it’s highly recommended in areas prone to storms or outages. A battery backup adds peace of mind when the power goes out.

Is a battery backup or water-powered sump pump better for my home?

Battery backups work anywhere but need recharging or replacement. Water-powered pumps don’t rely on electricity or batteries but require strong water pressure and can raise your water bill. The best choice depends on your home setup.

How long will a battery backup sump pump last during a power outage?

Most run between 4 and 12 hours, depending on the battery size and how much water is entering the pit. Heavy rainfall or frequent pump cycles will drain the battery faster.