Three Choices for Backup Sump Pumps

Many homeowners find themselves in a situation where they need a backup sump pump system. If one lives in an area of the country that has a lot of rain or high water tables, basements are at risk for flooding. A flooded basement can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. Investing a backup sump pump system is a wise investment. I will be discussing 3 options for a backup system.


A water powered backup sump pump has a lot of benefits. This type does not require a separate 12v battery or power source. The pump is generally installed near the ceiling of the basement near the floor joists. A separate float in the sump triggers the pump which is powered by the city water supply. This means that it requires city water. A well water source needs electricity to power the pump and therefore if a power outage occurs, the basement is left unprotected. That is why they are basically restricted to more urban areas or anywhere there is city water. These systems are very reliable, there are few moving parts. The pump uses venturi low pressure to draw water out of the sump and discharge it outside.


A better option for the more rural population is a 12v sump pump . This type is usually either part of a combination system which utilizes two pumps. One is 120v which is the primary pump. The secondary pump is normally smaller and runs off 12v deep cycle battery. A well designed 12v sump pump will have separate float switches for redundancy. Depending on the battery installed, a backup pump can run intermittently for 2-4 hours. It is also possible to install multiple batteries in parallel to increase the run time. This system is also automatic which requires no special action from the home owner. During heavy rainfall, the backup will also kick on automatically to empty the sump If the pump starts to overflow for any reason, the backup will kick on. There are also systems which can be installed along side a pre-existing sump pump instead of purchasing a combination unit.


A third option for backup sump pump is a standby generator. Having a generator provide power during outages are very handy however most need a homeowner to be home to turn the generator on. Benefits of this system are that a generator can run for very long periods of time. There are automatic house generators which power a portion of the house if power is lost. These types can run off a number of fuels including propane, natrual gas, gasoline and diesel. This option is by far the most expensive however having electrical power means other devices can be operated as well, like the refrigerator.


Finding a backup sump pump is important in avoiding costly damages associated with a flooded basements. Having a system in place also require maintenance and upkeep to ensure the system will work when a power failure occurs.