12v VS H2o Pumps

12v sump pumps and water powered sump pumps both provide a level of automatic protection. Both help to keep basements dry and avoid flooding caused by primary pump failures or power outages. The reason I typically install a 12v sump pump over a water powered system is that the water powered system requires municipal water supply. If a home has a well for the source of water, a power outage will render that water source unusable therefore rending the water powered sump pump inoperative.

Choosing a sump pump system

Choosing a backup sump pump is an important task. We trust our basements to these pumps and we expect a lot out of them. Take the time to choose the right pump for the job. If you do not have a backup sump pump, now is the time to get one. There are a lot of choices out there.


Gaining the advantage of a truly redundant system is the only way to go. That is, the system obviously has a separate pump but it also has a separate float switch. The secondary pump uses a 12V battery as a power source. The battery should last 4-5 years if properly maintained.


Pumps are rated in horse power and will typically be in the size of 1/4 hp, 1/3 hp or 1/2 hp. More importantly is how much water does the sump move in a given amount of time. This rating is Gallons Per Hour or GPH.


Some 12v sump pump setups have a small weep in the pipes after the pump and before the check valve. The secondary pump will also have a weep hole. It's important to remember that if this hole ever becomes clogged, it's possible that the backup will not work. Debris in the water can clog this hole, so cleaning it out with a nail is a good idea once in awhile. That is why it is important to do a functional check of the system quarterly to ensure proper operation.


It is advisable to discharge the water away from your house foundation. Proper drainage away from the house is important for a dry basement. Make sure all of the houses' downspouts are installed and follow a path of drainage away from the house. Window wells are another area of concern since water can collect in the wells and eventually cause water to enter the basement though the window.

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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.