The Best Battery Backup Sump Pump System: 2024 List
Brandon Forder Apr 20, 2024 8:38 AM
Having two sump pumps is always preferable to having only one. As an insurance policy for your primary sump pump, a battery backup sump pump can be viewed as an essential part of your home's protection against flooding.
Every sump pump manufacturer claims to have the greatest battery backup sump pump, so making the right choice is critical. In reality, the vast majority of back-up pumps work flawlessly. It all comes down to personal preference and the circumstances of your life.
A list of the five best battery backup sump pumps, as well as some pointers to assist you choose one, has been collected to make your decision easier.
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Price
Battery backup sump pumps are commonly offered in two types. Pumps with thermoplastic or metal bodies are less expensive, but metal-bodied pumps are more durable. Other than those two considerations, the cost of a backup system mostly depends on the features that come with it.
Optional comforts, such as home system connectivity, alarm systems, charging system complexity, battery compatibility and general ease of use, all push up the cost of an emergency sump pump system.
A good way to narrow down your choices is to consider both your budget and the level of convenience you'd like.
Capacity
Your residence, its needs and your comfort level are all unique. Homes with a high water table or those located in very wet areas will have different sump pump capacity requirements than those in the desert.
Older houses may have water leaking through the basement walls for several days following a strong rain storm. Newer dwellings may have been constructed to pump away as much water as rapidly as feasible.
Your backup pump may not need as much water pumping capacity as your primary sump pump, but it should be able to move enough water to keep things dry in the case of a lengthy power failure.
Battery Type
Deep-cycle batteries, which are often supplied separately, are required for battery backup sump pumps. They can take a variety of shapes. Although most emergency sump pumps can function on any 12-volt battery in a situation, there are some that are better than others for the purpose. It is suggested that you use a 75 amp-hour or higher deep-cycle lead-acid battery. For the highest protection, batteries rated to 120 amp-hours are offered.
Also keep in mind that even with no need for maintenance, it is necessary to inspect the batteries periodically to ensure that they are still holding a charge and are not damaged.
Material
Battery backup sump pump systems generally incorporate housings manufactured from heavy-duty thermoplastic, stainless steel, or other waterproof materials designed to withstand corrosion. The housing also should be sealed to prevent moisture from entering inside the pump’s components.
Pedestal vs. Submersible
Like primary sump pumps, the battery back up for a sump pump can be one of two types:
Submersible
The sump pit, beneath the basement floor, is where all of the submersible sump pumps are located. When water enters the pit, the water level continues to rise, and when the water reaches a particular level, a float switch or sensor kicks on to pump the water to the surface.
Pedestal
Pedestal sump pumps have a pumping motor mounted on top of a column, with the column's base submerged in the sump pit. The column is approximately 2 to 3 feet tall, and the pump motor sits above the floor. Since the pump rests above the water, it must be moisture-resistant but not entirely watertight like a submersible pump.
Battery and Runtime
Acid-free 12-volt batteries are ideal for backup power for sump pumps. Some manufacturers recommend a battery that’s marine certified, which indicates it will survive dampness better than a conventional 12-volt battery. A 12-volt battery’s output can range from 40 to 80 amp hours or more, with 75 amp hours being the most frequent.
The backup pump will run longer and be more powerful if the amperage is higher. The amount of water entering the sump pit and the frequency with which the pump must cycle in order to remove it determine how rapidly a battery drains.
For example, if a backup sump pump runs every 4 minutes, pumping 1.5 gallons, a 40-amp-hour battery may last 32 hours, but a 120-amp-hour battery might last closer to 96 hours, for example. However, if the pump cycles every minute, the 40 amp hour battery’s lifespan will decline to roughly 8 hours, and the 120 amp hour battery will last closer to 24 hours.
A 12-volt battery's ability to hold a charge starts to deteriorate after four or five years, which is another consideration. This indicates that an older battery will have shorter runtime. Water may be kept out of your basement by using a strong battery and renewing it every four to five years.
Power
The power of a battery backup sump pump is one of the most critical elements to consider. You must ensure that the pump you select is powerful enough to complete the task at hand. One horsepower is required for every 600 gallons per hour, according to the general rule of thumb (GPH).
If you have a sump pit that is 500 gallons, you will need a pump with at least 0.83 horsepower. However, if you live in a region prone to severe flooding, you may want to consider a pump with more power.
Battery Life
Another crucial aspect is the battery life of a backup sump pump. You need to be certain that the battery has sufficient life to complete the task at hand. Most batteries will last for roughly 6 hours. The longer the battery lasts, the better, especially for those who live in flood-prone areas.
Ease of Installation
The final consideration is how simple it is to set up. The pump you select should be simple to set up. Some pumps come with kits that make installation a pleasure.
If you are planning to install a sump pump yourself, make sure you choose a pump that is straightforward to install. Also, please read our post about How to Install a Sump Pump to keep you guided.
Here are the best battery backup sump pumps of today, now that we've reviewed the various elements to consider when selecting a battery backup sump pump.
How much does a battery backup sump pump cost?
Professional installation of a battery backup sump pump system costs, on average, $900. The primary sump pump isn't included in that price tag, though. Installing a backup system will cost you more or less money, depending on your home's situation and the features you choose.
How long does a battery run a backup sump pump?
A new or well-maintained deep-cycle battery rated at 75 amp-hours will run a backup sump pump for around six hours without stopping. That's about two days of continuous, real-world use. Add or remove about one hour of continuous run time for each 10 amp-hours of higher or lower battery rating. Poorly cared-for batteries, as well as older batteries, will perform worse.
Do I need a plumber to set up a battery backup sump pump?
The installation will very certainly necessitate the services of a plumber. Installing a battery backup sump pump necessitates connecting a new pipe to the current system, much like installing a primary sump pump. The technique entails installing a check valve and ensuring the fittings are waterproof. Plumbing connections must be made by a licensed plumber in many places due to construction codes.
How do I know if my sump pump has a battery backup?
Your home's power supply is usually used for battery backup sump pumps. In the event of a power outage, the battery backup light will remain green to indicate that the battery is fully charged.
The best battery backup sump pump should take these considerations into account. First, examine the power and flow rate of the pump. You’ll also want to consider about the construction and materials and any features that may be essential to you.
The greatest battery backup sump pump will be found once you've studied all of the above considerations and narrowed down your options. Professional assistance is available if you don't want to deal with the difficulty of finding the right sump pump for your house.
If you live in Lower Mainland Canada and would want to hear a recommendation for the best sump pump system for your home, we at Your Guy Plumbing would be pleased to assist you find the appropriate system for your needs.
We also offer sump pump installation services so that you can be confident your system is installed appropriately and will perform well when you need it. Learn more by contacting us right away!
