The plumbing industry estimates that 60% of U.S. homes experience moisture problems that require a sump pump system. The typical residential sump pump receives power through a standard house outlet, just like any other appliance. The concern is that severe weather not only increases the risk of flooding but also the likelihood of power outages. Without wall power, an AC-only pump won’t function, and the home’s basement or crawl space will flood.
Considerations for Homes Without Standby Generators
If your home is prone to flooding enough to need a sump pump, then you should have a backup as well. It’s good protection for all houses but particularly those with older plumbing and newer homes in areas prone to outages. Otherwise, if the grid fails during a severe storm, you’ll be without protection, and your home may flood.
There are insurance considerations as well. Home insurance generally does not cover sump failure, which is a maintenance issue. Even dedicated flood insurance will typically not cover damage related specifically to the failure of a sump pump. Yet, some insurance providers do provide premium discounts for primary and backup sump pumps.
Considerations for Homes With Standby Generators
A backup sump pump also protects you if the main pump fails unexpectedly. That’s why they’re a strong investment even for homes that have standby generators. Another consideration is that standby generators typically take at least several minutes to cycle on. During that time, a nonfunctional pump can allow substantial water into your home. A battery backup pump, on the other hand, can cycle on almost immediately. Once the generator gets going, the backup system will turn off again to preserve the battery.
Stand-Alone vs. Combination Backup Pumps
You can opt for either stand-alone or combination pumps. Some combination systems have a discrete wall-powered primary unit plus a discrete battery-powered backup unit. Other systems are singular pumps that can transition between wall and battery power. While these approaches can be less expensive, most experts recommend separate systems. With combination units, component failures can undermine the primary and backup protection at the same time. With separate pumps, it’s much less likely that both systems will fail at the same time.
Submersible vs. Pedestal Backup Pumps
Residential applications utilize two primary sump pump configurations: pedestal and submersible. Both require a sump pit and drainage system. The difference is that pedestal pumps operate above the pit, while submersible units function in the pit. Pedestal pits are less expensive initially and over time. Submersible pumps are quieter and can handle a much higher volume of water.
Whether you should have a submersible or pedestal pump for your primary fixture depends on many factors. Those include the local climate, the local water table, and the lay of your property. If a plumber recommends a primary submersible pump, then you should ideally have a backup submersible as well. A potential problem is not having enough space in the pit for both pumps. In those cases, a pedestal configuration may make sense until you can upgrade the pit.
Sizing Your Backup Sump Pump
The first step is to determine the pumping power you need in gallons per hour (GPH). A plumber can accurately calculate GPH based on the factors we listed earlier. They can also account for vertical lift and other influences. Ideally, your battery backup system should be able to handle the same GPH as your primary. If that isn’t practical, you need to ensure a minimal level of performance to prevent flooding. A plumber will determine this by calculating the water inflow while accounting for battery and runtime considerations.
Material Options
Both primary and backup sump pumps can consist of two materials: cast iron and thermoplastic. Cast-iron pumps are much more durable and offer better heat dissipation. Thermoplastic units are cheaper due to the raw material and construction costs. A thermoplastic backup pump will be significantly cheaper. It will play a smaller role, so the lower-grade material may not be a factor. Still, a cast-iron backup pump will give you greater peace of mind.
Battery Type, Capacity, and Charging
Battery-powered backup sump pumps generally use a 12-volt deep-cycle battery. These are the same batteries found in golf carts and trolling boats. They typically cost between $100 and $300, depending on the amp-hours (Ah). A 75Ah to 120Ah battery is often enough to provide intermittent pumping over several years. Higher-amp batteries can last even longer. Most of these systems have an integrated charger for regular recharging. With proper recharging and maintenance, these batteries can last as long as 15 years. That said, with high usage and poor maintenance, they can die within as few as two years.
DC vs. AC/DC Combination
AC/DC setups can run on either wall or battery power as needed. Such systems do cost more up front, but they provide you with an extra layer of protection. You can opt for this dual capability for both your primary and backup sump pump.
Annual Maintenance
Homeowners should schedule annual maintenance for both their primary and backup sump pumps. The best time to schedule is ahead of the thaw in colder climates and early in the spring in warmer climates. Just like the primary pump, the backup needs a multipoint inspection, comprehensive cleaning, and correction of any normal wear and tear. The plumber will also evaluate battery health and performance.
Smart Features
Many backup sump pumps nowadays are Wi-Fi enabled. That lets the system push notifications to your phone, such as when the backup activates. You’ll know right away that there is a power outage or that the main pump has failed.
Warranty Protection
Warranty coverage can vary greatly between brands and models. A good warranty can protect you against repair or replacement due to manufacturing defects. Be sure to read the fine print before selecting a pump and explore your extended coverage options as well.
Water-Powered Pumps as an Alternative
Water-powered pumps are also an option for backup sump pump protection. You can opt for a water-powered pump instead of or in addition to a battery-powered backup sump pump. These systems function by using hot water to create suction that empties the sump pit. They provide a virtually unlimited runtime, and there’s no battery to monitor.
The reason that they’re not more prevalent is that not all homes can accommodate them. They require a municipal water supply. There are specific plumbing requirements that often rule out older houses without expensive upgrades. The pump rate is also relatively low, which can eliminate them from consideration when there’s the potential for significant flooding.
Battery Backup Sump Services Throughout Medina County and Beyond
Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned and -operated plumbing company based in Medina, OH. We have over 60 years of experience serving Medina County and the neighboring communities. Our team can provide an in-house consultation through which we can answer any additional questions and explore your backup pump options. We perform sump pump inspections, maintenance, repairs, new installations, replacements, and upgrades.
To schedule an appointment, call Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical or visit our website today.
