The Cruel Irony
The storms that knock out your power are the same storms that flood your basement. Your sump pump needs electricity to run. The power goes out during the worst downpour of the year. See the problem?
A battery backup system keeps your pump running when the grid goes down. It's the cheapest flood insurance you'll ever buy.
How It Works
A battery backup is a secondary pump (or a DC-powered backup for your existing pump) connected to a deep-cycle marine battery. When the power fails, it kicks in automatically. When the power returns, it recharges. You don't have to do anything.
What to Look For
- Battery type. Deep-cycle marine batteries handle repeated discharge far better than car batteries.
- Pump capacity. Measured in gallons per hour. Match it to your primary pump's output or go slightly smaller — it's a backup, not a replacement.
- Alarm system. Good units alert you when the backup engages, when the battery is low, and when it's time to replace the battery.
- WiFi monitoring. Newer systems send alerts to your phone. Worth it if you travel.
Maintenance
Test it twice a year — spring and fall. Pour water in the pit, unplug the primary pump, and make sure the backup kicks on. Replace the battery every 3 to 5 years, even if it seems fine. A dead battery is the same as no backup.
How Long Does It Last?
A fully charged backup typically runs 4 to 8 hours of intermittent pumping. That's enough for most outages. For longer coverage, some systems accept a second battery.
The Bottom Line
If you have a sump pump and no backup, you're one power outage away from a flooded basement. The system costs a fraction of what water damage costs. It's not a question of if — it's when.
Concepts Plumbing — Barrie & Simcoe County Free Estimates. Honest Solutions. Call (705) 715-1513 — open 24/7
