Best sump pump backup systems for houses and why to have them
Emergency Call - 24/7
Home | Services | Emergency Servises | Best sump pump backup systems
Basements are great, they provide a space for storage without taking away from your garden or other rooms. You can store food without needing to cool the space, you can put your seldom used gear or equipment out of the way of your daily life so nothing but advantages right? Exactly, a cellar is very handy but like all things you have to properly care for it. The most important part is to keep your basement dry. Since it is the lowest point of your home, you have to find a way to clear out water that gathers there. The best way of doing that is by investing in a sump pump, normally at least one is installed at the construction of your home or when the basement is constructed. However for true peace of mind you might want to consider a back-up pump that will keep your cellar dry during power outages or main pump failure. We provide this handy guide for ways to make sure that doesn’t happen. If you are looking for more help or a quote, give us a call and our professional team will be ready to assist you.
Battery powered sump pump back up system
This system comes with a number of important advantages. You not only shield your vault against flooding when the primary pump goes offline due to power outage but if the water coming into your basement exceeds the capacity of your other pump you now have extra drainage capacity at the ready. Additionally, if your main sump pump fails due to another issue be it mechanical or pipe clogging your back-up will pick up the slack. The install is also relatively simple since you only have to add an extra unit, no need to start messing with the current set-up. Lastly these back-up pumps come with alarms letting you know that they are active so you can start diagnosing the issue with your main pump.
Dual powered back up sump pump systems
This is essentially the same system as before but instead of being completely independent it is still connected to the grid. This alleviates the need for you to remember to charge your back-up system after it has been in use or after the battery has died naturally.
Waterpowered sump pump back up system
This system is only available to homeowners who get water supplied from an external water grid that supplies at least 40psi worth of pressure. The pump is generally inexpensive and longer lasting than the other systems. A water powered system will use the ‘Venturi effect’, this type of pump will use the pressure created by the flowing water to pump out additional water in your basement. This system is essentially unlimited as long as the water grid in your area works. Depending on the pressure in your home which can vary between 25psi to 80psi, this is a viable option. However since you are still using the water remember that extensive use of this system will spike your water bill and with more and more focus on water conservation these systems might come under scrutiny for wasting drinking water.
What is the best sump pump backup system?
The process of sump pump battery backup setup is normally one that most people will be able to sort out themselves. You will need to add a pump, a discharge line, a check valve and a float switch to your existing set-up.
The first consideration is whether your sump pit is big enough to accomodate the second pump, this is generally the case but if not you might want to consider asking a professional to see how you can make more space.
The next step will be to figure out how to do the drainage, look at where you want to merge with the main discharge pipe and don’t forget to add check valves so you don’t pump the water into the supplementary pump. When you have figured out where to put the pipes, start with installing the sump pump back up system. It is not very important where you situate it but make sure it doesn’t make contact with the other pump.
Once the pump is in place you can add the discharge line and finally you should put the float switch above the current float switch. The distance between both switches depends on your own experience with the water built-up in your cellar and the capacity of the backup pump. Now put the backup battery somewhere out the way and connect it to the sump pump. You can test the system by filling the sump pit with a hose or buckets.
Lastly, the battery for sump pump backup will generally not be included with the pump so you will have to look for it yourself. In that case remember to find a deep-cycle long lasting battery, this will never be as expensive as the repairs to a flooded basement.
CALL US NOW FOR PLAMBING!
If you have any questions about the best sump pump backup systems or want to schedule them, contact our managers
and they will guide you through the intricacies of this process. Call Excellent Plumbing today!
How to Install a Battery Backup Sump Pump
Once you have weighed the pros and cons of every system you can find pumps in any hardware store or online. If you are in doubt or feel that your personal set-up warrants an extra look, you can contact us and we will lend you our expertise.
The process of sump pump battery backup setup is normally one that most people will be able to sort out themselves. You will need to add a pump, a discharge line, a check valve and a float switch to your existing set-up.
The first consideration is whether your sump pit is big enough to accomodate the second pump, this is generally the case but if not you might want to consider asking a professional to see how you can make more space.
The next step will be to figure out how to do the drainage, look at where you want to merge with the main discharge pipe and don’t forget to add check valves so you don’t pump the water into the supplementary pump. When you have figured out where to put the pipes, start with installing the sump pump back up system. It is not very important where you situate it but make sure it doesn’t make contact with the other pump.
Once the pump is in place you can add the discharge line and finally you should put the float switch above the current float switch. The distance between both switches depends on your own experience with the water built-up in your cellar and the capacity of the backup pump. Now put the backup battery somewhere out the way and connect it to the sump pump. You can test the system by filling the sump pit with a hose or buckets.
Lastly, the battery for sump pump backup will generally not be included with the pump so you will have to look for it yourself. In that case remember to find a deep-cycle long lasting battery, this will never be as expensive as the repairs to a flooded basement.
Yes, it is possible to add a battery backup for a sump pump in your existing set-up and not bother with more pumps. This will protect you in case of outages however if your pump fails for any other reason you are out of luck. When picking the battery for backup of sump pump, check the voltage carefully to make sure the battery is able to power your pump. It might be worthwhile to pick a marine rated battery so that it can handle exposure to water more efficiently.
There are several potential failures related to a pump, so proper maintenance is essential. The most significant aspect is your battery. In general you will want to replace your battery every 3 years, this can be put off if it hasn’t seen use but by 5 years you will want a new one regardless. The pump itself will probably last you around 10 years depending on the model and the frequency of use. Remember that replacing a pump is a much easier and quicker operation than installing one so don’t hesitate when you see that your current one is nearing its end.
Cost to install back up sump pump system is determined by the objects you utilize and expenses for installation. The pump, battery, and additional materials will probably cost you around 400$ for a very good system. You can go as high as 1500$ on an high-end dual pump system included with batteries but normally a pump will be between 100$ and 500$ and a battery between 70$ and 400$. If you install the pump itself that garners no extra cost to install back up pump system. However, if you are not of the DIY type, Excellent Plumbing is ready to help you. Call our number and we will get your basement flood proof.
Sewer Repair Services price
Sewer Repair Services – 100.00 $
How to Keep Your Basement Dry
Keeping the basement in good condition not only prevents unnecessary material costs, but also determines the safety of your stay in the house and its technical condition. Therefore, it is critical to keep your basement protected. There are many ideas that help to achieve this, but each of them will help to eliminate the consequences caused only by selected causes.
The basement flooding occurs when any element of the system fails. So in order to avoid flooding, you need to monitor and prevent situations:
Power outage.
Faulty switch for pump activation.
Sump pump malfunction.
Malfunction of plumbing items.
What are the ways to protect a cellar
These problems can be overcome in the following ways:
Install a sump pump with battery backup. This will work for problems 1.2. Because with a power failure, your main sump pump will not work. And the switch will not work during heavy flooding.
Carry out regular inspections. Because sump pumps are out of focus, and for plumbing in general, regular inspection is critical.
Install a device that will signal about the accumulation of water. So even if you have problems, you can resolve them quickly and in a timely manner, for example, by calling Excellent Plumbing.
In any of the most common cases, following these guidelines and attentive monitoring of the situation will help to prevent flooding. Take care of your property and as a result you will avoid a huge mess, significant damage, and repair costs.
Get in Touch
Address
112 Carpenter ave Wheeling, IL 60090
Emergency Plumbing
Get A Free Quote