by James Williams
Until today, I didn't know that water damage emergencies affect around 14,000 people in the United States daily. When your basement is flooded with water, and the sump pump doesn't start due to power failure, this means disaster.
The float trigger mechanism of the sump pump gets caught up during the flood. But, in most cases, a power outage is the main reason why pumps don't start in such conditions.
Getting the best battery backup sump pump is one of the effective solutions to drain the accumulated water from your basement. As the backup pump runs on battery, even if there is a power outage, it can still function and handle the situation well.
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Power failure is something that people don't like just because everything goes dark for a while. The situation creates hassle like flooding during rainstorms. Even though this is the primary reason why people purchase a backup system, there are other benefits that might drive you crazy to get one.
As a battery backup sump pump prevents water overflowing, it reduces the chance of water reaching both interior and exterior walls, carpets, hardwood floors, and other places. In the long run, your building's longevity remains uncompromised due to harsh weather issues.
Since water cannot stay for a long time in the basement, molds don't get a chance to develop. Due to less dampness around and under the building, there are way less airborne pathogens compared to the houses that don't have a backup pumping system.
Thus, your family will not get sick due to nasty airborne pathogens.
If you are to experience a fuse blowing issue in your house, having a battery backup sump pump will make sure the safety mechanism isn't compromised.
When the water level increases from the ground, the pump detects the issue and sounds an alarm. This audio cue allows the homeowner to take initiatives to reduce the damage if anything goes wrong.
If you live in one of these inland states such as Alabama, Mississippi, West Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri, and Kentucky, you must have a backup pump system. These areas are more prone to flooding and power outages.
I have done the overwhelming task of finding a few good quality battery backup sump pumps that meet the customers' needs with the manufacturers' claims.
The first product on the list is one of the best in its class from pretty much all aspects. Wayne WSS30VN is tested and confirmed to have 1 million life cycles, which is 10 times more than its competitors. World-recognized failure analysts tested the battery backup sump pump and found the manufacturer's claim to be true.
With its 75 AMP motor, this battery backup pump can pump out 5,100 gallons of water every hour at zero feet. Furthermore, when it's DC powered by a 12 Volt battery, it can handle 2,900 gallons of water.
So, no matter how severely the water damage strikes your basement, you can rest assured and rely on this machine to handle the overflowing water. This is one of the highest performing DC power sump pumps that you can find in the market.
The durability of this product is unmatched as it's assembled with both domestic and foreign parts in the US. If you are concerned about how loud the sump pump sounds, you will be impressed by its ultra-quiet performance. As it's much easy to install in a 15 inches basin, the installation only takes about 15 minutes.
Made of superior quality components, this backup sump pump can tackle water damage with great effective results. With components such as copper motor, double o-ring seals, sturdy stainless steel jacketed shaft seals, and more, this one is built to last.
This 12 Volt battery unit can pump up to 1380 gallons per hour on a single charge. To break it down more specifically, at 10 ft, it can pump 1080 gallons, and at 20 ft, it can pump 480 gallons without much struggle.
Unlike conventional ones, its performance is unmatched among its competitors. The battery box is made of high-quality thermoplastic material to endure the toughest conditions. It comes with a convenient 10 ft. AC power cord.
The vertical float switch automatically turns it on and off-no need to rush to the pump's location to turn it on during power outage. It also gives you an alarm of 86 dBA in case of loss of power or when the sump pump is activated by its float switch.
Whenever the voltage drops less than 10.8 amps, you will also hear an alarm from it.
You will be able to mount the vertical switch to any discharge pipe with the included hose clamp and mounting clamp. It comes with a check valve, which is easy to install with any kind of pipe connectors.
Sump pump with Wi-Fi connectivity sounds overwhelming. But, this battery backup pump from Wayne allows you to monitor its activity through your smartphone. It sends data through local link technology when Wi-Fi isn't available due to power failure.
Apart from this, other specs and features of the sump pump make it an effective machine to handle water flooding issues during power failures.
Made of durable cast iron, there are two fully submersible AC and DC power pump to get you relief from tough situations. The manufacturer implemented a solid-state air switch to detect the water level and turn the sump pump on automatically whenever it's needed.
There is also a backup reed float to deliver the utmost protection against redundancy. When the power goes out, the sump pump can drain up to 11,000 gallons of water on a single charge. So, even if your basement is flooded with water equivalent to a swimming pool, you have no reason to worry. The sump pump battery backup will work on its own.
Even though it can handle an enormous amount of water, the noise will not awake you at night whatsoever. It operates very quietly compared to other models in its class.
Powered by a 12V high efficient sump pump, this battery backup pump system can tackle some serious overflowed water in your basement, with a flow rate of up to 40 gallons per minute or 2,340 gallons per hour. So, you can rest assured about its reliability and performance as well.
The control box not only protects the battery from impacts and forces, but it will also be protected from burn-out and overcharging. It features an automatic controller along with alarms to notify you of what the battery backup sump pump is dealing with.
Moreover, the included charger is a solid-state system and quite sophisticated. Its float charging technology will increase the overall lifespan of the given 12V deep cycle marine battery.
For your convenience, there is a display for battery voltage that shows other useful information about the system as well. You can connect the system pump to your home security alarm as well as auto-dialers using a set of dry contacts that come with this Zoeller battery backup sump pump.
Even in low-voltage, the system can trigger the vertical float switch to handle the water of your basement. You will find this kit to be well-integrated with the primary sump pump.
As far as the noise is concerned, the system runs very quietly compared to most conventional ones. Also, instructions are easy enough to understand, and the installation doesn't take much time for most customers.
This Wayne ESP25 upgraded sump pump model from Wayne is made of durable epoxy steel body, and its base is constructed from cast-iron. Unlike cheaper ones, there is no plastic used on its casing.
To work as a backup to your regular sump pump, this secondary system can pump up to 2,700 gallons per hour at zero ft. So, even when the power fails during rainstorms, the basement will not take much water damage.
The vertical float switch of this unit automatically turns on the pump to make sure there is no delaying whatsoever.
For your convenience, the backup pump features an audible alarm system to notify you when the system is restored. It also features an LED display that shows information about the system.
The system is powered by a 75 amp hour battery. With its smart charging technology, you will find the battery at an optimal level pretty much all the time to provide you with longer backup until the power comes back.
It will provide a great backup service for hours. You can expect it to pump 10,000 gallons on a single charge. Its 12 Volt battery motor got pretty much all that your basement needs to make sure everything goes well regardless of the condition.
If you want to add a user-friendly and powerful supportive backup sump pump to your main pump, take a look at what this one from Basement Watchdog has to offer.
With its powerful system, the sump pump can pump up to 2,500 gallons per hour at zero ft. And at 10 ft., the pumping amount comes down to 1,730 gallons per hour, which is still considered as decent performance if you compare it with other sump pumps.
Whenever a power outage takes place, the sump pump will automatically trigger. The floating switch detects water overflowing if it goes beyond the main pump Feet-capacity. So, you can have peace of mind regarding pumping hassle during power failures.
The alarm system of the unit detects the fluid level in the battery and sounds an alarm if it needs maintenance or when any issue arises. There is also a display panel that provides information regarding the alarm and suggests to take the right action that is necessary. Its user-friendliness is unmatched within any class.
You will be able to install this secondary sump pump even in smaller sump pits without much hassle. Inside the package, you will get a controller, charger, dual float switch, battery box, and obviously the pump itself.
This backup sump pump system sports a 115 Volt DC motor to provide you with the necessary amount of water pumping service as per the situation demands. With such power, the system can pump about 15 gallons per minute at 10 ft. compared to other ones on the list; this capacity is quite good.
You don't need to spend much time assembling it. The system comes pre-assembled, and you can quickly install it in your primary water sump without much effort.
When the power fails, the system will protect the battery from all possible damaging aspects. Its fully solid-state 10A charger charges the battery in a floating state that ensures that the battery lasts longer. The system will sound an alarm whenever it starts pumping.
In addition, there is an LCD screen that shows information about the battery and system. You can connect the system to your home security alarm as well as auto-dialers through the given integrated DC pump discharge valve. You will also get an AC pump check valve, adapter, and tee for hassle-free installation.
The battery case is made of non-corrosive durable material to withstand whatever the condition throws at it. As far as the noise is concerned, the pump is a bit loud. If the noise doesn't reach where you live, it would be a good deal to consider.
Last but not least, yet another powerful battery backed sump pump from Basement Watchdog. This one sports an energy-efficient motor that can pump up to 1000 gallons per hour at 10 ft. and 3,700 gallons per hour at zero ft. Additionally, the backup pump also has the capacity of pumping 2,000 GPH at zero ft.
So, the power that this backup system comes with, you will never get disappointed regarding its pumping ability. There is an energy-efficient PSC - Permanent Split Capacitor that works as the primary pump, which contributes to reducing your electricity bills.
This excellent sump pump battery back up sump system features a unique monitoring alarm that sounds when the system undergoes pumping. Also, it illuminates a warning light to notify you about its maintenance task. To determine the fluid level in the battery, it features a fluid sensor monitor for convenience.
Both the primary and backup systems come with dual float switches that provide 4x protection during a power outage. You can expect this unit to provide you with days of intermittent pumping on a single charge. It's compatible with wet cell and low maintenance AGM batteries, so get a suitable one according to your preference.
If you are not a technical guy, you are most likely going to get a best rated backup sump pump that doesn't meet your requirements well or end up investing in a bad system. To make sure you get the right one for your pumping requirements during power failures, be sure to follow the following key things before you purchase one.
The first and foremost thing to consider is the size of your existing or main sump pump. Both the primary and backup pump should closely match their sizes.
However, some battery backup sump pumps require different configurations to be able to install them. In that case, you need to make sure the main pump meets the requirements.
Also, keep in mind that some models only work with particular brands. It would be best to have both the primary and secondary backup pump of the same brand. You can also get a backup pump of another brand only if the configuration and size match. There should be enough space for both the pumps as well.
If the installation goes wrong due to size mismatch, there can be mechanical failure, which will eventually result in basement flooding.
Unlike your regular pump, a backup sump pump runs on DC current instead of AC. So, the backup system is nowhere close to the power of the main pump. During rainstorms, power outages cause the main pump to stop working, and more water gets the chance to enter the basement.
If you buy a cheap and conventional backup pump, it will not be able to handle water flooding well in your basement. It would be wise to invest in a powerful sump pump rather than risking your building's foundation.
Most manufacturers mention the capacity of pumping water from a level surface. Whereas, the reality is quite different. The sump pump has to push the water vertically up to several feet, only then the water runs through a pipe nearby the road.
As the water evacuation flows upwards against gravity, the actual pumping capacity is much lower than it's advertised in most cases. If the draining pipe is above 10 ft. from the basement, then consider how much water the pump can pump at 10 ft. This figure will be much closer to the actual pumping capacity of the pump.
Aim for a model that exceeds your pumping requirements by a decent amount so that there comes no compromise when it's about handling the flood in your basement.
As your battery backup sump pump will contact overflowed water, the overall construction needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the impacts. These backup systems are mostly made of 3 materials.
These are the most durable and heavy-duty ones. The units can withstand severe weather conditions and are strong enough to handle underground conditions. These weigh quite heavy, and the sturdiness is unmatched.
When it comes to dealing with corrosion, cast iron base isn't quite reliable. But, in reality, corrosion hardly affects the internal structural integrity of the system. Cast-iron units are very effective at keeping the pressure and undue stress off of the internal mechanisms.
The plastic battery backed sump pumps have thermoplastic housing to make it durable. Even though plastic made units aren't able to handle pressure quite well, these are a cost-efficient option if you are looking for a temporary solution. The material is also quite lightweight compared to others.
These sump pumps are great for fighting against corrosion and rust. If corrosion is your prime concern regarding durability, get one of these backup pump systems without any hesitation.
Not all the backup sump pump systems come with a battery. But, you will surely get a battery charger included in the package. Here, you need to give attention to the voltage of the given charger.
If you live in an area where power breakdowns frequently occur, you need to make sure the charger can fully charge the battery between outages so that the basement isn't overflown by water.
Also, if the backup system has a larger battery, it will take longer to charge using a low voltage charger. Here, make sure that the charger doesn't take too long to charge the battery before a power outage occurs.
You will need two devices to charge the battery - a relay and an AC to DC converter. The relay receives the power through a socket and transfers it to the backup sump pump.
The best battery backup sump pump will come with some useful features to further enhance the overall user experience.
Sump pumps that come with an alarm system notify the user regarding problems such as warning for changing the battery, condition of the system, etc. Some models also sound an alarm when it starts to pump water during a power failure.
However, if you find a suitable model without an alarm system, be sure to buy it. You can install a custom alarm later. You can add the sump pump alarm individually later too.
It's an electronic switch that has an internal sensor to detect water. Once the water level reaches the level of the switch, the system automatically sounds the alarm and starts pumping water. Again, when the water is in the sump pit, the alarm stops.
This feature comes very useful for submersible pumps that don't come with automatic turn On/Off feature. All you need is to insert the prong into the power outlet if multiple power plugs are available. It works great for damaged pump switches rather than replacing the entire system.
You will find two types of battery backup sump pumps in the market; water-powered and battery powered sump ones. Both the pumps work as a secondary backup system to the main pump in case of power failure and emergencies.
If you are thinking about which one to purchase between these options, the following information will help you to decide.
The sump pump primarily depends on the water pressure to pump water up and out of the sump pump during floods. It turns city water into the sump when the power fails and runs continuously when the water pressure level remains constant.
So, if you install one of these pumps, it will draw municipal water to run the pump during power outages. This option is only recommended to use when the water pressure is above 40 PSI.
If you are thoroughly reading the article, you must already have some ideas about how a battery-powered pump works. During a power failure, a battery-powered system supplements the power to the regular sump pump. When the primary pump turns on, it automatically starts pumping water from the basement when it's flooded.
It also kicks in when there is too much load on the main pump to support it to pump the excess water upwards. A battery, charger, a few pipes, etc. come along with the battery-operated pump. Some models also alert the user during a power outage or when the battery needs to be replaced.
Rather than relying on a battery pack, water-powered ones require a very high volume of city water to pump up the floodwater from the basement.
Battery-powered pumps run as long as the battery provides DC current. Whereas, water-operated ones don't have such dependency.
For a water-based system, you will require a separate drainage line. On the flip side, battery pumps require pump water through a piping system that is connected to the pump right above the basement.
It requires 40 PSI of pressure for water pumps to operate. But, there are no such limitations when it comes to battery-operated ones.
Water pumps don't require much maintenance compared to battery pumps. You have to regularly replace the battery after a certain time.
If the pressure stays constant, a water powered sump pump can draw about 4 gallons of underground water to be able to get it through the system. Sump pump battery backup can pump up to 2,000 gallons of water per hour.
If your basement floor or walls collect water, the sump pit is overflown, rainstorms cause frequent power disruption, then you need to consider getting a battery backup sump pump.
Also, if you notice snowmelt infiltrating the basement, the suggestion would be the same. And, if your building codes require you to install a backup system, you must get one.
Battery backup pumps depends on the brand, model, and capacity. Most of these units last long enough to get the battery fully charged before another power outage strikes. More or less, batteries last 12 to 24 hours, depending on the amount of pumped water.
But if a power failure occurs too frequently, you may struggle to get enough charge to last between outages. Using a high voltage charger can help you to charge the battery at a faster rate.
If your area faces power outages frequently, or weather conditions remain unpredictable throughout the year, you should definitely get a battery-powered secondary sump pump.
Otherwise, when the pump is stopped for a long period, your basement will be flooded with excessive water and cause water damage to the building.
You can add a backup battery as a secondary power source to your existing sump pump. Usually, a wall-mounted battery is connected to a sump pump. Adopting this option is considered as a cost-efficient option over getting a backup pump system. But, this will also cause less amount of water to be pumped.
The installation cost varies depending on various factors. However, on average, it costs about $1,022. Most homeowners spend $640 to $1,466, based on the type of the sump pump, geographical location, floor type, etc. factors.vBut the replacement cost ranges from $450 to $550.
If finding the best battery backup sump pump still seems overwhelming to you, I can suggest some products from the list depending on performance, capacity, and usability.
If pump capacity is your concern, Wayne WSS30VN will pump you some serious amount of water within a relatively short time. The durability of this one is also up to the mark.
Wayne BGSP50 sump pump model is for those who want to monitor the system from a smartphone. Its double submersible pump with the ultra-quite operation will provide you great user experience.
About James Williams
Hi, This is James from HomerDIY. I have great experience in writing about everything related to Pump and DIY tools. For the last few years, I am researching the different types of tools and sharing my opinion on this blog.
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