Battery Backup Sump Pump Buyer's Guide

Battery backup sump pumps are used to supplement primary pumps.

Primary pumps can fail due to power outages, mechanical failure or excessive use.

When the power goes out, the motor overheats or there's too much water coming into the pit, you could experience flooding.

With a battery backup pump, you get several hours of additional protection from water damage.

Battery
There are two types of battery backup sump pumps - DC and AC/DC. Battery backup systems will switch to DC battery power when the AC power is out or when the pump fails. But while the power is on, some pumps can run directly off the AC wall current without depleting the battery. Units which run exclusively DC power will only pump off battery power.

Another thing to consider is which type of battery you choose. There are deep-cycle marine "maintenance free" batteries, as well as batteries with acid. Traditional batteries with acid require you to add water occasionally. Maintenance free batteries are fully sealed, which you can set and forget.

Float Switch
The other main reason battery backup pumps are called into service is during a rain storm or rapid snow melt. If the primary sump pump cannot handle the amount of water in the pit, your basement can start to flood.

A battery backup unit with a float switch installed above your primary pump can solve this problem. When the primary pump can't keep up and the water rises in the pit, the backup sump pump goes to work. You can essentially double your pumping
power with a backup pump.

The best benefit of a battery backup sump pump is the peace of mind you get knowing you've got multiple layers of protection.

New Technology
Some companies have pioneered sump pump technology to keep up with the smart phone era. You can program the most high-tech backup sump pumps to text or email you in the event of a sump pump emergency.

These pumps can be markedly more expensive than regular backup pumps, but if you've spent lots of money finishing your basement, it's a worthwhile investment.