5 Reasons You Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump

Sump pumps are some of the most common waterproofing products in the U.S.; most homes with a basement or crawl space have a sump pump, especially in more humid states like South Carolina. In damp areas where tropical storms and heavy rain are common, it makes good sense to have a battery-powered backup pump in case your main pump breaks or the power goes out during a storm. After all, sump pumps rely on electricity to work properly. 

Why You Should Consider a Battery Backup Pump 

Most sump pumps, especially high-quality ones, are reliable and won’t break down unless they are neglected, clogged by debris, or at the end of their lifespan. The one exception to this is power loss; power outages are one of the most common causes of preventable sump pump failure, especially during a storm. A backup sump pump that operates via a battery as opposed to the main electricity supply, however, will ensure your home is protected even when the lights go out. 

This isn’t the only benefit to having a battery-powered backup, however. A backup pump will also save you money in the long run by limiting the damage of any sump pump failures not caused by power failure, too. A good battery-powered backup pump will also alert you to damage within your main pump, either via warning light or an alarm sound. This means you can schedule repairs for your main pump or arrange to have it replaced without the danger of flooding in the meantime. 

Above and beyond this, a backup sump pump will extend the life of your other waterproofing measures by allowing you to perform regular in-depth maintenance without fear of flooding or dampness taking root in your home. 

How Does a Battery-Powered Pump Work? 

Battery-powered sump pumps work in much the same way as pumps that are connected to the mains, but they are often less powerful and generally cannot be run without a main pump already in place. In this sense, they are additives to an existing system as opposed to a separate system altogether. 

The most important thing to remember is that these backup pumps require their batteries to work, so you should regularly check that the battery is holding charge and delivering power to the pump, especially if there is a storm in the forecast. If you are careful and provide regular maintenance, however, your backup sump pump should last for years without giving you any trouble at all. These are remarkably durable machines. 

Choosing and Installing a Battery Backup Pump 

Once you have a battery-powered backup pump, they are fairly easy to install and maintain. For most homeowners, the real trouble lies in getting the right backup. If you choose a backup pump that is unsuitable for your home or incompatible with your existing pump, it can make things difficult going forward. For this reason, many people opt to have a professional assess their basement and current pump. 

Mount Valley Foundation Services is one of the most experienced and reputable foundation and basement repair services in South Carolina. Our team is experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about giving our customers the best possible experience – that’s why we come so highly recommended. 

We offer a free consultation appointment, without obligation, to prospective customers who are considering their waterproofing options, so there is no reason not to call us when you are thinking about buying a backup sump pump. 

We will help you to choose a battery-powered backup that is suitable for your home as well as being high quality and cost-effective. We will also assess the health of your main pump and make recommendations for prolonging its lifespan. Once you have chosen the pump that works for you, we will also install it with minimal mess and fuss, leaving you to get on with your day without disruption. The installation process is very simple and has four steps: 

• Attach the pump unit to the wall 
• Connect the appropriate cables to their terminals 
• Plug in the backup sump pump 
• Test the compatibility of the pump 

This process can be completed in a few hours or less, and your backup sump pump will be operational immediately. It really is that simple!