Do I Need A Battery Backup for My Sump Pump?

It’s a sight no homeowner wants to see. You come home with no electricity and a flooded basement. Even worse, you find out later it all could have been prevented. Enter sump pump battery backups into the conversation. These simple additions to your basement sump pump can help prevent catastrophic flooding from affecting your home. 

Need to familiarize yourself with sump pumps, or how a sump pump battery backup is a necessity for most homes in Metro Detroit? Keep reading for our ultimate guide, covering everything you need to know, from the basic definition to sump pump best practices. 

What’s a Sump Pump? 

Before we learn about sump pump battery backups, it’s important to know what a sump pump is. A sump pump is commonly used in basements and crawl spaces to prevent flooding or water accumulation. 

They’re typically installed in a sump pit, a specially constructed hole at the area’s lowest point. When groundwater levels rise or water seeps into the basement, it collects in this pit. 

How Does a Sump Pump Work? 

Sump pumps are a simple operation that solves a serious issue. A sump pump automatically activates when water fills the pit, pumping the excess water out through a discharge pipe to a location away from the building’s foundation, such as a storm drain or dry well. You may be aware of the noise a sump pump makes when pumping out the water, more than you are with the actual function of the equipment. 

This system is crucial for maintaining a dry basement, protecting the foundation from water damage, and preventing mold growth. Sump pumps come in various types, including submersible and pedestal models.

Battery Back-Ups for Sump Pumps

Now, if you want to take flood prevention to a whole new level, a sump pump battery backup is crucial to your setup. These devices are designed to take over when the primary, electrically-powered sump pump fails, typically due to power outages during severe weather events. 

A battery backup system consists of a secondary pump powered by a battery (marine-grade, of course), which automatically activates when it detects that the main pump is not functioning or when water levels in the sump pit rise above a certain point. This ensures continuous protection against flooding, even in situations where electrical service is disrupted.

The importance of these systems cannot be overstated, as they provide a crucial safety net when flooding risk is often at its highest – during storms that may knock out power. Without a backup, homeowners risk significant water damage to their property, potentially leading to costly repairs, loss of valuables, and long-term issues such as mold growth.

How to Install a Sump Pump Battery Backup 

You can either call on a professional to install a sump pump battery backup for you or follow these steps: 

1. Gather necessary tools and materials: battery backup system, battery, adjustable wrench, pliers, screwdriver, PVC pipe, and fittings.
2. Turn off power to the primary sump pump at the circuit breaker.
3. Remove the existing sump pump lid carefully, ensuring not to damage any wires.
4. Position the battery backup pump next to the primary pump in the sump pit.
5. Connect the backup pump’s discharge pipe to the existing discharge line using a Y-fitting.
6. Install a check valve on the backup pump’s discharge pipe to prevent water backflow.
7. Secure all pipe connections with pipe clamps.
8. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mount the backup system control box on the wall near the sump pit.
9. Connect the float switch from the backup pump to the control box.
10. Place the marine-grade battery in a protective box near the sump pit but elevate it off the floor.
11. Connect the battery to the control box, ensuring proper polarity (red to positive, black to negative).
12. Plug the primary sump pump and the battery backup system into a GFCI-protected outlet.
13. Adjust the float switch on the backup pump to activate slightly higher than the primary pump’s float.
14. Test the system by filling the sump pit with water and observing both pumps’ operation.
15. Replace the sump pit cover, ensuring all wires and pipes are correctly positioned.
16. Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.
17. Perform a final test of the primary and backup systems to ensure proper function.

Sump Pump Best Practices

Having a sump pump battery backup is just one best practice for maintaining your sump pump and basement flood prevention plan. Here are a few tips to ensure your sump pump is working properly year-round. 

• Regular inspections: should be conducted every 3-4 months, with more frequent checks during rainy seasons. Start by cleaning the pump and pit, removing any debris that could clog the system. Test the pump by pouring water into the pit to ensure it activates and drains properly. Check the float switch for free movement and correct activation height. Inspect the check valve and discharge pipe for any signs of damage or blockage.
• Battery testing and maintenance: For battery backup systems, test the battery and replace it every 2-3 years. Ensure the outlet and electrical connections are in good condition and protected from water. 
• Sump pump alarms: Consider installing an alarm system to alert you of pump failures or high water levels. 
• Winter considerations: During winter, protect exterior discharge pipes from freezing. If your pump runs frequently, have a professional assess if a higher capacity pump is needed. 

Lastly, if you’re away from home often or for an extended period (especially during the spring or rain season!), it’s best to have someone check on your sump pump to ensure it’s functioning correctly. 

The Final Word: Sump Pump Battery Backups

Now that you understand the importance of sump pump battery backups and sump pumps, you may be in the market to install your own. In that case, seek a trusted plumbing professional to ensure the work is done correctly. 

If you’re located in Metro Detroit – you’re in the right place. WaterWork Plumbing is a leading installer of sump pump battery backups and the preferred plumbing repair service in the area! 

We proudly serve Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties with exemplary customer service and expert repair. From Wolverine Lake to Roseville, Harrison Township to Auburn Hills and everywhere in between – call on WaterWork for regular maintenance, emergency or 24/7 services.