Editorial StaffEspecially during thunderstorms, basement flooding and power outages occur very often. That’s why you must consider the best battery backup sump pump as a proper measure. So, how does a battery backup sump pump work? The battery backup sump pump comes in when no power is available to operate the primary sump pump. A local power outage means that it will put the main sump pump in your basement to a halt. Therefore, costly water damages may occur since there will be over-flooding.
A sump pump is a unit that automatically operates to prevent flooding by dispersing water in a sump pit and forcing it out of the house. Sumps pumps usually come in a pedestal or submersible version, where pedestal versions are easy to service, and the submersible ones are more easily hidden. Again, though, the battery backup system is not used by itself. Instead, its purpose is to drain water when there is a power outage.
Cases Where Battery Backup Sump Pump Come to Play
Battery backup and primary sump pumps operate entirely differently; they automatically start working once the main pump fails for obvious reasons. And, they include,
1. Shortage of power
When power stops the main sump pump stops too, hence battery backup becomes effective as it continues draining water from the basement.
2. Break down
Even with power on, the battery backup helps out when the main sump pump breaks down until you can get a replacement.
3. Overwhelmed
The main sump pumps work with the battery backup system when the work gets overwhelming.
Battery backup sump pumps have full defense mechanisms against flooding; that’s why they are important. Additionally, it includes a control box that powers on once a month to test whether it’s operational or functional. When the sump pump fails its test, the box will alert you with a loud alarm.
Moreover, you will get an alert once there is a power outage or the pump needs a battery replacement. With the high-tech features installed, you can now receive direct communication to your cell phone or a call through the landline.
Advantages of Battery Backup Sump Pump
1. Many homeowners have known the importance of battery backup systems. When the electricity goes out, flooding can occur within a few hours. That’s where the backup comes in handy. So, how does a battery backup sump pump work to prevent flooding? The battery backup system will provide the sump pump with the electric current required to power on a backup sump pump in a power outage crisis.
2. In the power outage scenario, the battery backup system uses its heavy-duty battery to act as a power source. It automatically activates the best battery backup sump pump to drain the water once the main sump pump powers off. A connection is notable between the backup battery and a sump pump system in that the backup pump will always charge the battery until something happens to it.
3. Normally, homeowners refer to a sump pump battery system as a two-stage system; a sump pump battery system provides the needed power and energy to power on the backup sump pump. However, when the power is back in your home, use its power to activate the main sump pump.
Battery Backup System Installation
Homeowners with experience in working with electricity and water can install battery backup sump pumps. However, most of them prefer seeking help from professional installers or electricians. Do you know that it’s better to place your sump pump on a dedicated ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet (GFCI)? A GFCI outlet stops the power when a ground fault occurs. As you are shopping for the outlet, be keen to select a switch to handle the increase in power consumption when the sump pump activates.
The heavy-duty batteries in a battery backup sump pump should be sealed in protective cases that are water-resistant. The importance of the case is to ensure that the battery inside will go next to the sump with no worry that there will be an electrical short happening if a leak occurs. However, you should note that backup batteries can only withstand six to eight inches of the rising water level. When it comes to battery backup systems, don’t use extension cords until you acquire the right GFCI outlet.
It would be best if you plugged the pump into a GFCI protected outlet situated above the high water line. Note that the outlet has two buttons: test and reset. You should test the outlet annually to ensure that the ground fault circuit will interrupt the power once the test button is triggered. Now that we know that sump pumps rely on electricity to function, many battery backup systems feature an alarm that will alert you once it’s activated. Fortunately, this alarm is set to notify you that the sump pump does not acquire its electrical system power. Thus you need to contact a professional sump pump installer to avoid the risk of water damage.
Can You Add a Battery Backup to Your Current Sump Pump?
If your current sump pump does not have a battery backup, then you can have it added to your system. However, how does a battery backup sump pump work when it is added to an existing sump pump? Battery backup acts as a sensor between the electric current and a sump pump. What the professional installer will do is he will plug the main pump and the new battery backup pump into the battery backup controller. Then he connects the battery to an electrical outlet. The set-up will provide a sweep of charge for your backup battery system. Then, when a power outage occurs, the sensor activates the battery to ensure the backup sump will work.
You should replace the battery in a backup system after two-three years; as the battery continues recharging throughout the years, it becomes less efficient. If you need a replacement, call your manufacturer. We all know that electricity and water do not mix; that’s why you should leave the sump pump installation process and battery backup to the professional installers; As they have acquired the proper training to install, repair, and maintain the sump pump system. Moreover, they have some experience in the field.
A sump pump ensures that your house is always dry. However, if there is a local power outage, the main sump pump will not perform its work. That’s why installing battery backup systems is crucial as they keep your house dry even when the power is out.
