Sump Pump Backup Battery

Sump pumps are necessary for any home that is prone to flooding. They keep water from invading the basement or crawlspace through a system of drains that divert water to the pump for easy removal.

Running off electricity, they can fail when the power goes out in a storm, but you can protect yourself by investing in a backup battery.

Understanding the Dynamics of Water

Water follows the path of least resistance. Whether that takes it into your basement or out to the street doesn't matter, water will simply go where it can flow most easily. In too many cases, that means that water is seeping in around your foundation walls and pressing up through foundation floor. A professionally installed sump pump understands these dynamics and works with water rather than against it.

Special drainage pipes are used around the foundation, below the crawlspace floor or under your basement slab. They are placed around the perimeter, and they are meticulously angled to drain down towards a sump pump pit. As water enters the space, it fills into these channels and flows to the pump. Once it rises to a certain level, the pump will engage and remove water from the space.

Always Choose Automatic Pumps

Manual pumps are more affordable because you have to manually turn them on. This is a dangerous game to play because you may not always be home or available when the water starts to build up. Automatic pumps have levers in them that sense the water level and turn on when necessary. They are more secure and reliable, so you can avoid expensive water damage.

More Powerful Pumps Move More Water

Sump pumps are not all created equal. Some move a small amount of water, and others can move an incredible amount every minute. The horsepower determines how fast a pump will clear water from a space. While you may not want to spend the extra money on more powerful pumps, you will need to make the investment if your basement sees a great deal of water or your area frequently goes through heavy rains.

Look for the Right Head Pressure

Sump pumps do have some limitations. The head pressure on a pump tells you how far a pump can lift water. Take this amount and subtract ten percent to allow for bends in the outlet pipe. Know how far your pump will have to lift the water to get it above the ground outside, and invest in the right level of head pressure.

Submersible or Stand Pumps

Submersible pumps are made with sealed motors, so they will continue running even if the water covers them. Stand pumps have vents for pulling air into the motor, and they will stop working if the water overwhelms the pump and reaches the motor. Stand pumps are a few dollars cheaper, but they will quickly become more expensive if the pump ever fails to turn on and the water destroys the motor. If your pump will see regular use, you are probably better off with a quality submersible pump.

The Downfall of Electric Pumps

When heavy rains come through, sump pumps will need to work overtime. Serious storms can overwhelm a pump when more water is entering the basin than the pump can move. This why it's important to choose a pump that can handle the water flow and keep the basin at a manageable level.

The electricity is also prone to failing during major storms. If the power goes out, then the pump will shut off. Water levels can quickly rise with the heavy rain, and that leaves homes that rely on sump pumps soaked. If you need a sump pump, it's vital to invest in a backup system that will provide energy to the pump when you need it most.

Battery Backups

More and more sump pump owners are choosing batter backup systems. These systems connect to the pump, and they turn on automatically when the power to the house goes out. You don't typically have to do anything to get the pump going again during a storm. When the power shuts down in a storm, the sump pump becomes your most important appliance to keep the water out of your home and protect the structure from serious damage.

Sump pumps are simple to understand, but they can be difficult to install. You need to have a clear understanding of where the water is coming in, what the best exit point is and how to properly angle the French drains. The basin needs to sit at the right level, and the outlet pipes must be positioned to minimize bends and move water safely away from the house. More importantly, care must be taken to choose the right pump for your needs. Making a mistake in any of these areas can lead to a system that doesn't work properly and result in a wet home interior. This is why it's important to invest in the services of a professional when it comes to a new sump pump. They can answer your questions and provide you with a system that will be durable and reliable. If your home tends to get wet when the heavy storms come through, invest in a battery backup sump pump today to protect your home in the future.