Do I Need a Sump Pump Backup System?
- by Bryan Veldboom - updated on 4/6/2022
If you live in an area that experiences heavy rain or snowfall, you know how important it is to have a working sump pump. Unfortunately, the same storms that cause flooding also have the potential to knock out your power, rendering your sump pump useless just when you need it most. That's why it's a good idea to invest in a backup sump pump.
What is the Best Backup for a Sump Pump?
A backup sump pump is a secondary pump that runs on battery power and will kick in any time your power fails or there is too much water for your primary pump to handle on its own. If you have a primary pump and are looking to add a backup, Batteries Plus has a number of options that are perfect for your needs.
The Basement Watchdog Emergency Battery Backup Sump Pump System
- Pumps 2,000 GPH (gallons per hour) at 0 ft. of lift and 1,000 GPH at 10 ft. of lift
- Equipped with an automatic charger
- Dual float switches
- Can be installed even in small or narrow sump pits
- 2-year limited warranty
The Basement Watchdog Special CONNECT Backup Sump Pump System
- Pumps 2,600 GPH at 0 ft. of lift and 1,850 GPH at 10 ft. of lift
- Equipped with an automatic charger
- Dual float switches
- Runs the pump weekly to ensure that it's working properly
- Can link to The Basement Watchdog Wi-Fi Module or a home security system to provide real-time alerts
- 2-year limited warranty
The Basement Watchdog BigDog CONNECT Backup Sump Pump System
- Pumps 3,500 GPH at 0 ft. of lift and 2,200 GPH at 10 ft. of lift
- Equipped with an automatic charger
- Dual float switches
- Runs the pump weekly to ensure that it's working properly
- Can link to The Basement Watchdog Wi-Fi Module or a home security system to provide real-time alerts
- Can increase the unit's runtime by connecting 2 standby batteries in parallel
- 2-year limited warranty
What Type of Battery is Used for Sump Pumps?
There are two types of batteries used in backup sump pump systems: flooded and AGM (short for Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries. Here is a breakdown of their primary differences:
Flooded Batteries
- Contains lead plates which are submerged in a liquid electrolyte
- Not sealed
- Requires you to top off the electrolyte with distilled or deionized water
- Costs less upfront
AGM Batteries
- Electrolyte is suspended in fiberglass separators that sit between the battery's plates
- Completely sealed & spill-proof
- Maintenance-free
- Costs more upfront, but will last longer, saving you money over time
- Greater energy capacity
- Faster charging speeds
Tips for Selecting Your Sump Pump Battery
An important thing to keep in mind is that your backup sump pump might not be compatible with both types of batteries, so be sure to check your system requirements before buying a replacement battery. You can use the sizing information listed on your current batteries to help determine the correct BCI Group Size for your backup system. It's also a good idea to pick up a battery box in order to help keep your battery protected and dry. The Basement Watchdog backup pumps listed above come with their own battery box.
Tips for Maintaining Your Sump Pump Battery
If you're using a flooded battery, be sure that you check the electrolyte levels every few months. Basement Watchdog backup pumps have a handy fluid sensor which will sound an alert when your batteries need their fluid levels topped off.
Your backup sump pump is only as good as the battery that's powering it, so be sure to keep an eye on your battery to make sure that it's still viable. On average, backup sump pump batteries last around four to five years before they need to be replaced. Many backup sump pumps, including Basement Watchdog models, will feature an alert that will tell you when your battery needs to be replaced. Even if you have one of these systems, it's still a good idea to test your pump periodically to make sure everything is working properly.
Shop Sump Pump Essentials at Batteries Plus
Batteries Plus has everything you need to protect your basement from flooding, including backup sump pumps and sump pump batteries. We also offer a line of combination sump pumps, which feature both a primary and backup sump pump in one convenient system. These systems include the Combination Sump Pump System and the Big Combination CONNECT Sump Pump System, both from Basement Watchdog.