Sump Pumps: Battery Backup vs. AC-powered

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If your basement is prone to flooding, you may need to install a sump pit to collect the water and a sump pump to pump it out. Perforated pipes around your foundation perimeter and underneath the basement floor direct water into the pit. When water in the sump pit reaches a certain level, a float-operated switch turns on the pump, which discharges water, bringing the water level back down until the pump switches off.

A check valve between the pump and the discharge pipe keeps the water in the pipe from flowing back into the pit. Do not use the flexible corrugated pipe that comes with many sump pumps for discharging water; instead, use 1-1/2-in, rigid plastic pipe for long-term reliability.

Inspect and test the pump at least four times a year and any time you plan to be away for an extended period. To test it, fill the sump pit with water and make sure the pump operates correctly. If the pump works slowly or makes labored noises, clean the inlet screen underneath the pump.



Battery-powered backup sump pumps automatically start pumping if the regular unit loses its power source. Some models can be retro fitted to supplement an existing AC-powered pump, but many new AC-powered pumps have the battery backup pump built into the unit. Most backup sump pumps have an automatic charger and can run 6 to 8 hours on a fully charged battery. A car battery can be substituted in an emergency.

Computer Controlled A/C-D/C Battery Backup Sump Pump System

The top-of-the-line, and most powerful, of Basement Watchdog three battery backup sump pump systems. Pumps 3500 GPH. at a 0 ft. lift, or 2200 GPH at a 10 ft. lift. (A 10 ft. lift is needed in most installations.) This pump fits next to the main AC pump and automatically begins pumping during a power outage, when the main pump fails, or when water flow exceeds the capacity of the main pump. Its state-of-the-art monitoring system sounds an alarm when maintenance is needed or a problem arises. A light on the display panel will indicate the cause of the alarm and the corrective action. This computer-controlled model runs the pump daily and monitors the system continually. It has a powerful 20 amp charger, which will recharge the battery quickly, and if the power is on, it will run the pump with AC current, instead of the battery. It evaluates the battery and indicates the number of hours of run time available at all times

1000 GPH Battery Backup Sump Pump System

This is the smallest and least expensive of the Basement Watchdog battery backup sump pump systems yet it pumps twice as many gal. as other brands in the same category, and provides a variety of monitoring features. It pumps 2000 GPH at a 0 ft. lift, or 1000 GPH at a 10 ft. lift. (A 10 ft. lift is needed in most installations.) This pump fits next to the main AC pump and automatically begins pumping during a power outage when the main pump fails or when water flow exceeds the capacity of the main pump. Its unique monitoring system sounds an alarm when maintenance is needed or a problem arises. A light on the display panel will indicate the cause of the alarm and the corrective action. It includes all the monitoring features necessary to properly maintain the system and indicate potential problems. It will pump up to 6 hr. continuously, or intermittently for days, with the Basement Watchdog Emergency Standby Battery (sold separately). Since most backup systems fail because the battery has not been maintained, the Basement Watchdog systems include a battery fluid sensor and monitoring features that will sound an alarm when the battery needs water, the connections are loose or terminals need to be cleaned. Includes a control unit, pump, fluid sensor, float switch, and a .4 amp charger. Requires a Basement Watchdog Emergency Standby Battery or a Basement Watchdog 7.5 hr. Standby Battery, and battery acid pack (sold separately).

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Monday, November 10, 2008 23:18