Is a battery powered sump pump worth it
Most Midwestern homeowners should be familiar with battery-powered sump pumps. As one of the most important pieces of equipment in the home to prevent flooding and water damage, sump pumps tend to be set-it-and-forget-it pieces that sit in the basement, out of sight and out of mind. That is, until weather or wear and tear necessitate paying closer attention to the pump. As the pump portion of the sump pump requires electricity to function, strong storms that down power to homes can create issues for sump pump owners, knocking out the sump pump along with the rest of the powered devices and systems in a home. To help prevent this, homeowners should consider the benefits of installing a battery-powered sump pump — a small addition that could end up saving quite a bit.
How Do Sump Pumps Work?
The primary function of sump pumps is the prevention of flooding. A sump pump system works by installing a reservoir in a small pit within the basement of a home, below floor level, which is where the “sump” portion of the name comes from. This pit is filled with a base — generally, gravel — and sensors to detect pressure or water levels within the reservoir. The pump portion is also installed within the reservoir, activating when the pit is filled to a certain point and connected to a discharge pipe to dump the excess water a safe distance away from the home, toward a storm drain.
The Advantage of a Battery-Powered Back-Up
As mentioned, sump pumps are not full-proof, and they do have the capacity to fail. Power outages can knock out the pump’s power supply. Additionally, pumps can only displace a specific amount of water. It’s possible that with a larger rainfall, or greater than expected runoff from melting ice and snow, the pump can become overwhelmed with the amount of water rushing into the sump, and become unable to move the water out fast enough.
With a backup battery-powered sump pump, the power from the battery can continue running the pump even with the primary power to the home out of commission. For how long depends on the size and quality of the battery, but when water is rushing into the sump no matter what, any ability to pump out the excess is a boon.
Like with a regular sump pump, it is still possible for a battery-powered pump to become overwhelmed if too much water is rapidly entering the sump at one time. This is why homeowners considering a backup battery-powered sump pump should consult with a plumbing professional prior to installation. Many off-the-shelf models may be inadequate for the needs of mid-to large-size homes, and the investment in a substandard backup pump will be eaten up in replacement costs — for both the pump and for water damage.
Instead, sourcing a pump that fits the size, power, and pump requirements to act as a serviceable backup for the primary sump pump can be a major benefit for homeowners, particularly those in the Midwest dealing with heavy snow in the winter, and large thunderstorms and rainfall in the spring and summer. If you are considering the addition of a battery-powered sump pump and have additional questions, or are looking for a quality professional technician for installation, reach out to Duane Blanton Family Home Services. With over 30 years of plumbing expertise, the technicians at Duane Blanton will be able to help guide homeowners toward the best sump pump option for their unique home needs. Give the experts at Duane Blanton Family Home Services a call today, at (815) 781-2567, or schedule an appointment online with their convenient, in-browser, online scheduling portal!
