Sump pumps are essential components of a basement or crawl space. They keep your home secure against flooding and water damage by pumping out excess water during peak usage periods.
A battery backup sump pump system is an ideal choice for homeowners who want the assurance that their basement or crawl space will remain dry during a power outage.
How to Install
Installing a battery backup for your sump pump is one of the best ways to protect your home from water damage. It can double its pumping power and offer several hours of protection if electricity goes out during storms or while you’re away from home.
Sump pumps are small appliances installed in basements to drain away any water that accumulates there. These efficient devices have helped many homeowners avoid costly flood damage and other consequences of flooding.
However, these pumps require special installation that is often not done by homeowners. To prevent costly water damage, it’s best to hire a professional plumber for the installation.
Installing a sump pump with battery backup requires finding an accessible spot in your basement for mounting. Cut a 1 1/2-inch PVC discharge pipe and run it from the backup pump to a check valve – this step ensures water from the sump will drain out if there are issues with either the primary pump or its discharge pipe becomes blocked. This step ensures water will drain from beneath your house should there be any issues with either of these components.
Once the discharge pipe is installed, attach a float switch that will be connected to the discharge pipeline and a battery backup charger that will power your new pump. Finally, connect the float switch to the discharge line and test everything out.
In addition to protecting your basement from floods, installing a backup sump pump can also save money on utilities during an emergency. This is especially advantageous for homeowners in areas prone to power outages or extended periods without electricity.
Installing a battery backup for your existing sump pump is an easy and relatively low-tech process that requires little expertise and only basic materials. In many cases, it may even be simpler than installing an entirely new sump pump kit.
Troubleshooting
Battery backup sump pumps serve as a backup to your primary electric sump pump and are essential for protecting your basement from floods. In case of power outage, this backup will keep your system running and drain water away from the basement.
Before using your battery backup pump, it is essential to troubleshoot its malfunction and identify the source. Doing this will enable you to identify and resolve the problem promptly.
One of the most frequent problems with battery backup sump pumps is that they won’t start when necessary. This can be due to various reasons, from a dead battery to an issue with your float switch.
Troubleshooting this problem is simple if your battery is in good condition or needs replacing. Check the voltage of your battery and adjust accordingly if necessary.
If you’re uncertain whether your battery is still functional, try disconnecting it from the AC outlet to see if it starts up on its own without electricity. You can also take away the charger from the battery and check its voltage to confirm it’s operating within an acceptable range.
Another potential issue is if the float trigger is stuck in place, preventing it from automatically signaling your system to begin draining. This is an issue commonly found with battery backup sump pumps; to fix it, back it into position or clear away any dirt obstructing its proper functioning.
In addition to double-checking your batteries and making sure they’re compatible with your sump pump, you can also troubleshoot your battery backup by testing the water level. If it drops below a certain point, this could indicate an issue with its operation.
Troubleshooting your battery backup sump pump requires inspecting its impellor, intake and discharge pipe for debris or obstructions. Doing so could prevent your pump from working properly or pumping out water – leading to major frustration for homeowners.
Maintenance
Sump pumps are essential elements in any home to prevent flooding. Not only does it keep your basement dry and secure during storms, power outages or other natural disasters; but even the best pumps have limits and need regular upkeep to remain operational.
As a general guideline, check your backup sump pump twice annually to ensure its strainer and impellor are clear of any obstructions which could slow pumping rates or even stop it entirely.
To do this, take your primary sump pump out of its pit and clear away any debris clogging its strainer or impeller. Doing this will guarantee that your pump works optimally and help it last longer.
Next, place the battery backup sump pump into its designated pit and plug it into a GFCI outlet located above your high water line. This will protect the pump in case of ground fault protection.
Connect a float switch to the discharge pipe of your new battery-powered backup sump pump so it will activate if there’s too much water in the basin for the primary pump to kick in. Doing this helps avoid draining out your backup’s battery pack.
The float switch should be connected to a check valve (one-way non return valve) that restricts backflow of water into the sump. The check valve should be installed at least one foot upstream from the float switch so that it always rests atop of the water level in the basin.
Once this step is completed, the float switch will turn on and off as necessary to maintain the water level in the basin below its check valve limit. Doing so helps your sump pump operate optimally while also preventing it from draining too quickly or overheating.
Installing a battery-operated backup sump pump in your home is an easy, DIY project that will protect both your property and family from flood damage. Anyone with basic plumbing knowledge can easily complete this task.
Replacement
Sump pumps are an integral part of home maintenance that prevents basement flooding. Unfortunately, they require electricity and can be a frustrating source of frustration if they don’t function during an electrical outage. A battery backup system is an easy solution to this issue and safeguard your house’s foundation from water damage.
Installing a sump pump battery backup system allows for the continued use of the stored power in the battery, until water levels rise enough to activate the primary pump again. Batteries are designed for six to eight inches of rising water depth and are highly reliable; they can withstand this amount of exposure.
These batteries can be found at most hardware stores and other specialty retailers. They contain sulfuric acid and distilled water, known as battery fluid. On top of the battery there is a tin strip covering holes. Once detached you will be able to see all of its cells.
These cells form the heart of a backup battery and should be filled with adequate amounts of battery fluid. You can get it either in an included box, or separately.
Once you have purchased both the battery and fluid, installation can begin. Start by mounting the battery on a wall as close to an electrical outlet as possible; alternatively, extend cords can be used if running it far from a plug outlet is necessary.
Next, connect the battery charger to the backup pump and power up the backup system. For best results, wire it separately from the main sump pump circuit so that when your main pump fails, the circuit breaker won’t trip and cut power to your backup battery.
Once your backup sump pump battery is installed and powered up, you can test its operation. If everything works as expected, you should hear it running and feel a flow of water in your basement. Additionally, make sure to check the water level every month to make sure it remains at a secure level.
