Downingtown homes that contain basements, crawl spaces or low-lying garages typically install sump pumps as an added defense against flooding from ground or flood water. While these pumps run on electricity alone, if power goes out they could fail to operate and flooding may occur as a result.
Battery backup pump systems provide an ideal way to guard against such damage; however, these solutions may be prohibitively expensive.
Cost
Cost of new sump pump batteries varies significantly based on their type. Many opt for maintenance-free models that require only occasional addition of distilled water to prevent lead cells from drying out and extend its lifespan, but these models tend to be more costly.
Professional installation is necessary when purchasing and installing a new battery, which the installer should do by plugging it into a special controller attached to the sump pump and providing it with a trickle charge through this controller. This ensures it will be ready for operation during any power outage and ensure its readiness in case one occurs. To add extra protection against accidental trip-ups when plugging the backup battery into other devices with polarized plugs such as an extension cord or USB hub.
Under heavy storm conditions, it can be common for sump pumps to lose power. Without working batteries, they won’t be able to protect your basement against floodwater entering from outside and causing costly damage. A battery backup pump allows your sump to continue doing its work even when power goes out – keeping floodwater at bay in your basement and keeping damage at a minimum.
While adding a battery backup may keep your existing sump pump running, in order to keep up with modern times you may need to replace both its float switch and pump itself, especially if they are very old. A defective float switch could drain battery too quickly leading to costly repair bills; and unusual noises from your sump pump such as thumping or rattling indicate it needs replacement as well.
If flooding is a threat in your area, having a sump pump battery backup installed by a top professional should help safeguard against stormy weather and prevent structural damage to property. Contact a plumber now for more information about installing such an alarm in your home and they will explain all your available options and install one that best meets your specific requirements.
Life Expectancy
Battery backup sump pumps work in tandem with your primary sump pump to keep water away from your home during power outages and storms, keeping it out of your basement and away from any accumulations that cause substantial amounts of moisture accumulation. However, when selecting such systems there are certain considerations you must keep in mind when selecting an appropriate model for your basement.
First and foremost, select a battery with sufficient capacity to protect your home for as long as necessary. A common concern among consumers is that batteries may run out of juice before their electricity returns; to prevent this scenario from occurring we advise installing a system capable of pumping the same volume as your primary pump and also featuring self-test functionality which alerts them if replacement may be required.
Battery systems need regular care and attention in order to remain reliable when needed. You will need to regularly inspect their water levels, terminals, backup pumps, and their backup pump functionality with a voltmeter or volt-ohm meter – and test all three regularly!
Water-powered sump pumps may also provide reliable flood protection when needed, and are less costly and eco-friendly than battery-based backup sump pumps. Furthermore, water-powered sump pumps have the capacity to pump out more water than battery systems – an especially important advantage in areas of high rainfall or melting snow.
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Energy Efficiency
An ampere-hour (AH) rating determines the energy efficiency of a battery backup sump pump, providing more protection during extended power outages than one with lower ratings. A battery with higher ratings provides longer hours of protection than those with lower ratings; 12-volt deep-cycle lead-acid batteries with high AH ratings are highly recommended as backup sump pump batteries, similar to what can be found in standard vehicles or mowers. A battery box may also help ensure that both components stay dry during an outage.
Battery backup sump pumps require ongoing maintenance to keep working when needed. The battery, charger, float switch should all be located within reach and inside an easily accessible battery box to avoid water damage. A voltmeter or other specialized tool must also be utilized regularly in order to check battery voltage – these tools are easily available at hardware and home supply stores; battery fluid levels should also be periodically monitored.
Homeowners deciding if installing a battery backup sump pump should consider how often their basement floods each year and what their costs of restoration and cleaning could be. If flooding occurs frequently enough to justify investing, a battery backup could save costs on restoration services while protecting valuable belongings in storage.
Battery backup for your basement sump pump may be worth considering in areas subject to regular storms, which often take out power and make your home vulnerable to flooding. But if only occasional power outages occur each year, investing in one may not justify its costs and installation hassles – our team is happy to help determine if one would make sense in your situation.
Noise
A sump pump battery backup protects your basement from flooding in the event of a power outage by employing a large battery and an extra heavy-duty pump placed above your primary sump pump, activated if either fails due to blown fuse or circuit breaker tripping. Some homeowners can install their battery backup themselves; others require professional plumbing assistance for installation.
Most battery backup sump pumps can be extremely noisy. They run on large lead-acid batteries known as wet cell batteries and produce an annoying high-pitched beeping noise when activated – this can disrupt home life during the night and even be disruptive itself! However, there are ways you can reduce its noise.
One of the primary sources of battery backup sump pump noise is a clogged sump pump outlet. Over time, rocks, dirt, sticks, and other debris may clog its exit pipe, preventing proper drainage and potentially leading to backups in your basement.
Low battery fluid levels could also explain a noisy backup sump pump. You should check and replenish battery fluid (usually distilled water) levels every three to six months as needed; failing this simple step, your battery could fail completely and eventually stop operating!
Many homeowners worry about the cost of purchasing a backup sump pump battery, yet investing in one could save thousands in repair bills for flooding floors and walls, as well as providing peace of mind during stormy weather and unexpected power outages.
Roto-Rooter can assist with installing a sump pump battery backup. A specialist will help select the ideal backup for you while offering installation services and smart float switch technology to send notifications directly to your smartphone.
