Sump pumps are an invaluable asset that can prevent flooding in your basement, but like any mechanical system, they may fail over time.
One way to guarantee your sump pump’s functionality is to install a backup battery. This will keep it running even when power goes out.
Battery Backup
If your basement contains a sump pump, it’s essential to have an installed backup battery. Doing so can shield against potential flooding that could occur if your home’s power goes out. A sump pump works by actively collecting water from below ground and diverting it away from your house.
However, a sump pump can malfunction for various reasons. The most frequent reason is when the primary sump pump loses power due to various causes like circuit trips or GFI outlets not being connected properly.
A sump pump with battery backup will keep your basement dry in case of power outages, protecting you from flood damage and mold growth. Furthermore, it helps avoid serious basement water issues in the future if the primary sump pump isn’t functioning correctly.
A battery back up system can last an incredible 11,500 gallons of water before needing replacement, guaranteeing safe use of your sump pump system even during a power outage. Plus, these backups can be connected to alarm systems so they sound off whenever the primary sump pump is running – giving you alerts in case there’s flood damage in your home.
Another reason you may need a battery backup is to protect your computer from electricity outages and surges that could harm it. These issues could result in data loss and physical harm to computer components, thus shortening its lifespan significantly.
Battery backups are an increasingly popular way to guarantee that your computer stays operational when the power goes out. While there are various types of backups available, most work by storing your computer’s battery energy when the wall outlet isn’t providing power and then using this stored energy when the mains electricity returns.
UPS systems offer a higher level of protection for your computers and other devices at higher costs than battery backups. They filter the voltage going to these items to reduce damage caused by brownouts, surges, or electrical outages.
Water Pressure
Water pressure is an integral factor in the operation of many household appliances. It determines how quickly showers and washing machines fill, as well as whether hoses can reach deep into flower beds.
To prevent costly water damage in your home, it’s important to regularly check the pressure in your system. Your local Water Quality Line can determine if your home’s water pressure is normal or needs adjustment.
Low water pressure may be due to a leak or other plumbing issue. The first step should be finding the source of the issue by shutting off your main water source and testing different faucets or fixtures throughout your house.
If the water pressure in your home is lower than ideal, this can lead to issues throughout its pipes and valve. For instance, if seals and washers on faucets or other fittings are loose or broken, water may seep through and cause serious damage to the plumbing system.
Another way to test your water pressure is by filling a tub or sink with water and turning on both hot and cold taps simultaneously. If the water appears to be dribbling out of the faucet, this could indicate low pressure in your system.
You can also test your pressure with a pressure gauge, which is available for under $20 at most hardware stores and can be placed in any room of your home.
If your water pressure is inadequate, contact the Water Company to have it inspected. If they determine that it’s caused by your home’s plumbing, they’ll send someone out to fix the problem. However, if they cannot identify where the source of your low pressure lies, you may need to install a booster pump yourself.
Capacity
As a homeowner, you understand the critical role sump pumps play in diverting excess water away from your home and preventing damage. If they stop working due to a power outage or other issue, it could leave you with an empty basement filled with sewage or standing water which could do serious harm to your property.
If you want to avoid these issues, a battery backup system can be installed in your home to keep your home secure. These systems come with a battery and float switch that activates automatically when the primary pump fails.
Before installing a battery backup for your sump basin, it’s essential to consider its capacity and make sure it can handle any water that comes your way. You can calculate this capacity by measuring how much water flows into each 60 second interval and multiplying that figure by 1.5 for an overall system capacity in gallons per minute (GPH).
When dealing with sandy or clay soils, the capacity of your system is especially critical. Usually, these types of soils require a smaller sump pit and pump with higher horsepower rating to efficiently remove excess water from the ground.
Most homes can benefit from a 1/3 horsepower sump pump, but if flooding occurs frequently, then a 1/2 or even full-horsepower sump pump might be more suitable.
Selecting the ideal size and power for your system can be daunting, so consult a waterproofing contractor or plumber to guarantee you select a product that will perform as expected. Furthermore, test its capacity by running through a test cycle during heavy rainfall to confirm its durability.
You can measure this by placing a ruler inside your sump basin and measuring how much water flows into the pit in 60 seconds. If the measurement is less than expected, it’s time for a new sump pump.
When backing up a sump pump, it is recommended that you use a deep-cycle, maintenance-free battery. These batteries are specifically designed for deep discharge and can withstand extended periods of drain and recharge required by backup applications. They come in various forms such as wet lead acid, gel or absorbent glass mat (AGM) types. Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly commonplace for such purposes.
Noise
Noise is any unwanted sound that is unpleasant, loud or disruptive. It could be a buzz, cacophony, commotion, crash, cry, explosion or roar.
If your sump pump is making strange sounds like thumping, grinding or gurgling, it’s time to contact a plumber. These could indicate the motor or impeller are worn out or jammed; your plumber can determine whether this requires either a quick fix or complete replacement.
Other causes of noisy pumps could include clogs in the discharge line or an uneven pump shift. A good rule to follow when testing sump pumps is that they should be quiet (not thumping or groaning) during normal operation.
If your sump pump is seven to 10 years old and making unusual noises, consider replacing it. You could also upgrade to a higher GPH (gallons per hour) model which will be more efficient at pumping the same amount of water.
Installing a battery backup for your sump pump is recommended, especially during intense rainstorms when power can go out. With this setup, the pump will continue to remove water from your basement, keeping your flooring and walls dry until power is restored.
Batteries will eventually run out of power and need replacing, so a better option is having a backup sump pump that runs off your home’s municipal water pressure – this can last several hours without needing to be plugged in or changed out for batteries.
For a long-lasting and reliable backup solution that won’t disrupt your life, look no further than our Water Commander(tm) backup sump pump! Utilizing your home’s water pressure, this pump helps keep your basement dry!
