Sump Pump Backup Systems Explained

Sometimes, even with a sump pump installed, you may have your basement still flood, especially during winter months, so you may need a sump pump backup system. This might occur when floods and or thunderstorms cause power failure in your home. To prepare for such emergencies when the primary sump pump will not be work, you need to install a backup sump pump system which ideally works independently on its own power supply.

If you have a sump pump that can run on its own power source, then that is a support pump used alongside the primary pump. Should your primary pump not work, the backup sump pump kicks in automatically.

Why do Primary Electric Sump Pumps Fail?

• A frozen or clogged discharge pipe
• Power failure
• A tripped circuit breaker
• A blown fuse
• Damaged power feed line
• Float switch problem (being stuck or broken)
• Pump may burn out, get unplugged, or get jammed with mud
• Impeller or drive shaft breakage
• Too much water leaking into the basement or having a clogged intake

The Importance of Backup Sump Pump Systems

In such times when you can’t get the primary pump to function, you will need to depend on the backup sump pump. This usually happens when there is power failure or when the pump itself is damaged. The risk of having a flooded basement is always there if there is no backup pump in place.

Most flooded basements won’t be covered by homeowner’s insurance, so it may be a good idea to have a sump pump backup systems.

Two Types of Backup Sump Pump Systems 

1. 12 Volt High Output Powered Back Up Sump Pump

This backup pump system is easy to install almost anywhere around the basement since it derives independent power from any 12 volt marine or car battery. Most pump manufacturers make the battery backup pump model. Some of these models can pump for eight straight hours, going at full speed, as you work on getting the primary pump system back into working condition.

2. Water Powered Back Up Sump Pump

For those who  can connect to a water sorce and maintain moderate pressures of 50 PSI to 80 PSI, the backup sump pump can operate just fine with water pressure. Manufacturers like Zoeller have such pump systems on the market.

The emergency pumps help prevent basement flooding while the primary pump is being worked on. Though not as powerful as your standard sump pump (about 34 gallons per minute), or the battery powered backup model (21.6 gallons per minute), water powered pump systems will still get about 6.35 gallons of water pumped every minute.

Back up sump pumps eliminate the risk of basement flooding throughout the year. It will cost very little but the potential damage that will be prevented is great. A backup sump pump should, however, be used only as a backup and never as the primary sump pump. They are only designed to help you in times of emergency before the primary pump is back on.