Hello:

I'm considering installing a sump pump backup with battery for added protection. I have a walk-up bsmt with a floor drain tied to the sump pump and the AC condenstion pipe/humidifier drain pipes also tied to the sump pump bucket inside. I need the sump to work year around or risk a wet bsmt. Can anyone recommend a solutoon which will protect me against power loss?
Is there a good sump pump out there that is tied to a battery pack that would kick in automatically in cases of AC power failure?

Also, I have a full bath rough-in in my bsmt. The house if fairly new and I want to make sure the rough drain piping was done correctly. What is the simplest way to check - take the caps off and pour water down the PVC drain pipes?

Thanks to all in advance for responding.

 

tom2002,

I guess if I were you I would not even consider a "Battery Back Up Sump Pump". Reason you may be asking is that it is not a guarantee that they will work when needed. As with most homeowners, we don't always check on things when we are supposed to. If it is out of sight, it definitely is out of mind!

I would recommend a good water powered sump pump backup like the Guardian, normally available through a plumber since they don't sell these over the counter through a plumbing distributor. They are not cheap, runs about $450 - $500 but this must be plumbed into a 3/4" line, and installed before going to any fixtures or tees. Labor on these can be $350 plus. The water pressure from the city powers this and does quite well - for every gallon of water used, 2 gallons is pumped out. It requires a 1 1/2 PVC pipe for discharge.It does come with a Backflow Preventer for the water inlet pipe but you will need to get a check valve for the 1 1/2" PVC line. It can lift the water up to 15 feet at 407 GPH. At 10' it is 580 GPH. It does have an adjustable float that is placed adjusted just above your existing sump pump. So when the power does come back on, your's would kick on and the back up automatically shuts down. Simple and very effective.

I am an advocate of this and have installed many, especially after a client calls and says their battery back up failed. What usually happens is the batteries fail or if wired in on its own circuit, the power goes out, breaker trips and it doesn't recharge. Other cases, the batteries have just failed. If you don't check on it, you will have problems. At least the water pressure is more of a guarantee than the battery backups. I stress this is just used as an Emergency Back Up.

With regards to your rough in plumbing you can go ahead and remove the caps and run water down them to insure they work. Use a garden hose if possible to ensure that it does drain, a pail full of water may not be adequate and give a false test.

Hope this helps!

 

thank u very much for your excellent advice! Tom.