sump pump back-up
#1
03-17-03, 08:08 PM
sump pump back-up
I've done a little investigating on back-up sump pumps. Posts on this forum shy away from battery back-ups and recommend the Guardian water powered pump. From limited shopping around, this lists @ $550. I saw a competitive model, the Basement Buddy 'Defender' that lists for $300. Does anyone have experience with the Defender?
#2
03-17-03, 09:18 PM
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stooge,
I can't advise you on this brand but 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. Plese note that this is not the case all over. There are plumbing supply stores that will sell this over the counter. Just be nice and ask. 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 these units 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.
Alternate Brand that is good but I have not used it but the cost is OK.
http://www.sewagepumpsales.com/homeguard.htm
Have questions e-mail me. Hope this helps!
I can't advise you on this brand but 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. Plese note that this is not the case all over. There are plumbing supply stores that will sell this over the counter. Just be nice and ask. 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 these units 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.
Alternate Brand that is good but I have not used it but the cost is OK.
http://www.sewagepumpsales.com/homeguard.htm
Have questions e-mail me. Hope this helps!
#3
03-18-03, 11:04 AM
Considering that I am on well water, I guess a water-powered backup pump wouldn't quite work when needed. Once the power goes out, so does the water pressure!! Would you recommend a battery backup pump in THIS case?
Dave
Dave
#4
03-18-03, 11:23 AM
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Dave,
You're right, there are exceptions to every rule, right? In your case a battery back up is a good idea!
Other issue is the lack of constant water pressure that could result in unit not working properly. You need a minimum of 40 psi. Most wells can't sustain this without a large tank.
Alternative, if you needed it, would be a backup generator to keep power available to certain circuits. I know...more money but just an alternative. Again the issue of what you well can kick out is important. Look at what the output is first before doing anything.
Hope this helps!
You're right, there are exceptions to every rule, right? In your case a battery back up is a good idea!
Other issue is the lack of constant water pressure that could result in unit not working properly. You need a minimum of 40 psi. Most wells can't sustain this without a large tank.
Alternative, if you needed it, would be a backup generator to keep power available to certain circuits. I know...more money but just an alternative. Again the issue of what you well can kick out is important. Look at what the output is first before doing anything.
Hope this helps!
#5
03-18-03, 04:23 PM
Doug, thanks for your input and the link. The Homeguard pump looks like it could do the job for less than 1/3 the cost of the Guardian. Maybe at a little less pumping capacity, but don't really think I need 500 gph. I'm a ways off from any type of install, will post back if/when I do. I hear you about avoiding battery units.
