(Click PAGE MENU To See Topics Covered On This Page. Scroll down the page to see all Menu Topic Information. Click the X to close the page menu) PAGE MENU
This backup sump pump review of the top 9 backup pumps reveals their quality, features, pumping capabilities and other key specifications so you can find the one that best meets your water pumping needs.
Our review of the top 9 provides a basis by which to consider each of them based on your needs. Customer reviews are included at the end to give another perspective.
Being an educated shopper boosts ones confidence.
Investing in the Battery Backup Sump Pump that is right for you is so important. Your home deserves to be protected from water damage when those heavy rains come.
Click the Table Of Contents button to Hide it. Click it again to see it.
Back Up Sump Pump Reviews Top 9 Table of Contents
Select a specific topic for Back Up Sump Pump Reviews Top 9 if you wish to read about the topic immediately. Otherwise scroll down the page to see all topics.
The top 9 backup sump pump list includes backup pumps that earn a reputation by consumers as being reliable and we believe provide the specifications needed to keep a home dry when the electricity fails.
The list is not in order of ranking. Not all features are needed by every homeowner thus some on this list are very basic backup sump pumps.
The Top 9 Backup Pump List
If you wish to go directly to the Pros and Cons for a specific Top 9 Backup Sump Pump, select it below; otherwise, keep scrolling to see them all.
- High pumping performance comparable to a high performing one-third horse power electric pump
- Wi-Fi Capable with Night-Eye module
- Run time can be doubled with two batteries connected in parallel
- Made of thermoplastic so weight is light and pump can be installed above the primary sump pump in line with the existing discharge pipe. Fittings included
- Pumps are tested and have a three year warranty
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Its premium features result in a higher price point
Pump performance is a key specification to consider when choosing a backup sump pump because a backup pump needs to pump as much as your electric sump pump during heavy rainstorms; therefore we are ranking the top 9 backup pumps by GPH capability at a 10 foot vertical pumping height. The Top 9 pumps are listed in order of GPH most to least.
Pit space required for backup pumps makes it almost impossible for some homeowners to install a backup sump pump. However the following backup pumps do offer an alternative way of installation: in line with the discharge pipe above the main electric sump pump.
Battery run time defines how long a backup sump pump can run on a fully battery charge continuously or intermittently. All battery backup sumps will run from 5 to 7 hours on a fully charged battery depending upon the battery size and amps. Some backup pumps are built so their run time can be increased either by installing a larger battery size with more Amp hours.
- Zoeller 507-0005, 508-0005, and 508-0014, Liberty pumps 441 and 442-10A can run with either a Battery group size 27 or group size 31.
Some battery backup sump pump are built to increase run time by hooking two like batteries in parallel.
The following backup sump pumps are built to accommodate two like batteries connected in parallel to double the run time.
- Zoeller, Liberty Pumps and Basement Watchdog control units are built to handle two like batteries hooked up in parallel.
PAGE MENU
Wi-Fi Capable
Wi-Fi capable means a battery backup sump pump system is capable of generating text and email notification to a remote device when a battery backup system is activated. Gone are the days when a homeowner must be home to get notification about electric sump pump failure and the activation of a backup pump system. These backup systems are Wi-Fi capable.
- Zoeller 508-0014
- Liberty Pumps 442-10A with the NightEye module
- Basement Watchdog BWSP and BWD12-120C with the BW-Wi-Fi module.
Battery Charger Amps
A battery charger is used to recharge a battery. Its amps determines how quickly it can recharge a battery. There is a big difference between battery backup system charger capabilities. Here is the battery charger Amp measurement for the top 9 battery backup sump pump systems.
- Less than One Amp Battery Charger - Wayne ESP25n, Basement Watchdog BWE
Do be aware that a one Amp charger may require 24 hours to fully charge a deep cycle marine battery depending upon the batteries age and batteries Amp hours. So the higher the battery charger Amps the faster the battery will recharge.
The battery backup sump pump warranty varies by brand.
- Zoeller 507-0005, 508-0005 and pedestal 585-0005 and Liberty Pumps 441, 442-10A and 442-25A boast the longest warranty of 3 years. Ironically these are the only two brands that test each pump before it is shipped from the factory.
- The Wayne ESP25n, the Basement Watchdog BWE, BWSP and BWD12-120C, and the Red Lion RL-SPBS have a two year warranty.
- Superior Pumps 92900 and 92910 have a one year warranty. A one year warranty is very important for those backup pump systems that are not tested before leaving the factory.
Battery Group Size
Battery group size is important because it plays a role in determining how long a backup system will run on a fully charged battery. Generally speaking the larger the group size the longer the run time. Battery group sizes for backup sump pumps are Group Size 24, 27, 30 and 31.
Each battery is also measured by Amp hours. A 120 Amp battery provides longer run time than a 75 Amp battery. Pump manufacturers determine the battery group size appropriate for each backup pump model.
- Zoeller 507-0005, 508-0005, 508-0014, 585-0005 and Liberty Pump 441, 442-10A and 442-25A use a battery group size of 27 or 31.
- Basement Watchdog BWE, BWSP and BWD12-120C and Red Lion RL-SPBS use a battery group size of 27.
- Superior Pump 92900 and 92910, Wayne ESP25 and ESP25n use a battery group of Size 24 or 27.
The Basement Watchdog BWE is the most budget friendly backup pump with the lowest GPH. If your primary pump is one-fourth HP this backup pump will provide the protection needed. The BWE Emergency Backup Pump is capable of 1000 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height. Using a Group size 27 deep cycle marine battery wet cell or AGM will keep the basement dry for around 7 hours of continuous pumping or days of intermittent pumping. The BWE is covered by a 2 year warranty and has alarm notification at the location of failure.
The Zoeller 508-0014, Liberty Pump 442-10A and Basement Watchdog BWD12-120C are Wi-Fi friendly with their Wi-Fi modules.
The Basement Watchdog BWD12-120C, Big Dog, is the most robust with a 2,250 GPH at a vertical 10 foot height. Its battery charger is a robust 20 Amps. Either a wet cell or AGM battery group size 27 can be used. If double the runtime is desired two batteries can be hooked in parallel. Adding the Wi-Fi module BW-Wi-Fi gives the backup system the capability to send remote notifications. Like the Zoeller 508-0014 it has dual float switches for redundant protection. Each pump is not tested before shipment; however a 2 year warranty is provided.
The Zoeller 508-0014 is very robust with a 2,040 GPH at a vertical 10 foot height. Its controller can use a Battery Group Size 27 or Group 31 and a wet cell or AGM deep-cycle marine battery. It can run continuously for 6 hours. If double the run time is desired a second battery can be hooked up in parallel. For additional protection it has dual float switches. If one float fails the other one still operates. Its Wi-Fi modules is capable of sending text messages and emails.
The Zoeller 508-0005 is like the 508-0014 without the Wi-Fi module and dual float. These pumps have a 3 year warranty.
The Liberty Pump 442-10A is another robust backup pump with a Wi-Fi enabled model capable of sending texts or emails. This pump is very robust with a GPH of 2100 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height. A battery group size of 27 or 31 can be used as well as two batteries hooked in parallel to double the run time which would be around fourteen hours of continuous run time. Like the Zoeller 508-0005 and 508-0014, each pump is tested before leaving the factory and has a three year warranty.
The Basement Watchdog BWSP, Special does offer good pumping performance of 1,850 GPH at a ten foot vertical height. The system is designed for a battery group size 27 wet cell or AGM and can operate with two like batteries hooked in parallel for double the runtime. This would definitely extend the runtime to several days of intermittent pumping (well over 4 days). This system also has the capability of using the Wi-Fi module for remote notification. The BWSP has a 2 year warranty.
The Wayne backup pump ESP25n is an upgraded version of the original ESP25. It does not have Wi-Fi capability; however it can pump 1500 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height. It works with a battery group size 24 or 27 and has a two year warranty. Unlike the other pumps, the ESP25n has steel pump housing and a cast iron base making it heavier than the other backup pumps. Because of the weight it is best to install it with the pump sitting on the bottom of the pit.
The Superior Pump backup pump models 92900 and 92910 are the same model except the 92900 has a tether float and the 92910 has a vertical float. Neither pump is Wi-Fi enabled and has only a one year warranty. Both pumps can use a battery group size of 24 or 27. To get the best runtimes from these pumps it Is recommended that a 100 AH deep-cycle marine battery be used. The pump performance is measured at 1,080 GPH at a ten foot vertical height.
The Zoeller 507-0005 is a scaled down model of the 508-0005. The 507-0005 has a 900 GPH at a ten foot vertical height. This backup pump is great for those who have a one-fourth horse power main sump pump. Multiple ways are offered to extend the run time for the 507-0005. It can use a battery wet cell or AGM group size 27 or 31 and two batteries can be hooked in parallel. Though it does not have Wi-Fi capability, it can be set up with a home security system of notification is more noticeable. Like the other Zoeller backup pumps each pump is tested and has a three year warranty.
What To Do If A Battery Backup Sump Pump Is Too Small?
Too small of a battery backup sump pump is a problem for those who need a one-half horse power electric pump or larger. The solution is to install a battery powered generator commonly known as a power inverter which converts battery DC power to AC electric power. Battery power converted to AC by a Sumpro 100 inverter provides 1800 watts sufficient to run a one-half horse power electric sump pump.
We need a bigger battery backup sump pump so installed a Sumpro power inverter in 2005. This is a great decision because its switches the electric pump to run on converted DC power automatically. It is still working perfectly.
PAGE MENU
Conclusion
The top 9 battery backup sump pumps offer several options for a homeowner.
Those who need a backup pump with 1100 GPH or less at a ten foot vertical height will find the Zoeller 507-005, the Basement Watchdog BWE, or the Superior 92900 or 92910 sufficient.
Those who need a more robust backup sump pump will find the Zoeller 508-005, or 508-0014, Basement Watchdog BWD12-120C or Liberty Pump 442 adequate.
The backup pumps with the greatest warranty, made in the USA and tested before shipped are Zoeller and Liberty Pumps.
Even backup pumps are modernized these days and Wi-Fi connectivity is possible with the Zoeller 508-0014, the Liberty Pump 442-10A and 442-25A, and the Basement Watchdog BWSP and BWD12-120C.
Runtime does not need to be an issue with Zoeller, Liberty Pumps and Watchdog backup pumps because they are made so two batteries can be connected in parallel to double the run time.
For additional information about each of the top 2 battery backup sump pumps check the specifications found in the Quick Shop section below.
I purchased the Wayne battery back up to replace my ACE -in-the Hole which did not have sufficient pumping power. I now have peace of mind during power outages. Also like the 2 year warranty. The pump is simple to install and maintain. I convinced 2 other friends to replace their existing units with this product. One replaced his Ace-in -the Hole and the other replaced his Watch Dog product with this Wayne ESP25n pump. I will be having my son-in-law purchase one of these as soon as he moves into his new home. You cannot beat the quality and pumping capacity for the price. Sits quietly until needed.
Great Product
Glen, Davenport, IA
The pump is powerful enough to function alone if necessary, and with a proper deep cycle battery can provide long term protection in case of a power outage. Installation is very easy, requiring only a few wires to be connected in addition to the typical sump pump installation tasks. The pump is small enough to fit alongside a main pump in a standard sump pit. Mine is 18 inches in diameter.
I Like My ESP25n
Harry, Mayetta, KS
This pump was packaged well, fairly good instructions on how to install it, tests okay (have not had to use it, yet, luckily! But I was surprised that a backup pump was made of cast steel with a base of cast iron.
This Zoeller 508-005 is heavier and sturdier than I was expecting. I am glad my pit is 18 inches because it sits nice on the bottom next to my Zoeller M53. Before buying it I also checked the 507-0005 and realized it would not pump enough water. I am glad I checked on the pumping capacity first.
This is a good pump
Dale, Detroii, MI
I was able to install this quite easy. Had to follow the instructions carefully. One thing that surprised me what after installing and the pump ran and stopped, there was water shooting out. A small little hole. This was something new to me. I read about it and this is a pre-drilled hole done in the factory. They call it a weep hole or air-hole. This is necessary so the pump does not become air bound.
Basement Watchdog BWE
Works Fine
Wayne, Philadelphia, PA
I dot not like the fact that it constantly charges the battery 24x7. I need to refill the battery twice a year with distilled water. So I guess its overcharging and boiling off into the air we breathe in the house. Going to purchase the Special it shuts off when charged this should improve the air quality in the house and eliminate the need for semi-annual refills.
Yikes! The Alarm
Dan, Illinois
I cannot turn off the alarm while power is off! Yikes! Ok, yes it works (realize battery will only last MAX of 3 years; but you'll have to listen to the alarm all night long! Should Have Bought One Sooner Mike, Roanoke, Indiana, Feb. 12, 2009 Great Product Easy to install...actually used it due to power outage the day I installed it. Itworked great. i should have installed one much sooner.Now no more worries about water in the basement.
Great Product
John C. St Louis, Missouri
I thought this would be difficult to install, but it wasn't. I have owned 2 of these for about 2 years and they work like a charm! I'll be buying a 3rd for a 3rd location today. They are easy to install and super easy to operate. They have also saved me a lot of money when the main pump stopped working.
Zoeller 507-0005
5 Star Solution
Richard, Elk Rive, MN
Zoeller 507-0005 Backup Sump Pump A house we are remodeling had a leaky basement. Heavy rains lasting a few days resulted in an inch or more of water in the basement. A real mess. We got bids from 6 basement waterproofing companies. Five of the six said they used Zoeller equipment because they had the most reliable pumps, and past customers whose pumps failed were bad for business. Our contractor installed a sump basin with TWO pumps: a Zoeller model 507 as backup to a 110 volt Zoeller M-53. At a 5 feet head (rise from pump to water discharge), the M-53 is rated at 43 gallons per minute, and the 507 is 23 GPM. The 507 provides extra protection if the M-53 should fail due to a storm, blackout, damage, mechanical malfunction, obstruction in the pit, or when the M-53 fails to keep up with excessive water due to rain or overloading. It uses a group 27 or group 31, 12 volt, marine battery. The only disadvantage of a battery backup pump other than price, is that the battery needs replacement every 4 to 5 years. Our large 12 volt marine battery sits on a strong shelf two feet off the floor, and the battery charger is attached to the wall. As far as I know, our model 507 pump has never kicked-in due to an emergency, but it certainly alleviates worries about basement flooding.
I bought the Superior 92900 Tether Float Backup Sump Pump
Dale, Cleveland, Ohio
I purchased the pump with the tether float. It was much cheaper than the model with the vertical float. I am not sure why. I noticed it was also a lower price that the other backup sump pumps. Even though the battery case is plastic, I was surprised how sturdy it was. I installed it on the bottom of my pit next ti my AC pump. The pump seems to operate fine in this way. It does sit pretty flush to the ground though. Since it has a bottom draw I decided to make a little platform for it to sit on so it doesn't pick up all the debris on the bottom of the pit. So far so good. I don't expect I will need it much.
Basement Watchdog BWSP
I tried the Basement Watchdog Special Battery Backup
Mark, Saint Cloud, MN
Watchdog instructions are very specific, clear and comprehensive. Yes, you need to use their battery which costs around $130 or so, but they tell you this in no uncertain terms up front. It's a special deep cycle battery that requires acid at first then distilled water sometimes, but NO sump pump system is maintenance free so get used to it. If you are not inspecting and maintaining your system at least annually you are taking a big gamble if you have a finished basement and an active sump.
We've have this system for around 6 years and it's worked great. Just replaced the battery after 5 years. The control panel tells you when it's time. We've had power failures and main pump failures (sticking switches) and each time the control panel tells you what's wrong and if necessary the back up pump goes into action under battery power. We thankfully have not had a long power outage with lots of rain, if so the back up system might be stressed... but any system would be stressed in that case.
The alarm is loud... that's a good thing. It's in the basement so it has to be loud to hear it. If you are unable to remedy the problem right away and your main pump is working just pull the fuse and unplug it until you get it fixed and the alarm will be quiet. But under most circumstances the reset is all that's needed... the alarm is an excellent and totally necessary reminder you need to fix the main pump, battery, etc.
The instruction manual is one of the best ones out there to get your system working properly. If you have water problems you need to get right, and Basement Watchdog helps you do just that. Compared to the tremendous hassle and expense of cleaning up a flooded basement taking care of the Watchdog system is a breeze. It's a simple adage, take care of your stuff and it will take care of you.
A Diehard Battery Does Not Work With it
Joe, Mundelein,IL
Don/tmake the same mistake I did. I thought I could buy any deep cycle marine battery so I bought a Delco. But it doesn't work. I called Glentronics and they told me a Delco battery does not work with the Basement Watchdog pumps. I bought their and the pump worked fine.
My basement gets a lot of water and the instructions said it can handle 2,220 GPH an hour with the primary pump discharge pipe. So I tried it. I was pleasantly surprised. This is a powerful pump. And I cnnected it to the internet. Now I can get notified when it rains and my primary sump pump is not working. This is exactly what I was looking for.
Basement Watchdog BWD12-120C
I Am Not A Plumber
Sonny, McGregor, IA
I am not a plumber so was apprehensive wondering if I could install this myself. I did it. The reason why I bought this pump is because it runs on both AC and DC and has a double float switch. I do not want a basement flood so was looking for something that would also notify me when the pump was running on battery power. I am very pleased with this pump.
Liberty Pumps 442-10A
It Works
Gayland, Elk GroveVillage, IL
This is a lot of money to invest in equipment. I had to write this review to encourage others to buy it because it is good quality. I have owned this unit for 3-4 years now. The unit just works. I know it works because I have lost power multiple times. I am so glad it connects to the internet. At first I had a few glitches setting it up with my wireless, but the pump connects to the internet and sends me alerts. That is very reassuring. I really hope it lasts for several more years. Thank you to all engineers who designed it.
THE HELPFUL PUMP PLACE where you can become an educated shopper. Review - Compare - Shop And Find The Best Pumps Selection For Your Water Pumping Needs.
