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The results of using a battery backup sump pump depend a lot on its features and your pumping needs. Battery backup sump pump design and install differs by brand and model. Learn about the key features to make choosing a backup sump pump easier.
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Key Features Overview
Key features considered crucial to giving a battery backup pump reliability include the following.
The battery provides power for a backup system. But, not all batteries are the same. And, not all backup systems support the same size battery.
A deep cycle rather than a regular battery works best. A car uses a regular battery. It boosts power for rapid engine startups with concentrated force. But, it is not made for prolonged discharge. But, Deep Cycle Marine batteries provide steady power for a long time. They last for at least 5 - 6 hours of continuous pumping or for many days of intermittent pumping.
Battery Group Size is the known name for battery size range, which goes from Group Size 24 to 31. Models use different group sizes. So, it is important to check the manufacturer's specs. Larger groups have more power. This leads to better pumping performance.
Deep cycle marine battery designs offer many maintenance options. AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are maintenance free. Their reliability and long life make them well-known. Sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries need no maintenance either; however their lifespan is shorter. Lead-acid batteries need the addition of water every 6 months or so.
Water level sensors detect water basin levels. Without water sensors, known also as a float, the controller does not know when the backup pump should run. Once the water level touches the sensor, the controller turns the pump on thus preventing pit overflow and flooding.
The criticality of the water level sensor is so crucial to the operation of the pump that many models use two water sensors for dual protection in case one fails.
A backup pump's capacity shows how well it handles water during heavy rain. This is important if the main pump fails.
During the next heavy rainstorm, count how many times your primary pump runs during a minute. As a general rule, a primary pump removes 4 - 6 gallons per pumping cycle in an 18 inch diameter sump basin. Multiply the number of pumping cycles per minute times 60. This will give you the GPH, gallons per hour, needed for your pumping situation.
Manufacturers publish a pump performance table or chart. It shows the pumping ability of the pump model at the height the water must be pumped. The height is from the basin to the pipe leading from the home. The higher the GPH at a height, the more likely the pump will keep up with your pumping needs.
Battery backup sump pumps do not have the same pumping capacity as a primary sump pump. The maximum pumping capability at a 10 foot vertical height is around 2,100 GPH. This pumping performance is lower than that of most ½ HP electric pumps. So, an alternative to a battery backup sump pump is needed.
The best heavy duty pumping alternative to a battery backup pump is to install a power inverter. It converts DC to AC to run an electric pump. We use the Sumpro Model 100 and the Sec America Model 1622PS. They both run a ¾ HP primary sump pump. After 18 years of using Sumpro, we switched to using Sec America Model 1622PS. It needs only 1 battery, rather than 2 like the Sumpro Model 100.
GPH for the following models is measured at 10 foot vertical height. Models are listed lowest GPH to highest.
The alarm and monitoring are crucial. They indicate when the backup pump is on or when the battery is low. They also show when the pump or battery are not working.
All models have notifications on the battery backup pump control LED screen. But, brands like Zoeller, Liberty Pumps, Basement Watchdog, and Glentronics offer remote notification. They do this through a Wi-Fi add on module. Staying informed remotely allows for prompt action.
The Battery charger keeps the battery charged and in ready-state. The greater the battery charger amperage, the quicker a partially or totally drained battery is recharged.
Installing two batteries in parallel solves the concern of battery depletion. It doubles the run time. Zoeller, Superior Pump, Liberty Pumps Model 442-25A, Basement Watchdog, and Glentronics backup systems support connecting two batteries in parallel.
A battery backup sump pump warranty gives the homeowner recourse if the system installed fails early. The length of warranty varies by brand.
GPH for the following models is presented msowt budget firendly to more costly.
All battery backup sump pump models, no matter the brand, are installed much the same way. The key to a successful installation is to ensure the backup system fits in the sump basin. It must fit with the existing electric main pump.
Just because the pit bottom has no room for a backup pump does not mean you cannot install one. Most models can be installed in-line. They sit just above the main pump and use the same discharge pipe.
All brands offer clear installation instructions with pictures. Most also provide videos for guidance. Plus, many brands provided phone support. So, a novice home owner can install their own backup pump.
Regular maintenance means checking the LED screen and testing the backup system periodically.
Installing a battery backup sump pump is easeir when watching someone do it. Though Glentronics, also known as Basement Watchdog, presents the video. Regardless of what brand is chosen, the steps are very similar.
In conclusion, selecting a battery backup sump pump involves considering a range of features that collectively ensure reliable and effective flood protection. By understanding these key elements, you can confidently choose a system that meets your specific needs and protects your home from water damage.
Here are some key questions to ask.
Do you currently have a backup sump pump? How has it performed for you? Do you need something that pumps more water? The newer models have a higher pumping performance. This review will address GPH by vertical lift height.
Would you like to be notified by text or phone that your battery backup sump pump is operating? The major brands have issued newer models that are wi-fi enabled. Yes, even the pump manufacturers are keeping up with technology. This review shows Zoeller, Liberty Pumps, Basement Watchdog, and Glentornics provide Wi-Fi-connectivity modules.
Have you thought it would be nice to have a backup pump that would pump twice as long if the electricity were to fail? Several battery backup brand models allow for hooking up to two batteries in parallel. and thus increasing the length of run time. Zoeller, Liberty Pumps 442-25A, Superior Pump, Basement Watchdog and Glentronic provide this feature.
Have you wondered if it would be possible to have a redundant float switch on your battery backup pump? Many of the popular brand models do include dual float switches which provides important redundancy if the first float switch should fail. Zoeller, Liberty Pumps, Basement Watchdog and Glentornics use this design feature.
A battery backup pump serves as protection for your home when your main sump pump fails. The primary pump will fail. The cause will be its float switch, the power, or its inability to handle the volume of ground water in a heavy rain. A backup sump pump is your home's defense against a flooded basement. It starts when your primary sump pump fails so you do not have to do anything,
A battery backup sump pump runs for two reasons. First, the basin water reaches the height of the backup pump float ON position. Second, the backup pump controller detects a power outage. The backup pump runs by itself when either of the above events occurs. It keeps running until the water level falls, the electricity comes on, or the battery runs out.
The manufacturer determines what battery size goes with what battery backup sump pump model; therefore the battery group size that can be used is limited.
The owner's manual indicates the battery group size for a battery backup sump pump. Many models support more than one battery group size. The larger the group size chosen the more Amp hours supported for longer run times.
Yes. A power inverter uses batteries and converts it to electricity, AC, so an electric sump pump can run on battery power.
We use a power inverter for our water pumping needs because a battery backup sump pump does not provide enough pumping capability. Power inverters support a 3/4 HP electric pump.
A 100 amp hour battery means that it gives 100 amp hours of runtime, but the actual runtime is determined by the backup pump running amps and how often the battery backup pump runs. For example if a battery backup sump pump uses 6 running amps and runs 10 seconds every 5 minutes, the battery will last approximately 51 hours. Generally a battery provides around 5 - 6 hours of continuous runtime.
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