Back-up For Sump Pump

Rifeman

I would like to know what is the best Back-Up System is for a Sump Pump?

How many differant Back-Up Systems are there?

What do they cost?

I have lived here for 15 years and I have been very lucky that I have not had any problem.

Now since I am older I need to do something.

Ron The Plumber

Only back up sytem you can do is add a second pump with it's own pit, so if the 1st one gives out it will overflow to the backup system, you could install a high level alarm to the existing one for now,

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elementx440

I think he's referring to a non-electrical backup, for say a power outage?

I know people who have gas powered electric generators for such a thing.

redline

There are battery back-up sytems.
There are systems that use the pressure from a public water source to operate a pump.

elementx440

one of these maybe

Handyman62010

HD Has the "Watchdog" stystem ranging from $100 to 350 plus battery.
I bought the $250 unit, and will install it on the Utility room wall (once I build it...) and the battery is available at a Boat store about $75 (deep-cycle). It connects above your existing pump and only runs if the water goes past the level of your primary pump, as in the case of a power failure, which usually means a storm and heavier than normal rain.

http://www.basementwatchdog.com/

redline

Have you made every attempt to divert as much water away from the foundation?


http://www.plumbingsupply.com/12volback.html


http://www.do-it-yourself-pumps.com/homeguard.htm

formarley

There are also hydropowered backups -- you hook them into your water line. When they cut on, suction is created by the force of your water system that will drain your sump. Of course, this uses fresh water, but is better than a wet basement...

I live in an area of town often prone to power outages for a few days in a row throughout the year; being worried that a backup battery could run out of juice, this is a good alternative...plus, after batteries, they cost about the same (assuming you do your own installation).

A few websites with diagrams:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_...c/1275381.html
http://www.basepump.com/basepump.htm
http://www.plumbingsupply.com/installhome.html
http://www.radonseal.com/pumps/water-powered-pumps.htm
http://www.do-it-yourself-pumps.com/homeguard.htm
http://www.pumpbiz.com/products/inde...&series_id=820

Teelee

I've seen on the internet a backup solution that you plug your sump pump into. This unit then gets plugged into the electrical outlet. As long as there is electricity, the battery is just being charged. In the event of a power outage, the battery then takes over and runs the sump pump. Once electric power returns, the battery shuts down and starts recharging until it is needed again. I'm not sure how well these work. There's not a lot of information on them. Does anyone have any knowledge of these units?

oldgoat

I've heard about the water powered pumps and like the idea, but one potential problem I've heard about is that you are pumping something like 1gal of city water for every two gals of sump water. If you are in a situation where the ground is already soaked wouldn't the added water just add to the problems?

handy man88

I installed one at my previous house and this past weekend installed one in my new house.

At my previous house, I installed it right after Isabelle rolled through. Power was out for days, and during the beginning of the storm, I was in the basement scooping water out of the pit. We were so lucky that Isabelle produced more wind than rain.

After installing it, the backup pump never kicked on up until I sold the house, but it was great for peace of mind. A generator is great, but unless it's a whole house backup generator with an automatic transfer switch, it won't help you if no one is at home, out of town, or on vacation. Also, it won't help you if your primary pump craps out.

I bought the medium duty Basement Watchdog System for both homes. For my first purchase, HD used to sell it at their stores. Now, you can only buy the medium duty one online at HD's website. HD only sells their light duty emergency pump.

Also, in order to take advantage of their battery monitoring system, you must buy their battery. It won't work for a general 12V marine battery.

Buying their battery means buying an empty battery and buying the sulfuric acid to fill yourself. HD sells the acid at their stores.

The medium duty system is equivalent to slightly less than a 1/3 HP sump pump. In ideal conditions, it should never kick on. Trickle charger pulls about 2 amps.

They've redesigned the float switch to have a primary and backup float, which I don't think works that well.

All in all, if you want to buy one, then buy it now from HD online. I think online, you can buy all 3 models. HD has free shipping for any purchases over $49.