Is it Worth Purchasing a Battery Backup Sump Pump

What does a battery backup sump pump do for your home? In Cincinnati, Ohio, weather changes practically every hour. Because of that, a sump pump is necessary to avoid flooded basements. What if the pump fails? That’s when a battery backup sump pump comes in handy. Thomas & Galbraith answer all your questions about this vital piece of equipment.

Some homeowners know their sump pump well, but no need to worry if you are unsure about what it does. Detailed below are all the facts you need to understand the sump pump in your home. Then, Thomas & Galbraith discusses all the benefits associated with a battery backup sump pump.

How Sump Pumps Work

When it rains, excess water either travels through the sump pump and away from a house’s foundation, or it collects, causes cracks, and leads to floods. Easy to see why a sump pump is necessary, isn’t it?

Sump pumps are located in the basement or a crawl space for maximum protection where it counts. The reason why basements and crawl spaces flood stems from pressure buildups. Water from soil around the foundation puts pressure on the cement, which causes it to crack.

These cracks then allow the water to leak into the home. Alternatively, soil becomes saturated with water, and that also damages the foundation. Again, this leads to leaks. Damage caused by floods costs thousands of dollars to fix—not to mention the sentimental losses you incur from waterlogged keepsakes or family heirlooms.

To keep your basement or crawl space dry, the sump pump sits in the lowest point. These areas are called sump pits. They collect water from around the foundation via drains and natural water migration. After collection, the water moves through pipes away from the foundation.

These pipes have a one-way valve to transport the water in a single direction. This ensures water does not come right back around to the pump. Additionally, a fan-like device called an impeller forces water toward the sides of the pipe, which creates a center low-pressure area. Because of this, the water continuously moves through the pipe. However, if a sump pump stops working for whatever reason, that water floods your space.

There’s still more to learn about the average sump pump. Not all sump pumps function in the same way, so it’s important to know which system most benefits you and your family. Luckily, most homes already have pumps, so you only need to worry about how to maintain the current system.

Types of Pumps

Before we get to the reasons why a battery backup sump pumps benefits your home, let’s talk about the two kinds of primary sump pumps available today. Each type has its own flaws and merits, but both do a fantastic job at getting rid of potential flood water in your crawlspace or basement. Take a look at the differences for yourself.

• With submersible sump pumps, the mechanics are located on the inside of the sump pit, which means they are constantly submerged in water—hence the name. The only parts located above ground are a few pipes for maintenance and a plug for the motor. It’s also the cleaner, quieter, and safer option.
  
  
• On the other hand, the pedestal sump pump stays outside the sump pit. The mechanics are easily accessible at all times, which makes repairs or replacements simple and fast. Additionally, the pedestal sump pump is the more economical option of the two.

Potential Problems

Sump pumps face certain problems that impact your day-to-day life if something goes wrong. From malfunctions to complete failures, a sump pump can leave a basement or crawlspace vulnerable with almost no warning. Potential problems range in severity, but all of them keep the sump pump from its regular functions. Without a battery backup sump pump, the basement becomes prone to leakage. Here are some common problems sump pumps experience that stop its function.

• Power outages. Unfortunately, a sump pump requires electricity to work, so a power outage stops the sump pump completely. This is the worst time for your sump pump to stop. Blackouts caused by excessive rain or lightning storms mean that your sump pump does not work when water is in excess. Of course, this means floods are bound to happen.
  
  
• Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuses. Like a blackout, blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers deprive the sump pump from its electricity. Without a battery backup sump pump, there is no way for the primary system to work without an electrical charge, which leaves you vulnerable to leaks.
  
  
• Float switch. A float switch activates the sump pump as the water in the basin rises. If the float ball gets stuck on an obstruction or if the float switch malfunctions, then the pump won’t activate. When this happens, your sump pump never turns on even if you still have full power.
  
  
• Clogged exit pipe. Exit pipes ensure water leaves the area around the home. However, clogs prevent proper water drainage. If you are unaware of clogs or blocks, then the sump pump has the potential to cause floods—even if it functions correctly in every other way.
  
  
• Overheated pump. Overused sump pumps overheat. Normally, sump pumps have thermal protection via self-cooling methods, but sometimes a sump pump works too hard. In most cases, a reset fixes the problem. However, if it overheats when a storm hits, then the reset leaves your basement vulnerable while your system cools down, which takes a considerable amount of time.
  
  
• Old pump. Like with most other pieces of home equipment, sump pumps age out of usefulness as the years go by. Old systems function less effectively than new systems, so if you’ve checked for all the problems previously mentioned and your sump pump still doesn’t work, it’s time to invest in a new one.

All of these problems cause homeowners stress. Fortunately, a battery backup sump pump provides a quick and easy solution. The backup allows excess water to drain while you wait for a plumber to work on the primary pump.

Benefits of a Battery Backup Sump Pump

Whenever power outages or other issues stop a pump, a battery backup sump pump ensures the pump continues to function. The other benefits of a battery backup sump pump relate to a variety of issues, and each gives you peace of mind. With a battery backup, you don’t have to worry about a primary pump failure or malfunction.

• The cheaper option. As a homeowner, you can either purchase a secondary sump pump to help the first or invest in a battery backup sump pump. It seems like the better option to simply get another pump but remember that regular pumps require electricity. If you encounter a problem with electricity, then both pumps become inactive. With a battery backup, that isn’t an issue.
  
  
• Super easy installation. Secondly, installation is easy. To install the battery backup, a plumber only needs to attach the system to the primary pump. Plus, that means no jackhammers or drills that make loud noises and create piles of dust.
  
  
• Always ready to go. A battery backup sump pump requires practically no maintenance. It charges on its own! Because of that, you never have to worry about it losing power. So many homeowners already love the ease of a battery backup, so add yourself to that list.
  
  
• Works around primary pump clogs. When faced with obstructions, a battery backup takes the place of the primary. It uses the same tool as the primary pump—a float switch—to regulate functions. When the basin fills with water, it activates the float switch, which turns on the system—even with a clog in the main sump pump!
  
  
• Double the removal power. Sump pumps handle regular quantities of rainwater without issue, but when a flash flood or similar occurrence takes place, the primary pump needs additional help. The battery backup sump pump gives the primary pump less to do, which makes the entire process more efficient and effective.

Make the Right Decision

Homeowners of Cincinnati, Ohio understand the importance of a sump pump that works. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a battery backup sump pump. It gives homeowners the peace of mind that their basement or crawlspace remains unflooded through heavy rain and other inclement weather. The benefits of a battery backup are clear. Sump pumps ensure the safety of your basement or crawlspace when the primary system fails or malfunctions. Even with a second sump pump, issues persist if the power goes out in your home. A battery backup is the only solution that does not require electricity.

Thomas & Galbraith want the best solution for your home. That’s why we recommend a battery backup sump pump. Because of this, Thomas & Galbraith has all the facts you need. For more information about sump pumps and battery backup sump pumps, contact Thomas & Galbraith now. We have everything you need to know about plumbing. Our sump pump inspections are affordable and reliable, so don’t hesitate to call for more information. Our experienced, licensed plumbers are eager to help you obtain ultimate security against floods in your home any time of the year.