Backup Sump Pump Pointers for Better Backup
System
Summary: Sump pump backup systems
are important because main pumps usually fail when they have broken or stuck floats, excessive inflow of water,
faulty electrical system, and broken impellers. There are two types of backup pumps, namely the battery backup and
water-powered backup. A battery backup sump pump usually operates via a rechargeable 12-volt
battery.
Most household users have
a sump pump to protect their home from flooding.
However, some people oversee the importance of a backup sump pump.
Sump pump backup systems are important because main pumps usually fail when they have broken
or stuck floats, excessive inflow of water, faulty electrical system, and broken impellers. This can be disastrous
especially when pump failure occurred during heavy rain and unexpected circumstances.
 There are two types of backup pumps, namely the
battery backup and water-powered backup. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Battery backup sump pumps usually operates
via a rechargeable 12-volt battery. On the other hand, water-powered pumps run by using the concept of suction
and is connected to the water system of the residence. Between the two, the water powered sump pump is more expensive but
can be proven to be the more effective solution in the long run.
How to Choose a Backup Sump Pump
Listed below are some pointers to consider in choosing a back
up sump pump:
- Acquire products from a reliable
manufacturer. This is important because those companies often provide high quality pumps that can
really guarantee effective backup system.
- Choose the correct size. Proper pump
sizing is also important because it affects performance of the backup system. Size of the main pump can also be
included in consideration to avoid having backup systems that are bulkier than the main
system.
- Pump rating. This is usually expressed in
gallons per hour, or GPH. Pumps intended primarily for backup systems typically have lower rating than those
intended to be the front pump.
- Water usage efficiency. This is
applicable for water-powered pumps. One gallon of water input usually sucks two gallons of
wastewater.
Alarm system. This is an added feature for some pumps and is used to produce an
audible sound or anything that can warn the homeowner when water increased to a drastic
level.
- Floater action. This refers to all
mechanism related to the float. This is important because to fully serve its purpose as a backup system, it
must be designed to avoid problems encountered by the front system. For backup system, there must be no
electrical parts for the floater, it must be stable, and must not easily rub against other parts to avoid
on-off condition found in most primary pumps.
- Covers. These are accessories that will
allow backup pumps to have protection against dirt, debris, and other solid substances from accumulating in its
inlet.
- Warranty. Users can also consider
warranties in choosing backup systems to acquire assistance when things go wrong with their
pumps.
Keen users might also consider
ease of installation. Some might prefer the plug-and-play feature of most battery backup types while some may
prefer the stable installation of water-powered systems. For others, they may also consider other types like spare
battery units and electric generators. But unlike the first two types, spare batteries and electric generators only
serve as backup power supply for the main pump system. They do not provide an alternative system per se as opposed
to battery backup and water-powered system.
There is no such thing as the best sump backup pump system. It
all depends on needs and preferences of the user. If there is one thing that can be agreed upon, it is the need for
a backup sump pump that can efficiently defend against household flooding.
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