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 backup 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 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.