Last updated on December 26th, 2022 | By: Grady Galvez
When it comes to sump pump battery backup, the users often face the dichotomy of choosing between the two types of backup sump pumps, you can jump section to read more, but ideally one should focus on assessing the need based factors as mentioned below:
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The Frequency of rain and resultant flooding in your area!
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Is your home prone to flooding due its location?
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The frequency and probability of power outages in case of flooding!
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Do you already have a sump pump, can it be upgraded or needs replacement?
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Is you basement empty, dumped or does it house valubles?
Answers to the above query can help you come at a more informed and practical decision to invest in a backup sump pump. The following read further helps you research the most reliable sump pump for your needs.
In a Hurry!
You can go with Wayne WSS30V battery operated sump pump as it includes all the features that we are look for in best sump pump.
Wayne WSS30V
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Drop-in ready, Wayne WSS30V keeps your basement dry without any hassle.
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It contains the CDU800 AC motor for the primary pump & the ESP25 as the backup.
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The entire combo comes assembled and ready for installation.
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It feature float switches & backflow protection.
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By combining the two units into one package, you get one of the best values available.
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Most homeowners can have this system set up within 15 minutes.
Top 3 Battery Backup Sump Pumps - Compared At A Glance
★ BEST OVERALL ★
Wayne ESP25 Upgraded 12-Volt
Durable & Heavy Duty
No Installation Required
Led Alarms & Smart Charging
★ BEST BUDGET PICK ★
Liberty Pumps SJ10
Comes Fully Assembled
Doesn’t Require A Working Battery
No Pumping, Ongoing Operating Costs
★ PREMIUM CHOICE ★
Zoeller 508-0005 Aquanot 508
4 Other Battery Backup Sump Pumps System
★ ALL TIME GREAT ★
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1. Wayne ESP25 Battery Backup System, Black
With the Wayne ESP25, you get a simple, yet effective, solution for adding a backup to your sump pump. The standalone unit works with almost any current pump and can pump up to 2900 gallons of water.
The ESP25 offers up to three days of backup with a fully charged 12-volt DC power source. With the sturdy polyethylene battery case, the battery you add will remain protected in this submersible backup pump, look right here does this pump come with a battery or not?
The system kicks in when the float switch activates, allowing the backup to start working during a power outage or when the main pump cannot keep up with the growing water level. An audible alarm lets you know when it starts pumping. Overall, this is one of the most dependable and efficient battery-powered backup systems.
Pros
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Comes with a two-year warranty.
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Pumps up to 10,000 gallons on a single charge.
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The corrosion-proof thermoplastic housing protects the pump, ensuring many years of use.
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Epoxy coated steel and cast-iron construction.
Cons
- Deep cycle battery not included, as with many battery-powered backup pumps.
Alternative Model Of WAYNE
WAYNE BGSP50 Guardian Basement Protection System
The Wayne BGSP50 is made with Innovative Local Link Technology that transmits data to the app even during electrical failures. You get a worry-free basement protection with this complete pre-plumbed sump pumps assembled proudly in the US.
These two fully submersible, nested, all cast iron, AC & DC sump pumps can be easily installed in just minutes. There are no monthly charge and even when the power is out you can easily monitor it with the free Apple iOS and Android mobile apps.
When the power goes out the backup has the capacity to drain out 11,000 gallons on one charge.
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★ MOST RECOMMENDED ★
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2. Zoeller 507-0005 Basement Sentry Battery Backup Pump
The battery-powered Zoeller 507-0005 Backup Pump comes equipped with a 10-amp battery recharger. Automatically recharge your battery via an AC connection, ensuring that the battery remains fully charged before a power outage. This feature makes it one of the best backup pumps for giving you greater peace of mind.
Along with reliable performance when the main pump fails, this Zoeller backup pump includes an LED indicator and audible alarms. With a quick glance at the pump, you can check the status of the backup battery or whether the main power is out, here’s how this product works.
With the compact design, this unit also fits inside the sump pit with most types of primary pumps, depending on the size of the pit.
Pros
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Best value for the money.
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Easy installation With the compact design.
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Compatible with almost any brand.
Cons
- Not very powerful, pumping up to 900 gallons per hour.
- As with other battery-powered backup pumps, it does not come with a battery.
★ BEST BUDGET PICK ★
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3. Liberty Pumps SJ10 1-1/2-Inch Discharge SumpJet
The simple, water-powered backup pump eliminates the need for a deep-cycle battery. It connects directly to your main water line, ensuring that the Liberty Pumps SJ10 never fails to operate.
The pump comes fully assembled, with durable PVC construction and an adjustable stainless steel hose clamp for easy mounting. After installation, the pump removes two gallons of water from the sump pit for every gallon that it gets from your water line.
The pump kicks in when the float switch gets activated, providing a reliable option for backing up your main pump. Despite the water-powered design, the pump manages to get rid of up to 2000 gallons of water per hour, which is a respectable amount for a compact little backup pump.
Pros
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Works with anywhere between 20 and 100 PSI inlet pressure water lines.
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Includes a built-in screen to keep debris from getting into the backup pump.
Cons
- Not as powerful compared to some of the battery-powered backup pumps, but still enough for most residential properties.
- The water hookup makes installation a little more complicated compared to battery-powered pumps.
★ PREMIUM CHOICE ★
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4. Zoeller 508-0005 Aquanot 508 Battery Backup System
Zoeller is a trusted manufacturer and the 508-0005 is one of their more efficient backup systems. It comes equipped with a large display unit featuring an LCD display.
The screen displays the current battery voltage, the status of the pump, and other helpful information. The 508-0005 also features a built-in 10-amp battery recharger system.
The solid-state automatic controller ensures that the battery remains fully charged when not in use. It also provides additional alarms, indicators, and warning systems to keep you aware of the state of your sump pump system.
Pros
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The efficient charger and durable battery.
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Using a Z control device, purchased separately, you can monitor the backup pump and battery status on mobile devices and receive a text or email notification.
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The battery charger includes burnout and overcharges protection.
Cons
- The battery does not come with the backup pump, which is standard for backup pumps.
★ CURRENTLY ON SALE ★
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5. The Basement Watchdog Model BWE
A great battery back-upsump pump system that includes a controller, pump, sensor, dual micro reed float switch, sensor for monitoring battery fluid levels. The BWE model has the ability to pump 2,000 GPH at 0 ft. lift and 1,000 GPH at 10 ft. lift.
This provides days of intermittent pumping power on a single battery charge and is compatible with both wet cell and maintenance-free AGM batteries.
The good thing is that it can pump up to 6 hours continuously and the materials used to construct this are durable and have a long life-span.
Pros
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Automatically begins pumping during a power outage
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Compatible with wet cell and AGM batteries both
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Features a user-friendly controller
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Pumps good at 2,000 GPH and 1,000 GPH
Cons
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Battery is not included with the product
How To Choose The Best Backup Pump System
What all things to be kept in mind?
There are many things that need to be thought of before you shop for a backup sump pump. You will need to look out for a number of features like the ones mentioned below:
1. There are two options that are offered by the market and your job is to understand their differences between them:
Battery Backup Pump:
Here we are talking about the battery backup pump which is the most conventional and battery-operated pump that is kept as a layoff to assist the main basement pump. These packages include a DC-powered auxiliary pump along with a battery. Its installation is done along with the primary pump in the sump pit.
The Plus:
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The aim of a secondary pump is to provide assistance when there is a rise in water levels beyond the main pump capabilities.
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The float sensor (secondary pump) is placed above the sensor level on the main pump to achieve redundancy.
The Minus:
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These work when power goes out but may not match the power of a primary pump.
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This may cause further problems as they play a support role more. Hence, a smaller battery along with a limited backup will lead to a wet basement despite of your efforts.
Power Converter/Control System:
The other one is the power converter/control system, the sump pump battery back-up which is designed for wall mounting and is used in concurrence with a battery-bank or a battery.
The Plus:
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This second method is a bit different and does not aim to supplement or replace the main pump’s function.
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If the power goes out the battery backups tend to continue wholly and operate at their full capacity in case of power outage/electricity failure.
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No additional pumping equipment required and does not occupy any additional space in the sump pit. They have a long life-span too.
The Minus:
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In case of a mechanical pump failure and if the pump breaks itself the battery backup may not activate and this is the biggest drawback.
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Henceforth, both the above two options are available in the market and before making a decision weight the benefits and downsides of both and take into consideration your basement condition too before you buy a sump pump.
2. Deep cycle V/S AGM Batteries:
The battery type you select is a determining aspect that may affect your decision. We are not saying that there are the best or the worst batteries, but they come different qualities.
Generally these are of two types:
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Deep cycle marine batteries
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AGM batteries
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The battery backups that use Deep Cycle Marine Batteries tend to require regular maintenance for retaining their charge.
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On the other hand the AGM Batteries are not only maintenance-free but can also last up to 50% longer as compared to former.
3. Battery Life:
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This tends to vary from model to model. Since the batteries can be replaced, as after a particular episode of flood, the replacement can be done later.
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The time length of any sump pump is decided by the no of hours it works. Even the model type lets you decide as some of these pump faster and consume more power while the water fills quickly. This will let the battery go for a lesser time.
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If used fairly some of these sump pumps may last for 50 hours when working at maximum capacity. Before the battery runs out most of the battery backup sump pumps will warn you.
4. General Design:
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This is one of the most crucial factor that needs to be considered.Pumping capacity, output, and current type relates to these things.
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The standard impeller system designed is possessed by the best sump pumps as these tend to keep all the components sealed properly and safe against moisture or air.
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Even when the drain pit is filling with water, a good design guarantees functionality while remaining completely submerged.
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The backup sump pumps can be AC or DC. Both utilize home current and battery according to the availability. The DC are more reasonably priced than the AC types.
5. Performance Rating Of The Pump:
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The output rating of the primary pump needs to be considered for knowing the performance. Your backup pump should be able to handle successfully everything in case your primary pump fails.
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The rate of 2100 to 3600 gallons per hour (GPH) is a good one. One should select a backup sump pump that has a pumping capacity which should be greater or similar to what your primary pump delivers.
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If you are technology lover then you will be happy to know that the new advanced designs come with smart sensors along with wireless internet technology that bring much convenience and ease. How great it is when you can control your backup pump with a mobile device or computer.
6. Materials Used:
This is another potent aspect that can’t be ruled out as the quality of materials used to make a product are directly linked with its durability. There are two major materials used:
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Thermoplastic
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Cast Iron
Though both are good but cast iron is virtually indestructible. This is somewhat thicker than thermoplastic. The handling and tackling should not be bothersome when you maneuver one up-down in your pit.
7. Noise:
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Though these mini miracles are placed in the basement of your home but may be quite disturbing if noisy.
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So, selecting a one that makes less noise is always fruitful in future.
Warranty:
A good warranty is something that will always keep you covered and will provide peace of mind. It is wise that if you spend a bit more for a model which offers exceptional warranty.
So before buying be cautious towards the warranty protection aspect and select the best sump pump.
Who Needs Battery Backup Sump Pump?
Water infiltration through the foundation walls and footings can lead to serious structural damage. Keep your basement walls water-free using sump pump system that can help alleviate hydrostatic pressure associated with a high water table. Knowing the answer to these questions can help you to determine if your home needs a best sump pump backup system:
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you need a battery backup sump pump but if you already have one then you can consider buying battery backup for existing sump pump..
Importance of Sump Pump Battery Backup Systems
Your home is an expensive investment. That’s why preventing water damages from occurring by installing a sump pump battery backup system can save you time, money and can help to extend the lifespan of your home. Here are just a few of the many benefits that a battery backup system for your sump pump will provide you:
Battery Backup Vs. Generators
1. Generator can serve as a backup for your sump pump as well as your home. But with many sump pump systems, the generator needs to have enough wattage and amperes to provide the sump pump backup power, as it needs to maintain the sump pits water level. A battery backup sump pump will pump away water easily as it uses a secondary sump pump system that is designed for DC power to pump water from the sump pit, eliminating the need to use the primary pump right away.
2. A battery-powered secondary sump pump compared to a generator-powered backup system for your primary sump pump can pump away just as much water as the primary pump, with the exception that you can’t recharge the battery until the power is restored.
3. Typical battery for sump pumps will have a run time of around 5-8 hours, while a fuel-powered generator can be refilled as often as necessary to maintain the water level in the sump pit.
Battery Backup Vs. Water Powered
A water powered sump pump works on water pressure from a municipal water line to create a vacuum that rotates a turbine to pump out the water from the sump pit. Water powered sump pumps can only be used when water pressure exceeds 40 psi.
If you own your own well, then a battery backup sump pump is required to maintain the sump pits water level. Water powered backup sump pump systems cannot be used in conjunction with an electrical powered primary sump pump for obvious electrical safety reasons.
Battery Powered Sump Pump Installation
Faq’s
How Long Does a Battery Back up Sump Pump Last?
Even the duration of battery backup depends upon the product or model you are using, however, most of them last long after getting charged. They either run on DC or AC/DC current that helps it to work for long hours.
Can I Backup Any Sump Pump With a Battery?
Yes, you can! If you don’t want your sump pump to shut down immediately, you need to back up it with a battery. Also, make sure that the battery remains charges to use it instantly when required.
How Can I Connect Two Batteries Together?
Two batteries could be connected by fixing their wires together at opposite terminals i.e. positive and negative. They could be connected in series or parallel. It is worth noting that voltage increases if batteries are connected in series and it decreases if connected parallel.
Is it required to install a battery-powered sump pump if I have a backup power source like a generator?
Generators can work as long as their power supply switch is ON whereas a backup sump pump works until is it charged. Undoubtedly, a generator provides huge power needed for a sump pump. However, a backup sump pump is still required to get energy in case of a power failure.
How long will the battery backup last when charged for a single time?
The charge of batteries depend on its size. The batteries having over 40 amp power could be used for 2-3 days used one hour per day. Whereas some batteries last for 10-12 hours based on amount of water it uses to pump.
Conclusion:
From the above article, I hope your confusion has been cleared of why do I need a Sump Pump battery backup system. You can choose the different sump pump backup options from the above-explained options.