Bergen County, NJ | Select Waterproofing

3 Signs You Might Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump | Bergen County, NJ

Install a Battery Backup Sump Pump

Protecting your home from water damage is always a good idea and installing a battery backup sump pump will do that job well.  However, there is a cost to installing a battery backup sump pump system. A quality battery backup system costs between $1000-$1500 to have installed.  In order to know if you need one,  consider three signs and areas of concern.

1.) If you have an older primary sump pump:

Sump pumps usually have a lifespan of about 10-15 years.  Because it has mechanical moving parts, they will someday fail, and you will have to replace it.  If you have an older pump, it is more likely to fail, but there is no telling when.  The best way to transition to a new pump and also get the most out of your primary pump is to install a battery backup system.  When the primary pump dies, it won’t leave you with water in the basement. If you have an older pump, or if you have had any trouble with your primary pump, it is a sign to get a backup system.

Open sump pump 150x150 3 Signs You Might Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump | Bergen County, NJ

2.) If your area is prone to power outages:

During a rainstorm is when you need your pump working; however, during a rainstorm is when you are most likely to lose power to your house—and to your sump pump. The combination is asking for disaster.  We are pretty sure this possibility is why they invented battery backup sump pump systems in the first place.  How often does a storm knock out power to your house? Do you lose power a few times a year or once every few years?  If you live in an area where power outages are a concern, then that is a sign you might need a battery backup sump pump.

3.) The basement contents:

No matter what you have in your basement, you will want to keep it dry.  A wet basement is not something you want to deal with, and it causes more problems like mold, mildew, and rot that, of course, you want to avoid.  That is why you have a sump pump in the first place.  And the battery backup will ensure you will be protected even if your primary pump fails.  However, the urgency of getting a battery backup system will be determined by the status of the basement.  Is your basement empty? Is it full of priceless storage items?  Is your basement finished? Did you just spend thousands of dollars making it a new TV room?  Obviously, the more valuables you keep in the basement the more you need to protect it.

Evaluate your house and determine if you need a battery backup system.

sump pump

How to Enhance Flood Protection with a Battery Backup Pump in Woodbridge NJ

Battery Backup Pump in Woodbridge NJ

Most homeowners struggle to control water in the basements. The Concrete Foundation Association (CFA) says almost 70% of homes aged over 5 years will experience some form of basement leakage. Maintaining a dry can be a daunting task, but with a well installed sump pump system you can easily handle the situation. For this waterproofing solution to work, there must be a primary AC pump and a battery backup pump.

A sump pump system is crucial in drawing both ground water and surface water and directing it away from the basement floor. However powerful your primary pump is, it is important to appreciate the importance of a backup in various situations.

Below are some pertinent issues regarding a backup pump that you need to understand;

How the Battery Backup Pump Works

This pump is mostly installed adjacent to the primary pump and runs on a 24 or 12 DC power supply. The backup system has a float switch that detects rising water levels and immediately goes to work. If the battery is full, the pump can run for several days making it suitable in case of storms. In essence, the battery backup pump aids the primary pump in case of problems. Some of the common problems that require a backup include:

  1. Low or no power supply to the primary pump
  2. Failure of the primary pump
  3. Lending a hand to a struggling primary pump

Buying Your Primary Pump Backup

For this system to work optimally, you have to consider these features when installing one:

  • Capacity: Always buy a backup pump that is of the same or higher capacity than the primary pump. A low capacity backup is counterproductive and might also fail to drive away the rising water.
  • Alert system: Modern backup pumps have automatic alarm systems that go off in case of technical problems or when it is activated.
  • Buy a second battery and get it installed in case there is a long power outage.

Why You Need a Primary Pump Backup

Most homeowners are convinced that their primary pumps have the capacity to keep their basements safe. However, studies have shown increased precipitation in most regions poses a danger to any property. A battery backup pump protects your valuables and prevents foundation damage by ensuring this space remains dry. A perpetually damp basement is also a health risk to your family due to high humidity and toxic mold growth, hence the need to keep your home dry.

Talk to a basement waterproofing contractor today and consult on the best backup pump to install.