Battery Backup Sump Pump Buying Guide

Battery backup sump pumps supplement your primary pump, providing several hours of additional protection from water damage if your primary pump fails due to power outages, mechanical failure, or excessive use.

When the primary pump can't keep up and the water rises in the pit during a storm, the backup sump pump goes to work—essentially doubling your pumping power.

If you're away from home and the power goes out in a thunderstorm, you deserve some peace of mind. This guide covers runtime expectations and the essential components you'll need.

Understanding Your Sump Pump's Runtime

To correctly gauge how long your backup pump will last, consider the difference between continuous operation and standard cycling.

Continuous Operation: This is the worst-case scenario where your pump must run nonstop due to a sudden, heavy inflow of water. A quality battery backup system should provide 5 to 7 hours of continuous runtime.

Real-World Cycling: In most situations, your pump will cycle on and off. If water inflow is moderate and the pump cycles every 10 or 15 minutes, your system could last two or even three days before depleting the battery.

Factors Affecting Runtime: Total backup duration depends on how hard the pump works, which is dictated by the distance and height the water is pumped, as well as overall system maintenance.

Selecting the Right Backup System Type

The first step in choosing your system is understanding how the pump draws power. The two main options are DC or a combination AC/DC power setup.

Choosing Your Sump Pump Battery: Maintenance vs. Maintenance-Free

The battery is the heart of your backup system. The two primary types dictate the level of maintenance required.

Sump Pump Accessories for Peace of Mind

A reliable backup system needs more than just the pump and battery. Modern systems leverage technology to keep you informed, even when you're away from home.

The Reliable Float Switch

Even the best backup system is useless without a reliable float switch—the mechanism that activates the pump when the water level rises. Most float switches come included with your primary or backup sump pump, but additional switches can be purchased separately for added protection.

For next-level awareness, consider smart float switch technology that sends alerts directly to your phone, notifying you of a high water event immediately.

The Water Alarm

You've probably heard the annoying beeping of a traditional sump pump alarm, but today's technology goes much further. Wi-Fi enabled alarms send notifications to your phone if anything goes wrong, giving you peace of mind that your system is working properly before an emergency occurs.

Smart Sump Pump Systems

The most robust solution is an entire smart system where every part—the pump, the battery, the float, and the alarm—communicates together for smooth, safe, and reliable operation.

No one thinks flooding can happen to them until it's too late. Investing in a smart sump pump backup system is the safest way to ensure your home stays dry and protected.