How to Install a Backup Sump Pump

What Are Sump Pumps and Backup Sump Pumps?

Sump pumps are mechanical devices that extract water that accumulates in sump pits found in basements or crawl spaces, known as sump cisterns. Their primary purpose is pumping excess liquid away from your foundation to prevent further flooding or water damage to your property.

A backup sump pump serves as an added protection against water damage. Operating independently from its primary counterpart, it only kicks on in cases of power outages, mechanical breakdown, or overwhelming water inflow - meaning continuous removal even in adverse conditions and potential property damage from water-related issues can be avoided with its presence.

What Are the Consequences of Failing to Install a Backup Sump Pump?

Without an emergency backup sump pump, your home becomes susceptible to various risks and potential consequences. Here are a few that may occur:

• Basement Flooding: Due to power outages or primary pump failure, excess water may quickly fill your sump pit, flooding your basement and leading to structural damage, ruining valuable possessions, and stimulating mold growth - jeopardizing both home integrity and indoor air quality.
• Property Damage: Water damage repairs to walls, floors, and furniture can be costly; irreplaceable items could even become endangered. Installing a backup sump pump will decrease the chance of such losses occurring.
• Increased Insurance Premiums: Repeated water damage claims can dramatically drive up the premiums on homeowner's policies, so installing a backup sump pump as a preventative measure to demonstrate responsible homeownership and potentially bring down insurance costs is a wise move.

Two Types of Backup Sump Pumps

Before beginning the installation of backup sump pumps, it's essential to understand their two primary forms. These are:

• Battery-Powered Backup Sump Pump: A battery-powered backup sump pump is one of the most commonly used backup systems, as it uses a rechargeable battery to activate when its primary counterpart fails. These systems are simple for homeowners looking for backup protection solutions.
• Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump: A water-powered backup sump pump utilizes water pressure from your home's water supply to draw off excess water, eliminating batteries. Although such systems don't require batteries, their efficiency depends on what pressure is available in your area.

Steps for Installing a Battery-Powered Backup Sump Pump

Now that you understand the significance of backup sump pumps and their various types let's dive into a step-by-step installation of a battery-powered backup sump pump:

• Step 1: Secure All Essential Supplies and Tools

Before beginning, gather all necessary supplies and tools. These may include the battery-powered backup sump pump kit, marine-grade deep cycle battery, PVC pipe fittings and fittings, check valve, wire connectors, wire stripper, and a drill.

• Step Two: Locate an Appropriate Location

Select an ideal location for the battery-powered backup sump pump, preferably near its primary counterpart, for easy connection and accessibility. Ensure sufficient room for both components to fit comfortably within their respective environments.

• Step 3: Installation of Check Valve

Install a check valve in the discharge pipe to prevent water from returning into the sump pit after pumping, helping maintain stable levels and reduce pump cycling. This will maintain constant water levels while decreasing pump cycling.

• Step 4: Assemble Pump and Battery

Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing and connecting a battery-powered backup sump pump with an external marine-grade deep-cycle battery.

• Step 5: Connecting to the Primary Pump

connect the backup pump seamlessly to the primary pump with a Y-connector for seamless switchover when the primary pump cannot operate.

• Step 6: Test Your System

To evaluate your system's functionality, fill the sump pit with water to test its operation. Ensure that both primary and backup pumps operate as intended and that your check valve functions appropriately.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we understand the significance of protecting your home from water damage. Our experienced plumbers can assist in keeping your basement dry with our reliable backup sump pump installation services. With our expert plumbing service, we can assist in selecting a backup sump pump suited to your individual needs and budget. Whether it is battery or water-powered, rest assured that our highly skilled technicians will ensure the installation goes smoothly and precisely. Mr. Rooter Plumbing takes great pride in offering exceptional customer service, and you can rely on us to keep your home secure from water-related emergencies. With Mr. Rooter Plumbing by your side, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having an effective sump pump system to protect and dry out your home year after year.