Experts tell us that one of the best precautions you can take to protect your South Carolina home from a flooded basement is to install a primary sump pump. But sometimes, during storms, you may lose power which also kills your sump pump, making it useless when it’s needed. So it may be wise to invest in a backup sump pump.
It can be overwhelming to know what kind of sump pump you need for your flooding situation. Battery backup sump pumps can be a great solution for many reasons. If you want to be sure that you have a solution in place in case your primary pump fails, a battery backup sump pump is a great solution for this need.
Working with a skilled installation team can help keep your installation cost down and can ensure that you get the right sump pumps for your situation.
What Are the Benefits of a Backup Sump Pump?
A battery backup sump pump system is an addition to your existing setup that will allow your sump pump to run even if the power goes out. There are two options when choosing these kinds of sump pumps– battery-powered and water-powered. The question is, which unit works better and why?
If your primary pump should fail, you don’t want to find yourself in a situation where your basement floods. Sump pumps can be quite essential for your foundation and for your basement, so a situation where your sump pump fails can spell disaster for your home. You also don’t want to be dependent on the power for your additional sump pump to run. This is why battery-powered sump pumps are such good solutions for most people.
How to Compare Backup Sump Pumps in South Carolina?
We used a few key categories to help you decide which sump pump is right for your needs. To pick the right battery backup sump pump, you need to know which factors are the most important. You don’t want to just get a battery backup sump pump and call it good. You want to get a quality battery backup sump pump that will take care of your needs reliably.
The first and most important benefit of any battery backup system is that you will have the use of your sump pump even if there is a power outage. The benefit of having a battery backup cannot be overstated when it comes to supporting your primary pump in its job. A backup pump can be the difference between a flood basement and a dry basement.
Always remember that the machine that you put in place to deal with water in your basement is not likely to be truly accessible with ease. The sump pit can be tough to get into and you will want to be sure that you emergency backup pump will take care of things if you can’t get to the primary pump to fix it.
Let’s take a look at four main standards to compare both kinds of pumps:
- Run Time
- Longevity
- Pumping Speed
- Cost
Important Factors When Comparing Backup Sump Pumps
There are many great backup sump pumps out there that you can choose for your home to keep them running smoothly and avoid problems in your home. Some of the factors you can consider include:
Run Time
With a brand-new battery, a battery-powered pump will run for about 7 to 8 hours. But, like any other battery, the older it gets, the more it weakens. After a few years, it may only run for 2-3 hours. So if you experience a long power outage, it’s likely your pump will stop working and your basement can flood. A water-powered pump’s running time is unlimited, one of its main benefits. With no battery requirement, there’s no need to worry about reduced run times.
Longevity of the Sump Pump
As mentioned, batteries have a limited life span. One battery manufacturer recommends replacing a backup sump pump battery every three years. Yet the best water-powered sump pumps available can last up to 20+ years, without the need to replace any parts. Just test it biannually by raising the float or unplugging your regular pump.
Pumping Speed
Battery-powered backup sump pumps are usually either 1/4 HP or 1/3 HP and are rated to pump between 800 and 2,000 GPH, but that’s with a new, fully charged battery. After just one or two years, it may begin to pump slower as the battery charge weakens. And if it’s required to run for a longer length of time, the pumping rate will continually slow until the battery runs out of power. But high-performance water-powered sump pumps can pump from 1,800 to 2,830 GPH, depending on how high the water pressure is in your South Carolina home. And they can maintain that rate as long as needed no matter their age since water pressure is their energy supply.
Cost of Your Backup Sump Pump in South Carolina
A battery-powered backup sump pump kit will cost anywhere between $200 – $900, depending on how powerful it is. Along with the pump kit, you will also have to purchase the battery separately. They’re about the size of a car battery and usually cost $150-$250, conditional on the quality and size of the battery. Plus, you’ll need to replace it every two or three years. A water-powered backup sump pump will cost between $250-$450, depending on the size and quality. If you don’t have a big issue with water seeping into your basement, then the low-cost models may work for you, although they have a shorter life span and lower pumping capacities.
If you end up with a flooded basement due to a faulty sump pump or no sump pump at all, call South Carolina’s water damage restoration professionals, Kingsley LLC. Our technicians are ready 24/7 to quickly remove the water and clean a flooded basement at your home or business and prevent further water damage.