Why Do I Need A Battery Backup For My Sump Pump?
Sump Pumps are a very necessary part of life for many home and business owners today. However, despite the automation provided by these units, there can be times where a lot of damage is caused because they don’t function as needed. To learn more about the function of these pumps as well as how to keep them always at the ready via battery backup, follow along.
Sump Pump Basics
Sump pumps are special kinds of pumps that eject wastewater as it collects in certain areas of the home. Most sump pumps are set up in large below-floor sump pits in basements, garages, and other utility areas where groundwater from beneath the structure accumulates. In other cases, sump pumps are set to free-stand in areas outside of a sump pit so that they can remove water that may occur in certain instances of flooding.
These pumps work by coming on when they sense water, usually by the use of an on-board float. The water is then carried away through pipes that are attached to the pump body and that are run away from and outside of the structure. They are also fueled by electricity by way of a common electrical cord or a direct-wire line.
The Importance of Battery-Backup
Sump pumps work automatically because of their water-sensing floats as well as their constant feed of electricity. So, if water starts to accumulate in their location, they turn on automatically, just long enough to pump away that water. The problem with this, however, occurs when there is a loss of power.
In a storm, for example, when water is most likely to accumulate in a sump pump service area, a loss of power can quickly lead to major damages as that area’s sump pump is without power to operate. In other instances, such as a tripped breaker, the same flooding can occur, because the serving pump is now without its energy source. To prevent these situations from happening, a backup sump pump battery system is always highly recommended.
A backup sump pump battery system is essentially an alternative source of power accessible to the sump pump at all times in case it loses its primary source of electricity. Should a storm or a tripped breaker occur and temporarily kill the power to your sump pump, the battery backup sump pump electricity will kick on. Major flooding and subsequent damage are then averted.
Are There Drawbacks to Sump Pump Backup Batteries?
For those curious as to the possible drawbacks of these backup systems, aside from a relatively small initial cost to buy and install them, they only offer great assurance and peace of mind thereafter in cases of temporary power loss. Battery back up sump pump systems are virtually maintenance-free and only need to be tested about once each year. Such testing is easy and can be performed by simply unplugging the sump pump’s power cord and making sure the battery system then powers up the pump. Sump pump battery backup packs also take up very little room and are easily configured to fit into just about any space near a pump.
A battery back up sump pump system is yet one more way that home and business owners can find greater peace of mind when they may otherwise run into stress and worry. Here at E Dennis, we do all we can to help our customers to gain the utmost peace of mind, whether through our wide array of plumbing services or just through trustworthy professional advice. If you’re interested in a sump pump battery backup or any other plumbing installation or service work, we are always here when you need us. Give us a call, seven days a week, and experience the top plumbers in the greater Atlanta area and beyond.
