Maryland has a lot of unpredictable weather throughout the year. If your home doesn’t have protection, it could flood during storms that produce heavy rainfall. Flooding can also occur when snow melts. Fortunately, you can prevent this from happening with a sump pump. But to achieve the best protection possible, you’ll need to use one with a battery backup system.
What Is a Sump Pump?
Property owners install sump pumps in basement or crawl space areas to stop flooding. The pump gathers water from the area around it, which usually comes from a sump pit, before pumping it outside the home. Sump pumps play a crucial role in safeguarding foundations and personal belongings from expensive water damage.
What Happens to Sump Pumps When the Power Goes Out?
When a power outage occurs, this cuts power to the sump pump, meaning it can’t get rid of excess water. As a result, a home is much more likely to flood. Thankfully, you can keep the sump pump working at all times by buying one with a battery backup system, which ensures it can keep pumping water when the power goes out.
How Long Do Battery Backups Last?
The battery backup duration for a sump pump system depends on several key factors, including the battery’s size, power outage frequency and system quality. Under normal conditions, a battery typically lasts between three and five years until replacement becomes necessary. Battery maintenance can help keep the battery in optimal condition to help it last longer.
Homeowners need to keep track of their battery’s performance by checking it regularly to make sure it stays fully charged and ready for emergencies. Batteries of larger capacity or those built for regular power disruptions tend to last longer.
Key Features to Look for in a Sump Pump with Battery Backup
If you’ve decided to install a sump pump with a battery backup, you’re on the right path to protecting your home. However, there are several factors to consider during the shopping process to ensure you pick the right setup.
Size and Capacity
First, you need to consider the battery size and capacity. If your home frequently experiences lengthy power outages, you might need a larger capacity battery; this ensures it can keep the sump pump fully operational during extended periods of power disruption. You must also make sure the battery size is adequate for the size of the pump and how much water it needs to move.
Alarm System
The next thing to think about is the alarm system for battery depletion. With this type of alarm, you’ll receive alerts instantly when the battery is running low. This lets you know to charge the battery so the pump can keep operating to remove water. Many backup battery alarm systems also send alerts when there is a pump failure. This type of proactive monitoring gives you peace of mind and ensures you’re always aware of your sump pump’s status.
Automatic Recharging System
Ideally, you’ll want a battery backup that comes with an automatic charging system. This makes sure the battery is always ready to deliver power to the pump during the next storm that comes your way. To keep the recharging system working as it should, have it inspected by a professional once a year.
Override Options
When shopping, make sure to pick a system that comes with easy-to-use override options. Having a battery backup with a manual override option makes it possible to keep the pump working even during system failures.
Comparing Top Sump Pump Brands with Battery Backup
Zoeller produces high-quality, durable sump pumps featuring dependable battery backup systems. These pumps provide heavy-duty performance along with batteries that maintain a charge for extended periods. Zoeller pumps may have a higher price tag compared to other available options.
Wayne sump pumps remain popular because they offer low pricing and simple installation processes. Their built-in battery backup systems deliver exceptional value for homeowners. However, Wayne batteries have shorter lifespans compared to some premium brands.
Liberty brand sump pumps deliver battery backup options for residential and commercial properties. These models demonstrate dependable performance with features including automatic charging and an alarm system.
ACW Service Inc is here to answer your questions about sump pumps and battery backup systems. We also offer other professional plumbing services, including slab leak detection and gas line repairs. Call ACW Service Inc today to schedule a sump pump inspection in Waldorf, MD.
