Areas that have a lot of rainfall, are close to a floodplain or have a high water table are likely familiar with a sump pump. These appliances are used to send water away from a house to a storm drain or drywell, preventing basements and lower parts of the house from flooding. Sump pumps will turn on more often in some areas, while in others, they may not turn on at all. However, it's always good to have a battery backup for the pump. Let's take a look at why a battery backup is so necessary for your sump pump:
Likelihood of risk
Homeowners should determine the potential for flooding to determine if the battery backup is right for their needs. Power outages can happen during strong storms, taking out the sump pump. If you have these situations a few times a year or even once a year, a battery backup will be worth the investment. This will eliminate the cost of repairs, water removal and other issues that come with flood damage. A battery backup will decrease your risk and give you peace of mind that your property is protected from flooding. It's important to note that an aging pump can also have a higher chance of failure without the need of a power outage. If your pump is 10 years or older, it's time to invest in a new one. If your sump pump is over 5 years old, a battery backup will come in handy to ensure that your aging appliance comes back online quickly.
Easy to maintain
Battery backups for sump pumps have a number of benefits, including the fact that they are relatively easy to maintain. It's simple to install a battery backup, and that they will work even when there's no water supply. However, the battery water levels and terminals must all be checked on a regular basis. It's important to note that a battery can also run down before the power comes back, so it will be crucial to choose a solution that has the right capacity for your home. For example, if you have a pump that runs once a minute, you'll require a different battery capacity than a pump that runs every five minutes. These differences will play a big part in what battery is installed and how long you can expect to keep your pump operational.
Warns you of danger
The sophistication of battery backups for sump pumps is increasing to tell homeowners when to expect danger as well as when support is required. Some solutions monitor battery status, test themselves and alert homeowners in signs of trouble. This type of interfacing adds a layer of oversight that will be important to protecting your house and ensuring that your property remains dry. If your sump pump fails, and you have a finished basement, or important objects in your crawl space, how much would it cost to recover from a flooding event? A battery backup pays for itself in this regard, as it can notify you to prevent damage.
A sump pump isn't necessarily something that every house requires, but it has saved countless homes from the dangers of flooding and water damage. For those that are in higher risk of these events, a battery backup will be essential. With this, homeowners can have peace of mind as these appliances are easy to maintain, and many of them will sound the alarm to minimize potential damage. Call your Trusty Plumbing expert today for a sump pump consultation.
