When you talk about places in the home that are prone to floods, basements are always at the top of the list. This is because if there is a leak or water is getting in, the water will always settle in the lowest spot — the basement!
And while a sump pump will relieve you of the stress of having to get a water pump in to get the water out every time this happens, if your sump pump’s battery backup has failed you could still find yourself in trouble.
Dead batteries can cause a lot of problems, especially for people who use their sump pump a lot, so it’s always recommended to select the right battery for your particular pump, know how long it’s expected to last, and conduct regular checks.
Factors to consider with a sump pump battery backup
While most sump pumps will run for around 5 to 7 hours non-stop until the battery dies, depending on the quality of the battery, there are a few other factors to consider.
First, you should make sure that the sump pump matches your needs. If you live where it doesn’t rain a lot and doesn’t flood a lot, you’ll only need a simple, relatively small sump pump, and your battery will last longer. The more powerful the pump, the faster it will drain its battery.
Sump pump battery backups are great in the case of emergency. This doesn’t only refer to power outages but also in the case of a primary pump malfunction, or even if there is just too much water for the primary pump to handle.
Sump pump battery backups are always aware of what’s going on with the main pump so they know when they are needed. There are battery backups that can even alert you if it’s having an issue such as not charging or losing charge. They are capable of sending a message to you by either an app or even email.
Below is a summary of the key factors that can affect how long your sump pump battery will last:
- Durability and Power – Battery backup sump pumps systems are important to keep your basement from flooding so the most important thing to consider when choosing one for your household is making sure it’s powerful enough to get the job done and also durable enough to last without burning a hole in your pocket.
- Horsepower – The higher the amount of horsepower that the sump pump has, the faster the battery will be drained. Using a smaller pump with less horsepower will mean you use less power but it won’t be as fast at pumping water.
- Battery life – It’s always important to make sure you allow the battery to get a full charge, because when it is not charged sufficiently it will use more power when in use. The battery life of the sump pump will deteriorate as it is used, so the more often it is used is the more the overall battery life will be drained.
Sump pump batteries can last for years but will end up not working quite as well as when first purchased. You should always keep in mind that, as the battery ages, it will begin to have a smaller capacity.
Normally, people will have wet-cell batteries — the most common type used by homeowners. Over time, the lead plates that are in these batteries start to corrode and the amount of charge that they’re able to hold starts to decrease. Eventually, the battery can no longer be used.
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When to Replace Your Sump Pump Battery
Normally, you’ll be able to get at least 4 years out of a good quality battery before you need a new one. Even with lower quality batteries, you should be able to get 2 to 3 years of use. You’ll know the battery is going bad when it starts to take longer for it to reach a full charge and also when the battery starts to last for less and less time.
How Can I Check If My Battery is Going Bad?
Just as any other appliance or machinery that is used around the house, over time your pump will require maintenance in order for it to perform at optimal levels. Checking the battery should be part of this maintenance.
You can check if the pump’s power has decreased by monitoring how much water it pumps per minute, then unplugging your main pump so that the backup turns on and seeing how much it then pumps. If it pumps the same amount, you’ll know the battery is good. If not you will know that the battery is deteriorating.
It’s always recommended to get your battery changed every 4-5 years, even if it’s been properly maintained. The battery may still function after that, but it won’t be as efficient. Much better to get a new battery than risk your battery failing when you need it most.
Also, if you don’t use your battery backup it can become damaged or corroded. So it’s highly recommended that, even if you are not needing to use it, you still turn it on every now and again to stop it from overcharging.
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How to Choose The Right Battery Backup Sump Pump
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right sump pump for your house and also the battery backup. Below are the most important factors that we recommend checking before getting a battery backup sump pump:
- Quality Material – You should always make sure that the housing is properly sealed, so no water can get into the vital parts of the pump and its battery. Battery backup sump pumps often use waterproof materials such as thermoplastic or even stainless steel that are resistant to corrosion so you don’t start to have malfunctions.
- Battery Life – It’s always important to check how long the battery backup will last before you purchase the pump. You wouldn’t want to buy one that won’t last long enough to complete the job. Most manufacturers will recommend getting a marine-rated battery because those are able to function better in moisture than a standard 12-volt battery. How long a battery will last between charges depends on how much water is going into the sump pit and how many times the pump has to cycle before it’s all pumped out. A 12-volt battery will start to keep less and less charge after 4 or 5 years.
- Flow Rate – The flow rate of a sump pump is measured by the amount of water pumped as gallons per hour, so you’ll be able to check how much water is pumped every hour. The flow rate will normally be on the label for the pump so it’s important to look out for this as it also determines how much power the pump has. An average sump pump backup system will pump about 1600-2000 gallons per hour at a 10 foot lift. (This is the height required to pump water from basement level to ground level.)
- Installation – The combination unit is overall the easiest sump pump backup system to install because it combines the primary pump and the backup pump. Because they come connected you can just do one installation and will only need a basic understanding of plumbing. If you have any doubts, you can of course always contact your local plumber.
Conclusion
The lifespan of a sump pump battery varies depending on several factors such as the type of battery, the frequency of use, and the level of maintenance. However, with proper care and regular maintenance, a good quality sump pump battery can last for up to 5 years. It is important to ensure that the battery is fully charged and in good working condition to avoid any unexpected failures during a storm or power outage. Regularly testing the battery and replacing it when necessary can help to ensure that your home is protected from flooding and water damage.