No matter if your basement is finished or in the process of being completed, a flood is not something you want to see. Although you may have a sump pump that protects your basement from water damage and is in good working order, what happens if the power goes out?
Backup sump pumps that are battery-powered can offer you the security and peace of mind that you require. We’ll be covering everything you need to know when choosing a pump and we will also cover the top options available in our best backup sump pumps roundup.
The Best Backup Sump Pump Options
Let’s look at five of the most popular options for a backup sump pumps.
PumpSpy Technology PS1000
PumpSpy’s PS1000 sump pump is the most advanced available.
PumpSpy includes the pump, AGM batteries, and a monitoring device. It connects to PumpSpys central servers and monitors both your main pump and backup pump systems.
The PS1000 connects to your main sump pump through a 120v outlet. The PS1000 monitors your main pump to make sure it is working correctly. The PS1000 kicks on automatically when there is a power cut and starts pumping.
The pump has an audible alarm. This alarm sounds if the main system is down or if you have an additional alert for your backup pump.
The PS1000 can pump between 1,625 to 2,4,501 Liters an hour depending on how high your sump is. It is large and powerful and can run for up to 166 hours if the pump cycles every five minute.
The battery life will decrease dramatically if the pump is required to cycle on and off more often. You will only get five and a quarter hours of use out of your pump if it is always on.
The PumpSpy app is also included with this pump, so you can monitor it from your smartphone.
What We Like
- Constant central station monitoring
- Uses your main pump in conjunction
- When power is restored, battery automatically recharges
Wayne ESP25
Wayne is synonymous with quality sump pumps. This company is the industry leader and you can expect reliability and quality.
Wayne’s most loved backup is the ESP25. The ESP25 was recently redesigned to offer even more value for the user. The original ESP25 was made of plastic. The new model has an epoxy steel body with a cast iron base that adds durability.
This backup unit can pump up to 2,4,091 Liters of ground power per hour. These figures will vary depending on how high your sump is. If you have a 25 cm lift, your pump will only produce 1,3,091 Liters an hour.
The ESP25 pump is made in France. It comes with a 2-year warranty for any problems. The ESP25 also has audible alarms to alert you of any system changes.
This pump is made in France using high quality components. It is one of the most reliable and quietest pumps on the market.
The pump comes without a battery. To run the pump, you will need a separate 75-amp battery. You will need to purchase a Wayne battery in addition to the cost of your system.
Wayne’s reputation for excellence may make it a little more expensive than the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you are covered in case your main pump stops working.
What could be better?
- It doesn’t include a battery
Zoeller Aquanot 508
Zoeller is a brand that has a reputation for reliability and quality that can rival Wayne. Their most reliable and popular sump pumps is the 508-0005. This is a smart choice as your next backup pump.
This pump is made of solid construction and hand-assembled in America. Although many components are made of plastic, the pump has a solid aluminum seal pocket for durability and a cooling plate.
The control box has overcharge and burnout protection. The control box also has lights, alarms, and warning systems to keep you informed about the status of your pump. The large LCD screen displays the status of the pump at all times.
The model comes with a set dry contacts, which allow you to connect the backup pump to an existing home security system or station monitoring.
The large battery compartment allows for the pump to be used with 12v batteries up 33 cm long by 7 cm wide
The unit can pump a maximum of 2,1,546 Liters an hour at a five foot lift. This gives it enough power to power almost any installation. The Aquanot 508 comes with a 3-year warranty. This will cover any issues that may arise with the pump.
What could be better?
- Doesnt include battery
Superior Pump 92900
Superior Pump’s pump is a great option if you are looking for a low-cost model that still offers powerful features and power.
This sump pump is ideal for small basements. It can pump a maximum of 1,728 Liters an hour. This pump features thermoplastic construction, including float switch and battery case. This model can be used with any AGM, deep cycle marine or deep-cycle battery.
Simple electronics make it easy to use. You’ll find connections for the pump, float switch and AC charger. To alert you of any change in the pump’s performance, an alarm with a loud volume of 87 decibels is provided. If you prefer, the alarm can be muted.
Although this pump isn’t as powerful or as reliable as other pumps, it’s still very affordable and reliable. This pump is worth looking at if your basement is smaller.
Liberty Pumps Model 441
Liberty Pumps’ 441 model combines quality construction with affordable components to make a pump that is both reliable and cost-effective.
The pump can handle a maximum of 1,182 Liters an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for basements with smaller spaces. The switch is compact and vertical, making it ideal for smaller installations.
The kit includes the submersible pumps, a battery box, a control panel and an automatic switch. It is compatible with any AGM or deep cycle marine battery of 27-31 inches. The pump can be connected to 1 or 1 connections by a tee, check-valve and bushings.
This 1 amp battery charger is advanced and has overcharging, reverse-polarity and short circuit protection. It recharges your battery fast and efficiently.
This pump can provide up to six days backup operation depending on the frequency of the battery cycling and the lift on the sump. It is great for severe storms or longer power outages.
The warranty on this model is three years.
What We Like
- Reliable operation
- Pumps can be left on for up to six consecutive days without power
- Strong warranty
You can choose from one of the many options in our list or choose a completely different model. However, there are important considerations and features you need to consider when choosing the right backup sump pump to fit your basement.
A Backup Sump Pump Is Essential
If your basement is not finished, a backup sump pumps can be a smart investment.
Your basement’s sump pump is designed to drain any excess water. Your home must have electricity. Your sump pump is useless if the power goes out.
A battery backup pump is a great solution. These pumps work when you most need them. When your main pump is out of power, these pumps start pumping water. These backup pumps will ensure that your basement is dry and clean even when you lose power.
Your backup pump may not be able to provide enough power for 360+ days. They are worth it for the few days when you experience severe weather or power outages.
Type Of Battery
You will need to consider the type of pump you are using. AGM and deep cycle marine batteries are the two main types of batteries that are available.
Deep cycle marine batteries look very similar to those found in old cars. However, you will need to keep the cell hydrated to make them work properly. AGM batteries are able to harness the latest technologies and operate without any maintenance.
AGM batteries are also more durable than deep-cycle marine batteries, and can last for longer periods before needing to be replaced.
Materials
The next step is to choose the material from which the pump will be made. Most backup sump pumps are made of one of two materials, cast iron or plastic.
Cast iron pumps are much more durable than plastic ones, as you can see. Cast iron pumps are far more durable than plastic pumps.
Output
You should also be concerned about the pump’s output. If you look at backup pumps of people, you will see that they often pump less than the main pump. This is a recipe to disaster.
Most likely, your backup pump will only be used when you are dealing with severe weather. You don’t want a weak pump that can’t handle the water coming in.
If you are looking for a backup pump make sure it has the same output as your main pump.
Power Type
There are two types available: AC/DC pumps and DC-only pumps.
An AC/DC pump can be plugged into a wall outlet and will draw power until it is restored to normal. The pump will only switch to battery power if there is a power outage.
Because the pump is powered by an outlet, it won’t drain the battery. This makes them last longer.
DC pumps cannot be plugged in to a wall outlet and are powered solely by their batteries.
Although a DC-only pump might be suitable for you, the battery must be replaced more frequently because it is always in use. You may find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a dead pump battery.
Size
The size of your backup system can also play a significant role depending on how large your sump is.
A small sump will require a compact pump.
Some pumps require space to function properly. To ensure that your pump functions properly, you will need enough space in your sump.
FAQ
Q. Do I need a backup sump pump?
A: Technically, no.
Some people are extremely lucky and have basements so solid that flooding and leakage will not be an issue. You are probably not one of these people.
A battery backup pump will ensure that you have the support you need in case your main pump is damaged by severe weather. It is usually worth the investment, as it can prevent damage that could cost thousands of dollars to your home in future.
Q. Where do I put a backup pump?
A: The backup pump will be installed inside your sump. It will likely be next to your main sump pumps. It is important that the backup pump fits in your sump as it will be there.
Q. How long do battery backup pumps last?
A: Your new backup pump should be well maintained and last many years. AGM batteries outlast deep cycle marine batteries and AC/DC pumps.
While your backup pump should last many years, it is possible that the battery within your backup pump may need to be replaced several times during its lifetime. AGM batteries can last between 5-7 years and then need to be replaced, while deep-cycle marine batteries require more frequent replacements.
Q. How Much Should I Spend on a Backup Pump?
A: As with everything, your budget and needs will determine how much you’ll spend on a backup pump.
These budget-friendly pumps are affordable.
While top-of the-line models can be purchased for as low as €0, they offer a wide range of features and provide the security you need when shopping for a sump pump.
The Final Word
You must consider reliability, power, and ease of use when looking for the best basement backup sump pump. It is crucial that the pump you select has the power to pump the basement’s water.
Other factors such as warranty, build materials, and battery compatibility, are also worth taking into consideration.
Each of the five most popular pumps we have covered makes a strong case for why it is a smart choice in your basement. There can only be one winner. The Wayne ESP25 model is our pick for the best backup sump pumps.
Wayne’s outstanding reputation for excellence and high pumping power make the ESP25 our top choice for a backup sump. They also provide the security you need in times of severe weather.
You may find that a different type of pump suits your home better than the ESP25. We recommend that you evaluate each pump carefully, weighing the brand’s reputation, build quality, warranty length, and pumping power. Check out these tool guides. Information on snow blowers, chainsaws and circular saws can be found here.
