Last Updated on April 19, 2023
Are you worried about flooding your basement during a power outage? If so, it may be time to consider adding a power backup to your existing sump pump. This is a great way to remove water from your basement even if the power goes out.
Now, the question is, can you add battery backup to the existing sump pump?
You can have peace of mind with a battery backup system for your existing sump pump. Battery backup systems come in standalone and integrated options, so you can pick one that meets your needs and budget. Even during extended power outages, it’s a reliable and convenient way to power your sump pump.
Here’s how you can achieve greater peace of mind when it comes to keeping water levels low around the house with a battery backup sump pump.
How Can You Add Battery Backup to Existing Sump Pump: Easy Steps
A battery backup is an answer if you’re looking for a way to ensure your sump pump continues running even during a power outage. Installing a battery backup on an existing sump pump is relatively straightforward, requiring only a few essential tools.
This step-by-step explains how to add a battery backup to an existing sump pump, so your basement doesn’t flood.
Step 01: Determine the Type of Sump Pump You Have
Before you start the process of adding a battery backup to your sump pump, it is crucial to identify what kind of pump you have. Sump pumps can be classified into two types: pedestal and submersible.
Pedestal pumps are mounted on an above-ground structure, and their motor is not submerged in water. The motor is usually higher up, often near the ceiling or outside a basement or crawlspace wall.
On the other hand, submersible pumps are completely submerged in water inside the sump pit. These pumps are typically used for basements prone to flooding due to their lower position compared to pedestal pumps.
Determining which type of pump you own will help ensure that you purchase a compatible battery backup system for your device.
Step 02: Purchase a Battery Backup System
Once you know your sump pump’s type, purchase a battery backup system that corresponds with your device’s requirements.
A deep-cycle lead-acid battery (sometimes called a marine battery) is typically recommended as they offer strong performance and long life cycles when properly maintained and cared for. It is important to note that these kinds of batteries are rated in ampere-hours (AH).
Therefore, when choosing one, select one that has enough AH capacity to power your sump pump during power outages or prolonged periods without an electricity supply.
Step 03: Gather the Necessary Tools
Depending on the type of system you choose, it may be necessary to acquire some tools prior to installation, such as drills, screwdrivers, pipe wrenches, and other related items needed to assemble and attach parts/pieces together where applicable.
If this step applies to your setup, then it is important that all tools used should be appropriate for working with electrical systems and correctly calibrated for safety reasons before use takes place on any components involved in the installation process.
Step 04 Prepare the Area
Before embarking on adding a battery backup system for an existing sump pump, it is vital to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and avoid any damage to the components.
Turning off all power sources related to the sump pump should be your top priority. This will help prevent any accidental electrical shocks or power outages during maintenance activities.
It would also help if you cleared all obstructive objects to grant the technician the needed space while operating machinery effectively and safely. By adhering to these measures, you’re ensuring your safety and protecting the pump from any damage that may arise from work being carried out.
Step 05: Installing the Battery Backup System
After turning off the power to the sump pump at the circuit breaker and test to ensure it has been fully de-energized. Then, one must identify where the battery backup system should be installed in the power source.
Typically, this will be between the power source and the sump pump so that when the power goes out, the battery backup will take over and keep pumping water out of the pit until normal power is restored.
The instructions provided with the battery backup system should then be followed carefully to install it properly.
Step 06: Testing the System
Once a battery backup system has been installed for an existing sump pump, it is essential to test its efficacy.
This can be done by shutting off the sump pump and pouring water into the pit; if everything has been set up correctly, the battery backup should activate and begin pumping it out when enough water accumulates in the pit.
One should also check all other relevant functions, such as alarms/warnings/shutoffs, that were included with their purchased model of battery backup system to ensure they are working correctly.
If there are any issues with these functions during testing, one should refer to their manual or contact their manufacturer for further assistance before attempting any adjustments.
What Kind Of Marine Battery Is Good For Backup Sump Pumps?
There are four main types of marine batteries suitable for use as a backup sump pump:
- Wet cell (flooded) batteries are the most common and dependable, balancing cost, performance, and longevity. They need regular maintenance and require venting due to hydrogen gas emissions.
- Gel cell batteries are safer than wet cells as they do not emit gas but have a shorter lifespan and are more expensive.
- Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries provide better performance than gel cells but also come at a higher price tag.
- Lithium’s advantage is that they weigh less and tend to last longer than lead-acid batteries, yet they are priced significantly higher than the other options.
Ultimately, choosing which marine battery is most suited for a backup sump pump will depend on each consumer’s intended use and budget. For your convenience, we have a guide on choosing the best marine battery for backup sump pumps with top picks from various brands.
You can easily find the right marine battery for your backup sump pump after considering various factors, such as size, type, cost and other features. With this information, you can purchase the right one for your needs.
How Much Battery Power Do You Need To Run a Sump Pump?
The amount of battery power required to run a sump pump successfully depends on the size and type of pump being used. Generally, it is recommended that a sump pump have at least 120 amp hour (AH) of battery power available to power the device adequately.
This ensures that the sump pump will be able to work efficiently for long periods of time if necessary. Also, many people opt to use a standard vehicle battery as a backup for their sump pump, as this type of battery often has enough power to get the job done in an emergency.
How Do You Hook Up a Battery Backup to a Sump Pump?
Hooking up a battery backup to your sump pump is relatively simple and can be done with just basic tools within minutes. The first step is connecting the battery’s red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) terminal on your sump pump.
After confirming that no current is running through either cable, connect the black negative (-) cable from the battery to the black negative (-) terminal on your sump pump. Finally, turn on the circuit breaker and make sure both terminals are correctly secured before use.
How Long Will a Battery Run a Sump Pump?
New fully-charged batteries typically last approximately 5 to 7 hours when continuously pumping water out of your basement or crawl space; however, this time frame may vary depending on the model of your particular device and how much water needs to be removed each cycle.
Furthermore, when operating in non-continuous mode (i.e., powering on periodically instead of constantly), most batteries should last 1 to 3 days before recharging, depending on how frequently they are used during that period.
Do You Need a Battery Backup for the Sump Pump If You Have a Generator?
Having a generator can be beneficial when powering your sump pump and keeping your basement dry. But, it is still essential to consider having a battery backup as well. This ensures that the pump can still run in the event of an extended power outage.
The battery acts as an emergency power source, providing uninterrupted operation even if the generator runs out of fuel or malfunctions. It also eliminates noise and emissions from the generator, allowing for safer operation in enclosed spaces.
When considering a battery backup system for your sump pump, make sure that the battery is large enough to provide sufficient power over some time and is properly maintained and installed with an alarm in case levels become too low.
Do Sump Pump Batteries Need Water?
Wet-cell batteries are one of the most common types used in sump pumps and require regular maintenance when it comes to water levels. A sensor should be inserted into one of the cells so that any increase or decrease in levels can be accurately monitored.
If too much water evaporates from the cells, it can affect performance and reduce runtime, so ensuring enough water inside the cells is essential.
Refilling should be done with distilled water and adhering to manufacturer instructions regarding maintenance intervals will help ensure optimal performance over time.
Can You Add a UPS to Your Sump Pump?
A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) provides short-term protection against power outages by supplying up to 15 minutes’ worth of energy stored in its own internal battery.
But, due to their limited capacity and size, this may not be sufficient for running large appliances such as a sump pump for a significant time.
Therefore, while adding a UPS can provide some level of protection against brief outages, it is best suited for computers or other small electronics which require smaller amounts of power on an ongoing basis.
Protect Your Home from Water Damage with a Battery Backup Sump Pump System
Adding battery backup to an existing sump pump is an easy and effective way to protect your home from flooding and water damage during a power outage.
Standalone or integrated systems are both viable options depending on the type of setup you prefer and whether you want independent operation or plug-and-play convenience.
No matter which system you choose, rest assured, knowing that with battery backup, your primary sump pump will remain operational even in the event of extended power outages. Take a reliable look at your sump pump and decide what battery backup system is right for you.
