Last Updated on June 21, 2023
Are you worried about your basement flooding in heavy rain? Or do you simply want to boost the redundancy and peace of mind when protecting your home from water damage? If so, then you should definitely consider installing two sump pumps in your house.
Just like an extra layer of clothing when it’s cold, a secondary sump pump can give your home a little bit more protection, especially if you live near water or have a large area to keep secure. Not only can it save time and money from potential failures, but it also provides peace of mind for years ahead.
Read on if you want to learn more about why two pumps are better than one and how they ensure added home security.
Why Would a House Have Two Sump Pumps: Reasons
Homeowners with wet basements should take extra precautions to guard against flooding by investing in a second sump pump. After all, nothing ruins your day faster than stepping into an unexpected pool of water.
The following are some main reasons to install two sump pumps:
#ONE: Backup in Case of Primary Pump Failure
Sump pumps can malfunction or break down over time due to wear and tear or power outages. Without the help of a working sump pump, serious flooding can occur in the basement, damaging a home and its contents.
To prevent this, homeowners may choose to install a backup sump pump in case the primary pump fails or malfunctions unexpectedly. This provides extra protection against flooding should anything happen to the primary pump.
#TWO: High Water Table
Properties located on high water tables are at risk of flooding during heavy rain or snow melt due to groundwater close to the soil surface. As such, installing two sump pumps is often necessary when dealing with high water tables as it helps prevent water from entering the basement or crawl space and keeps water levels in check.
Even if one pump fails, homeowners have enough protection from flooding by installing a secondary backup pump.
#THREE: Large Basement
Larger basements may require more than one sump pump, depending on their size and location relative to local water tables. Installing a second pump provides extra protection against potential floods due to its higher capacity for pumping out large amounts of water quickly and efficiently.
Also, having multiple backups ensures that there’s always power available should one malfunction or break down unexpectedly, lowering your risk of flooding in the biggest room in your house.
#FOUR: Having Peace of Mind
When installing two sump pumps, homeowners gain peace of mind knowing that there is a backup should one fail. The additional layers of redundancy protect against floods due to mechanical malfunctioning or failure, thus keeping the basement dry at all times.
Furthermore, basements are often used for storage space or even living quarters, so protecting them from flooding is paramount for both financial reasons and comfort levels.
#FIVE: Heavy Rainfall Areas
In areas where heavy rainfall can frequently occur, having two separate pumps can help ensure sufficient pumping power is available when it rains heavily. An extra sump pump helps provide adequate protection against flooding during these times when a single one might not be enough.
The efficiency of pumping out excess water is also increased by having two pumps running simultaneously instead of just one.
What Are the Benefits of Having Two Sump Pumps In a Home?
Installing two pumps in a home is an effective and economical way to safeguard against potential flooding, with multiple benefits.
Here are five advantages to having two sump pumps:
Enhanced Pumping Capacity: Having two sump pumps gives you greater protection from floods and heavy rainfalls. They can handle larger volumes of water entering the sump basin, significantly reducing the likelihood of basement flooding.
Longer Pump Lifespan: By using two separate pumps instead of one, each pump will experience less stress and strain, leading to an extended pump lifespan and fewer replacement costs overall. This cost-saving solution can save you hundreds in the long run.
Better Protection for Finished Basements: Many finished basements have valuable items, like furniture and electrical wiring, that could be damaged by flooding if something goes wrong. Backup pumps ensure that even if one fails, the other will protect your basement from water damage.
Cost-Effective Solution: Installing a battery backup sump pump may seem expensive at first, but it’s actually more cost-effective than replacing a failed single pump because it eliminates the risk of water damage caused by a single pump failure which could be very costly in the long run.
Improved Resale Value: Buyers are looking for homes with two sump pumps to prevent flooding and water damage, especially in flood-prone areas or areas with high rainfall. Due to their reliability and efficiency in protecting against water damage, two sump pumps can significantly increase your home’s resale value.
Some Common Misconceptions About Multiple Sump Pumps?
Homeowners are missing out on the many advantages of installing multiple sump pumps, yet there is still a lot of confusion around them. It’s time to set aside some common misconceptions and inform homeowners of this valuable resource.
1. Multiple sump pumps are only necessary for large properties: Having multiple sump pumps is not just necessary for large properties but can also benefit smaller ones. With multiple pumps, your property can be better protected from flooding, even if it’s prone to it.
2. Multiple sump pumps are redundant: While it may seem redundant to have multiple sump pumps, it’s actually a smart move. With backup power sources and additional capacity when needed, these units can safeguard against flooding in emergency situations.
3. All sump pumps are the same: Choosing the correct sump pump for your property is critical to ensure it can handle whatever weather comes its way. Submersible and pedestal pumps are popular models, each offering its own unique set of benefits.
4. Sump pumps don’t need maintenance: As the seasons change, keeping up with maintenance for your sump pump is essential. Ensure you check the main pump and its backup battery system frequently. This will help ensure that everything is running smoothly.
5. Multiple sump pumps are expensive: Installing dual pumps may be a more expensive upfront cost, but it can save you from major financial headaches. Water damage and repairs are easily avoided if your home has two effective pumps protecting against floods.
6. Sump pumps can handle any amount of water: While sump pumps are effective for preventing flooding, they can only handle so much water and should not be considered a failsafe solution. It’s important to understand their limitations to avoid any potential damage.
Does the Placement of the Sump Pumps Affect Their Performance?
The placement of sump pumps definitely affects their performance. When a sump pump is in an optimal position, it can draw up water more efficiently and quickly. The sump pump basin should be placed at the lowest point of the sump pit to ensure that water will naturally flow there due to gravity.
It is important to check by sight and then use a level tool to ensure the basin is correctly positioned at a downward slope. This will ensure the pump can pull more water out quickly, preventing flooding or water damage.
It can also help reduce wear and tear on the pump itself if it works less hard to draw out water. Proper placement of sump pumps is essential for optimal performance and longevity.
Is It Possible to Run Two Sump Pumps At Once?
Having two sump pumps running simultaneously is not recommended due to potential damage to both pumps. When two sump pumps are run simultaneously, they cycle more often than usual. This can cause them to overwork and wear out faster than normal, reducing their lifespan.
Besides that, they’ll compete for suction, so neither submersible pump can pull as much water as if operated independently. In some cases, having multiple pumps running simultaneously may be difficult to meet the power requirements for two sump pumps, so you may need to add wiring or upgrade your service panel.
Does Buying a House With Multiple Sump Pumps Make Sense?
Investing in a house with multiple pumps can be a wise decision, as it can provide added protection against basement flooding. Sump pumps are designed to collect and pump water away from the basement, preventing costly damage.
We already know a single sump pump can’t handle significant rainstorms or melting snow, so installing multiple pumps can ensure your dry basement. Having multiple sump pumps installed in a house also allows them to take turns working while the others rest, thus prolonging their life expectancy.
Essential Backup: Secondary Pump Guarantees Uninterrupted Flow
Protecting your home from flooding and moisture damage is crucial, and installing two sump pumps is an effective way to do so. It offers extra protection in case of a primary sump pump failure and promotes peace of mind during heavy rain or power outages.
Homeowners can save themselves from costly repairs by taking proactive measures like this. Investing in reliable and efficient sump pump systems is a smart choice for anyone who wants to safeguard their property and its contents.
With the information we’ve shared, we hope you can decide whether two sump pumps are right for your home.
