![5 Best Battery Backups for Existing Sump Pumps [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzI3OjIyNg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2MjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjYyOCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
As technology advances, more and more homeowners are making the switch from traditional sump pumps to battery backups. A battery backup for a sump pump is a great investment for any home, as it can help keep your basement dry during a power outage or other emergency. If you’re considering purchasing a battery backup for your existing sump pump, check out our list of the five best options on the market in 2023.
Sump pumps can become your worst enemy after a power outage, but they may also be your greatest protectors. Fortunately, we now have a variety of options to ensure that our sump pumps continue to function in the event of a power outage.
The simplest way to do so is with batteries. You may either install a battery backup sump pump that works straight off the bat, or you can utilize an inverter to convert the juice from your batteries into the form needed by your main pump. This may offer you more protection without requiring the installation of another pump in the pit.
In this post, I’ll reveal to you which battery backup is ideal for existing sump pumps of both kinds. I’ll also address some questions you may have about them. So let’s get started.
Wayne ESP25 Upgraded 12-Volt Battery Backup System, Black
Benefits: 1680 gallons per hour at 10 feet, Has audible alarm
Zoeller 508-0005 Aquanot 508 Battery Back-Up System
Benefits: 2040 gallons per hour at 10 feet, Comes with audible alarm, Aluminum seal pocket & cooling plate, Quick disconnect discharge.
PumpSpy PS2000 WiFi Battery Backup Sump Pump
Benefits: Automatically recharges a battery When AC Power is restored with a powerful 10 Amp built-in charger, Automatically switches over to battery power when AC power goes out. The PumpSpy 75 Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery (not included) is recommended.
Benefits: It comes with versatile temprature range, shock & vibration resistance, 15-20 minute installation, protection from output overloads, manufactured domestically.
PumpSpy 1500W Primary Sump Pump Backup Power System
Benefits: Automatically switches over to battery power when AC power goes out, Generates a Pure Sine Wave 120 VAC voltage to reliably power your primary sump pump, Can be used as a power inverter for many applications requiring backup power.
Which battery backup is right for your house?
Before we get started, if you’re not familiar with the difference between DC power and AC power, DC is what you receive from a battery, while AC comes from your home’s electricity outlet. There are two distinct methods for adding a backup battery to an existing primary pump:
1. Battery backup sump pump
You’ll need a separate power source for each pump, and you should use an extension cord. Each pump must be powered by its own battery or generator. If you already have a sump pump installed, this is the setup to choose. You’ll need to place the second pump within the basin since there won’t be enough space below it for both of them.
The float switch for the backup pump is generally set a few inches higher than the on point of the primary so it activates only when the water level rises excessively. Because you’ll be using it when the major pump is down, make sure it has the same capacity as the original. Otherwise, the water will eventually reach its limit and overflow.
There are also combination sump pump systems, which combine both the backup and primary into a single unit. If your original pump is nearing the end of its life and you want to ensure that two pumps can fit in the basin, this is an excellent option due to their increased compactness.
2. Power inverter
The first configuration has restrictions. First, you’ll need enough additional room in the pit. Second, you’ll either need to hire a plumber or do some labor yourself. Finally, because most DC backup pumps are designed to work with less than 2500 GPH of water incoming, you’ll need to have less than that coming in.
Power inverters eliminate all three issues by providing your main pump with continuous power regardless of interruptions. When picking an inverter, it’s critical to choose one that includes an auto switch and charger, such as the ones shown above, so that they operate automatically without you having to go down into the basement every time.
Best Battery Backup for Existing Sump Pumps:
1. Wayne ESP25 Upgraded Battery Backup System
The Wayne ESP25 is the greatest battery-powered sump pump for keeping your basement dry while the primary pump is down. It’s powerful and durable, exactly what you want in a backup sump pump.
The ESP25 is an older model of the pump with a thermoplastic construction that has been replaced by the ESP35. It now features epoxy-coated steel housing and a cast iron base for better weather protection.
The 5-gallon per minute (GPM) capacity, which is about the same as your typical ⅓ HP sump pump, makes it ideal for slowly drawing water out of your basement. If you have around 5 gallons per minute of water coming into your basement and a 1680-gal gallon hour capacity at 10 feet, expect it to operate for approximately 26 hours on a single charge of battery.
This sump pump has all of the features you’ll need for a dependable backup sump pump, including an audible alarm and a status display screen. This one’s just right if your water isn’t too light or strong.
It also includes an automatic charger so you never have to worry about it running out of juice, and it’s backed by a 3-year warranty.
2. Zoeller Aquanot Spin 508
It’s tough to discuss sump pumps without referring to Zoeller, one of the most reputable manufacturers in the business. The Aquanot 508 is a tried-and-true 12-volt backup sump pump that has been proven. It can pump 2,100 GPH at a height of 10 feet and can operate for 6 hours continuously.
The computerized sump pump is powered by a controller, which takes care of the system’s automatic charging and protection. It also has self-testing mechanisms built in to ensure that the sump pump is working properly every day of the year.
Like the Wayne, it includes a low battery warning and an alarm to let you know when it’s time for some assistance. It’s a little more expensive, but it also has slightly greater pumping capacity, which might be useful in your basement. rises.
It’s also a great choice if you want the best customer support in the business, as Zoeller is well-known for its responsive and helpful staff.
3. PumpSpy PS2000 WiFi Battery Backup Sump Pump
The PumpSpy PS2000 is one of the newest sump pumps on the market and one of the most innovative. It’s a WiFi-enabled sump pump that gives you remote access to your basement from anywhere in the world.
You can monitor your basement’s moisture level, and battery life, and even customize how often you’d like to receive alerts. The PS2000 also has an impressive 2,280 GPH pumping capacity at 10 feet.
If you want a sump pump that will give you some extra peace of mind, the PumpSpy PS2000 is the way to go. It’s also backed by a 1-year warranty, which is shorter than most but still shows that the company stands behind its product.
The controller’s main functions include preventing flood damage, controlling pump action as soon as possible after flooding is detected and before further damage can be caused by the water, monitoring the status of it for you throughout the day to send notifications if something goes wrong, and keeping track of when your sprinkler system was last turned on or off. It does a check every 48 hours to see whether everything is OK so you can react to problems immediately rather than waiting for flooding to occur. If your connection goes down, their server sends you an alert that they cannot reach your pump, which is most likely the case during an outage.
This program is designed to help you monitor every aspect of your irrigation system, from the pump to the sprinklers. It will also track daily pump cycles, last cycle time, estimated gallons pumped, and total cycles by date, giving you a much better picture of your system. The catch is that it costs more than the previous two software programs. Is it worth spending extra money for that peace of mind? That’s up to you to decide.
4. SEC America PumpSentry 822 PS
The SEC America PumpSentry 822 is one of the most affordable sump pumps on our list. It’s also one of the lightest, weighing in at just 11 pounds.
This sump pump is designed for use in basements that are susceptible to flooding. It has a 1/3 horsepower motor that can move up to 2,900 gallons of water per hour. The PumpSentry 822 also includes an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in when the water level gets too high.
This sump pump is also unique because it comes with a lifetime warranty. That means if anything goes wrong with the pump, you can send it back to SEC America and they will replace it free of charge.
The PumpSentry 822 PS is the best sump pump inverter you can buy for the money. It’s a very dependable 1200W power inverter with a charger that can handle up to 1/2 HP sump pumps. A popular choice for emergency backup power, it’s a favorite among pros and homeowners alike.
The 36,000mAh battery keeps the fan running for up to eight hours on a single charge. It has battery status indicators and a low battery alarm that you can hear from your kitchen. It isn’t particularly inexpensive, but what it offers is complete peace of mind in the midst of storms. Something only a top-quality product can provide.
5. PumpSpy Primary Sump Pump Backup Power System
The PumpSpy Primary Sump Pump Backup Power System is one of the most comprehensive backup power systems on the market. It includes a battery backup unit, an alarm system, and a water-powered backup pump.
The battery backup unit can power your sump pump for up to 48 hours in the event of a power outage. The alarm system will notify you if the water level in your basement gets too high. And the water-powered backup pump can kick in if the primary pump fails or if the power goes out.
This system is designed for serious flooding situations. If you live in an area that’s prone to hurricanes or severe storms, this is the sump pump backup system for you.
PumpSpy’s customer service is outstanding. They offer a 60-day money-back guarantee and a three-year warranty on their products.
The PumpSpy Primary Sump Pump Backup Power System is the best backup power system you can buy. It’s comprehensive, reliable, and backed by great customer service. If you’re looking for peace of mind during severe weather, this is the sump pump backup system for you.
Things To Consider Before Purchase:
1. Build Quality
The battery backup sump pump and inverter must have outstanding build quality. Before we look at their characteristics and performance, we must ensure that it has an excellent structure with no obvious manufacturing flaws. The pumps must be resistant to corrosion and accumulation while also being robust enough to resist impact and erosion. In the case of the inverter, they should be able to tolerate the dampness in the basement.
Some components, such as the motor housing, must be made of materials that are suitable for their function. Aside from keeping what’s inside safe, the motor housing should also promote heat transfer to keep the engine cool at all times. The float switch on the pump must be puncture- and dirt-resistant as well. The battery box must also be resistant to damage and dirt accumulation.
2. Performance
We need a strong backup sump pump that can keep the water supply from overflowing the pit. It must be able to move nearly as much water as the primary pump in order to provide comparable protection when the primary fails. As a result, you should also choose a backup pump with a similar capacity to your primary one.
Because the battery power is restricted, it must also be highly efficient, which means that it can function for longer on a single charge. You don’t want your battery juice to run out before you get a chance to use it.
3. Features
A sump pump’s battery backup necessitates the use of a complete sump pump kit. As a result, it is generally equipped with a few more surprises in comparison to the primary.
A float switch, in addition to other features such as sensors, alarms, chargers, and indications, may provide you with a clear picture of the system’s current condition. There are also remote alert systems from far more sophisticated pumps like the PumpSpy that might be quite useful for people who have to go away frequently.
4. Ease of Installation
The final factor to consider is the installation. If you want assistance with the installation of backup sump pump systems, plumbers and other experts (you may hire one through TaskRabbit) can assist you. Because so many of us are installing the pump on our own, a simple-to-install pump or inverter is a huge help.
If you don’t have enough space in your basement for a battery-operated sump pump, consider placing it alongside the existing pump. You may need to shift the primary as needed to accommodate the new device.
However, in the long run, inverters are significantly easier to install and will most likely cost less in installation costs if you have to hire someone. All you have to do is hang it on the wall or a raised surface and connect the batteries and connect to the outlet.
Frequently Ask Questions:
What if the electricity goes out for several days?
Because the sump pump battery only lasts for a few hours to a few days, you can’t count on it to keep the basement dry for an extended period of time. There are only two things you can do in advance of something like this happening:
Prepare a spare battery – perhaps the simplest and cheapest way to prepare for a longer power outage. Keep a battery on hand or connect them in parallel.
If your region is prone to extended power outages that last for days, you may use a sump pump generator. The greatest you can do in such an instance is to acquire a generator, so you can run your pump as long as you have fuel. You could also utilize it to keep food cold and the AC operating.
What kind of batteries do you recommend I use with this?
The type of battery that’s ideal for sump pump use is a deep cycle marine battery, and the best option is an AGM-type battery that doesn’t require any attention. It works well with sump pump power requirements.
A battery backup sump pump requires a minimum of a 75 amp hour battery to run for at least 5 hours. Of course, I suggest the 100 AH versions for a longer operating duration.
You could go with two 50 AH batteries in parallel for a total of 100 AH, but I prefer a single 100 AH battery for its longer operating duration and easier maintenance.
What is the warranty like?
The warranty on backup sump pumps varies by manufacturer, but most offer at least a one-year warranty. Some companies offer limited lifetime warranties on their products. If you’re looking for the best possible warranty, check out the Zoeller M53 which offers a 3-year warranty.
How often should I test my sump pump backup system?
I recommend testing your sump pump backup system at least once a year to ensure that it’s working properly. Many people choose to do this before the start of the rainy season.
To test your sump pump backup system, simply pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and see if the pump turns on. If it doesn’t, check the batteries to make sure they’re charged, and then check the connections to ensure they’re tight.
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Conclusion:
If you live in an area where power outages are frequent, I would highly recommend investing in a battery backup sump pump system. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but it could also save your basement from flooding.
I hope this guide has helped you understand everything you need to know about choosing the best battery backup sump pump for your needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to help.
Thanks for reading!
