When choosing a battery backup sump pump, there are a number of aspects that need to be considered. Durability and reliability are the main ones. It’s important for a top sump pump to be long-running and should be able to remove the water as quickly as possible. Below are the things that we consider in our battery backup sump pump reviews. 

  • Material

When going for a battery backup sump pump, pick the one made up of heavy-duty thermoplastic or stainless steel or some other waterproof substances, which are resistant to corrosion. Make sure the housing is sealed properly to prevent any moisture from seeping into the components of the pump. 

  • Type of battery backup sump pump

It mainly has two variants, the submersible and the pedestal one. 

  • Submersible:

The submersible pump is settled in the pump pit on the basement floor. So, when the water enters the pit its level starts to rise. When it reaches a certain level, it starts to pump the water onto the surface. 

  • Pedestal: 

The Pedestal pump, unlike the submersible one, sits on a column (2-3 feet tall). The base of the pedestal in turn fits in the sump pump pit. Since this pump sits at a higher level and is above the water, it has to be resistant to moisture. However, it need not be waterproof like a submersible sump pump. 

  • Battery and Durability.

The usual batteries used are acid-free, 12-volt batteries, whereas some recommend marine-rated ones ( meant to resist moisture longer than the standard variant). The power of the battery can be measured in terms of amp-hours, which go by the rule of “the higher, the better.” An average 12-volt battery ranges from 40-80 amp-hours and even more. Another factor that determines the battery’s runtime is the amount of water it needs to pump out and the frequency with which it needs to do so. 

Also, it is necessary to change the battery every 4-5 years as the pump’s runtime is reduced as the battery becomes older. 

  • The capacity of the pump

Also known as Gallon-per-hour (GPH). It refers to the maximum quantity of gallons of water it can pump out in an hour, provided the battery is completely charged. The amount is generally mentioned in the description or the pump’s label. It is directly correlated to the horsepower of the pump. Most of the battery backup pumps usually can remove up to 1800-2000 GPH at a 10 feet level which is the height essential for removing water from beneath the basement to floor level.

  • Ease of Installation

Installing any type of pump can be difficult, and battery sump pumps are no exception. You either need to have a fundamental knowledge of plumbing techniques, or need to hire a licensed plumber for it. The installation usually works as per the rules set by the community you live in. One of the simplest approaches to installing a battery backup pump is installing it as a combination unit. It consists of the battery backup pump along with the primary pump, which eliminates the need to split the drain pipe for installing the secondary pump separately. 

Our Top Preferences 

A battery backup pump that is durable and strong enough to safeguard your basement from water damage in case of a power outage is and should be the top priority.