A sump pump is an important appliance used to prevent flooding in basements. It works by pumping water away from the lowest point of a home’s foundation and discharging it away from the house. Having a backup sump pump is crucial in case your main one fails. Water damage from a failed sump pump can cost thousands of dollars to repair, so investing in a backup system provides essential protection.
In this article, we will explore the most cost-effective options for backing up a sump pump. We will look at battery backup pumps, water powered backup pumps, and a second electric pump plumbed in parallel. We will also consider DIY backup methods using spare pumps and hoses.
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Quick Answers:
– The cheapest backup for a sump pump is a spare pump and garden hose for around $150. This is a manual backup that requires setting up when needed.
– A battery backup sump pump costs $200-$500 and provides automatic switching but only works for several hours.
– Water powered backup pumps tap into municipal water pressure and cost $150-$300. They offer automatic backup without batteries.
– Plumbing a second electric pump in parallel can cost $250-$450 for the pump and installation. This gives automatic backup as long as power is on.
Backup Options
Here are the most common types of sump pump backup systems and their typical costs:
Spare Pump and Garden Hose
Having a spare sump pump on hand along with a garden hose and extension cord is the cheapest way to be prepared for a failed primary pump. This backup relies on getting the spare pump quickly set up before water rises too high. The spare pump is placed next to the main sump pit and its outlet hose is run outside above the flood level. An extension cord will be needed to power the spare pump.
The main costs are:
– Sump pump: $100 – $150 depending on pump size and type
– Garden hose: $20-$40 based on length
– Extension cord: $10 – $20
So for $150 or less, you can have a backup sump pump system ready for an emergency. Just be sure to test it periodically and have a plan to deploy it quickly.
Battery Backup Sump Pump
Battery backup pumps connect to the main AC power but also have a built-in battery to keep the pump running if electricity is cut off. The battery typically provides several hours of backup pumping before it needs recharging.
There are two types of battery backups:
– Integrated pump and battery in a single unit.
– Battery and charger that are added on to an existing AC pump.
Battery backup sump pumps range from $200 for smaller models up to $500 for large pumps with high capacity batteries.
The main pros of this option are the automatic switchover and extended run time compared to the spare pump. But battery eventually wears out and must be replaced.
Water Powered Backup Pump
Water powered backup pumps utilize municipal water pressure to drive the pump in a power failure. No electricity or batteries are needed for these pumps. They attach to the main water supply line and start pumping automatically when the main pump stops.
There are two types:
– Single water powered pump that replaces the main AC pump.
– Smaller water-driven backup attached to the main pump.
Water powered backup pumps cost between $150 and $300 depending on the pumping capacity. The main advantages are automatic backup without batteries, a long runtime, and low maintenance.
The main disadvantage is that water use incurs a cost on your utility bill when the backup is running.
Plumbing a Second Pump In Parallel
Adding a second electric sump pump that is plumbed in parallel to the main pump provides full backup capability. This option provides a redundancy in case the main pump fails but does require electricity to run.
Installing a second electric pump with separate piping and discharge line costs between $250-$450, including labor and the pump itself. Wired to a separate circuit, it will operate independently to handle the full water flow if the main pump stops working.
The advantage of this approach is reliability since the second pump is sized equal to the main. The disadvantage is the higher upfront cost compared to other methods.
Comparing Backup Options
Here is a comparison of the key backup sump pump options:
| Backup Method | Upfront Cost | Automatic? | Backup Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spare Pump | $100-$150 | No | Manual operation |
| Battery Backup Pump | $200-$500 | Yes | 2-10 hours typical |
| Water Powered Pump | $150-$300 | Yes | Unlimited while water pressure available |
| Second Electric Pump | $250-$450 | Yes | Unlimited unless power failure |
Key factors to consider are cost, ease of setup, and expected runtime. For maximum backup protection, installing a second pump wired to a separate circuit is ideal, but costs more. Battery backup provides automatic switchover and several hours runtime for a moderate cost. The least expensive options require more effort to deploy when needed.
Installation and Testing
Spare Pump Setup
Having a spare sump pump ready to go in an emergency takes some advance planning. Here are some tips for installing it:
– Choose a pump equal to or greater than your main pump capacity. Match key specs like discharge height and piping diameter.
– Keep the spare pump, hose, and extension cord together in an accessible spot near the sump pit.
– Install a hose adapter on the discharge pipe above the sump pit to adapt garden hose threading.
– Run the garden hose to daylight away from the house at a downhill slope for good drainage.
– Mark the hose length needed and trim excess for easy deployment.
– Develop a family action plan on how to quickly setup the backup pump.
Testing Backup Systems
Any backup sump pump needs periodic testing to verify it will work when needed. Here are testing guidelines:
– Manuel backup pumps: Test annually and after long periods of non-use. Verify the pump, hose, and power source are all functioning.
– Battery backup pumps: Test 3-4 times per year. Trigger the AC power loss sensor and let the pump run for a cycle to drain the battery somewhat.
– Water powered pumps: Test 2-4 times per year. Unplug main pump to start water powered pump. Verify adequate flow and no leaks.
– Second electric pumps: Test 2-4 times per year. Switch off breaker for the main pump and verify the backup pump comes on.
Keep a written log of testing dates and results. Replace batteries or pumps that show problems or don’t meet runtimes.
DIY Backup Options
For home tinkerers, there are some DIY options to consider for backing up your sump pump. These take more effort but can save money compared to buying commercial products.
Simple Manual Backup
As described earlier, having a spare pump with hose and extension cord provides a simple backup solution. You can purchase an inexpensive utility pump for as little as $50 if appearance doesn’t matter. Used working pumps are also widely available at thrift stores and online auctions.
Match the hose size to the pump outlet size. Look for a hose at least 25 feet long to provide flexibility on where to discharge water outside.
External Battery Pack
Small external battery packs made for charging phones and tablets can be wired to run a sump pump temporarily.
Steps include:
– Obtain a 12 volt DC sump pump, commonly used for RV and boat applications.
– Choose an external battery pack with a 12 volt output designed to hold a charge for several months. A 20,000 mAh or higher capacity is ideal.
– Use cable adapters to connect the battery pack output to the pump input.
– When AC power fails, connect the battery to trigger the DC pump.
A setup like this can provide several hours of emergency runtime for under $100 if you source used components.
Inverter and Car Battery
A large 12 volt car or marine battery can be paired with a power inverter to run an AC sump pump.
The process involves:
– Select a 12 volt battery designed for deep cycle usage. A 50-100 Ah size is typical.
– Choose a power inverter that converts 12 volt DC to 120 volt AC and is rated over 500 watts.
– Connect heavy gauge cables to link the battery to inverter.
– When power fails, connect the battery to the inverter and run AC pump off inverter output.
This backup can run a 1/3 hp pump for 6-8 hours for around $150 by using a refurbished car battery and affordable inverter.
Conclusion
Protecting your home from water damage is vital to avoid expensive repairs and property loss. Backing up a sump pump provides an essential safeguard against flooding if your main pump stops working.
While a second pump plumbed in parallel offers the most protection, it is also the most expensive option. Battery backup pumps are a moderate cost method that runs automatically for several hours. For sheer economy, a spare pump driven by an extension cord or DIY battery provides basic protection at the lowest initial cost.
The optimal backup solution depends on your budget and technical capabilities. Any backup is better than none. Take steps now to ensure your sump pump won’t leave you high and dry when you need it most. Protect your home with a reliable backup system.
