How Do You Back Up a Sump Pump?

After water floods into your basement, as a homeowner you are left with the cost of repairing water damage to your flooring, walls and furniture—not to mention the fact that you may lose valuables stored in your basement.

If you have insurance, you may be spared the worst of the impact on your wallet. But by preventing flooding from occurring in the first place, you can have ultimate peace of mind even during the worst flooding events.

Sump pumps are the first line of defense against flooding catastrophe in Columbus, IN, but they can get overwhelmed during a large-scale flooding event. To best prevent water damage and ensure your basement is secure, consider installing a backup sump pump.

Why do I need a backup sump pump?

Flooding disasters can create problems for the primary mechanisms in the main sump pump. The power may be cut off as a safety measure meant to keep electricity from transmitting through water, effectively cutting off functionality to the sump pump. Or, debris and dirt can cause blockages, impacting the flow of water to the drainage pipe.

Furthermore, if you live in an area that sees freezing temperatures often, sump pump discharge lines may freeze and create blockages. All of these problems can easily overwhelm the main sump pump.

Thankfully, a backup sump pump keeps water draining at a constant rate while your main sump pump is receiving maintenance or waiting for the power source to be turned back on. With a backup sump pump in place, you have increased assurance that flooding will not harm your home.

What types of backup sump pumps are available to me?

A battery-operated sump pump provides extra security against flooding in the case of an associated power outage. During a large storm that may cause flooding, power may also be lost as power lines go down. This will put the main sump pump out of commission until power is returned.

Batteries operate independently of other power sources and are less likely to be affected in a major disaster. Usually, a battery-operated sump pump can keep a sump pump working for up to eight hours. This keeps the water draining until the power comes back on and the main sump pump is able to take over again.

A water-powered sump pump works in conjunction with your water source to provide backup relief when the main sump pump goes out. As long as your water source maintains a pressure of between 50 and 80 psi, the backup sump pump can use this pressure to drain excess water from your basement.

For expert installation, seek professional assistance

Don’t wait for a disaster to install a backup sump pump. Prepare your house and family for the worst by working with the experts to identify and implement the best defense system against flooding for your home.

Plumbing contractors in Columbus, IN can help advise and install the best backup sump pumps for you. For a list of backup sump pumps to fit your needs, contact Barr Plumbing Service, Inc. today.

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