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Before your question is answered, imagine your sump pump stops working during a heavy rainstorm. What happens next? Without a backup, your basement could quickly turn into a pool!
While a sump pump backup system is not needed or required, it’s highly recommended so your basement waterproofing services are better maintained. We’ll teach you how exactly a sump pump backup system works, the different types available, their pros and cons, and how to decide if you really need one.
What Is A Sump Pump and a Sump Pump Backup System?
A sump pump system is a small pump that sits in a pit, usually at the lowest point of your basement or crawl space. Its main job is to move water away from your home before it has a chance to build up. When water collects in the pit, the pump kicks on and pushes it outside.
A sump pump backup system, on the other hand, is like an insurance policy. If the main pump fails from a power outage, mechanical breakdown, or overwhelming water flow, the backup kicks in to keep things under control if your primary sump pump is swamped.
What Are The Different Types of Sump Pump Backup Systems?
Different backup systems come with different functionalities. Where one system might work, another won’t. So, if you are deciding to get a sump pump backup system, you need to know which will serve you best. Here are the three most common types:
Battery-Powered Backup
A battery-powered backup runs on a rechargeable battery. When the power goes out or the main pump fails, the battery pump draws power from a battery to operate.
This type of backup system is ideal for homeowners who live in areas with frequent power outages or heavy storms and want a dependable backup system.
Water-Powered Backup
A water-powered backup uses your home’s water pressure, creating a strong suction to remove water from the pit. Since it doesn’t rely on electricity, it can run as long as a pressurized city water supply is working.
This backup system is ideal for homes with a reliable municipal water source, smaller sump pits, or owners who prefer a low-maintenance option that doesn’t require checking or replacing batteries.
Combination System
A combination sump pump backup system pairs a primary electric pump with a backup unit in one package. The main pump handles everyday water removal, while the backup is there to step in automatically if the primary pump fails or the power goes out. Because both pumps share the same discharge line, installation is simpler and takes up less space than adding a battery-powered or water-powered backup system later. This all-in-one setup is ideal for homeowners replacing an older pump or anyone who wants just one system instead of two!
Pros & Cons Between Sump Pump Backup Systems
Each type has strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Backup Type | How It Works | Typical Cost | Pumping Capacity | Run Time | Installation | Pros | Cons |
| Battery-Powered Backup | Uses a deep-cycle battery (75 to 120Ah [ampere-hour]) to power the pump when the main one fails. Activated by a float switch. | $250 to $600 for system + $100 to $300 for battery | 800 tp 2,000 gph depending on model | 7 to 8 hours of active pumping, often several days of intermittent use | DIY-friendly for some; professional home waterproofers install in 2 to 4 hours | Affordable upfront, effective during outages, easy to install, flexible battery capacity | Batteries need maintenance/replacement every 5 to 7 years, limited runtime, needs pit space |
| Water-Powered Backup | Uses municipal water pressure to create suction that removes sump water (1 gal removed per 2 gal used). | $350 to $700 plus plumbing installation | Typically less powerful than electric units, but continuous | Unlimited as long as municipal water is available | Usually requires professional plumber; may need code-compliant backflow preventer | Unlimited run time, no batteries to replace, low-maintenance, good for small sump pits | Won’t work with well water, less powerful, higher water bills, may not be legal in drought-prone regions |
| Combination System | Includes both a primary pump + backup (usually battery-powered) in one unit. Shares discharge line. | $600 to $1,200+ | Comparable to standalone primary + backup pumps | Battery provides 7 to 8 hours active pumping | One-time installation, simpler than piecing together separate units | One purchase for primary + backup, efficient design, space-saving, straightforward install | Higher upfront cost, still requires battery upkeep, not ideal if your primary pump is new |
Do I Need A Backup Sump Pump?
The truth is that not everyone does. But if you live in an area that experiences heavy rain or frequent storms, a sump pump backup system is more worth it than you think. Think about these scenarios:
- Do you lose power often during storms?
- Is your basement finished or used as living space?
- Would cleanup costs be expensive if water built up?
If your answer is “yes” to any of these questions, a backup pump could save you money later on so it’s probably for the best if you consider a backup system.
How Do I Pick The Right Sump Pump Backup System?
Choosing the right system depends entirely on your home and your priorities, we’ve summarized some of these priorities and suggested a system for you:
- Want low maintenance? A water-powered system could be your ideal backup system. These systems don’t need regular testing, battery top-up, or replacement every few years. They have fewer parts than battery-powered systems, so there’s less wear-and-tear.
- Need dependable backup during power outages? Go with a battery-powered system. They don’t rely on outside factors, just the stored battery. The backup pump switches on instantly as long as the battery has a charge.
- Looking for simplicity? A combination unit takes away the complexity of choosing since both pumps are installed together. It’s straightforward and already comes with your sump pump. You don’t have to figure out separate plumbing or coordinate both of the sump pump units.
When we come in to install a sump pump, we can also help you decide which backup system you need for your home and needs!
Staying Afloat
A sump pump backup system may not be the most exciting upgrade, but it’s one of the smartest. You get peace of mind just by installing it because you can rest assured knowing that you have a second system to pump water out of your home when needed. Whether or not you install the system, just remember it’s never a bad idea to!