Failed Battery Backup Systems
Why Battery Backup Systems Fail -- And How To Avoid This Problem
Car batteries lose their charge when sitting on a basement floor for a prolonged period of time.
The key to a long-lasting system is to find one that will stay potent for when you need it.
Sooner or later, your primary sump pump system is going to fail. When it does, homeowners must be able to count on a battery backup system to carry them through the storm.
Every basement sump pump should have at least one battery backup system installed. Even if the power never fails, a battery backup is still an invaluable part of your waterproofing system.
When You Need A Backup System:
- Heavy Rains Knock Out The Power
- A Fuse Is Blown
- The Primary Pump Is Accidentally Unplugged
- The Primary Pump Fails
- Heavy Rains Overwhelm The Primary Pump
Of course, if your backup system stops working, your basement is going to flood anyways. But what can you do to avoid a battery backup system failure?
At Basement Systems, we specialize in high-quality, long-lasting battery backup sump pump systems. Our award-winning systems are just what you need to prevent basement flooding and put your mind at ease.
Whether you live in Canada or the United States, we have a locally owned and operated dealer ready to offer you a free basement waterproofing estimate! Each of our dealers has been professionally trained and certified at our International Headquarters and has exclusive access to our line of Patented, Warrantied Products in your area.
How Long Does It Last?
How long your battery backup will last depends on how hard it's raining when the power is out, and how much water is in the ground under your home.
Our battery backup system is designed to pump out more than 11,500 gallons -- so powerful that we tested it by pumping out an entire swimming pool!
An Effective Battery Backup System
A battery backup system is needed most often when heavy rains have resulted in a power outage, or the primary sump pump is overwhelmed by heavy water volumes during a rain event.
Therefore, an effective battery backup system should be long-lasting and powerful enough to pump enough water out of your basement to keep the space dry when water volumes are heavy. Makes sense, right?
The system should also be equipped with an alarm system, which can sound off to warn you that your backup system is in use. This gives time to check your primary pump call for service. Otherwise, your battery backup system will run until it dies, and then your basement will still flood!
Automatic Generator-Powered Systems
Hooking your sump pump system up to a generator system is a good idea if you're already planning to have an automatic one permanently installed.
Automatic generators need to be wired by an electrician -- the total cost will be between $7,000 and $10,000.
If you decide to opt for a generator-powered system during power outages, remember that you will also need a second sump pump installed that can turn on in the event that the primary system fails.
Are Portable Generators A Good Option To Power My Sump Pump?
Alternatively, you can spend about $400 and purchase a portable generator unit. However, since this system is not automatic, you will need to be both home -- and awake -- when the rain starts to operate your sump pump system.
To operate the generator, you'll need to drag it outside (in the rain), gas it up, start it, and run an extension cord down to your sump pump system. Who wants to do that every few weeks?
Our UltraSump® Battery Backup Sump Pump
The UltraSump® system is a powerful battery backup sump pump system that is designed for long-lasting protection in your basement.
Our system has been tested to pump out as much as 12,181 gallons of water on a new battery. Additional batteries can be added on to your system for even more pumping power.
The UltraSump® also includes an alarm system that sounds off when it cycles on, so you can respond. It is also able to attach to some home alarm systems, so you can get a phone call from anywhere you happen to be.
More about our UltraSump® Battery Backup System
Is A Battery Backup System Enough on Its Own?
A battery backup system is an important piece of a complete sump pump system -- no system should be without one. However, if you want to be fully protected, you'll need one more piece to the system: A secondary sump pump.
At Basement Systems, we recommend installing a powerful secondary sump pump with each waterproofing system.This will maximize your protection -- with two pumps working together to keep heavy water volumes down without the limitation of a battery charge. This is the best way to keep your basement dry during a heavy rain event.
A secondary sump pump will also be able to run without the limitation of a battery charge if your primary sump pump fails for any reason -- including clogging, mechanical failure, and overheating.
What's Keeping Your Basement Dry? |
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| The Problem | Primary Sump Pump | Secondary Pump | Battery Backup |
| Normal Rainfall |  |
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| Heavy Rain Overwhelms Primary Pump |
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| Complete Power Failure |  |
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| Primary Pump Failure | |
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| Primary & Secondary Pump Failure |
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What We Do NOT Recommend
There are millions upon millions of basements and crawl spaces out there, and a great many of them flood. Because of this, waterproofing these spaces has become a BIG market -- one that many companies want to be part of.
Because of this, there are many different makes and model of backup system to choose from on the current market -- some much, much better than others. Below are three models we do NOT recommend to homeowners:
(Click for more information.)
Generic Battery Backup Systems |
 Alternate Power Sources For Primary Sump Pumps |
Water-Powered Sump Pumps |
We Can Add A Battery Backup Sump Pump To Your Waterproofing System!
Don't wait for your basement to flood! Install a battery backup system now, and gain the peace of mind of knowing that your basement can be counted on a dry, usable space.
Each locally owned and operated Basement Systems dealer offers free basement waterproofing estimates to homeowners in their service areas. We have dealers serving throughout Canada and the United States that are standing by to help you.
Each free estimate includes a professional inspection and consultation, a written estimate on a customized waterproofing system, and a complimentary copy of our full-color, comprehensive waterproofing book.
To schedule your free basement waterproofing estimate, call or e-mail us today!
Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.