Your basement leaks and collects water when it rains so you already have a sump pump. At least you should have one. A sump pump is cheaper than repairing water damage.

But have you really considered when a sump pump operates? It’s usually during a rain storm that often includes wind and lightning. And what often happens with wind and lightning? Right – the power goes out. Often for an extended period of time.

What good is your electric sump pump then?

Your primary sump pump is not enough. To be completely safe, your need a backup sump pump.

Battery-Powered Backup Sump Pump

There are two kinds of backup sump pumps. A battery-powered backup pump relies on a deep-cycle 12 or 24 volt battery for power and so is ready to go even when the main electricity fails. As long as you keep the battery connected to a trickle charger, it’ll be good to go, even after long periods of non-use.

Here’s more information about how to pick the perfect battery backup sump pump.

The problem with a battery backup sump pump is that, if the electricity is off for more than a day or two, the battery will eventually die.

“The problem with a battery backup sump pump is that, if the electricity is off for more than a day or two, the battery will eventually die.“

Water-Powered Sump Pump

That’s when the second kind of backup sump pump can come to the rescue. A water-powered sump pump uses the pressure from the public fresh water system to remove water from your basement.

(Note: If you have use well water, you’re only backup choice is battery backup.)

Unless a storm is so severe that the public fresh water system fails (and if that happens, you’ve got bigger problems than a wet basement), a water-powered sump pump will keep your basement dry until the power comes back on.

It makes sense to consider one of these backup sump pumps, depending of your particular situation.

A professional can help you get the right backup to fit your needs.