Your Last Line of Defense Against Flooding: Why You Need a Backup Sump Pump!

With the spring storms and heavy rains coming, a sump pump is the first line of defense against basement flooding for many homeowners. But what happens if your sump pump fails?

A backup sump pump is your last line of defense, ensuring your home stays protected when your primary system loses power, malfunctions, or simply can’t keep up with heavy water flow. Without a backup sump pump, your basement could flood in just a matter of minutes, racking up costly damages to flooring, furniture, and even your home’s foundation.

This spring, it’s time to get full protection for your home.

Why Do Sump Pumps Fail?

Even the best sump pump isn’t foolproof. Some of the most common reasons sump pumps fail include:

• Power Outages – An outage from a storm can knock out the power to your primary sump pump when you need it most.
• Pump Malfunction – Like any appliance, sump pumps wear out over time.
• Overwhelmed System – Heavy rain may bring in more water than your primary pump can handle.
• Clogs or Blockages – You may not notice debris in the sump pit or discharge line until it’s too late, which can cause a pump to stop working.

Battery Backup Sump Pumps

One type of backup is a battery backup sump pump. This pump will automatically kick on when your primary pump is out of power, particularly during outages. It’s perfect for homes that are prone to severe weather and power failures, and the battery life can last for several hours without a recharge. Your battery backup sump pump will continue pumping water away from your home until power is restored or the primary pump is ready to go.

Water-Powered Backup Sump Pumps

You can also choose a water-powered backup sump pump. When water rises in the sump pit, the backup system creates suction to remove excess water. This pump will run on your home’s water supply rather than electricity or batteries. No need to worry about battery life or power outages here! Luckily, it’s practically maintenance-free and remains working as long as there is water pressure. However, homes that run on well water may find this par@cular pump hard to power.

Which Backup Sump Pump is Right for You?

While both battery and water-powered backup sump pumps give you peace of mind, one may work better for your home. Consider these 3 things:

• Your home’s risk of power outages
• Your home’s access to municipal water pressure
• How long you need backup pumping power

Many homeowners opt for a battery backup pump for short-term protection or a water-powered system for extended outages—but for ultimate peace of mind, installing both is the best option.

Get Protected Before the Next Spring Storm!

Spring storms are unpredictable, and waiting until after a flood isn’t the time to think about a backup sump pump!

At Popejoy Plumbing, Heating, & Electric, we install, maintain, and repair both primary and backup sump pumps to keep your basement dry year-round.

As your plumbing experts, feel free to call with any questions you have about the right backup sump pump for your home. Or, visit https://popejoyinc.com/services/plumbing/sump-pumps/ to schedule a time for Popejoy to install your backup sump!