As seasons change in Indianapolis, rain comes and goes as it pleases. Because of that, it’s hard to decide if you need a battery backup sump pump. Citizens of Indianapolis want information about backup sump pumps, and Williams Comfort Air details everything needed to make this crucial decision.
But what does a sump pump even do? In order to understand backup sump pumps, you must learn about sump pumps in general. Though this information seems difficult to learn, things are made easy for every homeowner with the help of this post.
How Sump Pumps Work
Sump pumps usually reside in basements or crawl spaces to keep excessive water buildup to a minimum. Floods prove to be large problems for homes with basements and crawl spaces. Water leaks into these spaces because of pressure from water in the soil around a home’s foundation. Overly wet soil pushes water through the walls and floor. Additionally, soil expands and pushes against the foundation which causes cracks for water to leak through. Either way, you have a leaky basement or crawl space on your hands.
Sump pumps are installed to alleviate this problem. They sit in basins—called sump pits—that collect water at the lowest point of the space. Drains or natural water migration move water to the sump pit, then the sump pump pumps it away from your house.
When this works correctly, your basement or crawlspace remains unflooded. However, problems occur when you least expect them and cause thousands of dollars in damages. To keep water at a safe distance from the foundation, pipes have one-way valves to keep the water flow from turning back around.
In addition to the pipes, an impeller—a fan-like device—turns and forces water to the sides of the pipe. This makes its center a low-pressure area. The water moves through the pipe continuously this way. When the water remains in motion, it can’t settle near the foundation and cause leaks.
Most people who live in areas where snow, rain, or high water levels thrive need a sump pump. Of course, Indianapolis sees all three of these circumstances, so it’s important to understand exactly how and why your sump pump works the way it does.
Types of Pumps
To get a better idea of what your sump pump does, it’s good to know the difference between each type. Luckily, there are only two types to choose from.
- In a submersible sump pump, all of the mechanics are located inside the sump pit. Only some pipes and the plug remain above the pit. This makes the pump quieter, cleaner, and safer. You still access the float switch, but without the rest of the equipment in your way. This makes obstructions easier to avoid.
- The pedestal sump pump has all of its mechanics above the sump pit. This makes the pedestal more economical, but more of an eyesore. However, because the parts are all above the sump pit, repairs and replacements are easily accessible.
In both cases, your basement has protection from excess water. Each pump carries its own merits, but both still need a battery backup sump pump to effectively function.
Potential Problems
With only a sump pump and no backup, system issues lead to significant damage when the basement or crawl space is breached by excess water. These are all problems that cause a sump pump to fail or malfunction.
- Power outages. When the rest of your house loses power, so does your sump pump. With a battery backup sump pump, the pump continues to work. However, a regular sump pump stops all functions in a blackout. What’s worse, power outages caused by excessive rainfall leave you exposed to all that water.
- Blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. A blown fuse, like a power outage, keeps a sump pump from its tasks because sump pumps need electricity. The same goes for a tripped circuit breaker.
- Float switch. A float switch uses the water level to function as intended. To do this, water activates the float switch by lifting the float ball. The float gets stuck on objects and does not move with the water level. This causes the sump pump to stop normal functions. Additionally, the water level needs to be a certain level or the pump doesn’t activate.
- Clogged exit pipe. Clogs occasionally need removed from exit pipes. Clogs keep water in the sump pit rather than moving away from the home.
- Overheated pump. Sump pumps may overheat like any other piece of equipment. This happens when the thermal protection either stops regular function or there is not enough water around motor to cool it down. In this case, a simple reset usually fixes the problem. Still, if it overheats when a storm hits, then you need to restart it to ensure proper functionality. That leaves your basement vulnerable while your system cools down. With a battery backup sump pump, you are free to reset the primary system with adequate flood protection.
- Old pump. From time to time, pumps simply break. If everything else on this list has been checked and the problems persist, then it’s time to get a new sump pump. To do this, call Williams Comfort Air to get a licensed plumber to your home as soon as possible.
Benefits of a Battery Backup Sump Pump
Now that you know the problems associated with a faulty sump pump, it’s easy to see why a battery backup sump pump is necessary. Whenever power outages or other issues stop a pump, battery backup ensures the pump continues to function. When it rains, all that water goes away from your home like usual even when the primary pump stops. Battery backup sump pumps ensure constant water removal.
Of course, the benefits of a battery backup sump pump are in excess. Here are some more reasons to invest in a battery backup.
- Cuts costs. When given the option for backups, homeowners can either use a battery backup or purchase a secondary pump. Even with a whole secondary sump pump, the only way to ensure the pump works with no electricity is through battery. Because of that, a second pump seems appealing, but it costs more in the long run if a power outage takes out both of your pumps.
- Easy installation. Battery backup sump pumps are easy to install. The process is non-invasive, so there are no drills or jackhammers that cause excessive dust and noise. It simply attaches to your already installed pump—it gets to work right away!
- Always ready. Luckily, the battery backup always carries a charge. With proper installation, it charges on its own. That means the battery backup requires almost no maintenance on your end. All you need to do is check in on the primary pump from time to time to ensure everything runs. If you spot an easy-to-move obstruction, get it out of the way and go about your day!
- Works around clogs. Clogs to the primary pipe cause stops to the system. A battery backup kicks into gear to pick up the slack when the primary suffers a clog. Clogs occur when exit pipes go unchecked for a period of time. To keep your primary pump functional, make sure to remove any clogs. However, that battery backup sump pump saves the day when you need it most.
- Activates when primary switch jams. Primary sump pumps can get jammed. Battery backups respond to malfunctions in the primary system, so it makes up for any problems the primary has. They do this via a float switch—just like with the primary sump pump.
- Double the power. In the worst-case scenario, your primary pump cannot adequately remove large floods of water. Sump pumps handle regular quantities of rainwater without issue, but when a flash flood or similar occurrence takes place, the primary pump needs additional help. With the battery backup sump pump, you have two pumps at work to clear the excess water. Because of this, the odds of your basement flooding become significantly less.
Benefits of a Battery Backup Sump Pump
The decision to install a battery backup sump pump seems difficult at first, but when you find out the facts, it’s simple. Sump pumps are a necessity for the modern home, so make sure it has all the protection it needs. A backup sump pump ensures that the excess water caused by rain does not flood your basement when the primary pump fails. With that in mind, the choice to install a battery backup is a no-brainer.
Williams Comfort Air understands the need for homeowners to research the best way to care for their sump pump. Luckily, the facts are clear. For more information about sump pumps and battery backups, contact Williams Comfort Air today.
Even if you’re a DIY expert, you need an experienced plumber on your side to make sure everything runs smoothly. The best pumps available need maintenance too, so be sure to give us a call whenever you experience problems with your sump pump. We also offer important information about how to finance your new battery backup sump pump. Protection against floods in your basement doesn’t need to break the bank. Call us today for a free estimate on our service.
