When to install battery-powered vs water-driven backup sump pump

A flooded basement can be a customer’s worst nightmare. Fortunately, sump pumps offer a tried-and-true solution for collecting and moving water away from crawl spaces and basements before they flood. But what if the sump pump stops working during a storm? It’s important to consider emergency sump pump backup options, such as a battery-powered sump pump or a water-powered sump pump. Let’s review how to pick between sump pump backup systems, installation considerations and overall pros and cons of each.

How to choose which emergency backup sump pump is best for your customer

There are two ways to operate primary sump pumps during a power outage:

1. Battery-powered pumps

2. Water-powered pumps

Battery-powered pumps run off a battery, whereas water-powered pumps use municipal water to create the venturi effect and push water out of the sump pit. In order to determine which backup pump best suits your customer, you’ll need to consider their existing plumbing system, expected water volumes, the required pumping rate and several other factors.

Battery-powered sump pumps

What are battery-powered sump pumps?

A battery-powered sump pump is a secondary or backup pump that uses a battery that typically uses a marine deep-cycle or comparable battery. It kicks into gear when the primary pump malfunctions or loses power. Due to their long-standing usage and adaptability to different plumbing systems, they are the most common backup sump pump solution.

Key benefits of choosing a battery-powered sump pump backup:

• Adaptable to most plumbing systems

• Suitable for both well and municipal water supply

• Straightforward installation that does not require new piping

• Extremely powerful pumping that can handle large water volumes

What to consider when buying a battery-operated sump pump backup system

From battery life to pumping volume, sump pump battery backups range in price and features. When choosing the ideal backup system, consider factors such as:

• Battery lifespan

• Pumping volume/power

• Low-battery alarms/alerts

• System compatibility

• Cost

Compare your options and browse Ferguson’s battery-powered backup sump pumps.

Sump pump battery backup installation and maintenance

Because battery-powered sump pumps use the same discharge pipe as the primary pump, installation is generally straightforward.

1. Secure the unit. Mount the battery unit on the wall or place it in a protective box. Be sure the battery is located near a 120V outlet and off the ground to ensure it remains dry.

2. Connect the battery to the pump. Start with the red battery cable. Connect it to the red (positive +) pump terminal. Then, connect the black battery cable to the black (negative -) pump terminal.

3. Plug the battery charger into a 120V outlet. Turn the battery backup ON.

4. Test the battery backup system. Unplug the primary pump and lift the float switch. If the battery system activates the pump, it is operating properly, providing the homeowner with a failsafe to prevent basement flooding during power outages.

5. Share a pro tip with your clients: Set a calendar reminder to check the battery’s life and wipe down its terminals.

6. On average, replace batteries every 3-5 years or per manufacturer recommendations. Maintaining the sump pump backup battery is important to ensure it is ready to kick into gear when needed.

Water-powered sump pumps

What is a water-powered backup sump pump?

Water-powered sump pumps (also known as venturi sump pumps) pass municipal water through a small nozzle to create a vacuum/suction within the sump pump system. The suction then pulls the excess water through a different discharge pipe, emptying the sump pit. The key advantage of a water-powered backup sump pump is that it does not require electricity or a battery to operate. Therefore, it could potentially run indefinitely.

Key benefits of choosing a water-powered sump pump backup:

• Potentially unlimited run time

• No need to monitor or replace batteries

• Requires tapping into the municipal water supply and a new discharge pipe

• Handles low to medium water volumes (not as powerful as a battery-backup system)

Water-powered sump pump installation

In order to install a water-driven backup sump pump, first check if your customer’s plumbing system will accommodate it.

• Does the home have access to city water? A water-driven backup pump is only viable for homes connected to municipal water. Water sources, such as wells, require electricity to operate; therefore, they are not suitable for water-powered sump pumps.

• Is the home’s plumbing system compatible with a water-powered sump pump? Flow rates, water pressure and piping materials need to meet specific requirements per the backup pump’s manufacturer specifications.

• Does the city allow water-powered backup pumps? While most municipalities and townships allow water-powered sump pumps, many require a permit and an inspection to ensure the backflow preventer is installed correctly. Check local plumbing codes before installation.

In comparison to battery-backup pumps, installing a water-powered sump pump is slightly more involved. This is mainly due to the added risk when connecting the home’s piping system to the municipal water supply. In addition, it requires a second discharge pipe. Furthermore, it is imperative to properly install a backflow valve. Otherwise, the contaminated water from the sump pit could infiltrate the home’s or the municipal water supply.

Steps for installing water-powered sump pump backup:

1. Select a water-powered backup sump pump. Be sure the pump is compatible with the home’s existing plumbing system and the city’s requirements.

2. Attach a mounting clamp for the backup pump. Place the pump on a wall near the sump pit or the joist above it.

3. Connect to the home’s water supply. Tap into the municipal water main and position the new pipe so it aligns with the input fitting on the pump. Depending on local requirements, add a standard ball valve shutoff or a backflow preventer.

4. Install the discharge pipe. For most water-powered sump pump backups, it’s recommended to install a separate discharge pipe.

5. Run the suction pipe from the backup pump to the sump pit.

6. Attach the float and pressure tube above the primary sump pump.

7. Test the backup pump. Unplug the primary pump. Then, open the valve on the water feed. As the municipal water flows in, the backup venturi sump pump system should pump water out of the sump pit.

Ferguson has all the supplies you need to install your customer’s backup sump pump. Browse our pumps, pipe fittings, valves and more.

Pros and Cons: Comparing sump pump backup options

Trying to help a client decide between a battery backup and a water-powered sump pump? Here are the key takeaways.

Shop online for backup sump pumps and comprehensive plumbing supplies. With 750 plumbing counters nationwide and more than 1 million products, Ferguson makes it easy to get everything you need from one reliable supply partner.