It's raining outside and a strong wind blows a tree down and takes out power in your neighborhood. The ground water is rising in your sump and with no power to operate the pump a flooded basement is inevitable. What can you do to prevent a flooded basement during a power outage? A sump pump backup system can save the day. I'm going to cover two options that a do it yourself (diy) homeowner can tackle.
FIRST OPTION: Buy a backup generator. You can purchase a small unit for under $200 which can be brought out of storage to run the pump. If you wanted to go more elaborate a large generator can be permanently installed. This generator can be operated by an automatic switch. When the power goes off this switch turns on the generator. When the power comes on again the switch turns off the generator. This type of installation will cost approximately $4000. This type of installation would require a professional electrician.
SECOND OPTION: Install a water powered sump pump. This is a very low cost effective solution. This option uses no electricity but the water pressure from your water pipes. When this pump comes on the water pressure runs the pump and discharges the water and the sump water out the drainage hose. When installed the float switch on this system will have to be set higher than the float on your main pump. Otherwise this backup system will come on before the main electrical pump. If your water line is broken during a storm this system obviously won't work. But then a flooded basement may be the least of your worries.
This is good to know, Really helpful!!!!I might need someone to come in that can do sump pump repairs HERE.. I think that I might have a small problem with it, and I want to take care of it before it becomes worse.Thanks!
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