Sump pumps are essential in protecting your basement from being flooded over due to heavy rainfall. In order to save on energy, most sump pumps are designed only to activate when basement water begins to reach a level that could be described as bordering on unmanageable. It is ironic, though, that most pump models need electricity to work, when it is usually heavy storms that do enough damage to power lines in order to produce blackouts, thereby nullifying any potential effectiveness of the sump pump during the times it is most needed. This often means that you will have to resort to a backup sump pump for these times, again, when such a device is needed the most.

There are several differences that distinguish a backup pump from a primary sump pump. The first notable difference has been mentioned in passing above: primary pumps usually work off electricity, whereas backup pumps are designed to run off an independent battery system, in order to keep their efficiency during power outages. These battery systems usually feature gel-pack technology that allows special batteries to supply huge amounts of power to your sump pump, allowing it to function for days at a time or for however long it is needed. Also, primary pump detection systems are usually designed to monitor only water levels, whereas backup pump systems are designed to monitor both water levels and whether the primary pump is operating or not before it turns itself on and begins pumping water out of your sump.

Practically speaking, any home with a backup sump pump can benefit a lot from having a backup pump installed in a sump in their home. People who are required to leave their homes for extended periods of time, though, are those who probably benefit the most from having a backup sump pump around. One can hardly imagine, after all, the hassle and frustration that comes with going home from a trip out of town to a flooded basement, or worse, your entire house flooded over. Reactivating your sump pump at this stage may even prove to be a hazardous undertaking, especially if your pump is of a design that is not meant to work while submerged, not to mention the cost in damages to not only your basement, but also to whatever items of value you have stored there.

Basements can quickly fill with water and ruin carpet, furniture, drywall and everything else so it is extremely important to me to have a good backup sump pump system in place. Most Basement battery sump pump batteries are shipped dry without acid so that they will remain fresh until you activate them. Filling the battery can be done easily. Many companies have developed an even more impressive system called the Ultrasump. This system is actually a second sump that piggie-backs on top of your original system.

A will often come with an alarm. If the water rises too high, the alarm will sound while the backup sump pump continues to run. A battery backup sump pump is essential if the basement is finished, especially with carpeting or hardwood floors. A controller automatically switches from electricity to the battery in the event of a power outage so there is no needs to worry while your home, away, at work or vacation. The peace of mind that a battery powered back up sump pump offers is priceless.