Basements 101: Everything You Need to Know About Sump Pumps

Tech - by Bryan Veldboom - updated on 7/17/2023

Basement flooding can happen at any time of year. Melting snow can cause a problem in winter, while summer storms can do the same once the weather turns warm. Fortunately, you can protect your home from water damage by installing a sump pump. Batteries Plus offers a number of sump pump systems for a variety of different needs, as well as sump pump batteries for your backup sump pumps. Here's a quick look at everything you need to know.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

A sump pump sits in a small pit cut into an area below the surface of your basement floor. When the water level in this basin gets too high, a system valve will trigger the pump to automatically begin pumping excess water away from your home to a safer location like a storm drain, pond or dry well.

Can I Add a Backup to My Sump Pump?

It's important to keep in mind that sump pumps are powered by your home electricity. That means if the power goes out, so does your pump. This is especially problematic in cases of violent storms, which can shut down your sump pump just when you need it most.

Fortunately, you can protect your home against scenarios like this by adding a backup sump pump. A backup pump is a secondary pump that runs on battery power. This backup pump will remain active during a loss of power and will help protect your home if the primary pump fails, or in cases where there is too much water for your primary pump to handle solo.

Batteries Plus Offers Sump Pumps

We carry two different varieties of sump pump systems from Basement Watchdog, combination pumps and backup pumps.

Combination Pumps - If you don't currently have a sump pump, a combination pump is perfect for your needs. It comes equipped with both a primary and battery-powered backup pump. Here are the combination pumps that we currently offer.

Basement Watchdog Combination Sump Pump System

• Primary pump capacity of 3,100 GPH (gallons per hour) at a 10 ft. lift and 3,720 GPH at 0 ft. lift
• Backup pump capacity of 1,000 GPH at 10 ft. lift and 2,000 GPH at 0 ft. lift

Basement Watchdog Big Combination CONNECT Sump Pump System

• Primary pump capacity of 3,540 GPH at 10 ft. lift and 4,400 GPH at 0 ft. lift
• Backup pump capacity of 1,850 GPH at 10 ft. lift and 2,500 GPH at 0 ft. lift

Backup Pumps - If you already have a primary sump pump, these backup pumps will provide valuable backup protection.

Basement Watchdog Emergency Battery Backup Sump Pump System

• Pumps 1,000 GPH at 10 ft. of lift and 2,000 GPH at 0 ft. lift

Basement Watchdog Special CONNECT Battery Backup Sump Pump System

• Pumps 1,850 GPH at 10 ft. lift and 2,600 GPH at 0 ft. lift

Basement Watchdog Big Dog CONNECT Battery Backup Sump Pump System

• Pumps 2,200 GPH at 10 ft. lift and 3,500 GPH at 0 ft. lift

What Kind of Battery Do You Need for a Backup Sump Pump?

As mentioned above, a backup sump pump relies on batteries to keep functioning in the event of a power failure. There are two types of batteries available for sump pump backups: wet cell and AGM batteries.

Wet Cell Batteries (also known as flooded batteries)

• Wet cell batteries cost the least upfront, but require additional maintenance.
• In order to maintain a wet cell battery, you will need to regularly add distilled water to the electrolyte inside the battery to help protect the battery's lead plates from corroding.
• Batteries Plus carries compatible flooded sump pump batteries from Duracell Ultra and Basement Watchdog.
• The Basement Watchdog Emergency Standby Battery and Basement Watchdog Big Standby Battery work with the fluid sensor on all Basement Watchdog sump pumps to sound an alarm when it requires more water.

AGM Batteries

• AGM batteries cost more upfront, but are designed to last longer. This makes them a better value in the long run.
• AGM batteries are completely sealed and spill-proof.
• They require no additional maintenance.
• AGM batteries have a greater energy capacity than flooded batteries and recharge faster.
• Batteries Plus carries compatible AGM sump pump batteries from Duracell Ultra and X2Power, as well as a Basement Watchdog AGM battery.

Learn More About Sump Pumps at Batteries Plus

Sump pumps offer a simple, reliable way to keep your basement dry throughout the year. If you have additional questions, you'll find plenty of useful information in our blog. Some related topics include, "How Do You Winterize a Sump Pump?" and "What Type of Battery is Best for a Sump Pump?" In addition, the associates at your nearest Batteries Plus are happy to answer your questions and help you find the right sump pump solution for your home.