24/7 Emergency Service in Ohio Valley

304-355-0700

Schedule Service

Blog

How to Install a Backup Sump Pump

How to Install a Backup Sump Pump

A sump pump is essential if you live in an area that often floods. These pumps help to remove water from the basement and protect your home from flooding. The best sump pump and backup sump pump depending on how much money you want to spend, what level of protection you need, and several other factors. Mr. Rooter Plumbing has a great deal of experience with sump pumps and determining what would work best for your needs. Contact us, and a reliable plumber will partner with you to protect your home from potential water damage.

What Are a Sump Pump and Backup Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a mechanical device that removes water from the lowest point in your home, often called the "sump." The water can come from rain or overflow from your washing machine or toilet. A backup sump pump is a secondary pump that is a backup to the primary pump. The primary pump will continue to run until it fails or is turned off, at which point the backup sump pump will automatically kick on to start pumping out water that has accumulated in your basement.

What Can Happen Without a Backup Sump Pump?

Without a backup sump pump, you could face serious damage to your home if the primary pump fails. Water will continue to fill your basement until it reaches the level of your house's foundation and begins seeping into the soil around it. This can cause major structural damage to your home, including cracked walls and floors, warped woodwork, rotting insulation, and mold growth inside your walls and on the exterior of your house.

Two Types of Backup Sump Pumps

There are two backup sump pumps: battery-powered backup pumps and water-powered backup pumps. Both types are installed below ground level outside your home near the discharge point of your primary (regular) sump pump.

Battery-Powered

A battery-powered backup sump pump can be installed in less than an hour by yourself or with the help of a friend or family member. You will need basic tools like a socket wrench and screwdriver, but everything else should come with your purchase. These parts must be installed according to manufacturer instructions to work properly when needed.

Water-Powered

Water-powered backup sump pumps have been around for decades, but they're still popular today because of their reliability and low ownership cost. Water-powered backups use water pressure from your home's existing plumbing system to operate the mechanism that moves the water from your basement into the sewer system outside your house's walls. When there's no electricity available in your home, this backup pump automatically kicks on and keeps your basement dry even during power outages!

Steps For Battery-Powered Backup Sump Pump Installation

A backup sump pump can protect your basement from flooding if your primary pump fails. If you are installing a battery-powered backup sump pump, follow these steps.

  • Check the battery. Check the battery to ensure it is charged and has no cracks. If the battery is damaged, replace it with a new one before proceeding with the installation.
  • Set up your backup sump pump. Place your backup sump pump in an area where you have easy access and will not be tripped over by anyone who might walk into your basement. Make sure there is enough space on all sides of the unit so that you can easily connect wiring to it if needed later on down the line.
  • Connect the wires from your primary sump pump to the controller box for your backup sump pump using electrical tape or wire nuts (recommended). This will allow you to connect power from your main pump into this box so that when water levels get high enough, it will automatically switch over and start pumping out any water that has accumulated in your basement

Professional Backup Sump Pump Installation With Mr. Rooter Plumbing

While a sump pump can keep your basement dry, a backup sump pump is necessary for ultimate protection. Two types of backup pumps are water-powered and battery-powered. For the best results, hire a professional plumbing service. Mr. Rooter Plumbing can install battery-powered and water-powered backup sump pumps. It is far better to invest in sump pumps before you actually need them!