Severe storms, flooding rains and rapid snow melt can threaten even the best sump pump system, making a battery backup pump a worthy investment. The majority of sump pumps in the Waukesha WI area are powered by a home’s main electric supply. When the power goes out, so does the pump. Heavy rain can overburden a good pump even when there is power, causing it to fail. And, pumps simply wear out over time. A flooded basement can be avoided with the installation of a simple, cost-effective battery backup pump. If you ever need plumbing assistance then consider contacting this great plumber for great service.
Installation of a reliable backup system not only protects your valuable possessions, it provides peace of mind and with Aspen Plumbing & Rooter you can get the best possible service. No matter when the main pump fails – or why it fails – the backup is on duty.
Battery Backup Pump – A Systematic Approach
Battery backup protection is achieved with installation of a simple system:
- A large-capacity battery
- The battery-power sump pump
- A battery charging device
- Additional pipes to discharge the water
As with regular electric pumps there are levels of performance for backups. Top-of-the-line models cost more than entry level units and provide larger battery capacity for longer run times, better and faster chargers and alarms to let you know when the main pump isn’t working.
No battery backup pump will keep your basement dry for an extended time. How long and how well it works depends on the battery – but it should protect your home long enough to troubleshoot and correct the reason the main pump failed.
Battery backup pumps are positive additions to your basement because:
- They are simple to install
- They provide reliable performance
- They are relatively inexpensive – especially when compared to clean up costs and replacement of possessions when the basement floods
- They will alert you when your main sump pump has failed
TIP FROM A PRO — Battery backup pump systems are incorporating the latest technology. Most provide a local audible alarm (buzzer, beeping) that are fine if someone is home and awake. The latest models offer much more. Some can call your landline phone so ringing can wake you (I also leaves a message) while others send a text message to a cellphone (some to as many as three different phones at once). If the power fails when you’re not home, these options can save you stress and money.
The systems require attention and maintenance, including:
- Keeping battery terminals clean and corrosion-free
- Some batteries require fluid levels to be checked periodically’
- Charging systems must be connected – to battery and wall outlet
- Like regular sump pumps, the battery system should be tested at least twice a year to be sure its running the way it should
The batteries used in most systems are similar to a car battery – they’re the kind used in electric boat motors – so they have long run times and hold a charge well. Like any battery, they don’t last forever and will need replacing every 5 years or so (depending upon how often they’re used).
Battery Backup Pump is Worth the Effort?
A lot of people don’t think a flooded basement will ever happen to them – never happened before! Wisconsin is known for seasonal downpours and thunderstorms that knock out power. It can happen tomorrow, next week or next month.
A flooded basement doesn’t have to mean 2-3 feet of muddy water swirling through the structure like you see on TV. A few inches of water on your basement floor can result in long-term damage and loss. Consider what may be at stake:
- Your furnace
- Hot water heater
- Washer and dryer
- Freezer or refrigerator
- Furniture and electronics
- Workout equipment
- Valuable tools – shop tools, sewing machines
- Valuable memorabilia and important papers – cardboard boxes don’t stand up to much water and mold/mildew sets in within hours
- Carpets, tile and area rugs
- Wallboard, paint and all your finishing work
- The base of the stairs – wooden framing, etc.
As more and more effort is put into making lower levels into living spaces for the whole family, more is invested in finishing and decorating. That’s more to lose from a failed sump pump.
TIP FROM A PRO — If you’re out of town when a deluge and power outage hits and your main pump stops working it doesn’t take long for a sump basket to become an unpleasant fountain spilling gallons onto your floor. Even when power is restored the main pump isn’t likely to respond in time to do any good. Unless the furnace, hot water heater and other appliances are mounted above the floor itself, they are in danger – if not immediately, from rust and corrosion very soon.
Plumbing Pros Install Peace of Mind
Schoenwalder Plumbing professionals have the tools to keep water from damaging homes in Waukesha, Milwaukee and Lake Country including Hartland, Delafield, Pewaukee, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Oconomowoc, Dousman and New Berlin.
Call or email Schoenwalder Plumbing for all your sump pump maintenance, repair and installation needs and check out the newest battery backup pump for your home in Waukesha WI.