Barrington Homes - Protecting Your Basement - Backing Up Your Sump Pump
Basements - full or partial - large or small - finishined or not - are all useful and often main living space areas in any home - but only as long as they remain dry!
Homeowners spend tens of thousands of dollars on finishing a basement - or entrust the space to store valuables, yet they often overlook the investment in a back-up for their sump pump. Why do you need a back-up? Simply put, when the power goes out or if the pumps fails you loose the ability of your sump to pump out excess water that gathers around the foundations. Unless your home already has a back-up generator then it’s time to give serious consideration to a sump back-up system.
These systems comprise of a pump, a charger, a float trigger switch and a battery. The pump is typically connected to the existing pipe work that the main sump pump is using. The float switch is zip-tied in place, the battery placed on the floor (a raised platform is better as it insulates the battery from the cold floor) and the charger plugged into a wall outlet. Each system typically provides for 4 to 8 hours of continuous pumping should it be needed.
The most important consideration is how quickly you want the battery to be re-charged once power is restored. If you live in an area where outages are common and power often goes on and off several times before it is really back on, then do not invest in systems that use a trickle charger. Instead invest in a system that provides a controlled rapid charge and one that connects to a “deep cycle” battery (typically used for marine applications). These larger systems typically, such as the Watch Dog system shown in the picture above, include self tests and check ups. Either way, you should regularly check all connections, test fire the pump and ensure that the battery fluid is at the right level. Your battery will need to be replaced every 2 to 3 years depending on the charger and amount of use.
With care this is a medium level DIY project. Now enjoy your basement!
Corinne Guest
Realtor & Managing Broker
Royal Advocate Realty, Barrington
Call today 847-363-3686 for real estate and relocation service.
Suburban Real Estate - Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Long Grove
Good information here Corinne. It's good to share with new buyers as well as our investment clients who we manage property for.
Corinne,
Basements aren't as common here with so many new builds. I've seen a few sump pumps but I can't recall ever seeing a back up. Looks like a very wise investment to me.