Backup Sump Pump questions

[nluchau]

I'm looking to install a backup sump pump in our home, either a battery operated or a water powered one.

We just moved into our new home the end of last August and have found our sump pump runs quite a bit especially after a heavy rain (which is typical) but often times in the winter too. Our foundation is 8 feet in the ground so I'm sure that's why it still runs.

Our builder put 2 sump pits in our utility room and one pit is already utilizing a sump pump. Do we piggy back the main sump pump with a backup one or do we put the backup in the spare pit? There is a tube between the pits and I suppose that acts as an overflow into the 2nd pit. I'm leaning towards piggy backing the main pump, that just makes the most sense because I wouldn't want the main pump to quit and then have it overflow into the other pit and then start pumping once both pits are full.

I got a quote from a local place in town and they want $675.00 to install a Myer battery backup system and that includes a battery. That seems a bit steep IMO. I just wonder if the local places are becoming greedy with the flood coming in a month or less. I more so want to be prepared in case we lose power and want some sort of backup in place as we have a finished basement.

Any expert opinion would be great.

Thanks!

[Archerysniper]

I would piggy back the in the first pit and then also but a batter back up in the second pit go to the local home store and price the pump they are not hard to install and should be able to do it yourself.

[Redlantern]

I'm with Archer on this. I have two sump pits, first one is my main system, with the battery backup, second one is without a backup. Previous homeowner had a pump that burned out, which is why he put in a second pump. I went one step further figuring that if I have a power outage, which happens during storms, that I'd be able to get rid of the water should it rain a lot. Haven't had to use it since for a few years but it's cheap insurance.

Before criticizing the price of $675, have you priced out the parts? A decent deep cycle will run at least $100, and the battery back up will be at least the same. Now the guy wants to make a few bucks for his labor. I don't think it's too out of line. But is he insured? Bonded? Licensed? If it's some hack you met at the bar, I'd say go !$@# himself and do it yourself but if it's a reputable business man with credentials, I think the price sounds fair.

[nluchau]

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.

Red~ I have priced out a new battery backup sump for right around $200.00, its the Wayne brand. A battery will run me at least $100 like you had mentioned so we're looking at $350 with extra pvc, glue and what not that I need.

The price of $675 was from a reputable company here in town. Heck they charged me $325.00 to put in a valve so I could pump into the sewer during the winter months. It took them all of 25 minutes to come out and put that in and thats what they charged me. I thought it was outrageous so I figure I'd get a second opinion.

I plan on having my brother help me put a backup pump in to save me some money.

Any thoughts about the water powered backup sump pump?

[Dellfin]

Wow, they actually let you discharge the sump water into the sanitary sewer in Fargo? Betcha that won't last very long-that kind of activity is strictly prohibited in the city where I live.

[Tom7227]

How about putting the back up pump in the second basket with a simple float switch? Of the power fails the second basket fills, and empties when the float calls for power. I should think you could get that set up for $150 or so including a battery minder to keep the battery pumped up. It would keep you going for maybe a day or so. If I lived in Fargo I'd probably be buying both a gas powered trash pump and a generator to cover everthing that could go wrong. Oh, I'd do that right after I had made sure my flood insurance payment.

[nluchau]

Wow, they actually let you discharge the sump water into the sanitary sewer in Fargo? Betcha that won't last very long-that kind of activity is strictly prohibited in the city where I live.

I suppose I need to update my profile. If it changes your statement any I live in West Fargo now and pay a yearly fee to drain my sump pump into the sewer.

[nluchau]

Thank you for the suggestion. I have been told I should piggy back the main electric sump pump with a backup one.

I'm not worried about any overland flooding as we are protected by the Sheyenne diversion where I live. I am more concerned with losing power and having our pits overflow with spring melting/rain.

Any here know anything about the water pressured backup sumps?

I appreciate the replies guys!

[krinkle]

That $675 sounds cheap for a decent system. For water backup you need to check if it will still work with out power. Many wells in our area and they are no good with out power. City water is a different story.

All plumbing is cheap if installed correctly. No matter what the plumber charges.