Battery Back-up sump pump

[colonel42]

Started looking into one for my home yesterday. Any suggestions would be great. With the rain we are getting right now might just be to late. From the looks of the ones I have seen you basically hook up to an existing sump pump and still need to buy a 12V battery.

[sparcebag]

If your on city water there is a model made that runs off water pressure no battery involved.There much better and worry free as long as there is water pressure.The battery type if they lose battery power while your gone your outta luck!

[Redlantern]

The one I have has it's own pump and charger that remains on. I had to buy my own deep cycle battery. While I've tested it to make sure it works, I haven't lost power long enough for it to have to be used in place of my main pump.

[Tom7227]

The water pressure operated one was on ThisOldHouse a while back and I recall that it was pretty pricey - I think $600 or something like that.

I just cobbled up a 12 volt boat sump pump so it hooked up to a hose. The boat battery is the power source. Works fine, costs is maybe $30, but obviously requires that you are home to make it work. I haven't needed it yet for the house but it came in handy when a friend forgot to put the plug in and sunk his boat.

[sparcebag]

They are pricey but I have seen them around 300.THIS OLD HOUSE??? BIG $$$ east coast. And I've never seen a machine they use thats not the most expensive top of the line,I dont believe they price check.

[MNcanepole]

You should use your electric sump pump and the battery one just for back up in case the power goes out. If you have a real bad water problem, other wise if it's not real bad you should be able to get by with just the electric one. The good battery back up ones keep the battery charged. To test the battery back up pump, just unplug your electric one and stand there to see if the battery pump kicks in. I think a $70.00 or so sump pump should be good enough for most house unless your house was built on an under ground river. I've put in hundreds with no problems.Good Luck