Whether as a replacement, or a complement, battery backup sump pump can eliminate your hassles when one of these things happens:
- Power goes out and your main sump pump doesn’t work
- Main pump is exhausted
- The main pump’s control is jammed
- The rain causes a rushing flood
- The snow melts to a great extent
That was Don in the video. Believe me, I know exactly what destruction the water can do to a basement when these things happen and you don’t have a backup sump pump! Mine was a real mess, that I had to spent a lot of money – so much that the amount was enough to buy a couple of backup sump pumps…
And the terrible thing is that these incidents typically take place when you need your sump pump the most!
Pick a Battery Backup Sump Pump That Suits Your Needs!
Picking the right battery backup sump pump is quite tricky, especially when you are not a techie. But don’t worry, I will explain some important tips in a moment, so please take notice. You don’t want to be like my neighbor Matt – he just didn’t listen to my advice and ended up with two useless backup sump pumps in his garage!
Standard-Output vs High-Output Battery Backup Sump Pumps
Depends on your needs, you have two types of battery backup sump pumps to choose from:
- Standard-Output
- High-Output
When to Use a Standard-Output Backup Sump Pump?
- If your main sump pump is 1/3 HP
- If your main sump pump is 1/2 HP and it runs very infrequently when it’s raining
When to Use a High-Output Backup Sump Pump?
- If your main sump pump is 3/4 HP
- If your main sump pump is 1/2 HP and it always runs when it’s raining
If you don’t know the HP of your main sump pump, then look for the data plate on its body (sometimes on the cord). All pumps have this data plate.
Another thing to be aware of – no matter what type of backup sump pump you choose – is your sump basin’s diameter. Normal sump basin has a 18” diameter. If your basin is smaller than this, then you should try to find a backup sump pump that can be mounted at a higher point in the basin.
The Best Standard-Output Battery Backup Sump Pumps
Here are some facts about Standard-Output pumps:
- They have DC systems
- The power comes straight from a 12V battery
- Some systems have more than 1 battery
- It’s dependable for average backup necessity
- Price starts from $170 to $1000 without battery
I don’t know about your budget, so I give you 2 best Standard-Output battery backup sump pumps, each represents its class:
GOOD: 
Zoeller 507 – Sentry, Battery Backup Sump Pump system (900 GPH) – check current price
BEST:
The higher the GPH, the more water it can pump. If your budget is around $300, then Zoeller 507 is your best option. If you have a budget of $700, then Watchdog is definitely the best to get. Not only it pumps more water, it also has higher quality parts.
The Best High-Output Battery Backup Sump Pumps
Here are some facts about High-Output pumps:
- They can pump a larger amount of water
- Some still use DC pumps
- Some use AC pumps with inverter systems
DC Pump with AC/DC System
The AC/DC system with a DC pump is handy when the problem is with your main sump pump, not the power. Let’s say the control of your main sump pump is jammed, but electricity is still available. The backup pumps will not use the battery, it will run on utility power instead. This will save the battery’s energy.
AC Pump with an Inverter
Instead of using a DC pump, this system uses an AC pump – just like your main sump pump. When power goes out, the DC power in the batteries will be converted into AC power and sparks the pump. So you will be just like having a ‘second’ main sump pump that can pump similar high volume of water.
Another Benefit of an AC Backup Battery Sump Pump:
Much better consistency in pumping water from start to finish
A Drawback of DC Pump:
The power declines as the battery drains
For High-Output backup battery sump pumps, I reveal the Top 4, each represents its class:
GOOD: 
Wayne ESP45 24-Volt Cast Iron Battery Back Up Sump Pump System (3500 GPH’) – check current price
Hydropump DH1800 Battery Backup Sump Pump – check current price
For High-Output sump pumps, the best ones are StormPro (StormPro Battery Backup Sump Pump System [2100 GPH @ 10'] + Battery – StromPro Maxx Heavy Duty Battery Backup Sump Pump System [3000 GPH @ 10']), but people rarely use them. Their price are generally above $1,000.
Combination Sump Pump System
Just in case you’re interested, there’s a very powerful sump pump which is a combination of main and backup sump pumps. It’s 2-in1. This piece of machine attracted my attention due to its 100% satisfaction from users’s feedbacks:
Glentronics Bw4000 Combination Primary and Back-up Sump Pump System – check current price
- Main system pumping capacity: 3200 GPH @ 10′
- Backup system pumping capacity: 1730 GPH @ 10′
- Dimensions: 18” H x 11” W x 8.75” D
