Why You Need a Backup Sump System

Every home in Fisher, IL with a sump pump should have a reliable backup system. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but you’re also protecting valuable possessions and property. An often-overlooked benefit, and maybe the best benefit of all, is avoiding the frustration, aggravation, and hours of cleanup time associated with a flood due to pump failure. At any point one of the following situations could occur, rendering your primary pump inoperable:

• Power outage
• Mechanical failure
• Switch obstructed
• Overwhelmed, clogged, or broken discharge

Types of Backup Sump Pump Systems

• Battery Backup Sump Pump
• Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump

Battery Backup Sump Pump

1. A battery backup sump pump is a separate pump installed in the same basin adjacent to your electric primary pump.
2. A battery backup pump typically runs on 12- or 24-volt DC battery power.
3. Battery backup sump pump generally is installed above primary pump.
4. The battery backup pump is activated when the primary pump:
   • Cannot keep up with the inflow due to excessive amounts of water entering basin
   • Experiences power failure
   • Experiences mechanical failure
   • Discharge is overwhelmed or failed

Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump

1. A water powered backup sump pump is a reliable backup system.
2. Water powered backup sump pump systems operate using a pressurized municipal water supply, without the need for battery or electrical power.
3. The water-powered backup sump pump has a float installed in the basin above primary pump, when the water rises in basin, the float activates a valve, which controls the flow of water.
4. The water powered backup pump is activated when the primary pump:
   • Cannot keep up with the inflow due to excessive amounts of water entering the basin
   • Experiences power failure
   • Experiences mechanical failure
   • Discharge is overwhelmed or failed
   • Float has been obstructed

How Does a Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump Work?

These sump pump systems are designed to use the energy of flowing water through a venturi tube to create a low-pressure region as the pressurized water moves through the device, which in turn allows atmospheric pressure to push water out of the sump basin and empty it.

Lanz Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. Recommends Installing an Independent Discharge for Your Backup Sump Pump System

While it’s not uncommon for a backup sump pump to be connected to the existing primary pump discharge piping, an independent discharge is preferred because:

• Connecting to an existing discharge pipe creates a potential path back into the sump
• If a blockage occurs in the existing discharge pipe, this will affect both the primary and the emergency backup pump
• Two pumps discharging into one pipe can be restricting and impede pumping efficiency, especially during extreme conditions