As if the basement needing a sump pump was not enough, you will find yourself needing a backup as well. In fact, this is quite common in places where floods and storms are frequent. And you just do not have any option but to do everything to prevent a mess in the basement.
There are many reasons why you should get a battery backup for your existing sump pump. One of the main reason is when the power goes out, the backup keeps the work going and saves you from a horrible mess. But, that is not all.
Let us find out how to choose the best battery backup for the existing sump pump. The reviews will also help you understand what the market can offer.
Best Battery Backup for Existing Sump Pump: The Reviews
1. Wayne ESP25 Upgraded 12-Volt Battery Backup System
Wayne is one of the top names in the sump pump world and this battery backup unit will save you from a lot of trouble for quite a while (years) to come. In fact, this unit, Wayne ESP25, is well built with epoxy steel coating and also cast iron. Therefore, it is a strong one and it will provide you with a strong performance.
It has the capacity to run at a maximum speed of 2900 GPH at 0 height. This is quite a lot for a backup unit. Other than that, it notifies you of the basement conditions using an alarm system. But, the alarm system may have some shortcomings as it is not very loud.
However, it also comes with an LED display that keeps you updated on its status. While the unit is easy to install, it kind of does not have the best design. The placement of the control panel is very awkward and the battery is not housed properly.
The battery lasts quite a while. As for the price, the unit is reasonably priced as it is very durable and has great power too.
[/su_box]- Quite powerful for a backup.
- Easy to install.
- Good speed.
- The LED display is very helpful.
- Good value for money.
- Sturdy build.
- It does not have the best design.
- The alarm system is not satisfactory.
2. Pump Sentry 822 PS- Emergency Power for Sump Pumps by Sec America
Do you want a battery backup sump pump system that is very easy to install? Then, this Pump Sentry 822 PSS may be the one you are looking for., You can mount it on the wall or ceiling easily. And, connecting it to an existing pump is as easy as a breeze.
The unit pretty much comes with everything you need. It runs at 1200 watts so you can expect it to be quite powerful. In fact, it will save your basement really well whenever it needs to- it has proved to be very useful. Other than that, it has a build that will really last for years.
It is very responsive to the primary pump so you do not have to worry about the pump turning on or not- it will work. The problem, however, is with the charging. It does not seem to come out of the high charge mode.
Apart from that, the unit is quite expensive.
[/su_box]- Very easy and versatile to install.
- It comes with everything you may need.
- Quite a powerful unit.
- Good design.
- Safe for use.
- Works very well.
- Built to last.
- It overcharges often.
3. PumpSpy PS2000 WiFi Battery Backup Sump Pump System with Internet Monitoring & Alerts
If just the basic features do not seem enough for you then this PumpSpy PS200 backup sump pump may be able to amaze you with all its innovative features. In fact, this is a unit that connects to the Internet. If you are always worried about what is happening in your basement- this could be your best friend.
Because it sends you texts about the status of not only itself, and its battery but also the condition of the main pump. It has an app of its own as well. However, you may have some difficulty when connecting to the Internet.
Other than that, this unit will start to work right when power outages occur o=r the primary pump stops working. Therefore, you get the protection that your basement needs through it.
Furthermore, it is a well-built unit that will surely last. The brand name also ensures that. Despite all the amazing features, this unit actually has a reasonable price.
[/su_box]- Connects to the internet.
- Very user-friendly and convenient.
- Good at pumping.
- Durable build.
- Reasonable price.
- Easy to install.
- May have some difficulty connecting to the Internet and app.
4. Zoeller 508-0005 Aquanot 508 Battery Back-Up System
Sometimes a backup system needs its own backup too. And, the Zoeller 508-0005 battery backup sump pump comes with its own backup in the form of check valves. So, this is a unit that will not malfunction easily because it has its safety features.
This unit has quite a sturdy build which makes it very durable. Furthermore, it is quite powerful. You will find it very easy to install with the primary sump pump in the basement.
Apart from that, the unit is very user-friendly as well. It has an LCD display that shows its status and keeps you out of any worries. The float switch in it works very well too.
It has a battery case that protects the battery. The only problem you may face is when installing it- only because it is quite heavy.
[/su_box]- A very well-built sturdy unit.
- Quite powerful.
- Very user-friendly with an LCD screen.
- It has safety features.
- Affordable in price.
- A bit heavy.
5. Pump Sentry 1622- Emergency Power for Sump Pumps by Sec America
If you are looking for a powerful battery backup then this 1600 watt battery backup may be of use to you. It is built with the best quality as it is assembled by Sec America. Furthermore, it comes with everything you may need to install it.
You can also easily mount it on the wall or surface. Apart from that, it is very powerful and durable. The unit efficiently starts to work when the primary unit is down. Furthermore, it works very silently.
It will give you peace of mind. However, it is a very expensive unit. But, you really get what you pay for in this case.
[/su_box]- A very powerful unit that supports the primary pump very well.
- Durable build.
- Easy to install.
- Quite efficient and responsive.
- Very expensive.
Best Battery Backup for Existing Sump Pump: The Buying Guide
Here are a number of factors that you have to consider when you are looking for a battery backup.
The compatibility of the units
As you will be buying the battery backup to work with a primary unit you already have, you need to make sure that the new unit will actually work with the primary one.
In this case, you will have to check out the configuration, power requirements, etc. Or else, the whole buying process will be pointless because the battery backup will not be able to back the primary unit up.
The Power of the Motor and the Battery
The motor will run using a battery so you cannot really expect it to be very powerful. However, you have to make sure that it is powerful enough to tackle the disaster when the primary unit stops working. It should be around ¼- ¾ HP in power at least.
But, it is normal for the primary pump to be more powerful than the backup one. You should also check how the motor is set. Because you do not want any harm to come to the motor.
On the other hand, you also have to make sure that the battery is powerful enough. It should at least be of 12 volts if not more. Because this is the minimum voltage that good sump pump needs from a battery backup.
The Flow Rate of the Sump Pump
Just like the power of the motor, the flow rate of the battery backup will not be as much as the primary one. It will be much lower. However, you have to make sure that the flow rate is more than enough for the backup tasks.
It may not be able to pump the water very fast. But, it should be able to keep the basement dry even if it is not that fast. On top of it all, this is something you must consider to be sure that the battery backup can handle it.
The Lift of the Pump and the battery voltage required for it
The sump pumps usually have to lift the water to a certain height to get rid of it. Now, this lift requires quite a lot of power and speed. So, check how much the water has to travel before the pump gets rid of it.
The battery backup should be able to lift the water to that height. Thus, you will have to consider the power and flow rate of the pump again to make sure the lift will be enough. The right battery backup may not be able to lift the water as high as the primary unit but it should be able to do a decent job regardless.
The Ease of Installation
If you have to spend more to install the unit then it is better to just choose another. It is necessary that you be able to install the battery backup with the primary sump pump as easily as you can. This is only possible if the two are compatible and the backup one comes with everything that is needed to install it.
Too many adjustments and modifications are a huge con when installing a battery backup. The instructions should be clear as well.
The Extra features
The more features you ask for, the more will be the price of the sump pump. However, you need to have the features that you really need. Therefore, a little extra price for the necessary features will not harm much.
However, you need to choose the right features for yourself. Just any feature you find sparkly will not be an effective choice. For example, one important feature is the alarm system of the sump pump.
The alarm should notify you when there is trouble in the basement. It should be clear and loud.
Other than that, you can look for internet connectivity and more for ease of use and better awareness about statuses.
Some sump pumps even send texts and emails to let you know what is going on in the basement.
Build Quality
The build quality of the battery backup should be high. In fact, it is recommended if the unit is made of the best materials for a humid environment. The three materials that usually make such units are durable plastic, stainless steel, and cast iron.
Plastic is resistant to both rust and corrosion while it can break easily. On the other hand, stainless steel and cast iron may rust and corrode but they are too strong to break. Other than that, fewer moving parts is a huge benefit.
Best Battery Backup for Existing Sump Pump: The Benefits
Why should you spend extra and get a battery backup? Here is why:
- Backup in case of power outages: Since the battery backup will not be using the power line, when power outages occur in case of storms, the battery backup can keep pumping and keep your basement safe.
- Backup when the primary pumps stop working: A battery backup usually starts working when the primary pump stops working. Thus, you will always have peace of mind knowing that your basement is safe.
In conclusion
According to us, the best one among the ones we reviewed is the Wayne ESP25 Upgraded 12-Volt Battery Backup System. Firstly, the brand name is assurance for the quality itself. furthermore, the power and capacity of the unit do leave everyone amazed.
On top of it all, the unit is very easy to use. Also, you find it at quite a reasonable price. So, overall, despite minor drawbacks, this unit is the one that can provide you with the most value.
If it is not for you, you can use the new knowledge you gained to find the sump pump that is right for you. Also, the reviews should give you realistic expectations for now.