An emergency backup sump pump is a nonelectric backup for sump pump systems, and it is crucial for homes because it provides added protection. When a primary sump pump fails, malfunctions or loses power, an emergency backup sump pump takes over to remove water from a basement.
Backup sump pumps are incredibly valuable to homeowners because they provide peace of mind. When homeowners invest in their homes, they want to ensure their properties are safe from potential damage. Many homeowners utilize basements as additional bedrooms, home offices, cozy gathering spaces, or additional storage spaces. When such an important space is vulnerable to water intake and potential damage, it’s important to take protective measures.
When water collects in a basement, it can cause health concerns and significant damage to floors, walls, carpeting, furniture, and valuable belongings. Repairing a basement can be costly and time-consuming, but having a backup sump pump in place can prevent water intake and damage. When you offer high-quality backup sump pump systems to clients, you can help them rest assured that their basement is safe from water damage, even in the event of a power outage or primary pump malfunction.
What Is a Sump Pump Backup System?
A sump pump backup system is a system that removes water when a primary sump pump fails, malfunctions, or becomes overwhelmed. A backup for sump pump systems can operate without electricity, which is what makes them so reliable. Having a nonelectric backup for a sump pump system can give homeowners peace of mind that their property is protected in any situation.
How Do Sump Pump Backup Systems Work?
Sump pump backup systems work when primary sump pumps stop working. When a primary pump malfunctions or loses power, it stops removing water. As the water begins filling the sump pit and rises above the inactive primary pump’s float, it triggers the backup sump pump’s float and activates the backup pump to begin removing water.
A backup system uses battery power or water pressure to remove water from a basement, and it sets off an alarm to alert homeowners when their primary pump loses power or malfunctions. A battery-powered sump pump uses an electric motor and impeller to pump water out of a sump pump, while a water-powered sump pump uses water-pressured suction.
When a water-powered system’s float is triggered, it will open a valve to let water in from the municipal water supply. Backup sump pumps remove water via suction and discharge pipes. The water pressure and a special nozzle create a suction that pulls water out of the basement and pushes it outside through a discharge pipe. The nozzle pressurizes the water and causes it to shoot through the pump at a high speed, causing a vacuum within the pump that sucks water out of the sump pit and ejects it outside.
When Are Backup Sump Pump Systems Needed?
Backup sump pump systems reliably take over when primary sump pumps stop working. A primary sump pump may stop working for different reasons, and this can happen unexpectedly. Households should have a backup sump pump to protect their home in the following situations:
During Power Outages
Since primary sump pumps operate on electricity, they only work when a home has power. Homes can lose power due to heavy rainfall, strong winds, storms, snow, ice, and tree limbs interfering with power lines. Power outages are unpredictable, so having a backup sump pump for these instances can give homeowners peace of mind. A backup sump pump system operates on batteries or water power, so it can work to remove water when a power outage occurs.
During Unexpected Failures
Primary sump pump systems sometimes fail unexpectedly. A primary pump may stop working for the following reasons:
- Wear and tear: Sump pump components can wear down over several years of usage. Having a backup pump can save a homeowner’s basement if they don’t realize their primary pump has stopped working.
- Frozen or blocked discharge pipes: If a discharge pipe freezes or clogs, it stops operating until the clog is removed. A backup sump pump with a separate discharge pipe can take over when this occurs.
- Switch failure: A switch can fail when the float mechanism becomes restricted or lodged in the sump pit. When a switch becomes lodged, it cannot move effectively in the sump pit and prevents the primary pump from operating. A switch can also malfunction or stop working, often requiring a pump replacement.
When the Primary Pump Becomes Overwhelmed
Sump pump backup systems can also operate simultaneously with primary pumps. In some situations, primary pumps can become overwhelmed when an excessive amount of water enters a basement. When this happens, the primary pump will remain operational, but its pumping capacity can fail to handle all of the water entering a basement. Primary pumps may become overwhelmed during flash floods or extreme rainfall.
When a primary pump fails, a backup sump pump can turn on and work with the primary pump. The backup sump pump can remove the excess water the primary pump is unable to handle. With a backup sump pump, homeowners can rest assured that both of their sump pump systems can handle excessive water in the sump pit.
To best prepare for this scenario, a home should have a backup sump pump with an independent discharge pipe that is not connected to the primary pump.
The Importance of Sump Pump Backup Systems
Backup sump pump systems are important because they protect homes when primary pumps stop working. A primary pump can fail unexpectedly, letting water accumulate quickly in a basement. Investing in a backup system can help homeowners avoid significant water damage and reduce the chance of the following issues:
- Water damage on the walls and under floors, including carpeting.
- Damaged or ruined furniture that may acquire mildew from moisture buildup.
- Flooding and moisture can damage items such as books and photo albums beyond repair.
- Water creates moisture that can cause mold growth, including in hard-to-see areas.
When homeowners spend time and money to finish or remodel their basements, they want to protect that investment. You can help your clients protect their investments and avoid costly repairs by offering the option of a backup sump pump system.
Backup sump pump systems are also important for health purposes. Water presents moisture and humidity to basements, which provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. Mold exposure is a threat to human health because breathing in mold spores can cause health complications. Mold exposure can cause the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Itching
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
Excess moisture can also attract some types of pests, including ones that may cause further destruction to belongings and property.
Types of Backup Sump Pump Systems
You can offer homeowners different types of backup sump pump systems. Both battery-operated pumps and water-powered pumps can effectively remove water from a basement. Before offering backup system options to your clients, make sure you understand the differences between the following systems:
Battery-Powered Backup Sump Pump Systems
A battery-powered backup sump pump is a backup sump pump that operates on battery power. Battery-powered backup pumps are reliable and efficient. They are easy to install and start working automatically when primary pumps fail.
One thing homeowners need to remember if they invest in a battery-powered backup pump is to replace the battery every few years or more often, depending on how much they use the pump.
Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump Systems
A water-powered sump pump is a battery-less sump pump backup that operates on water pressure. As long as a household has water, this sump pump will operate when needed. The main benefit of water-powered backup sump pumps is that they do not require batteries, so they can save homeowners money on battery replacements. Water-powered sump pumps can also save homeowners money on maintenance and repairs because they contain fewer moving parts to break or wear down.
Water-powered sump pumps cost more than battery-powered sump pumps, but they can operate for a longer period of time. While a battery-operated sump pump can only operate as long as the battery lasts, a water-powered sump pump can continue operating as long as a household has water.
Some homeowners, like those who rely on a well pump for their water supply, lose water anytime the power goes out. In these cases, a battery-powered backup pump is the only reliable option.
Zoeller Pump Company’s Battery-Powered Backup Sump Pumps
Zoeller Pump Company manufactures high-quality, long-lasting battery-powered backup sump pumps for contractors across the country. If you want to offer your clients the best battery-powered backup pumps in the industry, consider the following models:
Aquanot® 585
Zoeller Pump Company’s Aquanot® 585 is a reliable backup system with 25 years of proven performance. This well-established system comes equipped with a pump and an electronic charger with a pump alarm, automatic recharging ability, 12 V DC output, and LED status indicators.
Aquanot® Key 507
The Aquanot® Key 507 is an entry-level system with advanced features. This fully automatic pump features a charger and a self-testing controller. It is a solid performance pump with an automatic, heavy duty supervised switch.
Aquanot® Spin 508
Zoeller Pump Company’s Aquanot® Spin 508 operates with maximum performance and efficiency to protect homes against flooding. The Aquanot® Spin 508 pump’s DC battery system provides up to six uninterrupted pumping hours. Self-testing technology features a sophisticated controller that automatically charges, switches connections, and runs intelligent diagnostics. An audible alarm and flashing lights alert homeowners when issues occur.
Aquanot® Fit 508
The Aquanot® Fit 508 is a high-efficiency sump pump backup that provides residential properties with excellent protection. This backup pump includes a DC battery backup system that connects to the Z Control® Cloud via built-in WiFi. With this feature, homeowners can receive immediate alerts when flooding occurs. Homeowners can also utilize remote access to check their pump’s status or silence the alarm.
Zoeller Pump Company’s Aquanot® Fit 508 also recharges automatically. With self-testing technology, homeowners can have confidence that their backup pump will always have a power supply.
Zoeller Pump Company’s Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump
Zoeller Pump Company also manufactures a high-quality water-powered backup sump pump you can offer clients. The 540 FLEX™ is a long-lasting second line of defense homeowners can rely on to protect their properties. Made with non-corrosive materials, homeowners can trust this water-powered backup sump pump to operate with quality performance and require little to no maintenance.
The 540 FLEX™ operates on municipal or city water pressure, so homeowners do not need to purchase batteries or rely on their electricity to use the pump. This water-powered pump can be vertically or horizontally installed, making it compatible with most primary sump pumps. With flexible installation, you can keep the water line secure and safe by installing the 540 FLEX™ pump in a home’s rafters. You can also effectively seal the pump’s sump pit cover because it contains no moving float rod.
For every gallon of water that powers the 540 FLEX™, it pumps two gallons of water out of a basement for maximum efficiency. It is compatible with any existing brand of sump pumps and has a small footprint, letting it work in an 18-inch-by-22-inch pit. With a high head and capacity, the 540 FLEX™ can remove water effectively, performing at operating pressures between 40 and 80 pounds per square inch (PSI). It includes a push-to-connect supply fitting with an installed field.
Find Sump Pump Backup System Distributors
Backup sump pump systems are crucial for basements because they provide added protection. Primary sump pumps can unexpectedly fail or malfunction due to power outages, overwhelm, wear and tear, blocked pipes, and float switch failures. When these unfortunate situations occur, a water-powered or battery-operated backup sump pump will sound an alarm and start working to remove water from a basement.
A backup sump pump can save a basement when a home loses power during heavy rainfall, storms, melting ice or snow, and flooding. Backup sump pump systems let homeowners relax and trust their basements are safe from water damage at all times. This is important, especially when homeowners dedicate time and money to finishing or remodeling their basements. A backup pump can save homeowners money and protect a family gathering space or valuable belongings from damage.
If you are looking for distributors of sump pump backup systems, Zoeller Pump Company manufactures high-quality backup sump pump systems for distributors around the country. With Zoeller Pump Company’s high-quality backup pumps, you can offer your clients valuable peace of mind that their property is safe from water damage, even in the event of a power outage or primary pump malfunction.
With Zoeller Pump Company’s high-quality backup sump pump systems, you can enhance your services and offerings to build your client base. Clients will appreciate the time and effort you dedicate to protecting their investment with effective and efficient systems. Locate a Zoeller sump pump system distributor to purchase quality systems for your clients.
