In order to safeguard their homes from floods, the majority of homeowners have sump pumps. Yet there are individuals who underestimate the value of having a backup sump pump.

Main sump pumps can fail from stuck or broken floats, faulty electrical systems, excessive water inflows, broken impellers, power outages, and much more. A failing sump pump can lead to flooding and is a huge threat for damage to your home.

It is essential to have a backup sump pump system in place to ensure optimal coverage.

Types of Backup Sump Pumps

There are two different kinds of backup sump pumps:

Water-powered backup sump pumps are connected to your home's water system and operates by suction. They are typically more costly than the battery back up sump pump.
Battery backup sump pump has a rechargeable 12 volt battery that will kick in if the power goes off.

Each type possesses its own advantages and disadvantages.

Selecting Backup Sump Pumps

Here are a few ideas to think about when you are selecting a backup sump pump:

Buy a backup sump pump from a reputable manufacturer. There is no sense buying a backup sump pump if it's not going to work. Research how to find a quality sump pump to ensure the back up system will work properly.
Select the proper size pump. The correct size of a pump is critical to it's performance. When selecting size, consider the amount of water that will need to be pumped. If there is potential for a large amount of water to collect in a given area, then opt for a larger model... and vice versa.
Rating of a pump. The rating of a sump pump is typically given out gallons per hour (GPH). Your main pump should have a higher rating that your back up pump.
Alarms systems. In most flood cases, home owners don't even realize there is a flood until they step in it. You can purchase a sump pump alarm that creates an audible sound to alert a homeowner when water reaches a critical level.
Float action. Some sump pumps have a float device that triggers the pump to turn on when the water rises and pushes the float to reach a certain level. The float should be stable and without electrical working parts.
System covers. Sump pump covers help protect backup pumps from debris, dirt, and various substances from getting inside the pump's inlet.
Included warranty. If your pump fails, you'll be thankful you had a warranty. Some warranties allow for additional technical expertise if something happens.
Sump pump installation. You might be interested in the simplicity of installation, depending on your comfort level with technical equipment. Something to consider.

Be sure to consider these factors when researching or talking with a sales representative at your local hardware store. They can be the key factors to your success in finding the right backup sump pump.

Zoeller Backup Pump Systems

Zoeller's backup sump pumps are a great choice at a fair price.

Zoeller 507-0005 Basement Sentry Battery Backup Pump System

Zoeller 507-0005 Basement Sentry Battery Backup Pump System When you have residential or commercial wastewater issues, you can count on Zoeller Pumps to deliver the very best solutions-our commitment to top quality offers you years of service and durability. When your house is dependent on a sump system in the basement it can be a huge problem id that system fails. Because of this, Zoeller Pumps have created a basement battery backup pump that can be easily installed and can help you to maintain your peace of mind that your sump system it set up to work correctly. The Zoeller 507-0005 Basement Sentry Battery Backup Pump System runs off a 10 Amp battery charger and has battery overcharge protection. The pump itself runs off a 12 volt highly efficient battery with noncorrosive pump construction, with 6Ã¢ÂÂ leads. It comes with the pump, control box, control device, battery case, fittings, and charger. Zoeller 507-0005 Basement Sentry Battery Backup Pump System Features: • FEATURES: 10 Amp battery charger with burnout and battery overcharge protection. • PUMP--12 volt highly efficient with noncorrosive pump construction. Supplied with 6' leads. • CONTROL BOX--12 volt, D.C., fully solid state, automatic with complete light, alarm indicators and warning system. • CONTROL DEVICE--Variable level reliable (Low Voltage) float switch. • BATTERY CASE--12-1/2" (L) x 7" (W) x 7-3/4" (H). • FITTINGS--Furnished with ALL required fittings. Model 507 has an internal check valve in the discharge and includes an additional heavy duty check valve adaptable to 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" pipe. • Provides for high capacity capabilities in critical installations and faster charging recovery of the battery. Minimum pit size requirements: 18" diameter x 24" deep • Primary sump pump must be ordered separately.