Best Battery Backup Sump Pumps - Top Picks, Reviews & Complete Buying Guide
by Scott Miller Updated on
There are people who are interested in buying a good sump pump and as you are reading this, you are probably one of them.
In order to avoid a flooded basement, you should think about getting one.
What we are offering you are descriptions of sump pumps with a battery backup, which is a great machine that will continue functioning even when the power goes out.
There are a lot of models on the market and getting a good deal can be troublesome, so as to make difference between the manufacturer’s promises and real features of the machine we are giving you a list of the best battery backup sump pumps.
The WAYNE WSS30V Pre-Assembled model rightfully deserves the first position.
It’s pre-assembled, meaning that you do not need to spend much time on the installation of the unit.
Besides being powerful sump pump, with a ½ hp primary pump, it is a very quiet when in operation, which is considered a positive thing.
The battery back-up pump is as robust as the main pump, but you will not have to worry in case of power outages.
As it has passed a lot of test, the users claim that this is the most durable sump pump on the market.
One thing that is taken as a weakness is that check valves are higher up the discharge pipe, but this can be easily solved by yourself if you are into this field.
The Wayne ESP15 is a unit which is not much expensive, but still a quality one.
When buying this cheaper pump, what you get is a ¼ hp pump capable of pumping 1750 gallons per hour.
if you are not in need of an industrial-grade sump pump, this model can successfully do the job.
There is an alarm that alerts you when the backup system has turned on.
It comes with a thermoplastic case which is on one hand a good thing as it will not corrode like a metal sump pump, but on the other, it will be less durable than the cast iron.
The weakness of this pump is that the battery charger is a bit slow, but it can be replaced with faster models.
As it is on the last place on our list, you assume that there are some problems with the Basement Watchdog BWE 1000.
Yes, the fact is that it is not powerful enough to pump 1000 gph up a 10’ pipe which is claimed to be its power by the manufacturer.
This turns out into a flooded basement in case of power outrage.
When purchasing this unit, you want to get the one that will do well what it is designed for, and this is not the case with the Basement Watchdog BWE 1000..
Positive feature is the alarm that continues to sound, even though the power is back on.
The fact that it is cheaper than other models cannot be the reason good enough to get the least quality machine.
Battery Backup Sump Pumps: The Ultimate Buying Guide
If all the above mentioned reviews did not help you find the ideal model for your needs, we are offering some more information in order for you to understand some of the features that are important to consider when purchasing a sump pump.
This is a great guide not only for a new buyer, but also for people interested in replacing an old unit.
Is the size of the pump important?
The size is very important when buying a backup pump, and what you need to take into account is the size of your sump and the pump that you already own.
For those people who have a smaller size sump a smaller backup pump would do the job well.
You should have in mind that some backup sump pumps require a certain configuration in order to work.
This means that you will need more space for the installation of the unit, as an improper installation results in mechanical failure which thus leads to basement flooding.
Furthermore, if you have a smaller sump you can get a model which has both a main pump and a battery backup pump.
This model is less space consuming than two separate units.
How powerful should the pump be?
Backup sump pumps run on a battery and they cannot be as good and powerful as your main ones.
But, you need backup pumps in cases of power outrage, and this usually happens during heavy rainstorms.
Rain is followed by a huge amount of water entering the sump and you will you’re your backup sump pump running.
The cheaper versions of backup pups are usually less powerful and a flooded basement is more likely to happen to you.
The money you have initially saved on buying a cheaper model would cause you spend a lot of time, effort and money if this happens to you.
So, make sure that your backup is powerful enough.
The number indicating the power can be impressive, as manufacturers show how much water the pump could move if the pipes it was pushing water through were on a level surface and this is not always the case.
So, do not believe those numbers as your sump is in your basement and water has to be pushed up vertically.
Depending on the conditions, some sump pump will have to work harder and have more power, so do not take the numbers the manufacturer indicated as real and keep this in mind when you are buying it.
How can I know whether the pump is high quality or not?
The quality is the main concern whatever device you are buying, and if the safety of your house is in question, then the quality of your backup sump pump would be of even greater significance.
The reviewer suggest regular testing and maintenance on your sump pump, in order to make it last longer.
There are models which have proved to last for a long time and you will get peace of mind when it comes to their break at a critical time, but you should know that they are usually more expensive.
When it comes to quality, the material of which the outer shell of the pump is made of is very important.
If you want a more durable model, you should look for those that are made of cast iron.
Have in mind that this material is heavier, which makes pumps heavier as well but it will provide a lot of strength.
Metal can corrode after some time, but the cast iron sump pumps are better because this strong material keep the internal mechanisms safe, which is more important.
You can also get a sump pump with a plastic shell.
What you get is a lighter pump, but at the same time, weaker.
You can get plastic models at much lower price, but cast iron is more durable than plastic.
What about battery charging?
You will get a battery charger with the unit you buy and what you need to pay attention to is the voltage of the charger that comes with the pump.
There are some charges that take longer to charge the batteries than others but they can be easily replaced by faster ones.
If you have a lot of back-to-back power outages, or invest in a particularly large battery, you will need a faster charger to power the pump.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can only be said that the WAYNE WSS30V Pre-Assembled is the best model available on the market and if you get it, you will not regret.
Its power is so great that it can drain even the biggest sumps.
Furthermore, what the majority users find amazing is that they do not have to spend time on installation.
The Zoeller 508-0006 is also great when it comes to its power, ease of installation, and potential for integration with home security systems.
The Superior Pump 92900 is difficult to install while the Basement Watchdog BWE 1000 is the one to be avoided, as it does not have good features and lacks quality.
Now, that you have gone through our reviews and our buyer’s guide, we believe that you are ready to purchase a sump pump which is right for you.