The cost of a sump pump battery backup depends on the type of backup, its battery capacity, and the sump system it is part of. A free inspection gives you a written estimate for your basement. For many homes with a sump pump, a backup is worth it, because it keeps the pump running when the power goes out.
This post covers what drives the cost of a battery backup, what it does and when it matters most.
How Much Does a Sump Pump Battery Backup Cost?
The cost of a sump pump battery backup depends on:
- The type of backup system and its features
- The battery capacity, which affects how long it can run the pump
- The interior drainage and sump system it is part of
- The condition of the sump pit and the discharge line
HydroHelp911 gives you a written estimate after a free inspection, and our cost calculator gives a ballpark figure first. Our backup sump pump installation page covers the work in more detail.
Many homeowners wonder whether a battery backup is worth the cost, since the pump does not use it during normal operation. As the rest of this article shows, it does its work when the power fails.
What Does a Sump Pump Battery Backup Do?
Sump pumps collect groundwater from around the foundation in a basin called a sump pit, then pump it up a pipe and out of the house.
When the system runs as designed, it helps keep water out of the basement. But it can fail in several ways.
All sump pumps need power, and most run on the home’s electricity. If the power goes out, the pump stops, which can lead to basement flooding.
That is where a battery backup helps. It keeps the pump running for a time during a power outage or a problem with the normal power supply, which lowers the risk of flooding and water damage.
Who Needs Sump Pumps the Most?
A sump pump can be a helpful part of any basement drainage system, and some homes need one more than others. For a basement that floods regularly, a sump pump is often part of the fix.
Homes near a large body of water, homes on the Carolina coast with a high water table, and homes at the bottom of a slope that sends stormwater toward the house often see more water in the basement.
A foundation with cracks can also let water in, and even uncracked concrete can let water through when water pressure builds up outside the wall.
Many basement drainage systems include both a sump pump and a battery backup to keep it running when the power goes out.
Why Is a Battery Backup Important for Your Sump Pump?
When a sump pump loses power, water keeps filling the sump pit until it overflows, and then it can spread across the basement floor.
That water can damage stored belongings, rugs and furniture. Basement flooding also encourages mold and mildew, and the EPA notes that mold can trigger asthma episodes in people with asthma.
A battery backup helps keep a drainage system that relies on a sump pump working through an outage.
What Else Helps Manage Basement Moisture?
Other services can help too. Interior basement waterproofing manages water that reaches the basement walls and floor and carries it out. A dehumidifier lets you set and hold the humidity in your basement.
A professional can help you understand which drainage options fit your basement.
Common Questions About Sump Pump Battery Backups
How Much Does a Sump Pump Battery Backup Cost?
It depends on the type of backup, its battery capacity, the sump system it is part of, and the work around the sump pit. Your free inspection gives you a written estimate, and our cost calculator gives a ballpark figure first.
Is a Sump Pump Battery Backup Worth It?
For many homes it is, because a sump pump stops when the power goes out, and storms often bring outages and heavy rain together. A battery backup keeps the pump running for a time during an outage.
What Warranty Comes With a Sump Pump?
Our sump pumps carry a 3 year warranty on parts only, which can be extended to a lifetime parts and labor warranty through our annual maintenance program. The full terms are on our warranties page.
Learn More From an Expert
If you have moisture or standing water in your basement, a free inspection can find the source. HydroHelp911 serves homeowners across North and South Carolina with interior waterproofing, structural repairs and drainage systems.
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Written by
Cory Parks
Owner & President, HydroHelp911
Cory Parks founded HydroHelp911 and leads its structural and moisture repair work for homeowners across North and South Carolina, from the clay soils of the Piedmont to the saturated, sandy ground along the coast.
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