October 01/2020

How to Install a Backup Sump Pump

If you live or own a business in an area that gets a lot of rainfall or is located near a basin, then you will benefit from learning about and installing a sump pump and backup sump pump. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we have certified plumbers and sophisticated technology which allows us to rapidly and reliably install these devices, but we would like to teach you how to install a backup sump pump yourself. If you decide to leave this task to the professionals, then feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our friendly and helpful representatives are always on standby to take your call, schedule an appointment, or answer any questions or concerns.

What Is A Sump Pump and Backup Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a simple machine designed to keep moisture and water out of a basement or crawl space in your home or business. They are recommended for property in low-lying areas prone to flooding. A sump pump simply pumps floodwater away from the building. There are two primary types of sump pumps available: a submersible and the pedestal pump. The difference is small, though: a submersible pump is enclosed in a waterproof case while a pedestal pump is kept out of the water. Pedestal pumps are generally less expensive but also much louder than submersible pumps.
A backup sump pump, as the name suggests, is a “plan B” and provides an extra layer of defense against flooding. They are usually battery or water-pressure powered, springing into action when the primary sump pump loses power during an outage. This is especially crucial considering the likelihood that a storm brings torrential rainfall as well as a power outage.

Installing Your Own Backup Sump Pump

As we mentioned earlier, a backup sump pump is power by a battery or water-pressure. A water-pressure powered device will have to be connected to your building’s water supply and will therefore require professional installation. But here is how to install your battery-powered backup sump pump:

• Start by clearing out the workspace and cleaning your primary sump pump.
• Install a check valve on the primary sump pump to prevent water from flowing back into the sump pit.
• Tighten this check valve onto the side of the new backup pump to keep it secure and carefully set the backup sump pump into the sump pit.
• Cut a 1.5-inch diameter PVC pipe to create the discharge pipe.
• Glue the PVC pipe to the sump fittings and connect it to the original discharge pipe with a rubber connector and stainless-steel hose clamps.
• Place the deep-cycle marine battery inside a protective box and onto a nearby shelf.
• Connect the battery and the backup sump pump using a low-voltage connection.
• Finally, plug the battery to an appropriate electrical outlet to charge.

Contact the Professionals

If you would prefer to have an expert plumber quickly take care of your backup sump pump installation, then feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our services are available around the clock. Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to request your price estimate or urgent dispatch now.