Backup Sump Pumps Can Give Home Owners Peace of Mind - 9/6/2004 - Home Interior Attic Basement

Backup Sump Pumps Can Give Home Owners Peace of Mind

A sump pump collection system removes the water from the footings and walls of below-grade basements. Many of these basements will experience some seepage or flooding over the course of their lifetimes. Walls made of either concrete block or poured concrete have the potential to leak due to the pressure of the hydrostatic ground water table.

A typical sump pump system consists of a basin or sump pit for collecting the groundwater from the outside; an electric pump that is either submersible or mounted on a pedestal; and a discharge line. These systems are reliable and efficient, but problems can occur when electricity is lost during a severe storm.

In battery operated systems, which are the most commonly preferred backup, a battery drives a direct current pump that removes the water once a high water level is reached. In addition to the pump, these systems consist of a separate float system, trickle charger for the battery and an alarm system.

Also on the market are water pressure sump pumps that use household water pressure to operate the pump. No electrical hookup is required for the operation of this system. A water line is connected to a valve that is attached to a float alarm and when activated releases a stream of water that turns the impeller in the pump, thus discharging both the household water supply to the unit plus the water building up in the sump.

Battery backup sump pumps are readily available at hardware and home center stores and they are fairly inexpensive.

For more information, e-mail Ken Ford at NAHB or call him at 800-368-5242 x8228.