Battery Backup vs Standard Sump Pumps: Which Should You Choose?

Still, learning about a sump pump is only the beginning. You’ve got a lot of decisions ahead of you, and Texas Rooter is here to help. Continue reading to get our two cents on standard sump pumps and battery backups.

Property owners and managers looking for a uniformed and trained plumber can call Texas Rooter at any time of the day. We are proud to offer residential and commercial plumbing service.

What a Standard Sump Pump Actually Does

A standard sump pump installation is effectively a water pump that sits in a pit in your basement or crawl space. Its job is simple but critical: pump water out of your property.

Think about it: When groundwater rises or heavy rain saturates the soil around your foundation, that water naturally wants to seep inside. Your sump pump catches it before it becomes a problem. Here’s how it works.

The pump sits in a basin where water collects. When the water level rises high enough, a float switch activates the pump to push that water out of and away from your building through a discharge pipe. As long as it’s functional and you have electricity to the pump, it keeps running whenever water shows up.

Standard sump pumps are powerful, reliable, and designed to handle lots of water. During normal conditions, a quality standard pump can run for years with minimal maintenance.

The Problem That Catches Everyone Off Guard

Here's where things get interesting, and the part that causes property owners the most grief. Your standard sump pump needs electricity to work. No electricity means no pump.

Now think about when you typically need your sump pump the most. It's during heavy storms, right? Those same storms that dump inches of rain in a short time are also the storms that knock out power lines.

You're sitting there in the dark listening to rain pound your roof while your sump pump is as useless as scrap metal.

Even brief power outages can create problems. If the power goes out for just two hours during a heavy rain, that's two hours of water collecting in your property and seeping through wood, concrete – you name it.

How Battery Backup Changes Everything

A battery backup system gives you protection when your standard pump can't run. It uses a separate pump powered by a large battery that kicks in automatically when your primary pump isn't working or when water levels rise too high.

The battery backup pump doesn't replace your standard pump; it works alongside it as a safety net. The battery backup stands ready and charged for the moment when you actually need it. When the power goes out, the battery takes over practically instantly.

Getting the Right System for Your Property

Choosing between these two isn't really about picking one over the other. Rather, it's about understanding what level of protection you need. If you live in an area with reliable power and minimal flood risk, then a standard pump might be sufficient.

But if you've ever experienced a power outage during a storm before, or if your area is prone to flooding, then having both systems is wise.

The pros at Texas Rooter can evaluate your property's specific needs and recommend the right setup. Call or message us today to get in touch.

Texas Rooter is also proud to offer emergency plumbing repair service, so feel free to contact us at any time of the day – or night.