Do You Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump?

Written By Ted DrycePublished on 08/12/2021Updated on 05/29/2025

Sump pumps automatically drain water out of a basement or crawl space. But they rely on electricity, so if that power goes out, what do you do?

With a battery backup sump pump, you can keep your main sump pump functioning, even in an emergency. While you don’t technically “need” one, they are highly recommended. Read on to see how they work and why getting one is worth it.

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What Does a Battery Backup Sump Pump Do?

Battery backup sump pumps function just like traditional sump pumps. Both types keep water levels in your crawl space or basement low.

While both do the same thing, a battery backup sump pump is just an attachment, not a separate sump pump system altogether. You can’t use a battery backup sump pump without having a traditional sump pump already in place. Backup battery pumps are there for emergencies when the power goes out.

Should You Install a Battery Backup Sump Pump?

When you install a sump pump in your home, there are many things to consider. After all, you count on it to drain water out of your basement, so you want it to work the best it can.

Most sump pumps need electricity to work. If the power goes out during a storm, your sump pump won’t be able to protect your home.

Installing backup battery sump pump will keep your primary sump pump running. Water builds up faster during bad weather, so installing a battery backup is a good idea if you want to avoid damage.

How to Install a Battery Backup Sump Pump

It’s not recommended to install a battery backup sump pump on your own. Instead, reach out to professionals who have the proper tools and training.

Installing a battery backup sump pump is a relatively straightforward process, so the job won’t take long. Installation rarely takes more than a day and involves these steps:

Attach the unit to the wall
Connect the appropriate cables to their terminals
Plug the pump in
Test your pump’s compatibility

What Are the Risks of Not Having One?

Not having a backup battery for your sump pump can lead to several problems, especially if your area gets a lot of rain or flooding. Here are the main risks:

Water Damage: Without a backup battery, your sump pump will stop working during power outages, which can happen during big storms. This means water might start gathering in your basement and damage floors, walls, furniture, and other items.
Mold and Mildew: When water sits around, it can lead to mold and mildew, which can harm your home and be bad for your health (especially if you have allergies or breathing issues).
Basement Wall Damage: Water that builds up in the basement can weaken the walls, causing cracks and making them less stable. Fixing this kind of damage can be very expensive and might lower your home’s value.
Higher Costs: Using just one sump pump all the time, especially during lots of storms, can wear it out faster. This means you might have to replace it more often, which can get expensive.

Having a backup battery for your sump pump is a good way to keep your home safe and dry, even when the power goes out unexpectedly.

The Benefits of a Battery Backup Sump Pump

Battery backup sump pumps do more than just keep your sump pump working. They also notify you if your sump pump starts to fail.

A backup pump can alert you to a failure in your primary pump, whether it’s due to a power outage or a broken part. While you search for a replacement part or contact local contractors, you can feel secure knowing that your battery backup sump pump is preventing any flooding in your basement.

In addition, backup pumps also help you;

Lower your water and electric bills
Extend the life of other waterproofing solutions

Battery backup sump pumps are an excellent tool to have on hand if you want to keep water out and help your primary sump pump last as long as possible.

Work with AFS to Install a Battery Backup Sump Pump

Are you looking to install a battery-backup sump pump in your basement? AFS can help. We serve homeowners in the Southeast United States and make the process easy.

If you feel like you’re ready, you can reach out to these professionals to kick off the installation process. Ask for a free quote on this and any other services your home may need, and you’ll be able to plan out your home repair budget in little to no time at all.

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Battery Backup Sump Pump FAQs

Are sump pump backup batteries rechargeable?

Yes, they are. Most models can be recharged so you can always keep them at full life in case of emergencies.

How many years does a battery backup sump pump last?

On average, backup battery sump pumps last 3 to years. Depending on certain factors, such as the number power outages at your home, this could be shorter or longer.

How reliable are battery backup sump pumps?

Battery backup sump pumps are usually very reliable and help prevent flooding during power outages. Their effectiveness, though, depends on keeping them well-maintained and using a good-quality battery.

Related Resources

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Ted Dryce

SEO Content Specialist

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.