Backup Solutions for Sump Pumps

[Mean Daddy]

I like posting things like this on FR as there is a lot of wisdom from members.

I have a fairly new 1/3 hp Zoeller sump pump but considering a backup in case of power outage:

1. Whole house generator connected to natural gas. Depending on model, kW, this can cost $10-25,000.

2. Traditional generator that plugs into utility meter socket or a smaller standalone just for the pump. $500 - $3,000 solution.

3. UPS with two batteries but fairly expensive. $3,000 by my estimation. Allows for software monitoring of system.

4. Two battery system with inverter, charger, inline fuse & kit to tie together batteries. Leaning towards this as it would power the sump pump.

5. Separate pump with battery. One of the cheaper options but haven't heard great things about them.

6. Water powered backup sump pump. Uses city water to pump out sump pump.

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[ProtectOurFreedom]

Since we are in our 70s, we probably don’t have many family gatherings left, so we thought “Let’s not run the chance of a big outage ruining Thanksgiving or Christmas since people are flying in.” That and the winter freeze-up problem. We don’t get many outages, usually a moment or two, but when a big blow hits, all bets are off.

[sit-rep]

running up and down the stairs with buckets of water?

[KitJ]

"we probably don’t have many family gatherings left"

Don't say or think that. "Stop it with the negative waves, Moriarity" (h/t Kelly's Heroes)

OTOH, live every moment like it's your last. Who knows when a meteorite will come blazing out of the sky and blast your noggin? Every day is a blessing.

And pray and plan for the future. Tell people you love them, give hugs. Be kind to strangers. Love God.

[*Kit scratches his head and wonders how to store more water and fuel....]

[ProtectOurFreedom]

And all those are the reasons we have a generator! ;>)

[KitJ]

"And all those are the reasons we have a generator! ;>)"

Perfect for you. No questions asked.

I've got a 5kw sitting out back that will probably take more money to repair than to buy a new one. Meanwhile a couple little Honda 2kw gennies sitting in the garage that I haven't fired up in far too long. I'm terrible at periodic maintenance.

[Nailbiter]

.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Re periodic maintenance...LOL...we are in a terrible smoke summer here in the Inland Northwest, so I thought “I better change the air filters on the AC/Furnace.” Hmmm...it’s been a long time since I did that. I mean a LONG time. The HEPA filter is a real mess. I sympathize.

[BobL]

Make life easy and get a Jackery and then simply plug the pump into the Jackery (and elevate the Jackery!). The larger ones operate as a UPS, so you can plug the Jackery into the receptacle that is presently used for the pump.

The size of the Jackery is determined by the following:

1. Ability to start up the pump (first 5 seconds). Motors under load typically will require up to 8 times their running amperage to start up.

2. Ability to provide running load (i.e., after first 5 seconds) - almost always covered if you can start up the pump.

3. Actual wattage, duty cycle, and running time - this determines how much energy storage you need. Simply multiply them together - example: 200 Watts for at 25% duty cycle (i.e., off 75% of the time) running for 24 hours would be 1200 Watt-hours (200 x 0.25 x 24). Easy math, but tough to know the duty cycle.

4. Then step-up the number to account for internal losses in the Jackery (maybe 20%) and any additional margin you may want. If it were me, I’d get a 2 kWh Jackery (handles internal losses and plenty of margin), providing the Inrush Current (i.e., #1 above) is meant. Price right now is around $900.

[FreedomPoster]

I have two 55 gallon blue food grade polypropylene drums. Treat with an appropriate amount of plain bleach and you’re good for ten years. It helps using lots of basement space.

[1Old Pro]

I use a Bluetti as back up for my pellet stove. You just size it according to amp draw and expected time for use.

[Lou L]

Last fall, we did option #1. We have a Generac, though I don't recall the kW output, it's enough to run most things in our house at the same time. Our sump runs about every 20 minutes during a heavy rain, so that wouldn't be a problem.

Finding a good contractor to oversee the installation and ongoing maintenance of the generator is important. Definitely want to do the research for your area before proceeding.

A week or so before last Christmas, we lost power in our neck of the woods, for almost 2 hours. It was one of the coldest days of the year in the Indianapolis area at the time. Generator came on and ran flawlessly. It was kind of eerie, ours was one of the few hours in the neighborhood with Christmas lights on and visible. Felt like a crime at the time!