I am in the process of finishing my basement & need info regarding which backup system to install. My sump pump only runs after it rains. I have never had any water on the basement floor, only in the french drain. Any feedback on backup systems is appreciated. Great site.
We like the Wayne isp smart pump. It's an ac dc pump that operates off 2 batteries. If the original pump fails the smartpump will run off electricity. If the electricity is off, the batteries will run the pump, according to our supplier, for up to 3 days. It's a little pricy, but in my opinion with back up systems, you get what you pay for.
Basementman- I had a Guardian (water activated) backup pump installed about 3 years ago and it's great. My regular sump isn't the greatest and we have had some heavy rains over the years. The Guardian kicks on in addition to the regular pump and since we travel a lot it's one less thing to worry about. Battery backup pumps are only as good as the batteries.
I think you should make the choice based on teh water service to your home. If you are on a well and the power goes out there will be no water to run the siphon jet pump, fo I would go battery back-up. If you are on city water I would go siphon jet.
basementman: I use the Stevens model DC1010. It uses 2 batterys and runs the pump on dc power.It will run for about 40-70 hours depending on volume pumped.The water pump backups downside is, if you live in a municipality that has low water pressure, the volume of water pumped is affected.Champion pump also make a vert good quality battery back up system, You can go to www.nawsrc.org to link to their website. Respectfully, Frank O'Pinion
