How to Add a Battery Backup to a Sump Pump
Water seepage or runoff entering the crawl space or basement of your home can cause a number of problems. Not only can the water and moisture cause structural damage, there are also health concerns. Stagnant water in these areas can lead to bacteria growth, mildew and mold. A sump pump system will generally alleviate these problems, but the risk remains that a pump failure or a power failure could render your system useless. In these instances, a battery back-up can prevent costly water damage. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Inventory the contents of the battery back-up kit. The kit should include everything you need to install a complete back-up system with the exception of the marine battery. Check the contents of the kit carefully to make certain all parts are present before you shut down the sump-pump system to begin work. Installation should take less than an hour unless you encounter unforeseen problems.
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2
Install the back-up pump just slightly above the primary pump. You do not want to risk interfering with the main pump, but the back-up needs to be as close to the bottom of the sump basin as possible. Most kits include some type of bracket that will suspend the pump either from the side of the basin, from the drain pipe or from the pump pedestal, depending on the model you have purchased. Regardless of the type of mounting bracket, be certain all screws and clamps are tight and secure. There will be some vibration when the pump is in operation, and if the bracket is not secure, it could cause major damage and result in a system failure.
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3
Locate the check valve in the drain line from the primary pump. It will normally be just above the basin and will appear as an odd-shaped pipe coupler. Approximately 3 feet above this check valve, cut through the drain line using the hack saw. Attempt to make a straight, clean cut to ensure a good union with the new fitting. Clean both ends of the pipe using pipe cleaner, then apply pipe cement and install the tee check valve, which should have come in your kit. Hold the valve tightly in place for several seconds to ensure that a solid bond forms.
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4
Attach the drain line to the pump outlet port, then to the tee check valve you installed in Step 3. Secure the fittings to prevent leakage. Attach the power cables to the pump motor and then to the marine battery. Install the battery charger to the battery, then to a 110-volt outlet. When all connections are made, the pump is ready to test.
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Tips & Warnings
The power outlet in this area should be a GFCI (ground fault circuit interruption) device to offer added protection.
When purchasing the pump, check the pump capacity. If it cannot pump an adequate amount of water, it will be useless as a back-up system.
