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Backup Sump Pump Types

What is a Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump?

In the event of a power outage or a main sump pump failure, a water-powered backup sump pump can prevent a basement flood. Once water rises past the normal high-water level in your pit, the water powered pump’s float lifts, causing it to take over the pumping duties and prevent water from overflowing out of your sump pit driven by your homes municipal water pressure and can run as long as water is available.

What is a Battery-Powered Backup Sump Pump?

Similarly, in the case of a power outage or a main sump pump failure, a battery-powered backup sump pump can be used to supplement the primary sump pump. When the water level in the pit rises past the high-water level the battery back-up pump takes affect but runs off of battery power instead of water pressure.

Deciding which to purchase

Both types of backup systems have their advantages and drawbacks. The decision over which to use in your home will be determined by your specific water volume needs, and other factors. To get a sense for which pump type is right for your home, please see the advantages and disadvantages to each type of pump below. Still having trouble deciding? give Postma Heating & Cooling Inc a call today to speak to our plumbing experts.

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Water-Powered

Advantages

  • Potentially unlimited run time – Since water powered sump pumps are driven by your home’s municipal water pressure, they can run as long as water is available.
  • No battery to monitor – With a water powered pump, you no longer have to check, maintain, and replace batteries or keep an eye on a charger to make sure it is doing its job.
  • Water Powered pumps are ideal for the cottage or rental properties and those who do not want to have to monitor their backup pump as often.

Disadvantages

  • Homes with wells cannot use them – This is because a power outage shuts off the well pump.
  • Pumping Volume – Water powered sump pumps generally will not match the pumping rate of the battery backup solutions.
  • Installation – Water powered sump pumps are often a bit more involved to install, Since they connect to your home’s water supply piping.
Battery-Backup

Advantages

  • Versatility – Most homes can use them.
  • Pumping Power – Can pump up to 25 gallons per/Min
  • Installation Simplicity – Since they often use the same discharge pipe as your primary sump pump, installation is generally straightforward.
Disadvantages
  • Run Time – During a power outage there is a limit to how long the pump will continue operating, since the battery will only store so much power.
  • Overall battery life – the batteries that these pumps run on must be replaced every 3-5 years. In order to have a system that you can rely on.
  • More Maintenance – You have to keep an eye on the battery charger and perform tests to make sure its doing its job and can be relied on in the event of a power outage.
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At Postma, we’ve been servicing homes and commercial properties with top-notch air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality products and services for the residents of Chatham since 1989.

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Our mission is to provide valuable and informative services that ensure the comfort and safety of our customers. We have been serving Chatham-Kent and the surrounding area for over 30 years. Established in 1989 by brothers, Ron and George Postma and their wives, Hetty and Linda – the company continues to be family owned and operated to this day.

Our mission is to provide valuable and informative services that ensure the comfort and safety of our customers. We have been serving Chatham-Kent and the surrounding area for over 30 years. Established in 1989 by brothers, Ron and George Postma and their wives, Hetty and Linda – the company continues to be family owned and operated to this day.

Postma Heating & Cooling Inc. employs certified, local contractors that are dedicated to understanding your unique situation, providing you with valuable solutions, and presenting you with a price before the work begins. We are pleased to provide a Service Partner Plan and regular maintenance options to catch small problems before they have the chance to grow into serious ones.