When the storm hits, will your home stay dry?
If you live in the Fox Cities area, heavy rains and melting spring snow can put your basement at risk. A reliable sump pump is your first line of defense, but what happens when the power goes out?
That’s where a battery backup sump pump comes in.
A reliable battery backup sump pump is a must for Wisconsin homeowners, providing an extra layer of protection and reliability in the wet, unpredictable Wisconsin weather.
What Is a Battery Backup Sump Pump?
A battery backup sump pump is a secondary pump that works alongside your primary electric sump pump. As the name implies, it runs on a battery rather than electricity.
If your main sump pump fails due to a power outage or overwhelming water volume, the backup pump can kick in automatically to keep water out of your basement.
Why You Need A Battery Backup Sump Pump for Your Fox Cities Home
1. Peace of Mind During Storms & Power Outages
A battery backup keeps your basement protected even when power goes out.
Heavy rain, high winds, and downed power lines are common during the unpredictable spring and summer storms we experience in Wisconsin. Storms are when your power is most likely to fail, but that’s when you need your sump pump the most.
When the power goes out and your electric sump pump can’t work, the battery backup can kick in and keep water from pooling in your basement.
2. Protection from Heavy Snow Melt & Flooding
Every spring, melting snow and frozen ground create the perfect conditions for flooded basements here in the Fox Cities. Battery backups add an extra layer of protection during these high-risk seasons.
When the soil can’t absorb all the extra water from the thawing ground and melting snow, and your sump pump ends up working overtime. A sump pump with battery backup will help ensure you’re still protected even with the large amounts of water.
3. Peace of Mind During Vacations or Weekends Away
As the weather warms up, most of us love to get away and enjoy being outside. A battery backup sump pump works automatically, giving you peace of mind even when you’re not home.
Whether you’re heading up north for a long weekend or taking a summer vacation, you shouldn’t have to worry about your basement while you’re gone. Unfortunately, prime vacation time is also prime time for unexpected summer storms.
When you have a sump pump battery backup, you can just focus on having a good time and enjoying your time away. It’s there in case of power outage and heavy rains to keep your basement safe and dry. Many sump pumps today come with alarm systems and smart monitoring, allowing you to check in and respond to any issues, even when you’re away from home.
4. Protect Your Investment
A battery backup system can save you tons of money, time, and heartache.
Basement floods and water damage can cost thousands in damage to flooring, furniture, appliances, personal belongings, mold cleanup, and deductibles. Not to mention the emotional turmoil that comes with losing irreplaceable photos and family heirlooms and hours spent dealing with insurance and service workers handling repairs.
That little bit of extra time and money spent to install a sump pump with battery backup will seem miniscule compared to a major flooded basement or water issue. It’s worth it, especially if you’re investing in finishing your basement or you store valuables down there.
Common Misconceptions About Battery Backup Systems
“I’ve never had water in my basement.”
You’ve never had water in your basement…yet. One bad storm is enough to do some damage. It’s better to be proactive rather than reactive, especially if you have a finished basement or store anything of financial or personal value down there (which is the case for most homeowners).
“My primary sump pump is brand new.”
Even brand new pumps can fail due to power outages, mechanical issues, or too much water to handle during major storms. While mechanical issues and faulty sump pumps are generally covered when the pump is new, it doesn’t undo the damage caused. Better to be safe than sorry.
“I’ll just get a generator.”
Generators are a good option in power outage scenarios. However, most generators only work if you’re home to start them. We’ve seen storms and power outages seemingly pop up out of nowhere in the Fox Cities. What happens when you’re sleeping, gone on vacation, sick, or injured? When you have a sump pump with a battery backup, it’ll run automatically, giving you the freedom to live your life.
How Long Does A Battery Backup Sump Pump Last?
A standard battery backup will last you 5-10 years. However, the lifespan depends on the pump itself, the battery, and how often it’s used. If your basement sees frequent flooding or the power fails often, your backup will wear out faster due to increased load.
We recommend testing your backup system at least twice a year, especially in the spring when the ground thaws, to ensure you’re all set.
Trust the Wisconsin Plumbing Experts
Watters Plumbing, located in Menasha, WI, has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin homeowners protect their homes with reliable battery backup sump pump systems. We understand the unique challenges Wisconsin weather brings, and we know how to keep your basement dry year-round.
Don’t wait for a flooded basement to learn the hard way. Contact us today to schedule a sump pump inspection or backup installation. We serve homes throughout the Fox Cites, including Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay, Fond du Lac, and the surrounding areas.
