DIY Battery Backup Sump Pump System

[papa smurf]

Hello All,

I am in the market for a battery backup sump pump system. I have searched around for best pricing, and it would seem that everything is INCREDIBLY expensive (or so I think). I thought it was ridiculous to pay $130.00 for a small backup pump. I guess to soften the blow it comes with a plastic case (about the size of a cheap plastic tool box) for a battery and some PVC piping. In addition, you have to purchase a battery AND battery acid for $118. One system I looked at was $246.00 for the case and pump, $115 for a battery and $17 for battery acid. YIKES! This doesn=92t include what other miscellaneous pieces I might need. I would like to custom build my own for less. I have an electrician and a plummer in the family=85 So you may ask, why am I coming here for advice? The answer is, I would like to educate myself first and prepare said proposal before I approach anyone for help. I appreciate any advice on the subject. I really don=92t want to spend $500 on this project.

[jmeehan]

Do you have city water or a well? If you have city water, I suggest a water power back up. After all a battery powered pump is not going to pump a lot of water too long before it depletes the batteries. The water powered jet pump will likely cost a lot less was well.

[hallerb]

is youre sump higher than the street or low area in your yard away from home?

if so dig a ditch and run a line to daylight, gravity tends to be highly reliable.

a battery sump pump will require replacing battery every few years, and ideally should have a seperate drain line.

so a single point failure cant occur.

[ransley]

Basepump and Zoeller make city water powered pumps, batteries and chargers go bad.

[jack]

You get what you pay for.

Regarding the other replies... I have installed two water powered systems that were POSs; I would want them in my house. Fortunately don't need a pump, let alone a backup, but if I did I would use a battery pump.

[EXT]

The "Pump Buddy" by Bur-Cam is junk, the pump works OK but the float operated water valve is so flimsy that after sitting in the off position for a few months, it won't turn on. The valve also drips water constantly.

I replaced it with a BasePump system. Works great and drains a lot of water quickly. A big plus is the fact the pump is not in the sump but above it, relieving a lot of crowding in my small diameter sump. Not cheap, but much better value than the flimsy Pump Buddy which is way overpriced for what you get.

[papa smurf]

Thanks you all for your responses...

Jack,

Do you have a battery powered BasePump system, or is yours water powered? Was it very hard to install?

Thanks again.

[papa smurf]

My Bad... I meant to ask that question to EXT.. not Jack... :)

[EXT]

My Bad... I meant to ask that question to EXT.. not Jack... :)

I have the water powered pump with the 3/4" water supply and tossed out the Pump Buddy.