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When the power goes out, a regular sump pump stops. A backup pump keeps moving the water out of your basement when you need it most.
Tell us what you have now and we'll call you back to set up a free estimate.
How a backup pump works: it sits in the sump pit above the main pump. If the power fails or the main pump stops and the water keeps rising, the backup starts and pushes the water out through the discharge line.
Both protect you when the main pump can't run. Which one fits depends on your home.
A second pump with its own battery. It starts on its own when the main pump loses power or fails. Batteries wear out over time, so it needs to be tested and the battery replaced when it no longer holds a charge.
Runs on your home's water pressure, so it doesn't need electricity or a battery. It needs a good water supply to work, so it isn't the right fit for every home.
Already have a sump pump? We can look at your pit and discharge line and tell you how a backup fits with what you have. Need a new system? We install the main pump and the backup together.
We'll tell you honestly whether you need a backup and which type makes sense for your basement.
Get My Free EstimateWe install Basement Watchdog battery backup systems. Here's what the system includes and what each part does.
AI illustration of a typical backup setup; product appearance varies.
Every basement is different, so the price depends on what we find. What affects the cost:
We look at it in person and give you a free estimate with no pressure.
We'll check your setup and tell you honestly what it needs.
Get My Free Estimateor call 1-800-957-0075
Nor'easters, summer thunderstorms and tropical storms can drop heavy rain and knock out the power at the same time. A regular sump pump runs on household electricity, so when the power goes out, it stops. The water doesn't.
Pumps can also fail on their own. A stuck float, a worn motor or a tripped breaker can leave the pit filling while you're at work or asleep. A backup pump covers both situations.
“…the pump helped me during the winter storm when there was no power and saved my basement.”
Balu, Google review
There's no single answer. Run time depends on the battery's charge and age, and on how much water is coming in. A pump that only has to run now and then lasts far longer on a charge than one running nonstop in a bad storm.
Batteries wear out over time, often within a few years, so don't assume an old one will be ready for the next outage. The control panel warns you when the battery needs attention. If the light is on or you're not sure, call us and we'll take a look.
A backup is there for emergencies. The illustration shows a primary pump and a battery backup pump connected in one sump basin. The main pump still does the everyday work, so it needs a sealed pit, a check valve and a discharge line that carries water away from the house.
If water is coming in along the walls or floor, an interior French drain carries it to the pit. See the EPA's guide to moisture in the home.
We install backup pumps in Union, Essex, Morris, Somerset, Middlesex and Bergen counties, including:
If a power outage or pump failure would flood your basement, a backup is worth considering, because storms can knock out the power when the pump is needed most. We'll tell you honestly whether you need one.
Often, yes, depending on your pit and discharge line. We'll look at your setup during the free estimate.
A battery backup runs on its own battery. A water-powered backup runs on your home's water pressure and needs no electricity, but it depends on a good water supply.
Use the push-to-test button on the control panel and test it along with your main pump. Replace the battery when it no longer holds a charge, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your model.
No. The main pump does the everyday work. The backup is there when the power goes out or the main pump fails.
It depends on the battery's charge and age and on how much water is coming in. The more the pump has to run, the sooner the battery runs down.
Batteries wear out over time, often within a few years. Test the system regularly and replace the battery when it no longer holds a charge.
Yes. The backup has its own float switch, so it starts when the water rises high enough, whatever the reason the main pump stopped.
Usually not. It normally goes in the same pit as the main pump, set up to start above it. We'll confirm when we see your pit.
It depends on the type of backup and the condition of your pit and discharge line. We give you a free estimate after we see your basement. Call 1-800-957-0075.
Get a free backup sump pump estimate from a local NJ contractor.
