Archive for the ‘Battery sump pump’ Category

I plan to get a battery back-up, but in the meantime, any suggestions for a possible power outage from the ice storm?

I'd go with a large UPS for short outages, up to a couple of hours. For longer outages you will need a generator. This would allow the pump to run for a short time if you aren't home, possibly even overnight. Running the generator will keep the UPS batteries charged and ready for next time.

Popularity: 2% [?]

I have a question regarding the back-up battery for the sump pump. This morning the power went out for about an hour. During the power out, the back-up battery for the sump pump kept beeping. I tried to reset the battery, but the beep continued. After the power came back on, the battery kept beeping. The back-up battery had a red light that stated to add more "distill water"…where do I put the distill water? The battery is in a small plastic container with a cover over it with some wires attached to it. Do I need a new battery?

yup

Popularity: 2% [?]

My back up battery is saying that I need to add distilled water. Where do I add it? I have a Watchdog back up battery.

Unless it’s a sealed battery, there should be a plastic cover you can pry up with a small screwdriver. You add distilled water in each cell just to the fill line (slight ring in the plastic inside, or the top of the notch inside the hole).

Popularity: 1% [?]

Hello,
I need information about sump pump back ups in case this one were to fail. I know there are battery back up pumps but what about if I lose power in my house and raining very hard, what about using a generator to keep the sump pump running?

Thanks

Sump pumps generally range from 1/3 to 3/4 h.p. and are rated by their maximum pumping ability in GPH (gallons per hour). A sump pump with battery backup can run continuously for 6 to 12 hours before the battery looses it's charge. This is enough to bridge most power outages. If your electricity is out longer than that, a generator could keep it going indefinitely but you'll have to make sure the sump pump is on a circuit served by the generator.

Another defensive strategy is to prevent water from getting into the basement in the first place. It could be that rerouting gutters and making drainage improvements to the site itself will solve or at least reduce the problem. Be sure the sump pump drains water well away from the house, too, or else you’ll be pumping the same water over and over again.

Yet another thing to consider: a new sump pump. If your existing pump is old, consider getting a new one when you rig up the generator or battery backup system. A new pump is cheaper than a flooded basement.

Here are some additional tips about waterproofing your basement. Combined with a good sump pump, they should keep you out of trouble!

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20057861,00.html?xid=yahoo-answers&partner=yes

Popularity: 2% [?]

recent power outages for hours-since I do not have an expensive battery back up sump-is there any other alternatives that I could use to ensure a working pump if no power?

A power inverter is available that turn 12 DC (car battery) into 120 volts AC.
1- Example Radio Shack has a 300 watt one for about $80.
(a one HP motor =746 watts) sumps come in 1/4 hp, 1/3 hp half hp and so on.
2- A 1200 watt inverter runs about $170.
3- Get one that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter and run an extension cord to the sump.
4- Check out you local auto store in the accessories dept.
5- RV stores carry them too and some will even handle 5000 watts.
6- Bottom line, how long will you need the power without having to recharge the battery ?

Popularity: 2% [?]