Why should you get a water powered sump pump you ask? Are you a basement person? No, not in a creepy way, but do you have your office in the basement? Do have any other arrangement in the basement? Moreover, do you hate it when your crawlspace gets flooded due to excessive rain? You might be staying in an area laden with a high groundwater table, which makes it difficult to soak the water underground after a heavy pour.

Moreover, waterlogging and clogged drains are one of the most widespread reasons behind damaged and brisk house structures. This can also lead to a reduced hygiene level due to mold and mildew growth in the flooded basement or the crawlspace of the house.

The best possible solution for such a situation is a sump pump. A sump pump makes use of a float that rises with the rising water level and then follows a mechanism that drains the excess water out of the house’s proximity so that the basement remains dry.

However, an electric sump pump has a major downside, which has made the manufacturers come up with a backup remedy for a water-powered sump pump. A water power sump pump can work magic especially in dire times of power outage. Liberty Pumps SJ10 can be a perfect example of the best water-powered backup sump pump. The Liberty Pumps SJ10 model is widely used and is a popular model.

These water-powered sump pumps run on water pressure and do not rely on electricity.

In simpler terms, the best water-powered sump pump works when the primary sump pump fails due to a power cut or breakdown. The water in the sump pit rises above the primary sump pump float and might flood the entire basement area.

However, these water-powered pumps step in to resolve the situation without much fuss. A new-age backup pump has become the next best solution for a water logging problem and can help you save your precious furniture, expensive pieces of equipment, and flooring in your basement. For instance, buyers can refer to a Zoeller 540-0005 FLEX Series Water-Powered Back-Up Sump Pump.

Therefore, buying a water-powered sump pump is one of the best decisions that you have taken.

It can be the solution to the list of problems and anxieties that you went through every time, after a downpour. However, buyers must understand, when buying a backup sump pump, there are a plethora of options to consider.

This buying guide aims to provide all the relevant information about the essential features and factors of the best water-powered sump pump. After going through all the pointers mentioned in this guide, the buyer will be able to get enough clarity to make the perfect purchase of a water-powered pump. Let us now delve into the world of water-powered backup pumps to get a better understanding of the product.

10 Best Water Powered Sump Pump – Everything You Need to Know

Water-powered sump pumps can be the ultimate solution for your home. With all the trouble that you are facing with moving the furniture in and out of the basement, every time there is a downpour and the power goes out can be traumatizing.

Moreover, it can also be a problem to leave the house unattended as such an issue would require immediate intervention. Therefore, the buyer must get a backup sump pump for draining out the extra water even if there is a power outage. The BASEMENT WATCHDOG MODEL can be regarded as a perfect example for buyers. However, some buyers might still wonder about the effectiveness of a backup sump pump and can look into the following benefits of a water sump pump.

What are the benefits of a water powered sump pump?

There can be a range of benefits of installing a backup sump pump. A buyer might wonder about the backup pump’s worth in case he has a primary pump and does not suffer from frequent power outages. However, there are a few other situations for which the water-powered sump pump might be crucial.

These can be listed down as follows.

• Burning out of the sump pump motor due to overuse.
• The water inlet area of the pump might be clogged with mud and debris.
• Sump pump components like the impeller, driving shaft might get blocked or the switch might break or get disconnected.
• The water discharge pipe of the sump pump might get clogged or the fuse might be blown rendering the pump inoperable.

These are some of the potential reasons that might lead to the main sump pump failure. Moreover, if the situation takes place in correspondence with a heavy downpour, the buyer will have to let their basement get flooded.

The buyer should also remember that most of the insurance companies have a strict policy cover against water damage. The amount of deductible is greater in case of water damage. This means that the buyer might probably be left with a huge repair bill and a soggy basement.

Therefore, it is essential to get a water-powered sump pump.

The benefits that these pumps can offer can be listed down as follows. Basepump is a well-known brand in the water-powered backup pump industry. It offers a few popular models like the Basepump HB1000 water-powered backup sump pump and the Basepump RB750-EZ. The buyers can take a look at the Basepump HB1000 – PRO to understand the product in a better way.

Great Backup

The best water-powered sump pump can be a great backup sump pump for all primary water pumps. If you live in an area that is run by a well-fed water source can opt for a battery-powered backup sump pump. A perfect example of a battery backup pump that can be used by households is the Zoeller Aquanot Sump Pump.

However, a battery-powered backup sump pump will not be a great fit for a house that is run by city water or municipal water.

Therefore, such households should make use of a water-powered backup sump pump. This water pump makes use of the municipal water pressure to drain out the excess water from the sump pit. The BASEMENT WATCHDOG Cite-33 model seems like a perfect battery-powered backup unit.

A sump pump has a stable run time and is reliable in all conditions. This means that the machine can pump water at a fixed rate in any condition as it does not depend on any kind of power. On the other hand, a battery-powered backup pump can diffuse water at a higher rate. However, the rate might fluctuate once the battery runs out of juice.

No-Power Pump

A water-powered sump pump has the unique advantage of not requiring power or electric supply for it to run. This means that the sump pump makes use of the water pressure from incoming municipal water. This creates suction using the venturi principle and thereby pumping the excess water out of the sump pit.

No Additional Cost

The water-powered sump pumps run on city water pressure and do not need to be charged or run on power. When the water supply enters the house and creates suction using the venturi principle, the sump pump drains the excess water from the sump pit. The pump water along with the municipal water is ejected out of the house.

The system in which the water pump works does not add to the electricity bill of the household. The only cost that the pump acquires is that of the cost of city water. This is much less compared to the cost that would be required to clean a wet crawlspace or basement.

Moreover, the cost of buying a battery can be around $200 with the battery acid. Nonetheless, using water-powered pumps does not lead to pitfalls while disposing of the old batteries. The user does not have to worry about repair or replacement of any pump component.

Types of Water Powered Sump Pump

There are a few types of water-powered sump pumps depending on their use and area of installation. The buyer might be able to decide between the different types by going through the basic function of these water pumps. These are pedestal and submersible water-powered sump pumps.

Pedestal Sump Pump

A pedestal sump pump is a water powered sump pump, which is also known as an upright sump pump. It is installed on a pedestal to keep it out of the accumulated water. A pedestal sump pump works with a similar mechanism as a water pump. It has a hose that connects the pump with the sump pit and it drains the excess water when the float rises.

Pedestal pumps are cheaper than submersible pumps. Moreover, they do not require heavy maintenance and are less prone to damage or breakdown. This is because they are not installed inside the pit. However, these units are not effective in case of heavy flooding.

A pedestal sump pump comes easy on the pocket, is easier to maintain and repair, and has a higher life expectancy. However, in case of a heavy flood, these units can get clogged or burn out due to overheating and operates with a loud sound.

Submersible Sump Pump

A submersible sump pump operates with a similar mechanism, but this water-powered sump pump is installed inside the sump pit. This means that the sump pump can get submerged under the water level and this might lead to the damage of the motor. Thus, these pumps are available with water-sealed motors. Moreover, the water also prevents the sub-pump from getting over-heated.

A submersible water-powered sump pump has a more powerful motor that enables it to deal with heavy floods. Moreover, the pump installed below the water enables it to operate with minimum sound. However, there are consequences of being submerged in water.

The life expectancy rate of a submersible water-powered sump pump is less than that of a pedestal sump pump.

A submersible pump might last for 5-15 years in comparison to 25-30 years for a pedestal unit. Moreover, submersible backup sump pumps are also expensive.

Therefore, it is essential on the part of the buyer to decide what is the specific need for which the water-powered backup sump pump is being bought. If the need is for tackling the heavy monsoon seasons or the torrential floods in the area, then a submersible unit would be perfect. The Superior Pump 92900 can be a perfect example of a submersible unit.

However, if you are considering buying a water-powered backup pump for the frequent power outages, a pedestal water powered sump pump would be enough.

How to buy the Best Backup Water Powered Sump Pump? [Ultimate Guide]

There are a few factors and features that are needed to be considered before buying the best water-powered sump pump. The buyer should be mindful of these factors and look for them in the product description. Moreover, these features must be present in the water-powered sump pump model that the buyer decides to buy.

1. Float Switch

It is the switch that switches on the pump automatically after getting triggered by the float. There are three kinds of switches namely a tethered float switch, a vertical float switch, and an electronic switch.

A tethered switch works with a bulb that floats up. It turns the pump on, and then the bulb drops after the excess water have been drained out of the sump. A tethered float can reach depths leading to longer rest periods for the sump pumps. The BASEMENT WATCHDOG Big Combo Connect Model seems like a perfect example of a total pump system.

A vertical switch makes use of a rod that is connected to a switch in the housing of the motor. The pump switches on or off with the help of this motor. A vertical switch is ideal for narrower sump pits.

An electronic switch switches on the water pump when the topmost sensor alerts the water level. It switches off when the bottom-most sensor cannot sense water anymore. An electronic switch is not affected by the debris suspended in the water, as the other two types of switches.

2. Gallons Per Hour (GPH) in a Water Powered Sump Pump

This is one of the crucial factors that is needed to be considered for spotting the best water-powered sump pump. The GPH of a water pump refers to the amount of water that a pump can shift in a given period of one hour. The buyer should also remember that the higher the horsepower of a pump, the more powerful it is in draining water.

There is a range of horsepower options that the water-powered sump pumps come in like 1/4HP, 1/3HP, 1/2HP, 3/4HP, and 1 HP. Moreover, there are other considerations that the buyer needs to check for like the measurement of lift that the pump provides. Lift refers to the height between the sump pit and the highest discharge pipe that can be permitted by the pump. This is one of the metrics that should be carefully analyzed.

A water-powered backup pump might come with considerably high horsepower and around 900 GPH. However, the measurement of lift that comes with such power might be 1 foot. A 5 feet or higher measurement of lift might be accompanied by less GPH.

Therefore, it is important to note the water per hour along with the number of feet to which the pump can lift the water. A model with too low horsepower might end up getting overheated. 1/2 HP can be considered as optimal power for all situations.

3. Water Powered Sump Pump Material

The material, which forms the housing of the pump should be rust and corrosion-free. This means that the housing might be made out of alloy metals, stainless steel, cast iron coated with epoxy, and other kinds of plastic or polypropylene. However, buyers should avoid sheet metal as a housing material. The cast-iron pump system Wayne WSS30VN seems like a perfect example.

4. Pipe and Fittings Of Your Water Powered Sump Pump

This is a pump accessory that will also contribute to the efficient operation of the pump. The fitting should be compatible with the water-powered sump pump that the buyer is using. The pipe should fit the discharge outlet. The buyer should also remember here that a pump works more smoothly with wider pipes.

5. Check Valve

It is a valve that prevents the water in the pipe from falling back into the sump pit when the water pump is switched off. In case the primary pump comes with a shutoff valve, one must buy the backup. Make sure it comes with an extra valve as the former might be damaged due to corrosion from prolonged exposure to chemicals and minerals. The valve is situated on the discharge water line.

6. Sump Cover

In case your sump pit does not have a proper cover, you might consider buying one. The cover will protect the pit from dirt and debris that might clog the pump and hamper its operating ability. Buyers might also get a vent tube for the efficiency of the pump.

7. Water Alarm and Chord in A Water Powered Sump Pump

Water powered sump pumps come with a water alarm that triggers a loud ringing sound in case of some programmed situations like sump overflow. Nowadays, alarm kits are also available, which makes the user aware by calling or texting them. Moreover, a water-powered sump pump best works with a chord of the required length. Using extension chords should be strictly avoided. The PumpSpy PS2000 seems like a perfect example.

8. Backflow Preventer in A Water Powered Sump Pump

This is one of the most crucial factors that have to be considered while buying the best water-powered sump pumps. The backup pump selected should come with an enabled feature of a backflow preventer. Meaning, as the backup pump works with the help of water pressure, there are chances that the sump water might mix with the clean water.

Such occurrences can lead to a warning from the plumbing inspector of the area. You might end up buying a preventer kit or remove the pump. Therefore, it is recommended that the buyer selects a model that has a backflow resisting mechanism like a vacuum breaker.

How to install a Backup Water Powered Sump Pump?

The installation system of a backup pump is another consideration that the buyer needs to analyze before going in for the purchase. If you are confident with the installation process, then you can go for it. Otherwise, it is recommended for the buyer to take professional help from a plumber for the job.

Installing a water pump requires a connection with the household water supply. A suction pipe connects the sump with the pump and another discharge outlet drains the water out of the house premises. The suction pipe also has a screen attached to it at the bottom.

This screen filters out the debris from the sump so that they do not enter the pump. The pump also comes with a valve that ensures that the water does not flow back to the sump. Moreover, such a valve comes with the dual function of preventing the sump water to get mixed with the clean water.

The buyer should be mindful of the fact that the float of the backup pump should be placed above that of the primary water pump. Such positioning is followed to ensure that the secondary pump starts working only when the primary water pump has failed or stopped working.

FAQs

How much water does a backup water powered sump pump use?

An average backup sump pump uses 1 gallon of clean water to drain 2 gallons of water per hour. The cost incurred in regards to the clean water is minimal in comparison to the cost of drying a basement.

When shall a battery-powered pump be considered?

A battery-powered pump shall be considered if you live in an area infested by flash floods or torrential floods. A battery-powered pump comes with a more powerful motor with enhanced water-shifting abilities. Moreover, a battery-powered pump might save you insurance money.

How long does a water powered sump pump last?

A water-powered secondary pump has an indefinite run period and can last for around ten years. However, it is crucial on the part of the buyer that proper care of the unit is taken while installation and afterward.

Conclusion

These are the factors and features that are to be considered while buying the perfect water-powered sump pump for your house. There is a wide range of options available in the market. Moreover, with a choice between the submersible and pedestal pump types, the entire selection process might seem difficult. However, after going through this buying guide, the buyer will get the much-needed clarity to strike a fair deal. It should also be remembered here that the life expectancy of the product, depends on the process of installation. Each product might come with a different installation process. Therefore, it is important on the part of the user to go through the product manual before installing it. Wishing you all the best. Happy Purchasing!