12v Sump Pump

Do I need a 12v sump pump? If you are on a municipal water supply you do not need a 12v backup sump pump. A water powered sump pump would be a much better choice in this case. If on the other hand you live in the country or away from a municipal water supply a 12v backup system would be the best choice. There are generator hookups that can be installed to run a backup system but are not economical in most cases.

                                                  Disadvantages Of A 12v Backup Pump

Run time is short about seven hours for a fully charged battery. Need to do load tests. Most people will choose the wrong type of battery,eg: marine batteries. You need a deep cycle battery which isn't going to be cheap, anything else simply wont last very long and will probably need replacing before three years. 

                                                  Zoeller 507 Basement Sentry

When it comes to any kind of sump pump quality and dependability are top priorities. If your sump pump is considered to be a critical component cheap knockoffs just dont cut it, your backup sump pump is no different. One of the premier quality backup sump pumps are made by Zoeller a company with a long successful track record, a well known brand with service and parts readily available in any plumbing store.  Featured in the image is the Zoeller 507 Basement Sentry.Click for a price. 

                                            Why Do Basements Flood?

Water can enter your building from:

 Low ground level areas that slope inwards resulting in poor drainage
 General poor drainage of the soil.
 Cracks or lack of waterproofing of basement walls
 Damaged or missing weeping beds.
 Sewer backup from flooding
Damaged down spouts or down spouts not properly installed to drain water away from the foundation area

A problem that is common in many parts of the country that amounts to millions of dollars in damage with the average cost per claim close to $5000. 

                                                 Health Risk

 Besides the mess and the disruption of household routine  wet houses are linked to an increase in respiratory problems. Mold can develop behind water damaged walls and other areas of the building where water has seeped in. Mold spores affect many people without any awareness of contamination.

                                        Long Term Damage

Frequent  flooding can result in long-term damage to the building and equipment that may not be covered by insurance. Insurance rates may rise to compensate for repeated basement flooding claims, and/or the minimum deductible may be increased significantly. Property value may depreciate because the basement is prone to frequent flooding. Wether you use a 12v sump pump or a water powered sump pump asses carefully your risk of flooding and choose accordingly.