Sump pump backups

[Tim Coppola]

I bought my first property earlier this year in Chicago and it has a sump pump in the basement unit. Being that this is my first property and I have never dealt with sump pumps before I had someone come out and look at it. He said everything was working well although he couldn't tell how old the actual pump was. He also mentioned that I should consider getting a backup in case the power goes out during a storm. I asked him for a quote and it came back around $3600 which includes a new pump as well as the backup with two batteries.

My question to experienced investors and home owners, is getting a backup worth the money? Has anyone ever had a basement flood because the power went out and there was no backup? I have no issues spending that kind of money but I just would like to know if it is worth it or if backups really aren't used in the Chicago area.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Tim

[Frank S.]

A finished basement should have a good reliable pump with battery backup.  Chicago has combined sewers and MWRD can't keep up with the load during storms. 

The pit and start stop actuators must be designed so the pump runs for about a minute or a minute and a half. Anything shorter than that will reduce the useful life of your equipment.  Ask your plumber to run the calcs. Get a pump curve indicating rating gpm capacity and pump head.

Zoeller is a great brand. Metropolitan Pump in Romeoville has great options.  Buy a good product.

Get a detailed bid from your plumber, $3,600 goes a long way, and sump pumps are not that expensive. 

Best, 

Frank