I plan to get a battery back-up, but in the meantime, any suggestions for a possible power outage from the ice storm?
2007-01-14 15:52:43 · 11 answers · asked by Dana W 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
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.
2007-01-16 13:08:27 · answer #1 · answered by Warren914 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get either a battery-operated sump pump that serves as a backup (they sell these at any DIY store), or you can buy an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) -- the kind they sell for computers. just make sure you're getting one with enough amps for the pump you have. Then plug the pump into the UPS and the UPS into the electrical outlet. It should work for a couple hours of continuous operation, or more if it's intermittent. You also need to find out why you're getting so much water in the sump. Any battery backup won't last through a long power outage at the rate your pump is operating. And power outages are often associated with storms.
2007-01-15 13:28:40 · answer #2 · answered by Rick K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your sump pump is operating on a float switch that will sense the depth of the water in the collection sump. When the water quits filling the sump, the pump should quit working. Check the system for back flow and that the outlet of the pump is well away from the house and not running back in to the sump. If the sump is dry, then the switch may be stuck and it needs to be cleaned.
2016-05-24 03:46:55 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sump pump cannot run without power. You should buy a generator if you have a problem with water. Your pump should work off a float switch. When the float attached to the pump floats up to a certain point the pump should kick on. If your pump is running every five minutes you have a serious problem with either the water or the way your pump is wired. Buy a generator, or call an electrician.
2007-01-14 16:31:40 · answer #4 · answered by matthew l 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, I may be wrong, but I would be very concerned about why it's kicking on every 5 minutes. Secondly, I'd see about finding a generator. It would help with more than the sump - pump.
2007-01-14 16:06:30 · answer #5 · answered by Trish B 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hi. recently on "ask this old house" i saw them install a backup sump pump, which required no electricity at all and actually runs on water pressure (strange concept eh). it was a very simple mechanism, and unfortunately i dont remember a lot about it, but i'm sure that if you research this just a little bit on the net you will find what i'm talking about. it works great, requires no electricity whatsover, and will keep your home dry. good luck
2007-01-18 15:04:19 · answer #6 · answered by mark n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Install eaves troughs
The most frequent problem with (source of) water is run off from the roof.
It has no place to go but into the house.
If you have eaves troughs then extend the down spouts far away from the house.
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2007-01-14 20:27:06 · answer #7 · answered by james 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll have to do the pan method like i did until the power comes back on. and the when it does, go to the store and get a battery back up AND a generator
2007-01-14 16:03:35 · answer #8 · answered by Da_Bears70 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ummmm black water! just fixed one of those deals. they usually run at 220 volts so a battery won't do much good. better get a generator. and if this for a sewage tank make sure the high water alarm is working!!!
2007-01-14 17:40:49 · answer #9 · answered by rbent 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Where are you draining water from? Can't you just unplug it for a day or two?
2007-01-14 16:00:32 · answer #10 · answered by Incognito 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋