How Many Sump Pumps Do I Need?

Are you wondering whether you need more than one sump pump? Maybe you posed this question for yourself because of your flooded basement? Let’s look into this before you buy a backup pump.

It all depends on how your current sump pump is performing. A battery backup is recommended for power outage situations and basements prone to flooding. A second sump pump is advisable to protect you from mechanical failure of your primary sump pump.

If you are a safety freak, keep reading, let’s look into this more thoroughly.

Is your current sump pump efficient?

One sump pump can be efficient even for a big basement. It depends on the type of the sump pump and how well it’s installed. Some homeowners are satisfied and confident with their one sump pump.

However, no matter the size of your basement, if your sump pump can’t do its job properly, either need a second sump pump or one with more power. A little water resting in the sump pit is normal, but if your pump can’t handle the inflow of water consistently, a secondary pump can help out.

Some professionals recommend getting a battery backup even if your main sump pump is efficient. Homeowners see this as a sale, but it’s actually a piece of very sound advice. Sump pumps can fail and power can go out.

In the end, it’s up to you. Some are very satisfied with how the main sump pump is performing but still get a backup pump. It depends on how much you value safety and your basement.

If your sump pump is not the problem but the basement is, don’t worry, we will get to the matter.

How big is your basement?

It’s best to get a sump pump that is adequate for your basement. Professionals recommend one sump pump for every 100 linear feet. However, some homeowners are satisfied with one sump pump even for basements bigger than that.

There are some powerful models on the market that can do the job alone, but one sump pump will never provide protection in case of its own failure. So, should you get a second sump pump for your basement?

If you have valuable things in your basement and you use that space, I highly recommend getting a second sump pump. You can try with just one and see how it goes. If you are satisfied with the one, you don’t have to get a new one.

However, if you don’t want two sump pump units but still value safety, you can get a battery backup sump pump combo like the Wayne ESP25 (affiliate link). You will get a powerful main pump and a battery backup that will turn on if the main pump needs help or power is out.

There is still one more situation where you will need a backup pump.

Do you live in a wet, rainy area?

If you live in an area where flooding is an everyday thing, surely you are very familiar with sump pumps. However, if you are having doubts about your one sump pump, you have come to the right place.

Now, if your basement is prone to flooding, especially during the rainy season, you may need a second sump pump. Scratch that, a backup sump pump is a necessity for you.

Even if your current sump pump is doing really well, the chance that you will get mold is very high. You must protect your basement from mold as well as flooding.

Maybe don’t get two sump pump units, but buy a battery backup combo. There are some really good sump pump combos on the market for a relatively cheap price. This will significantly improve safety in the house.

A battery backup sump pump will eliminate any chances of mold growth and flooding. In fact, many of the homeowners that live in wet areas already have a battery backup. I recommend you get one too.

Hope this helped you with your dilemma. Stay safe and responsible homeowners.

Related questions

Are battery backup pumps hard to install?

No, in fact, most of the units come pre-assembled. That means that you don’t have to do any extra work, just put the pump in place and connect lines.

Can a battery backup pump fail to start?

Battery backup pumps mostly fail because of their battery. The battery needs maintenance, mostly putting battery acid in it. Because the backups don’t work as much, mechanical issues are not that common.

Is there another option besides a battery backup?

Yes, some homeowners that are confident in their one sump pump, have battery power backup installed in their home. That way you don’t have to get a backup sump pump, the battery system does the job of turning on the sump pump.