When To Replace Your Sump Pump Battery
The most important thing to do with your battery backup pump is to change the battery once in a while in order to make sure your backup will work properly. If you want to rely on your battery backup, you must know when to replace the battery.
A well-maintained battery should last for 4-5 years. However, some batteries die in the first 2-3 years. A battery will show signs if it’s near its death, usually, it does not charge as fast as before and does not last as long as before.
If your question is still not answered, don’t worry, we will make everything clear.
How to know if your battery is near its death?
Like every unit in your house, the battery backup needs regular maintenance in order to function as you expect it to. If you responsibly check your sump pump once every month, you will know when it needs repairing.
You need to know how efficient your battery backup is when the battery is full and healthy. If you know that, you will have no problem noticing when the battery is near its death. There are steps that you can take to check how efficient your battery is.
First, check how many gallons per minute can your backup pump. Then, unplug your main pump and let your backup turn on. If needed, pour water in the sump basin. If your backup appears weak, that means you need a new battery.
Another test you can do is checking how long your battery lasts. Unplug your main pump, and let the battery backup do its job. Most batteries can last for 7-8 hours. If your battery does not last nearly enough, that means you need to change the battery.
If your battery is really old, it’s obvious that you need a new one. You can’t use the same battery for more than 4 years. Even if you regularly put fluids in it, it will not change anything. Your battery may not be dead, but it will significantly decrease the efficiency of your pump.
Batteries can be damaged if not used. If you haven’t noticed your pump working for more than a year because you didn’t have power outages, the battery may be dead. Make sure to turn it on once in a while in order to prevent overcharging.
That’s all folks, make sure you maintain your battery in good shape and replace it with a new one once every 4 years. And make sure to check out our top 5 battery picks for sump pump backup systems!
Related questions
Will my battery die during the winter?
No. Cold weather slows down the chemical process, but the charges remain in good shape. Your battery may not function properly, but it will be okay once it is warmer.
Can my battery die in the first 2 years?
It shouldn’t, but if the battery was not used for a long time, its capacity will be weakened. If your battery died in the first year, you may have bought a bad battery or you didn’t put fluids in it when needed.
