I have an indoor sump with sump pump that is connected to the drain at the base of my basement exterior stairs at the rear of my house. When it rains, the yard runoff comes down the stairs and into the drain. I am concerned that a power failure will result in seeage through the door and basement flooding. It seems that there are two types of battery backup systems. One that is an independent smaller pump that runs off a battery that is kept charged. The other is a single or double battery system that would supply power to my existing pump if there would be a power outage.

Which system is better or me?

Depends on how much water and how long you need it. Have you tried to divert the water so it never gets down the steps, that would be a better approach?

Hi SOCTCARPY

I agree with Brian, for sure, so if you can divert/channel water to reduce flow, that is certainly the place to start. However, with that being said, if this is a about peace of mind, then this one is a no brainer since the new sump pump power inverters came out.

Here, a regular battery back up pump is a plastic pump that discharges water at a VERY reduced rate during an emergency... only short term and will not move great volumes of water. The power inverter, on the other hand, uses your regular sump pump during the emergency (power outage) and that will move water as it always has and was planned to move.

Be sure to use a DEEP CYCLE marine battery rated for this job... consult battery dealer and do NOT purchase the battery sold by the pump dealer... almost double what the marine dealers charge. Do be sure to match the amps required (read all instructions).

Questions? Let us know, OK?

Mark