How Much Does It Cost to Add a Battery Backup to a Sump Pump?

Your sump pump is the unsung hero of your home, protecting your crawl space or basement against flooding in bad weather. However, even the most reliable pumps can fail, which could prove catastrophic during a major weather event. Installing a sump pump battery backup ensures an extra layer of flood prevention.

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How Does a Sump Pump Battery Backup System Work?

Sump pump battery backup systems provide protection if your primary sump pump fails. For example, a hardwired main sump pump won't work during a power outage. If that outage happens to coincide with heavy rainfall and you don't have a backup system, you could be at risk of a severely flooded basement.

Sump pump backup options typically run off a separate battery, so they don't rely on your home's electricity supply. Therefore, they can operate during a power outage, giving you several hours of flood protection until your normal power supply resumes. They usually emit a loud alarm when they start operating to alert you to the failure of your main sump pump.

Most homeowners install a sump pump battery backup in the same basket as their primary pump. Experts often recommend setting the backup's float level slightly higher than the float on your main system. A higher float level means your backup only activates when your primary sump pump fails, preventing you from wasting money on running two systems simultaneously.

Can I Add a Battery Backup to My Existing Sump Pump?

You can install a battery backup with an existing sump pump. Some models plug directly into your primary sump pump, making them quick and straightforward to install. Others require hardwiring into the main electricity supply to allow the battery to recharge during regular operation.

Hardwired systems are often more expensive and challenging to install, but they also tend to be more reliable. A qualified plumber can advise you on the most suitable model for your existing setup.

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How Much Does It Cost to Add a Battery Backup to a Sump Pump?

According to Forbes, the average sump pump battery backup costs $900 (CAD 1,254) for the system itself and professional installation. Most homeowners pay between $600 and $1,200 (CAD 836 and CAD 1,671) to have a professional install their backup sump pump, which includes the cost of the unit.

If you're an experienced DIY-er, you could consider installing a sump pump backup system yourself to reduce your project costs. DIY installation usually costs between $160 and $600 (CAD 223 and CAD 836), potentially enabling you to afford a more expensive, more reliable model.

Bear in mind that some sump pump backup options don't come with a battery. In this situation, you'll need to purchase the battery separately. Prices vary between manufacturers, but most backup batteries cost between $120 and $200 (CAD 167 and CAD 279).

Are Sump Pump Battery Backups Worth It?

Whether a sump pump battery backup is worth it depends on the local climate and the age of your existing system. Storms often cause electricity outages while bringing excessive rainfall, so a backup system is usually worth it in storm-prone locations. Other risk factors, such as a high water table or frequent rain, could make a backup system necessary.

You should also consider a battery backup for your existing sump pump if your system is nearing the end of its lifespan, as a sudden failure is more likely with a well-used pump. On the other hand, you may not need a backup system if you live in a very dry, hot area where flooding is relatively unlikely.

If in doubt, erring on the side of caution and installing a backup system could save you a lot of money. The average cost of repairing a flooded basement is $4,300 (CAD 5,989), but you could pay $50,000 (CAD 69,664) or more to fix severe damage, according to data from Forbes. In comparison, a sump pump backup system is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your home against flooding and water damage.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.