A sump pump battery backup system is a great way to keep your basement dry and safe during a power outage. But these systems need routine maintenance to keep them working at their best.
If your sump pump battery is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be time to replace it. In most cases, this is a good idea because as batteries age, they lose their ability to hold a charge.
Wet Cell
When choosing a sump pump battery replacement, you need to consider your specific needs. It’s important to choose a battery that has the correct qualities and is capable of deep discharge.
The most common type of sump pump batteries are Wet Cell lead-acid batteries. These batteries can be a great choice because they are durable and are often regarded as safer than Gel Cell or Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries.
However, they do require regular topping up with distilled water to maintain their performance. This can be time consuming and a hassle, but it’s something that should be done regularly in order to keep the sump pump battery working properly.
If you are looking for a battery backup sump pump system that requires less maintenance and won’t trigger an annoying alarm, try a water-powered system like Water Commander(tm). This batteryless system runs on your home’s municipal water pressure without using any batteries or electricity. It’s the most reliable backup system available, and it won’t bother you with a loud nuisance alarm!
Gel Cell
If your sump pump battery is too old to be able to provide reliable emergency power, it might be time to replace it with a new one. You will want to choose a battery that can deep discharge over a period of time and that is able to re-charge quickly.
A typical lead-acid vehicle battery does a great job providing a large quick burst of energy for short times but not as well over long periods like your sump pump backup system needs. Wet cell batteries are not a good choice for this application because they sulfate easily and the terminals can corrode.
A Gel Cell battery is a sealed system that contains an acidic electrolyte in viscous gel form instead of a liquid. This’recombinant’ technology does not vent much hydrogen or oxygen, so does not require periodic maintenance and is less expensive than a sealed lead-acid battery.
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)
If your sump pump battery is failing and you are considering replacing it, you may want to consider an AGM battery. These batteries are technologically superior and have many safety features that make them ideal for battery backup sump pump systems.
AGM batteries have a unique design that encapsulates the lead-acid cells in glass fiber material that absorbs electrolytes (only enough to keep it wet rather than submerged) and won’t leak if punctured. This means they are maintenance-free and safer to use than flooded batteries.
Another big benefit is that AGM batteries don’t sulfate, so they don’t need topping charges as often. Additionally, AGM batteries charge faster than flooded ones and are less likely to overcharge or discharge.
When choosing an AGM battery, be sure to get one with a low internal resistance and high energy capacity. These characteristics will help ensure your system has reliable power and runs efficiently when you need it most.
Lead Acid
If you’re replacing your sump pump battery, you should choose a type that will work best with your system. Lead acid batteries are a great choice, as they can power heavy-duty equipment and tools for long periods of time and are more resistant to temperature extremes than other types of batteries.
A lead acid battery consists of two electrodes (anode and cathode) immersed in an electrolyte solution that contains liquid sulfuric acid and water. The sulfate ions from the acid bond to the lead plates and generate electricity when current flows between the plates.
Lead acid batteries may be adapted to improve their performance in several ways, including changes in the volume or concentration of the electrolyte or forming a ‘captive’ electrolyte that can help prevent hydrogen gassing from escaping into the atmosphere.
A ‘captive’ lead acid battery immobilizes the liquid sulfuric acid using a gel or an absorbent glass mat. This prevents stratification of the electrolyte and minimizes gassing, making these batteries low maintenance. However, they are not as suitable for deep discharge applications.