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If you browse our site you will see that in the past we had recommended the installation of a backup sump pump. After years in the industry and having increased experience in walking into a flooded basement we have changed our opinion of backup sump pumps.

The biggest issue with a backup sump pump is the maintenance that is required to keep the battery in tact. Most battery backups will require maintenance that involves adding additional water to the battery cells. When the water levels are low the alarm will go off which usually causes people to disconnect or silence their alarm.

Another issue with backup pumps is the high initial cost. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$1000 to have a backup pump installed. The lower priced models seem to have the most issues and often will not work when you need them.

Many people like the idea of a backup pump in case of power failure. Power failure is usually not the cause of a basement flood. 95% of the basements that flood around Kansas City are due to primary pump failure. The biggest benefit you get from a backup sump is an indicator that lets you know the primary pump has failed.

The best solution for homeowners concerned with having a basement flood is to purchase a sump pump alarm from Amazon. These units are available for around $100 and can actually connect to your wifi and send you a text alert when your water level gets too high.