Do You Need Battery Backup for Basement Sump Pump Systems?

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Written by Warren Muschialli

Dry and habitable basement areas are a valuable asset in both residential and commercial developments, providing essential space for living, storage or services. However, their below-ground location makes them particularly vulnerable to water ingress.

For architects, specifiers and developers, ensuring that they specify a reliable basement waterproofing solution is a necessity. Furthermore, for habitable basement spaces that typically use a ‘Type C’ cavity drain waterproofing system to deliver a completely dry area, the majority of Type C Systems will utilise a sump pump system to discharge the captured ground water from the property. As such, one crucial, yet sometimes overlooked aspect of a comprehensive solution is the inclusion of a reliable battery backup system for basement sump pump systems.

Power Outages and Sump Pump Failure

Even the most robust sump pump systems are only as reliable as their power source. When connected solely to the mains grid, these systems are vulnerable to power outages – whether due to storms, grid failures or scheduled maintenance. In such instances, a sudden loss of power can render pumps inoperative just when they are needed most, leading to rapid water build-up and potentially catastrophic flooding.

Given the unpredictability of power outages, relying on the grid alone is a significant risk, particularly in developments where the consequences of flooding could be severe – from loss of valuable assets and disruption of business operations.

Why a Battery Backup System is Essential

A battery backup system provides a critical safety net, ensuring that basement pump systems continue to operate even when grid power fails. By automatically switching to battery storage during an outage, these systems maintain continuous protection against water ingress, safeguarding the structure, its residents and its contents.

Key Benefits of Battery Backup Systems

• Uninterrupted Operation: Pumps remain active during power failures, maintaining essential protection.
• Automatic Activation: Modern systems detect outages and switch to battery power seamlessly, with no manual intervention required.
• Peace of Mind: Developers and property owners can be confident that their waterproofing measures are robust, even in adverse conditions.
• Compliance and Best Practice: Many insurers and warranty providers now expect a comprehensive solution that includes backup power for critical systems. It is also recommended by BS 8102:2022 that all Type C pumping systems include protection against power outage.

How Does a Battery Backup System Work?

A typical battery backup system for basement pumps consists of a high-capacity battery, an inverter, and a control unit. The inverter converts stored DC power from the battery into AC power suitable for the pump. When the grid supply is interrupted, the system automatically switches over, ensuring the pump continues to operate without interruption.

Our product offering includes the advanced Victron Inverter/Charger system, which provides reliable battery storage and intelligent switching. These units are designed for seamless integration with our range of basement pumping systems, offering a fully compatible and dependable backup option.

What Options Are Available for Battery Backup Systems?

Integrated inverter/charger systems like the Victron Inverter/Charger offer the capacity and reliability to support multiple pumps or extended run times. To ensure their long-term operation and overall system health, accurate monitoring and control solutions are also required.

There are several choices available in the market for both pump control systems and telemetry units for recording and transmitting information from the sump pump system. However, at the time of writing this article, designers, contractors and homeowners should be conscious of the UK transition from analogue to digital landlines.

This transition process means that communications providers in the UK are replacing current landline technology, which for most will be completed by January 2027.

As many current pump control systems are not digital-compatible, it is important that designers either specify digital units for their pump control systems, or ensure that their system can be retrofitted with a cloud-enabled sump pump monitoring system. Without this, sump pump systems that are controlled by analogue devices are at risk of becoming redundant.

Overall, for the best chances of success, speak to an experienced specialist who can provide bespoke advice and ensure that the battery backup system is tailored to the specific needs of each project. Our experienced team of qualified waterproofing experts can ensure that your design considers all necessary factors, such as the battery size, inverter capacity, installation environment, and digital monitoring.

Choosing the Right Battery Backup System

Selecting the appropriate battery backup system involves several key considerations:

• Pump Load: Assess the power requirements of the installed pumps, including start-up and running currents.
• How Much & For How Long: The Battery Backup System is only as good as the available energy stored within the battery. How long the battery will last is dependent on the volume of water that needs to be pumped. Consider the typical length of power outages in your area as well as the volume of water pumped by your pumping system during that period and specify battery capacity accordingly. By recording the number of pump starts and water volume pumped with a monitoring system, it’s easier to calculate the required battery volume to ensure your basement remains dry.
• Redundancy: For installations, dual-pump systems with independent backup battery supplies should be fitted.
• Maintenance and Monitoring: Choose systems with built-in diagnostics and easy maintenance access to ensure long-term reliability.

Newton Waterproofing’s technical team can assist with detailed specifications, ensuring that every aspect of the battery backup system is matched to the project’s requirements.

The Newton Waterproofing Approach

With over 175 years of experience, we are the UK’s leading independent supplier of basement waterproofing systems. Our advanced range of pumping and battery backup solutions is supported by:

• Expert Design Service: Bespoke system design, backed by Professional Indemnity insurance.
• Fully Guaranteed Installations: Delivered by our network of Newton Specialist Basement Contractors.
• Comprehensive Support: From initial specification through to installation and ongoing maintenance.

Our Victron Inverter/Charger system, for example, is engineered for reliability and ease of integration, providing a robust battery backup solution for both new build and retrofit projects. It offers automatic switchover, intelligent charging, and scalable battery storage to meet the demands of any development.

Battery Backup Systems: An Essential Part of a Comprehensive Solution

For architects, specifiers and developers, a battery backup system is a vital component of any comprehensive basement waterproofing strategy. By addressing the risk of power outages, you ensure that the integrity of the waterproofing system is maintained under all circumstances, protecting both the structure and its occupants.

How Can Newton Waterproofing Help You?

To discuss how a battery backup system can form part of your next basement waterproofing project, contact Newton Waterproofing’s expert team today. Our specialists can provide tailored advice, detailed specifications and a fully guaranteed installation, delivering complete peace of mind for your development.