Ultimate Sump Pump Upgrade: Dual Pump System with Battery Backup

Updated at: 04/02/2025

A flooded basement is a homeowner's nightmare, a scenario often exacerbated by a failing sump pump. While a single sump pump offers a degree of protection, it's a vulnerable point of failure. Imagine the peace of mind knowing your home is safeguarded even during a power outage or when your primary pump malfunctions. That's the power of a dual sump pump system with battery backup – a significant upgrade offering unparalleled protection against water damage. This superior system provides redundancy and resilience, ensuring your basement stays dry regardless of unforeseen circumstances.

This article will guide you through a step-by-step process for installing this robust, life-saving system. We'll cover everything from choosing the right components and planning your installation to the crucial final connections and testing procedures, ensuring you have a fully functional and reliable dual sump pump system with battery backup in place to protect your home.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Cast iron primary pump (110V)
  • Backup pump (12V)
  • Float switches
  • Check valves
  • Battery
  • Trickle charger
  • PVC pipe
  • 45° angle fittings
  • Hose clamp connectors
  • Teflon tape
  • Protective plastic box
Safety Guidelines
  • Always disconnect the power to the sump pump system before performing any installation, maintenance, or repair work. Failure to do so could result in serious electrical shock.
  • Ensure proper drainage of the discharge line to prevent backups into the basement. Verify the discharge pipe is adequately sized and free from clogs.
  • Regularly test your battery backup system to ensure it's functioning correctly. A fully charged battery is crucial during power outages.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Remove Old Pump

    • Unplug the 110-volt connections.
    • Loosen the stainless steel hose clamps and disconnect the old pump.
    Loosen the stainless steel hose clamps and disconnect the old pump.Loosen the stainless steel hose clamps and disconnect the old pump.
    Remove Old Pump

  2. Install Primary Pump

    • Install the new cast iron primary pump (110V).
    • Connect the primary pump's float switch.
    • Apply Teflon tape to threaded connections.
    • Install check valves on both pumps.
    Install check valves on both pumps.Install check valves on both pumps.Install check valves on both pumps.
    Install Primary Pump

  3. Install Backup Pump and Battery

    • Install the 12V backup pump and its float switch.
    • Connect the backup pump to the battery and trickle charger.
    • Install the battery in a protective box.
    Install the battery in a protective box.Install the battery in a protective box.Install the battery in a protective box.
    Install Backup Pump and Battery

  4. Install Discharge Piping

    • Connect the discharge pipe using PVC pipe, 45° fittings, and hose clamp connectors.
    • Cut and glue PVC pipe sections as needed.
    Cut and glue PVC pipe sections as needed.Cut and glue PVC pipe sections as needed.
    Install Discharge Piping

  5. Electrical Connections

    • Make electrical connections for the primary pump, backup pump, and battery charger.
    Make electrical connections for the primary pump, backup pump, and battery charger.
    Electrical Connections

  6. System Test

    • Test the system to ensure both pumps operate correctly.
    Test the system to ensure both pumps operate correctly.
    System Test

Read more: Fixing a Leaky Toilet Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use Teflon tape for a proper thread seal.
  • Check valves prevent water from flowing back into the pump when it shuts off.
  • A trickle charger ensures the battery stays fully charged.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Improper Pump Placement

Reason: Placing the pumps too low or too high in the sump pit can lead to inefficient operation or complete failure.
Solution: Ensure pumps are positioned according to manufacturer instructions, typically with the intake below the lowest water level and the discharge above the highest water level.

2. Neglecting Discharge Line Sizing and Routing

Reason: Using undersized piping or improperly routing the discharge lines can restrict water flow, causing backups and pump overload.
Solution: Use appropriately sized piping for the pump's flow rate and ensure discharge lines are properly sloped to prevent clogs and efficient water removal.

3. Inadequate Battery Backup Testing

Reason: Failing to regularly test the battery backup system leaves homeowners vulnerable during power outages.
Solution: Test the battery backup system monthly by simulating a power outage to ensure it functions correctly and the battery has sufficient charge.

FAQs

Why should I choose a dual sump pump system over a single pump?
A dual pump system offers redundancy. If one pump fails, the other takes over, preventing basement flooding. This provides significantly greater peace of mind than relying on a single pump.
How long will a battery backup sump pump run during a power outage?
Battery backup runtime varies depending on the battery size and pump usage. Most systems provide several hours of backup power, often enough to handle most power outages, giving you time to address the problem or the power returning.
How difficult is it to install a dual sump pump system with a battery backup?
While DIY installation is possible for some handy homeowners, professional installation is generally recommended, especially for battery backup integration. Improper installation can lead to malfunctions and compromise safety.