What is a backup sump pump and why would I need one?
A backup sump pump is a secondary pump that will operate if the primary sump pump fails due to a power outage or mechanical failure. Under normal conditions, the primary sump will start running when the water in the sump reaches a certain level. If a power failure occurs during a period of footing drain flow, the water level will continue to rise past that level without the primary pump operating, and the water can build up in the footing drains and in the soil around the basement. Basement wetness can result from water pressure building up around the outside of the basement walls, where it can seep through cracks in the concrete walls or floor. Water may also seep through the sump lid.
