The storms that flood basements are the same storms that knock out power. A battery backup sump pump keeps water moving when the power fails — which is precisely when your primary pump matters most. For any Markham home with a finished basement, a backup system is the difference between a power outage and a flooded basement.
We install battery backup systems that run automatically when the power fails or the primary pump can't keep up: a secondary pump, a deep-cycle battery, a charger and an alarm that tells you the system has taken over. No action needed from you — it simply works when it has to.
Battery Backup Systems Around Markham
Markham's severe summer storms regularly knock out power in pockets across the city, and those are exactly the hours your sump pump is needed most. A battery backup covers that gap automatically — no action from you, no generator to wheel out in the rain.
For finished basements in areas that have flooded before, we consider a backup system close to essential. The pump that protects your renovation should not depend on the grid holding up during the storm that tests it.
Signs You Need Battery Backup Systems
A battery backup is worth installing if:
- Your basement is finished. Drywall, flooring and furniture multiply the cost of any flood. Backup protection is cheap insurance by comparison.
- Your area loses power during storms. If your street has lost power during heavy weather before, your sump pump was offline exactly when it was needed most.
- Your pump runs hard during storms. A primary pump working at its limit has no margin. A backup provides overflow capacity during peak inflow.
- You travel or are away from home often. A backup with an alarm protects the house when nobody is there to notice a failed pump.
- You've had water in the basement before. Past water entry means your conditions are proven, not theoretical. Backup protection addresses the most common failure mode.
- Your home insurance asks about flood protection. Insurers increasingly ask about sump and backup systems, and some offer better terms when protection is in place.
How We Do It
- 1
Assess your existing system
We check your primary pump, pit size and inflow rate to size the backup system correctly.
- 2
Choose the right setup
Options range from a battery-backed secondary pump to combination systems. We explain the differences and quote each honestly.
- 3
Install the backup pump
The secondary pump is set in the pit with its own float switch, positioned to trigger only when the primary can't cope or has no power.
- 4
Install the battery and charger
The deep-cycle battery and smart charger are mounted nearby, keeping the battery ready without overcharging it.
- 5
Test the failover
We simulate a power failure and confirm the backup takes over, pumps effectively and sounds its alarm.
- 6
Show you the maintenance
Battery terminals, water levels and the monthly self-test take minutes. We walk you through it before we leave.
Why Choose Markham Plumbing
A backup system has exactly one job: work perfectly on the worst night. We install it that way.
- Automatic failover — no action needed from you
- Systems sized to your pit and inflow conditions
- Audible alarm so you know when the backup has taken over
- Full failover test before we leave
- Simple maintenance routine explained in plain language
- Installed alongside pump replacement to save a visit
Battery Backup Systems FAQs
How long will a battery backup run during an outage?
It depends on the battery capacity and how often the pump cycles, but a properly sized system typically provides many hours of intermittent pumping — enough to get through most storms. During extended outages, conserving water use in the house reduces the load.
Does the backup pump need its own discharge line?
Usually it can share the primary discharge line through a proper fitting, though some setups benefit from a separate line. We assess your existing discharge and recommend the reliable option.
How much maintenance does a battery backup need?
Very little: check the battery terminals for corrosion, top up water in batteries that require it, and test the system monthly by lifting the float. Batteries themselves typically need replacement every few years.
Can a backup system handle a primary pump failure, not just a power outage?
Yes. The backup triggers on water level, not on power status. If the primary pump fails mechanically, the backup's float rises and it takes over — that's half the point of having one.
Is a water-powered backup an option?
Water-powered backups use municipal water pressure and never run out of 'battery', but they need adequate water pressure and use water to pump water. For most Markham homes, battery systems are the more practical choice. We'll discuss both if you're interested.