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How To Measure Your Home’s Water Pressure

Learn how to measure your home’s municipal water pressure yourself.

Before you install a Water Commander™ water-powered sump pump, it’s a good idea to measure your home’s water pressure. That will help you know how much it will pump and also if you have any water flow issues that need to be fixed first.

Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). A typical home will have water pressure between 40 and 80 PSI, although some areas can go even higher than that.

For a general idea of what your water pressure is without doing any testing, you can simply call your local water department and ask them what the pressure is in your neighborhood. They will be able to give you an approximate range.

However, to know exactly what pressure your home has, you’ll need to test it yourself. Fortunately, it’s easy to do.

Steps to Measure Your Water Pressure

Here’s how to test your water pressure:

Watts 3/4 in. Water Pressure Gauge — Water Pressure Gauge

Purchase a Water Pressure Gauge online or from your local hardware store. The type to get is one with 3/4″ female hose thread. Some examples include:
Go to a hose bib outside your home. Connect the Water Pressure Gauge just like you would with a garden hose. Make sure it’s screwed on tight so that no water leaks out when the water is turned on.

Water pressure gauge attached to hose bib with water on — Turn on the water to see the water pressure.

Turn on the water. Wait a few seconds after the initial pressure spike to see what your home’s static water pressure is. If your gauge has more than one needle (a black and red needle), use the black needle. The red needle only shows the peak reading. (This Youtube video shows how to use a gauge with two needles.) A typical range is somewhere between 40 PSI and 80 PSI.
Leaving the water on at the hose bib, go inside and turn on a tub faucet. Now check to see what your pressure is now. It should drop between 5-8 PSI from the initial measurement. If it drops substantially more than that (20-30 PSI), then you may have a water restriction somewhere in your water line. This restriction is causing a substantial reduction in water flow and is causing the pressure to drop more than normal. Causes for this restriction could be an old gate valve that isn’t opening all the way, a bad pressure reducing valve (PRV), or some other obstruction in the water pipe.

If your water pressure is above 40 PSI even when running another faucet in your house, you have enough pressure to install a water-powered backup sump pump. The higher your water pressure is, the faster it will pump. For Water Commander pumping rates at different water pressure levels, please see our pumping charts.

Use Water Pressure to Pump Out Your Sump

Water Commander™ Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump — Water Commander^™ Backup Sump Pump

Water Commander™ water-powered sump pumps use your municipal water pressure to pump, instead of batteries or electricity. To learn more about this great backup sump pump solution, visit our website.

We have information on both our pump models, videos showing how it works, and installation information. For a dealer/installer in your area, please contact us and we’ll get right back to you.

Introduction of Water Commander™ water-powered backup sump pump.

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

Water Commander™ is the best backup sump pump system available on the market today. It’s non-electric, can out-pump your electric sump pump, and will run at full power for years to come.

It is more reliable than battery backups and is the perfect solution for homes with municipal water.

Learn More

Why Is My Sump Pump Not Working?

There are a number of reasons why your main electric sump pump won’t run.

If your primary sump pump is not working, it’s important to diagnose and fix the problem before your basement floods. Some issues are temporary or can be easily resolved, while other problems require replacing the entire pump.

These problems include no electricity, tripped breaker or GFCI outlet, sump pump switch failure, clogged impellor/intake screen, blocked discharge pipe, no weep hole, or burned-out pump motor.

Even if your sump pump is brand new, it will only run as long as you have electricity. Once the power goes out during a storm, your basement can quickly flood. That’s why a backup sump pump is essential in addition to your main pump. Water Commander™ backup sump pumps are powered by your home’s municipal water pressure, so they keep pumping even in a power outage and don’t suddenly die like battery backups. Learn more here.

No Electricity

Loss of electrical power is the simplest and most common reason your sump pump will stop pumping. Once your home doesn’t have electricity, your main sump pump won’t run until the power is restored. If the power is down for more than a couple minutes, this can lead to basement flooding during a rainstorm. The average U.S. home was without power for more than 4 hours in 2016, but you could be out much longer than that during a bad thunderstorm.

However, if you have a reliable backup sump pump like Water Commander^™, you will still be protected when this happens. Once the water rises above the main sump pump switch, the Water Commander will automatically turn on and will keep running until the sump pit is emptied.

Tripped Breaker or GFCI Outlet

Even when your electricity is on, your main breaker could trip without you realizing it. In this scenario, you wouldn’t even realize your sump pump isn’t running until it’s too late. If the circuit your main sump pump is on has several other items drawing current (lights, appliances, etc.), the breaker can overload and pop since more electricity is running through the circuit than it can handle. The sump pump is still functional, it just won’t run until the breaker is reset and electricity is restored to the outlet.

Sump pumps with a larger motor (1/2 HP for example) may draw too much current for your breaker. Check the amperage of the circuit and make sure it’s appropriate level for the sump pump you plan to use on that circuit.

If your electric sump pump is connected to a GFCI outlet, it can trip and disable the outlet until it is reset. When the sump pump starts up, the initial surge can overload the outlet and cause it to trip. The National Electrical Code (NEC) now requires a GFCI outlet for sump pumps, making it required for all new construction. This is safer than a standard electrical outlet, but also leaves you susceptible to flooding and is a good reason to have a backup sump pump.

Sump Pump Switch Failed

Fixing a sump pump switch (Credit: Youtube)

The most frequent cause for a malfunctioning sump pump is a failed pump switch. We’ve heard this over and over from plumbers we talk to. It’s often due to the electrical connection failing, rather than a problem with the float mechanism itself. Although in some instances this can be reparable, it’s often easier to replace the entire sump pump.

If the switch becomes stuck, this also will prevent the pump from running. The first thing is to look into the sump pit and make sure the switch is free to move up and down. Sometimes it may simply be blocked or there’s mineral/dirt buildup preventing it from freely moving. If there’s excess calcium or other minerals caked around the float, soaking it in vinegar will help clean it up.

Clogged Impellor or Intake Screen

Dirt and gravel at the bottom of the sump basin can be sucked into the sump pump’s impellor and become lodged there, preventing the impellor from spinning. When the pump turns on, if you hear the motor running but no water is being pumped, the impellor or intake screen may be clogged. Remove any debris from around the screen and impellor before trying to run the pump again. (This 1 minute Youtube video explains how.)

Cleaning sump pump screen and impellor — Cleaning out a sump pump screen and impellor. (Credit: Charlie the Plumber – Youtube)

Blocked Discharge Pipe

Sump discharge pipe diagram — Click to enlarge

In addition to cleaning out around the pump impellor, regularly check the discharge pipe to ensure it’s not blocked. A pipe filled with dirt, leaves, or rocks will either slow the pumping speed or completely block the water flow through the pipe. During winter, frozen water can also completely stop up the discharge pipe. Whenever the pump runs, it should discharge the sump water into an area with proper runoff so that it will not pool or flow back into the pipe.

No Weep Hole

If your pump was recently installed, make sure there is a weep hole (a small vent hole) between the pump and the check valve on your discharge pipe. A weep hole prevents air from getting trapped in your pipe and causing a flow restriction. An airlock can prevent your sump pump from pumping and will quickly burn-out your pump motor.

Burned-Out Pump Motor

If your pump has been trying to run but is blocked by debris in the intake or discharge pipe, this can lead to a burned-out motor. It has to work harder than normal to pump, which causes the motor to overheat and eventually fail. Your motor can burn-out if it is underpowered for your sump as well. Even under normal use an electric sump pump’s motor has a limited life and eventually the entire pump will need to be replaced.

You Need a Backup Sump Pump

To avoid a flooded basement when you lose power or your electric sump pump suddenly stops working, get yourself a backup sump pump. If you want a backup pump that is powerful and will keep running as long as it’s needed, consider Water Commander^™.

Instead of using batteries or electricity, Water Commander runs on your home’s municipal water pressure to quickly empty your sump pit. It can meet or even exceed the pumping speed of your electric sump pump. Water Commander model MG22 pumps up to 30+ GPM and the model MG36 pumps up to 45+ GPM.

Because Water Commander^™ uses your home’s water pressure, it will always run at full power whenever needed and never die during a power outage like battery backups. Our video below shows this backup sump pump works, and check out the rest of our website for more information.

Introduction of Water Commander™ water-powered backup sump pump.

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

Water Commander™ is the best backup sump pump system available on the market today. It’s non-electric, can out-pump your electric sump pump, and will run at full power for years to come.

It is more reliable than battery backups and is the perfect solution for homes with municipal water.

Learn More

How to Prevent Basement Flooding

Here are some important steps to protect your home’s basement against flooding during a heavy rainstorm.

Suffering from a flooded basement is exhausting and can cost you thousands of dollars. The property damage is extensive—ruined carpeting, drywall, water heaters, electronics, and the list goes on. And that doesn’t even include the cost to hire a flood remediation service, which can easily run more than $10,000.

Basement flood prevention cross-section diagram — Key parts of basement flood prevention

Rather than waiting until after you have serious water damage, take proactive steps now to protect your home and bank account from basement flooding.

The best strategy to prevent a flooded basement includes the following steps:

Diverting rain water away from your basement
Channeling the water around the foundation into your sump pit
Effectively pumping the sump water outside

Direct Rain Water Away From Your Basement

The most effective strategy to protect against basement flooding begins with minimizing the water accumulating around your foundation walls. You can do this by preventative measures such as ensuring a proper slope away from your home, functioning gutters and downspouts, and installing other drainage systems to mitigate water problem areas.

Slope Away From Your Home

Make sure your landscaping and concrete surfaces slope away from your foundation walls instead of towards it. (Ideally, this would be 6 inches within the first 10 feet or 5% grade). Over time the back-filled soil around your home can settle, creating low areas around the foundation where the rain water will pool. Fill in these low points with new soil to create a slope for the water to flow away from your home.

Gutters and Downspouts

Make sure the gutters are clear of debris with no blockages in the downspouts. If the downspouts empty out close to your home, you should extend them further away so the water doesn’t flow straight down along the foundation. This can be done above ground with a simple extension you can cheaply pick up at any hardware store. Another solution is to run PVC or corrugated piping underground, so the water empties further away.

Inspect all your downspouts and gutters during a good rain. Look for any leaks where water could be escaping and running down along the foundation walls instead of properly flowing through the extensions. Even a seemingly insignificant leak can turn into a big water problem during a heavy rainstorm.

French Drains & Catch Basins

Catch basin installation — Installing a catch basin (Credit: Youtube)

If you still have areas around your home that are collecting water, there are exterior drain systems you can install such as French drains or catch basins. A French drain can redirect water away from your foundation and reduce the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the ground water against the basement walls. This type of drain is simply a perforated pipe buried in gravel that collects rain water and then allows it to flow away from the home. A catch basin, another drainage solution, is a type of surface drain installed at a low point in your yard that “catches” the water and then redirects it away.

Channel Water Into Your Sump Pit

Once you have taken the proper steps to direct as much water away from your house, you’re dependent on your home’s drain tile and sump (assuming you have one). Most homes with basements in wet regions already have drain tile installed, which is simply drain pipes that channel water around the footing of your foundation walls into your basement sump pit. (See our article, “Sump Pits: Introductory Guide“.)

Since the drain tile and sump pit are typically installed when the home is first constructed, adding new drain tile to an existing home is a major and costly project. However, if you have consistent flooding problems, it can be worth it to protect your basement. For some crawlspaces and basements, a perforated sump pit (see example) that collects water without any drain tile feeding into it may be sufficient and a more economical solution.

Pump the Sump Water Outside Your Home

Basement sump pit and sump pumps diagram — Primary and backup sump pumps

As water accumulates in the sump pit, the only thing preventing a flooded basement is an effective sump pump system. You should have a primary electric sump pump (see example), as well as a reliable backup sump pump for when the primary stops working (due to a power outage or mechanical failure).

The primary electric sump pump simply plugs into the electric outlet and will run as long as you have power. This pump is the main workhorse and is the first line of defense against flooding.

However, during a bad rainstorm it is common to lose power, which means this main pump won’t work until electricity is restored. This may be several hours or even multiple days. Therefore, you need a backup sump pump that is reliable even during a multi-day power outage, but is also powerful enough to pump water out of the sump pit during a heavy rainstorm.

For homes with municipal water, Water Commander^™ is great backup sump pump solution. Unlike backup sump pumps that run on battery, Water Commander™ backup sump pumps run off of your municipal water pressure. It will keep running as long as needed, whether that’s hours, days, or even weeks. It also can pump at rates similar to or even faster than your electrical sump pump.

Watch the video below to see how Water Commander^™ works:

For more information about the benefits of water-powered sump pumps, read our article, “Water-Powered vs Battery Backup Sump Pumps: Which is Best?”.

Additional Basement Flooding Prevention Tips

If your downspout gets clogged frequently, consider installing larger downspouts to reduce this risk. Instead of the most common 2”x3” downspouts, consider 3”x4”. You could also install gutter shields to prevent leaves from accumulating in the gutters.
Test both your primary sump pump and secondary backup sump pump several times a year to make sure they are functioning properly. Also, check that the sump pumps’ discharge pipes are not blocked by dirt or frozen water.
Ensure all basement windows and doors are properly sealed and window wells are covered.

Other Resources

Below are some additional online resources to help prevent and resolve basement flooding:

Water Drainage Resources:

How to Prevent Rain Water From Entering Your Basement (YouTube video)
How to Size Gutters and Downspouts (This Old House)
Final Grade Slopes Away from Foundation (pnnl.gov)
DIY French Drain & Landscaping (YouTube video)

Sump Pit & Sump Pump Resources:

Sump Pits: Introductory Guide
How To Install A Sump Pit (Youtube video)
How to Install a Primary Sump Pump (Youtube video)
Why You Need a Backup Sump Pump
Water-Powered Backup Sump Pumps: Ultimate Guide

Introduction of Water Commander™ water-powered backup sump pump.

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

Water Commander™ is the best backup sump pump system available on the market today. It’s non-electric, can out-pump your electric sump pump, and will run at full power for years to come.

It is more reliable than battery backups and is the perfect solution for homes with municipal water.

Learn More

Battery Backup Sump Pump Troubleshooting Guide

Post author By Water Commander
Post date August 10, 2021
Categories In Battery

Complete troubleshooting guide to fix pumping problems with your battery backup sump pump.

If your battery backup sump pump isn’t pumping correctly, we’ve assembled this guide to diagnose the problem and fix whatever problems you’re having. It’s important to have a functional backup to your primary electric sump pump in place before your basement floods.

This article covers how to identify and resolve the following problems common with battery backup systems:

Stuck Pump Switch
Clogged Impellor or Pump Strainer
Blocked Discharge Pipe
Dead Battery
Mechanical Failure of Pump

However, if you need a much more reliable backup that requires less maintenance, consider a Water Commander™ water-powered backup sump pump. Water Commander^™ runs on your home’s municipal water pressure, without any batteries or electricity. Because of this, it will run whenever needed to quickly empty your sump pit and will never run out of power. View the video at the bottom of this article to learn how it works.

Stuck Pump Switch

Pump switch mounted to pipe — Example sump pump switch

One of the most common reasons your battery backup sump pump won’t run is an improperly installed switch:

The switch needs to be attached right above your primary electric sump pump, so that it only turns on when your primary fails or is overwhelmed by the amount of water inflow.
Make sure the switch isn’t stuck and that nothing in the sump pit is blocking it from freely moving.
Finally, check if the switch is properly connected to the backup sump pump terminal.

Clogged Impellor or Pump Strainer

If the switch is working, there may be either a blockage around the pump strainer or debris clogging the pump impeller.

Remove the backup sump pump from the sump pit to clean it. Clear off debris from pump strainer leading into the pump’s impellor. If the strainer or impellor is blocked, this could significantly reduce pumping rates or completely prevent your pump from running. It’s a good idea to check for blockage a couple times a year as a general maintenance practice.

Blocked Discharge Pipe

Another common problem is partial or complete blockage of the discharge pipe leading out of the house. This can be caused by mud, stones, or even frozen water during the winter. We have also seen times when the end of a discharge pipe is underwater, which will also impede flow out of the pipe and reduce pumping rates.

Regularly monitor the discharge pipe to ensure there is no blockage. You can also use an independent discharge pipe separate from the primary sump pump. If both your primary and backup use the same discharge pipe and it becomes clogged, that can quickly flood your basement (read more about the benefits of independent discharge pipes here).

Dead Battery

Basement Watchdog backup sump pump battery — Backup sump pump battery with connections

Backup sump pump batteries have a limited life, although improper maintenance can drastically reduce how long it lasts. If you’ve lost power and your battery backup has been running recently, the battery may simply be depleted and needs time to recharge. However, if it has been charging and yet still doesn’t have enough power to run the pump, you need to investigate further.

Inspect all battery connections. Make sure the red wire is attached to the positive terminal and black to the negative. Clean off any corrosion, as this will prevent a proper connection and possibly keep your pump from running.
Maintain the proper level of distilled water in each battery cell (not applicable to more expensive maintenance-free batteries). (For example, see page 8 of Basement Watchdog instructions.)
Check the voltage between the battery’s positive and negative terminals using a multimeter. When unplugged from the trickle charger, it should read between 12.3 and 13.2 volts. If it’s less than that, the battery no longer holds a full charge and needs to be replaced. (Video: How to Use a Multimeter for Beginners)

Our article “Backup Sump Pump Alarm Keeps Beeping (Fixes)” goes in depth about diagnosing and fixing alarm issues, with a section devoted to diagnosing if the battery needs to be replaced or not.

Failed Pump

Sometimes the battery backup sump pump mechanically fails and simple won’t run anymore. If you checked all the issues above (switch, impellor, intake, discharge pipe, and battery), but your pump is still not running, you may have a dead pump due to a burned out motor or other mechanical failure. Unfortunately, this requires replacing the pump itself (or install a more reliable Water Commander^™ water-powered backup system).

Other Issues

Here are some other reasons why your battery backup sump pump may not be running properly:

Air lock can also commonly occur in battery backup sump pumps. If you hear the pump running, but it’s not pumping water, this is a possible cause. This can be resolved by drilling a 1/8” weep hole right above the pump per Basement Watchdog’s trouble shooting guide. (This video goes more in-depth as well).
If it’s a new installation, make sure the check valve is oriented in the proper direction. A check valve allows water to go through one direction, but prevents backflow. If it’s installed backwards, this would prevent water from pumping out.

Better Backup Sump Pump System

Many homeowners have switched from a battery backup sump pump to a Water Commander^™ water-powered backup as a much more reliable alternative.

Because Water Commander^™ uses your home’s water pressure, it will always run at full power whenever needed and never die like battery backups. No need to regularly replace batteries or worry about your backup suddenly dying in middle of a storm. Not only is Water Commander more dependable, it also can pump water faster than battery backup systems.

Our video below shows how it works, or visit the rest of our website to learn more.

Other Troubleshooting Resources

Below are some additional resources to help fix your battery backup problems:

Electric Backup Sump Pumps for Houses – PDF Overview Guide (NDSU)
Resources from battery backup sump pump brands:
- Zoeller Basement Sentry Instructions (trouble shooting on page 12)
- Wayne 12v Battery Backup Sump Pump Operating Instructions (trouble shooting on page 4)
- Basement Watchdog Trouble Shooting Guide
Other resources from Water Commander^™:

Introduction of Water Commander™ water-powered backup sump pump.

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

Water Commander™ is the best backup sump pump system available on the market today. It’s non-electric, can out-pump your electric sump pump, and will run at full power for years to come.

It is more reliable than battery backups and is the perfect solution for homes with municipal water.

Learn More

My Battery Backup Sump Pump Alarm Won’t Stop Beeping (Fixes)

Post author By Water Commander
Post date July 15, 2021
Categories In Battery

Here are suggestions to turn off the annoying beeping alarm of your battery backup sump pump.

There’s nothing more annoying than waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of your battery backup sump pump alarm. It’s even more frustrating when you can’t figure out how to turn the loud beeping off without completely dismantling the backup system.

Battery Backup Sump Pump With Alarm Going Off

Below are solutions to fix this problem and we hope they work for you! The most common reasons for your alarm to be going off are:

Loose Wire Connections
Incorrect Water Levels in Battery Cells
Dying or Dead Battery
Bad Circuit Board

Unfortunately, these alarms can still go off even when all conceivable problems are resolved. If you end up needing to replace your battery backup, you should first check out Water Commander^™, a backup sump pump that runs on your home’s municipal water instead of batteries. In fact, it uses absolutely no batteries or electricity and is the most reliable backup system available (and won’t bother you with a loud annoying alarm!). Visit the rest of our website to learn more, or scroll to the bottom of this article for a short video showing how it works.

Loose Wire Connections

Backup sump pump battery terminals and connections — Wet-cell battery wire connections

First, make sure all the wire connections are secure. Within the battery casing, the red (positive) wire should go to the positive terminal, with the black (negative) wire to the negative terminal.

Make sure both the pump and the switch are both properly connected to the control unit on the battery box.

Incorrect Water Levels in the Battery Cells

Some brands of battery backup sump pumps, such as Basement Watchdog, have a sensor specifically for the battery fluid levels.

Filling battery cells with distilled water

If you have a wet-cell battery, the most common type of battery for backup sump pumps, you need to regularly maintain the levels of distilled water in the individual battery cells. If you don’t, the alarm will sound once too much water has evaporated.

Also, make sure the sensor is inserted into the proper cell. For Basement Watchdog systems, this would be the second cell over from the positive terminal. (This Youtube video explains in more detail.) If it’s placed in the wrong cell, this would trip the alarm even if the fluid levels are correct.

However, if you are using a more expensive maintenance free battery that does not require you to replenish the water (such as this one), you need to fasten the fluid sensor rod between the wingnut and the positive terminal to deactivate the water level alarm (per Basement Watchdog’s FAQ).

Dead or Dying Battery

If the battery has low power levels, this will trigger the alarm. There are a couple steps you can take to confirm your battery no longer holds a charge before you replace it with a new battery (or with the more reliable Water Commander^™ system).

1. Make sure the battery terminals aren’t corroded and the wire connections are secure. Either of these problems can trigger a false alarm, so check this first.

2. In some cases, the battery is fine, but isn’t receiving enough power to properly recharge. Inspect the battery’s trickle charger, the electrical outlet, fuse, and circuit breaker to ensure nothing is wrong with the power source. Try resetting the circuit breaker or use a different outlet.

Checking battery voltage. Click to watch the video. (Source: *Youtube*)

3. Check the floating voltage between the positive and negative terminals of the battery. You can do this using a multimeter or voltmeter. When the battery’s trickle charger is plugged in, the voltage should be around 13.5 volts on a standard 12 volt battery. If it’s below that, you may have a trickle charger problem. Next, unplug the battery charger and wait a few minutes. Read the voltage again. It should now be between 12.3 and 13.2 volts. If it’s any less than that, your battery is no longer holding a full charge and should be replaced right away. Finally, you could also test the battery while the pump is running. In this case, the voltage should be above 12.1 volts, but definitely not below 11.6 volts. (Source: NDSU)

If you just had a power outage and your backup sump pump was running, the alarm may go off temporarily until power is restored and it can recharge. If this is the case, some battery backup systems have a button to reset the alarm for 24 hours.

Bad Circuit Board

Unfortunately, there are times when the unit simply has faulty electronics and the circuit board has failed. Just like many modern kitchen appliances that now rely on cheap circuit boards, such electronic components can and will fail eventually. If this is the case for your backup, nothing you do can will fix the problem and the system needs to be replaced.

Better Backup Sump Pump Solution

If all this sounds complicated, it’s because it is. After seeing the hassle and frustration that comes with battery backup sump pumps, we developed Water Commander^™, an innovative and much more reliable solution to help protect your basement from flooding. Instead of using batteries or electricity, Water Commander runs on your home’s municipal water pressure to quickly empty your sump pump. It can pump up to 45+ GPM at a 10’ lift (Model MG36), which is more than battery backups.

Because Water Commander^™ uses your home’s water pressure, it will always run at full power whenever needed and never die like battery backups. Our video below shows how it works, or check out the rest of our website for more information.

More Battery Resources

Below are some additional resources to help fix your battery backup problems:

Zoeller Basement Sentry Instructions (trouble shooting on page 12)
Wayne 12v Battery Backup Sump Pump Operating Instructions (trouble shooting on page 4)
Basement Watchdog Trouble Shooting Guide
Basement Watchdog Special Instruction Manual
How Long Does a Backup Sump Pump Battery Last? (Youtube video)

Introduction of Water Commander™ water-powered backup sump pump.

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

Water Commander™ is the best backup sump pump system available on the market today. It’s non-electric, can out-pump your electric sump pump, and will run at full power for years to come.

It is more reliable than battery backups and is the perfect solution for homes with municipal water.

Learn More

Sump Pits: Introductory Guide

Post author By Water Commander
Post date June 16, 2021
Categories In Sump Pits

Sump pits are an essential part of your home’s drainage system to protect your basement against water damage.

The sump pit (also known as sump, sump basin, or sump well) is a water collection hole in the floor of your basement or crawlspace. It is very common for homes in areas that get regular rain-fall or have high water tables. (Fun fact: Prior to the 15^th century, “sump” meant marsh. It wasn’t until the 1650’s that the term referred to a “pit to collect water”.)

How Does It Work?

Sump Pit with Sump Pumps Diagram — Click to enlarge diagram

The sump is a crucial part of your home’s drainage system, keeping water out of your basement and protecting the integrity of your home’s foundation. As water accumulates along the foundation, the water flows into flexible, perforated drain pipes (called drain tiles) and is channeled into your sump pit. Some homes also have interior drain tiles that direct water from under the basement floor into the sump. This water then must be pumped outside by a sump pump.

Sump Pit Construction

Sump basin by Zoeller — Polyethylene sump basin by Zoeller

Sump pits are made of a heavy-duty plastic or fiberglass, designed not to crack or warp over time. For homes with drain tiles, large holes on the side of the pit connect to the drain pipes. Where there is no drain tile, especially where there is a high water-table, an alternate sump pit design with multiple small perforations can be used. In this case, the sump is wrapped with a permeable filter fabric to keep dirt and small stones out.

Sump basin lid — Everbilt sump basin lid

For safety, sump pits should include a lid—either a one-piece design (with a slot or prefabricated holes) or split design to allow piping through the lid. Generally, you’ll need enough openings to allow pipes for the main electric sump pump, backup pump, and possibly radon mitigation. If you just have discharge pipes for your sump pumps, then a perfect seal is not necessary. However, if you also have a radon mitigation system, the lid must be more tightly sealed to prevent radon gas leakage.

Sump Pit Sizes

Most sump pits measure between 18” and 24” in diameter, with depths ranging between 22” and 36”. However, perforated pits designed for crawlspaces are generally smaller (see for example this 17” x 16” basin).

Some standard sizes available are listed below:

17” x 16” perforated for crawl spaces (Example: Jackel)
18” x 22” (Examples: Everbilt, Zoeller)
18” x 30” (Examples: Zoeller Simplex)

If you are sizing your current sump pit for a sump pump, it’s important to know how much water it holds. As a general rule of thumb, for sump pits that are 18” in diameter, each inch of water equals around 1 gallon. For a 24” pit, each inch equals roughly 2 gallons.

Emptying Water Out of Your Sump

In order to pump the sump water out of your home, you must have a sump pump. You need a (1) primary sump pump, and (2) an emergency backup sump pump for when the primary fails.

The primary pump does the heavy lifting throughout the year and is designed as your first line of defense against a flooded basement. You simply plug it in to the electrical outlet and make sure it’s setup properly (either inside the sump pit itself or outside depending on the design).

However, a backup sump pump is also essential to safeguard against flooding. Many homeowners find out the hard way how important a backup is when they lose power during a rainstorm and their primary pump no longer runs. (Read our article: Why You Need a Backup Sump Pump)

The most reliable backup sump pump system available is Water Commander™, a water-powered backup sump pump. Unlike battery backups that have a limited run time and require constant battery upkeep, Water Commander is powered by your home’s municipal water pressure. It can run at full power whenever you need it too without ever losing power. To see how it works, visit our How Does It Work? page or view the video below.

More Resources

Below are some additional resources online about sump pits:

Live demonstration of a water-powered backup sump pump.

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

Water Commander™ is the best backup sump pump system available on the market today. It’s non-electric, can out-pump your electric sump pump, and will run at full power for years to come.

It is more reliable than battery backups and is the perfect solution for homes with municipal water.

Learn More

Water-Powered Backup Sump Pumps: Ultimate Guide

Post author By Water Commander
Post date March 5, 2021
Categories In Sump Pump Installation, Water-Powered

Everything you need to know about water-powered sump pumps.

Over the past several decades, backup sump pumps powered only by your home’s municipal water pressure have grown in popularity as an alternative option to battery-powered emergency backup sump pump systems. Water-powered backup sump pumps are a unique and inventive solution to protecting your basement from flooding during power outages or primary sump pump failures.

As homeowners have discovered the deficiencies of battery backup sump pumps — namely their limited run time and propensity to fail during prolonged rain storms—Water Commander^™ water-powered sump pumps as emergency backups have gained a devoted following since they are much more reliable.

We cover each of the topics below:

Best Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump
How Water-Powered Sump Pumps Work
Pump Installation
Benefits of Water-Powered vs Battery Backups
How Much Water Does It Use?
Additional Resources

Best Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump

The best water-powered backup sump pump by far is Water Commander^™.

Water Commander’s ultra-performance model, model MG36, is able to pump faster than high-end battery backups and 2-3x more than any other water-powered backup. The high-performance model MG22 also pumps more than any other brand and is installed in thousands of homes across the country. All Water Commander^™ pumps are individually hand-assembled from top quality, heavy-duty parts to ensure you won’t experience performance or leaking problems common with other cheaper pumps.

The 1-minute video below shows just how fast Water Commander^™ pumps, close to 40 gallons per minute at 60 PSI. Having a pump like Water Commander^™ that can handle significant amounts of water flowing into your sump can be the difference between a dry basement and a flooded basement during a bad rain storm.

Water Commander™ pumping demonstration (1 min.)

Check out our pump model page to see Water Commander^™ pumping rates, or read our article “Best Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump?” that explains in more detail why Water Commander™ is the best water-powered backup available.

How Water-Powered Sump Pumps Work

Pump water intake, suction, and discharge — Click to enlarge

Unlike battery backup sump pumps that use a motor and impeller to push water out of your sump pit, water-powered sump pumps harness your home’s municipal water pressure to create a strong vacuum, siphoning water up from your sump and quickly discharge it outside your home.

Water-powered sump pumps include both the suction generating pump, which consists of an automatic valve / ejector jet unit, and a float assembly. As you can see in the photo to the right, the pump connects to your home’s municipal water line, suction pipe, and discharge pipe.

Rising water in your sump lifts the float, automatically opening the valve and allowing municipal water to flow through the pump’s ejector jet. Inside this jet is a nozzle and chamber that converts the water pressure into a vacuum. Like any vacuum pump, the low internal pressure is much lower than the external atmospheric pressure, effectively creating a strong suction that quickly empties your sump pit.

For a more detailed explanation, including photos and animations showing how it works, view our video above or visit our article: How Do Water-Powered Sump Pumps Work?

Pump Installation

The diagram below illustrates a basic Water Commander^™ water-powered sump pump installation common in many homes.

The pump has to be connected to your home’s water supply, generally a 3/4″ or 1″ line. A suction pipe descends from the pump into the sump pit, while a discharge pipe brings the water out of the home. A screen at the bottom of the suction pipe keeps large debris in your pit from flowing up into your pump. Also, a check valve on the suction pipe ensures water does not flow back into the sump. In many areas, a backflow preventer (dual check valve or Watts 9D style) is required on the water supply line as well.

Water Commander™ sump pump float — Water Commander™ float

Within the sump itself, a float switch is attached to the suction pipe. This float should be positioned above the primary electric pump so it only runs when the primary pump is overwhelmed or is no longer working.

For photos of actual installations of Water Commander^™ and more detailed install steps, please visit our Installation page.

Benefits of Water-Powered vs Battery Backups

There are several important benefits that water-powered backup sump pumps have.

1. Water-powered sump pumps will never lose power or have reduced pumping rates. Battery backup sump pumps have a finite run-time (with a fresh battery, usually 5–7 hours of continuous use and longer if only run intermittently). Water-powered sump pumps, on the other hand, require no batteries and have a much more reliable source of power–your home’s municipal water pressure. They can be depended on to pump at the same high rates whenever needed. If you have a battery backup, it may be running great one moment, but the pump could quickly slow and then die once the battery is depleted. (See our video, How Long Does a Backup Sump Pump Battery Last?)

2. Along similar terms, since water-powered sump pumps do not use a battery, this equals significant cost savings over the life of the pump. If you own a battery backup system, you should be replacing your battery around every three years. Each battery can cost around $200 including battery acid. With water-powered pumps, there’s nothing to replace or maintain.

3. Water Commander^™ water-powered sump pumps can pump at rates equal to or higher than a high-end battery backup, without the risk of losing power. Unlike other cheaper water-powered sump pumps, Water Commander^™ model MG22 can pump up to 1,800 GPH (gallons per hour) at a 10 foot lift, while our model MG36 can pump up to 2,830 GPH. For comparison, at the same 10 foot lift, typical 1/4 HP electric backup sump pump will pump around 1,000 GPH, while a higher-end 1/3 HP electric pumps can pump up to 1,800 GPH.

Our articles, Water-Powered vs Battery Backup Sump Pumps and also Pros and Cons of Water-Powered Sump Pumps, both go into more detail covering some of the benefits of water-powered sump pumps.

How Much Water Does It Use?

Water Commander^™ uses 1 gallon of municipal water to pump 2 gallons of water out from your sump pit. Water-powered sump pumps are emergency backups, so they only run when you need them most during power outages or primary pump failure. For an entire year, the amount of water required for an average homeowner would be comparable to running your lawn sprinkler for just several hours. That minimal water consumption is more than worth it, considering the huge cost you would incur from a flooded basement.

Read more in our article, How Much Water Does a Water-Powered Sump Pump Use?

Additional Resources

Not convinced you need an emergency backup? Read Why You Need a Backup Sump Pump.
Test Your Water Pressure: Water-powered sump pumps require municipal water (instead of a well) and water pressure greater than 40 PSI. To determine how much water-pressure you have, you can test it yourself on a standard hose bib with a water pressure gage (like this one). This how-to also explains the “bucket” method if you don’t have a gauge.

Learn More

Water Commander Model MG36 — Water Commander^™ backup sump pump

If you’re trying to determine if a Water Commander^™ water-powered backup sump pump is right for you, visit the rest of our website or contact us. We’d be happy to answer any questions and determine if Water Commander^™ is a good solution for your home!

Water Commander™ Water-Powered Sump Pump Introduction

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

Water Commander™ is the best backup sump pump system available on the market today. It’s non-electric, can out-pump your electric sump pump, and will run at full power for years to come.

It is more reliable than battery backups and is the perfect solution for homes with municipal water.

Learn More

Best Water-Powered Sump Pump?

The best water-powered backup sump pump on the market by far is Water Commander^™.

Water Commander^™ water-powered sump pumps are significantly better than any other water-powered brand. Water Commander’s ultra-performance model, model MG36, is able to pump faster than high-end battery backups and 2-3x more than any other water-powered backup. Our high-performance model MG22 also pumps more than any other brand and is installed in thousands of homes across the country.

Water Commander^™ sump pumps, manufactured in the USA, are higher quality than anything else on the market. Rather than cutting corners to reduce cost, we only use top quality, heavy-duty parts to ensure your pump works great the first time and will last for many years without leaks or other problems.

The Best Pumping Performance

Water Commander™ model MG36 pumps 2-3x more than any other water-powered sump pump brand. With that type of pumping speed, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing you have unparalleled protection from flooding.

For homes with water pressure around 80 PSI, the MG36 will pump 45 GPM (gallons per minute), which is faster than high-end battery backups. By comparison, other water-powered brands remove significantly less water than Water Commander™ under the same conditions, between 25-32 gallons less per minute. Water Commander’s huge pumping advantage could save your basement from flooding during severe rainstorms.

See the graph below for pumping rate comparisons at different pressures.

Pumping rates for Water Commander vs other water-powered sump pumps

Seeing is believing, so watch the Water Commander™ model MG36 pumping in the 1-minute video below. You won’t find another backup sump pump that can pump this fast and never lose power like battery backups do.

Pumping demonstration of Water Commander™ model MG36.

As the pumping rate chart above shows, our high-performance model MG22 pumps faster than any other brand as well and is capable of impressive pumping rates. One customer of ours from eastern Pennsylvania installed the model MG22 in his home and found that at 90 PSI, it pumped about 750 GPH faster than his 1/3 HP primary electric sump pump:

“The performance of the unit is OUTSTANDING. With my city water pressure at 90 PSI, this can outperform my current electric 1/3 HP electric main pump. My estimates have this Water Commander at 2,250 GPM and frankly they could be higher based on the water evacuation times I recorded when running simulated comparisons tests between the Water Commander vs. the existing sump pump.” (Chuck from Eagleville, PA)

You can’t go wrong with either Water Commander™ model MG22 or MG36. Both provide unparalleled pumping speed that you won’t find from any other water-powered sump pump.

The Best Pump Quality

Not only do Water Commander™ sump pumps have the fastest pumping speeds, but each one is built in the USA to the highest quality as well. All Water Commander pumps are professional grade products, preferred by master plumbers for residential and commercial installations.

Water Commander™ is the only water-powered backup sump pump with a jet that is machined out of solid bar-stock, unlike the cheaper thin-walled injection molded parts of other brands. Our pumps are individually hand-assembled using top quality, heavy-duty parts to ensure you won’t experience performance or leaking problems common with other cheaper pumps.

While other brands focus on cutting costs to maximize profit, Water Commander™ is built to last for years and years. We don’t cut any corners and our customers are consistently thankful for our product’s performance and reliability.

Install a Water Commander^™

Water Commander Backup Sump Pump — Water Commander^™ backup sump pump

If you’re interested in Water Commander™ for your home, just contact us for a local dealer/installer.

Water Commander^™ is a water-powered backup sump pump in a class of its own. Unlike other water-powered backups, it can pump more than a high-end battery backup while never losing power. Water Commander^™ high-performance model MG22 removes up to 1,800 GPH (gallons per hour), while our ultra-performance model MG36 removes up to 2,830 GPH. Check out our installation page to see examples of how Water Commander is installed in actual homes.

Learn more by visiting the rest of our website or contact us with any questions you might have.

Water Commander™ Water-Powered Sump Pump Introduction

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

Water Commander™ is the best backup sump pump system available on the market today. It’s non-electric, can out-pump your electric sump pump, and will run at full power for years to come.

It is more reliable than battery backups and is the perfect solution for homes with municipal water.

Learn More

How to Test Water-Powered Backup Sump Pumps

Testing a water-powered sump pump is quick and easy to do.

If you’re wondering how to test a water-powered backup sump pump, the directions below explain how. (Note that these instructions are specific to Water Commander^™, the water-powered backup sump pump that has unmatched pumping speeds and quality compared to other brands.)

1. Your Sump Pit Must Be Filled With Water

Water-powered backup sump pump next to sump pit

In order to test that your water-powered sump pump is working properly, you first need water in your sump.

The easiest way to do this is simply unplug your primary electric pump until the sump fills with enough water. If the water inflow is too slow, you can manually add additional water to speed up the process.

2. Lift the Float in the Sump

Once you have enough water to pump out of the sump, you need to either manually lift the float yourself or allow the rising water level to lift the float instead. The float used with Water Commander^™ lifts only an inch and a half in the vertical direction. (Note: Do not move the position of the float when testing.)

3. Observe the Sump Water Level

Once you’ve lifted the float, the pump valve will quickly open and you will hear the sound of water running through the body of the pump. Watch the water level in the sump pit. You will begin to see the water receding. The higher the water pressure that your house has, the faster it will empty water from your sump. (See pumping tables).

The video below shows a pumping demonstration of our ultra-performance water-powered pump, Water Commander^™ model MG36. At around 60 PSI, a typical water pressure for many homes, you can see how fast Water Commander^™ pumps and the how quickly gallons of water are emptied from the sump.

Pumping demonstration of Water Commander™ model MG36.

Learn More About Water Commander^™

If you have any questions, please reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help you out.

Water Commander™ Water-Powered Sump Pump Introduction

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

Water Commander™ is the best backup sump pump system available on the market today. It’s non-electric, can out-pump your electric sump pump, and will run at full power for years to come.

It is more reliable than battery backups and is the perfect solution for homes with municipal water.

Learn More

Pros and Cons of Water-Powered Sump Pumps

Understand the key advantages and disadvantages of water-powered backup sump pumps.

Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump Illustration — Water Commander™ water-powered sump pump

If you’re considering a water-powered backup sump pump, it helps to know the pros and cons of water-powered pumps compared to battery backup sump pumps. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the major benefits and disadvantages.

Our comparisons are specific to Water Commander™, the water-powered backup sump pump that has unmatched pumping speeds and quality compared to other water-powered brands. (Learn more about Water Commander™.)

Pros	Cons
Always has power & the same pumping rates	Requires municipal water
No batteries to replace
Will operate reliably at full power for 20+ years
Low maintenance
High pumping rates (unique to Water Commander™)

Pros of Water-Powered Sump Pumps

One of the main benefits of water-powered backup sump pumps is that they will never lose power or experience reduced pumping rates due to battery drain. During a power outage, battery backups have a finite run-time (with a fresh battery, usually 4–7 hours of continuous use), while water-powered pumps will keep pumping as long as they are needed. Now if the battery in the backup sump pump system is several years old, it will have reduced power capacity and a much shorter run-time as a result. Homeowners often think they are protected by their battery backup, only for it to die a couple hours into a power outage during a heavy rain storm. (See our YouTube video showing how long a backup sump pump battery lasts, and why Water Commander™ is a better solution.)

Because water-powered sump pumps do not use any batteries, this provides significant cost savings over the life of the pump. If you own a battery backup sump pump, you should be replacing your battery around every three years. Each battery can cost around $200 including the battery acid (which is typically bought separately). However, water-powered backups don’t have any batteries or other components to replace, which means you spend significantly less money than you would with a battery backup system.

Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump Installation

Water-powered pumps have a simple design and few moving parts, therefore they require practically no maintenance and can reliably operate for many more years than battery backups. The heart of the pump, the ejector jet, has no moving parts at all and won’t wear down with use. It is recommended you test out your water-powered pump a couple times a year to ensure everything is in proper working order, but that is the extent of maintenance needed. Battery backups require regular upkeep, especially to maintain battery performance. For example, wet-cell batteries require you refill the cells with distilled water on a frequent basis. And when the battery begins to lose power capacity, you have to replace the entire battery or risk a flooded basement.

Using only your home’s municipal water pressure, Water Commander™ can pump at rates equal to or higher than a high-end battery backup. Unlike other cheaper water-powered sump pumps, Water Commander™ model MG22 can pump up to 1,800 GPH (gallons per hour) at a 10 foot lift, while our model MG36 can pump up to 2,830 GPH. For comparison, at the same 10 foot lift, typical 1/4 HP backup sump pump will pump around 1,000 GPH, while a higher-end 1/3 HP can pump up to 1,800 GPH. Not only do water-powered sump pumps provide all the benefits we’ve already discussed, but with Water Commander™ you can have the protection of fast pumping rates as well.

Cons of Water-Powered Sump Pumps: Needs Municipal Water

Water-powered sump pumps require municipal water and therefore will not work if your home is on a well after you lose power. Home’s with well water generally lose water pressure once the power goes out (assuming there is no generator), and in this scenario the water-powered pump will not run. Since water-powered sump pumps are designed only as emergency backups and not as the primary sump pump, they must have constant water pressure even during power outages. For homes on a well, the best option is a battery backup or a standby generator to power the primary sump pump.

Want to Learn More?

Water Commander™ is a water-powered backup sump pump in a class of its own. Unlike other water-powered backups, it can pump more than a high-end battery backup while never losing power. You don’t have to worry about the headache or cost of replacing batteries, while still knowing your basement is well protected. Learn more by visiting the rest of our website. For example, our Installation page features photos from actual installs and configuration diagrams. If you have any questions, please reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help you out.

Live demonstration of a water-powered backup sump pump.

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

Water Commander™ is the best backup sump pump system available on the market today. It’s non-electric, can out-pump your electric sump pump, and will run at full power for years to come.

It is more reliable than battery backups and is the perfect solution for homes with municipal water.

Learn More

Learn how to measure your home’s municipal water pressure yourself.

Steps to Measure Your Water Pressure

Use Water Pressure to Pump Out Your Sump

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

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There are a number of reasons why your main electric sump pump won’t run.

No Electricity

Tripped Breaker or GFCI Outlet

Sump Pump Switch Failed

Clogged Impellor or Intake Screen

Blocked Discharge Pipe

No Weep Hole

Burned-Out Pump Motor

You Need a Backup Sump Pump

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Here are some important steps to protect your home’s basement against flooding during a heavy rainstorm.

Direct Rain Water Away From Your Basement

Slope Away From Your Home

Gutters and Downspouts

French Drains & Catch Basins

Channel Water Into Your Sump Pit

Pump the Sump Water Outside Your Home

Additional Basement Flooding Prevention Tips

Other Resources

Looking for a quality backup sump pump?

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Complete troubleshooting guide to fix pumping problems with your battery backup sump pump.

Stuck Pump Switch

Clogged Impellor or Pump Strainer

Blocked Discharge Pipe

Dead Battery

Failed Pump

Other Issues

Better Backup Sump Pump System

Other Troubleshooting Resources

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Here are suggestions to turn off the annoying beeping alarm of your battery backup sump pump.

Loose Wire Connections

Incorrect Water Levels in the Battery Cells

Dead or Dying Battery

Bad Circuit Board

Better Backup Sump Pump Solution

More Battery Resources

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Sump pits are an essential part of your home’s drainage system to protect your basement against water damage.

How Does It Work?

Sump Pit Construction

Sump Pit Sizes

Emptying Water Out of Your Sump

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Everything you need to know about water-powered sump pumps.

Best Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump

How Water-Powered Sump Pumps Work

Pump Installation

Benefits of Water-Powered vs Battery Backups

How Much Water Does It Use?

Additional Resources

The best water-powered backup sump pump on the market by far is Water Commander^™.

Install a Water Commander^™

Learn More About Water Commander^™