Many locations that require the use of the sump pump — in boats and home basements, for example — require that the pump be able to operate at all times — even if the main power supply goes off. Without a backup power source for your sump pump, water made accumulate to a dangerous level! That’s why battery backup sump pumps are an excellent choice for your sump pump system — the battery power will kick in when your main power supply goes down.

First of all, what type of battery should be used with a battery backup sump pump? For best results, you should use what is called a “deep cycle” battery — unlike automobile batteries, a deep cycle battery is designed to operate in for an extended period of time. Using a deep cycle battery with your battery backup sump pump system is critical, as this type of battery will allow your sump pump to operate for longer periods of time without losing its charge.

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If you have a larger boat or yacht you know that one of the continual challenges you face is keeping the interior dry. Many larger boats are subject to leaking, and this water can collect at the bottom of your hull. It is always a good practice to install a 12-volt sump pump. With a sump pump continually operating, this excess water can be flushed out. The reason you want a sump pump that can be operated with a 12-volt power supply is that you can connect it up to a battery. That way, if the primary power source for your sump pump goes out, you will still be able to use the battery backup.

A good example of the kind of equipment that I’m talking about here would be the Jabsco 18660-0121. I found this item priced at just under $155. Manufactured by Jabsco, this 12 volt sump pump has a self-priming motor — and it is powerful enough to lift water up to 4 feet. This pump is able to move out your excess water at a zippy 380 gallons per hour.

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If you are a professional plumber I guess you won’t need to read this, but for the rest of us who are homeowners, it’s important to stay up on the latest innovations in plumbing and plumbing supplies — if for no other reason than to be a more knowledgeable buyer of these products.

Of course some plumbing supplies are not cheap — their purchase represents a significant investment. For example, good-quality faucets and shower fixtures can cost you some serious money — but if you will check out a reputable manufacturer you will see that this extra expense is more than amply compensated for by the many more years of service you will get from this equipment.

As an example, Kohler plumbing fixtures are extremely beautiful — some of them have the appearance of a fine work of art — yet they are designed for decades of trouble-free, constant use. In fact, many homes have Kohler plumbing fixtures still operational — which were installed from the very beginning of that homes’ existence!

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Looking for a plumbing contractor? There are lots of qualified, licensed plumbers who will do a good job, but beware of the “others” that only claim to do a good job, contractors urge.

Consumers would call with minor repairs like leaky faucets, but the contractor would talk the customers into unnecessary major repairs or would intentionally damage plumbing to persuade customers that the problem was major. Consumers also should be cautious if a contractor gives vague verbal estimates or wants to perform major work in response to a minor problem. Consumers should get at least three bids and have them put in writing.