Water-Powered vs. Battery-Powered Sump Pumps: Which Backup is Best for Your Home?

A flooded basement is every homeowner’s nightmare. Your main sump pump does the heavy lifting, but what happens if the power goes out during a storm? That’s where a backup sump pump comes in. Two of the most popular options are water-powered backups and battery-powered backups. Both can save you from costly water damage, but they work in different ways. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which is right for your home.

Water-Powered Sump Pumps

These pumps use your home’s municipal water pressure to move water out of your sump pit—no electricity or batteries required.

Why homeowners like them:

• Runs as long as the water is on – Perfect for long power outages.
• Little to no maintenance – No batteries to replace or keep charged.
• Dependable – Fewer moving parts means fewer breakdowns.

Things to consider:

• Only works with city water – Not an option if you’re on a well.
• Can raise your water bill – They use gallons of fresh water to pump out floodwater.
• Pumps slower than batteries – Not as powerful during heavy rains.
• Code restrictions in some areas – Always check local plumbing codes.

Battery-Powered Sump Pumps

Battery backups come with a large rechargeable battery that kicks in when your main pump stops working.

Why homeowners like them:

• Works in any home – Ideal for properties on well water.
• Powerful pumping – Handles larger volumes of water than water-powered systems.
• Easy to install – Usually quicker to set up.
• Smart tech options – Some models send alerts to your phone if there’s a problem.

Things to consider:

• Limited runtime – Most batteries last 6–24 hours depending on use.
• Maintenance required – Batteries need charging and replacement every few years.
• Ongoing costs – Replacement batteries add to long-term expenses.

Which Backup Pump Should You Choose?

• Go water-powered if you’re on municipal water, want a low-maintenance option, and worry about long blackouts.
• Go battery-powered if you’re on a well, want stronger pumping power, or like the convenience of modern monitoring features.

Many homeowners choose to install both systems for maximum protection—a strong battery backup paired with a water-powered unit for peace of mind during extended outages.

Protect Your Basement, Protect Your Home

No matter which system you choose, having a backup sump pump is one of the best investments you can make to keep your basement dry and your home safe. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, our team can help you weigh the pros and cons and install the perfect system for your home.

Contact us today to ensure you’re protected before the next big storm hits!