4 Best Backup Battery Options for Sump Pumps

Homes with basements often rely on sump pumps to ensure the area doesn’t flood and sustain water damage. But what happens when the power goes out during extreme weather or active floods? Backup batteries can keep this essential system on and working to protect your home and the contents within your basement. 

Solar generators make excellent backup power options for sump pump owners. Here are four of the best options to equip your home and add a layer of security against flooding.

EcoFlow’s Best Small Generators

1. Best for Basic Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA 2
2. Best Expandable Option: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max
3. Best Affordable, Whole Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro
4. Best for Comprehensive Essential Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3

Best for Basic Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA 2

The EcoFlow DELTA 2 is a compact and versatile power station that can be a reliable backup solution for your home’s essential appliances, including your sump pump. At just 27 pounds, this lightweight model is easy to move and store as needed, so you’re always ready for unexpected outages. And, with its advanced LFP battery technology, it’s always prepared for you. It’s built to last up to six times longer than competitors, making it a wise investment for long-term use.

This medium-capacity generator supports up to 90% of household appliances, including sump pumps, fridges, and portable AC units. Its six AC outlets allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. It’s more than just an investment to protect your sump pump; it’s an investment in backup power for your home.

If your energy needs grow, this device can grow with you by adding compatible extra batteries to expand the capacity. You can also integrate it with EcoFlow solar panels to create a sustainable solar generator. AC charging is also available, especially when a quick charge is necessary. With its fast-charging capabilities, you’ll be ready to go in as little as 50 minutes with AC power.

Whether protecting your home from a flood or maintaining essential operations during a blackout, the DELTA 2 is the perfect entry-level backup solution designed with safety and efficiency in mind.

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Specifications

• Storage Capacity (Minimum): 1024Wh
• Storage Capacity (Maximum): 3kWh
• AC Output (Maximum): 1.8kW continuous output (2.7kW Surge)
• Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 500W max (11-60V, 15A)
• Weight: 27 lbs (12 kg)
• Dimensions: 15.7 x 8.3 x 11.1 in (40 x 21.1 x 28.1 cm)
• Operating Noise Level: ~50 decibels
• Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car Charger
• Multicharge Options? Yes
• Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
• Cycle Life: 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity
• Depth of Discharge: 100%
• Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions) 
• App Monitoring and Control?: Yes

Pros

• Capacity grows with your energy needs by adding extra batteries
• Recharge fast in 50 minutes with AC or 3-6 hours with solar
• Compact yet powerful; only 27 pounds but can handle 90% of appliances
• Cost-effective choice for critical appliances like sump pumps

Cons

• Solar panels are sold separately
• Medium capacity might not sustain power for extended outages

Best Expandable Option: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max

The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max maximizes your expansion options. It’s designed to meet higher capacity demands than the EcoFlow DELTA 2 but allows you to nearly triple the capacity by adding more compatible batteries.

All Eco Flow portable power stations, including the remarkable EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max, feature LFP batteries, the new standard for modern electronics due to their enhanced safety and long-lasting performance. 

Despite its powerful 2.4kW continuous output, it’s still relatively compact. You can fit it into tight spaces in your basement so it’s out of the way, but its size doesn’t detract from its function. It can run multiple heavy-duty appliances simultaneously, including your basement sump pump.

Your fast recharging options give you control over your access to power. With AC charging, you can quickly top up the portable power station during off-peak hours and store it for use when demand is higher. You can also utilize solar panel charging to ensure your PPS doesn’t lose all its power during prolonged outages.

You can even connect it to EcoFlow’s Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) and use propane or gasoline to run the sump pump during emergencies.

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Specifications

• Storage Capacity (Minimum): 2048 Wh
• Storage Capacity (Maximum): 6kWh
• AC Output (Maximum): 2.4kW continuous output (3.4kW surge)
• Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-60V 15A, single port 500W; dual port 1kW
• Weight: 50.7 lbs  (23 kg)
• Dimensions: 19.6 × 9.5 × 12 in (49.7 × 24.2 × 30.5 cm)
• Operating Noise Level: ~50 decibels
• Charging Options:  Solar/AC/Car Charger
• Multicharge Options?  Yes
• Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
• Cycle Life: 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity
• Depth of Discharge: 100%
• Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)
• App Monitoring and Control?: Yes

Pros

• Use AC, solar, or smart generator to recharge
• Support multiple devices or robust sump pumps
• Affordable starting price for base model

Cons

• Expensive to purchase extra batteries and expand the system
• Limited run time for extended outages

Best Affordable, Whole Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro

Want reliable backup power for the entire home that won’t break the bank? The EcoFlow DELTA Pro can protect more than just your sump pump; it can safeguard your home with exceptional value that’s hard to beat elsewhere on the market. It’s a powerhouse of a battery backup system; with an expandable capacity of up to 25kWh, you can run all of your most critical appliances during more extended outages.

The convenience of multiple charging options eliminates worry about losing power; you can connect the device to AC outlets if the grid is on, pair it with solar panels for eco-friendly charging any time the sun is out, or even charge it at EV stations in case of emergency or if you’re taking it on the go. 

Pay close attention to your PPS and everything it’s charging with the handy EcoFlow mobile app. This intuitive app allows you to monitor and control your power usage even if you’re not in the basement where your sump pump is.

What sets this model apart is its scalability relative to its cost. Whole-home backup systems can require a hefty investment, but this product is competitively priced and provides excellent value thanks to the long-lasting LFP battery, 3000+ cycles to 80% capacity, and expandable options.

With the ability to power 99.9% of home appliances, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro provides unparalleled peace of mind that your sump pump (and any other devices) will always have a reliable power source.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro Specifications

• Storage Capacity (Minimum): 3.6kWh
• Storage Capacity (Maximum): 25kWh
• AC Output (Maximum): 3.6kW continuous output (7.2kW Surge) 
• AC Output (Maximum): Expandable to 7.2kW continuous output (14.4 kW surge) with 2 x EcoFlow DELTA Pro + Double Voltage Hub
• Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 3.2kW with 2 x EcoFlow DELTA Pro (16 x 400W Rigid Solar Panels)
• Weight: 99 lbs (45kg)
• Dimensions: 25 x 11.2” x 16.4” inches (63.5 x 28.4x 42cm)
• Operating Noise Level: ~50 decibels
• Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car Charger/Smart Home Panel/EV Charge Station/Smart Generator (Dual Fuel)
• Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
• Cycle Life: 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity
• Depth of Discharge: 100%
• Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)
• App Monitoring and Control?: Yes

Pros

• Run more than just your sump pump; power your entire home
• Heavy-duty construction 
• Expandable up to 25kWh
• Monitor everything remotely from the EcoFlow app

Cons

• Heavier and bulkier than other options, it may be harder to move around the house

Best for Comprehensive Essential Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3

When severe weather hits and the threat of flooding looms, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 can serve as your primary defence against outages that could leave your home vulnerable to damage like flooding. This advanced power station provides an impressive 3.6kWh base capacity with an expansion potential of 36kWh, making it our most robust PPS model ever that can handle your sump pump wattage, plus other appliances.

With its IP65 rating and versatile charging options, the DELTA Pro 3 can adapt just as easily to emergencies as you can. With a 10ms UPS response time, your sump pump won’t even notice that the power has gone out, and it can continue to work hard to keep your basement dry and home secure. Its quiet running nature won’t interrupt your peace during extended blackouts.

The comprehensive home integration capabilities take this model to the next level. You can link it with the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel to automate power distribution to your sump pump and other appliances and monitor it remotely from your phone with the EcoFlow app. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your life, not add extra confusion and complicated logistics.

If you want to make your home more resilient to unpredictable weather patterns and grid instability, the DELTA Pro 3 is the sump pump backup solution you can’t live without.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Specifications

• Storage Capacity (Minimum): 4kWh per Battery. Up to 3 Batteries per DP3 (12kWh)
• Storage Capacity (Maximum): 36kWh (Battery Storage) + 12kWh with a full Smart Generator 4000 (Dual Fuel) = 48kWh
• AC Output (Minimum): 4kW (6kW X-Boost/8kW Surge) (120/240V)
• AC Output (Maximum): Expandable to 8kW or 12kW by chaining 2 or 3 x DELTA Pro 3 
• Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 2600W Dual-PV Charging (150V) per DP3
• Weight: 115 lbs (52kg)
• Dimensions: 27.5 × 13.5 × 16 in (69.5 × 34 × 41 cm)
• Operating Noise Level: 35 decibels
• Charging Options: Smart Home Panel 2 (7200W) / AC (3600W) / Dual Solar Input (2600W) / EV Charging (4000W) / Gas Generator (3200W) / Alternator Charging / Car Adapter Charging
• Multi-Charge Options? Yes – 18 Options
• Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
• Cycle Life: 4000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity (11+ years of regular use)
• Depth of Discharge: 100%
• Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)
• App Monitoring and Control? Yes

Pros

• Seven methods for fast charging, never be without power
• Quiet operation won’t disturb you
• 10ms UPS for unnoticeable transfer of power
• Expandable to grow with you
• Integrate with home electric systems

Cons

• Large homes with more residents may need more power
• Will need to recharge every few days unless connected to solar panels

Types of Sump Pump Backup Options

A sump pump is only as reliable as its backup source, and with the right pairing, you can enjoy peace of mind that your basement will remain dry even during downpours or flooding. Here are the three most popular options.

Battery-Operated

A battery-operated sump pump doesn’t need a separate backup. It runs independently using a separate battery that recharges using your home’s AC power when connected to the grid. There’s no need to hard-wire it into your house; just plug it in, and the backup battery will kick on automatically if your power or sump pump fails to work as usual.

Their quiet operation allows you to sleep through it without fear of waking up to a flooded basement. Battery-operated systems can also provide substantial pumping volume, an essential function if water drives toward your home.

The primary con to battery systems is that the batteries won’t last forever. You can get a few hours of continuous pumping or a few days of sporadic pumping as needed, but you may find yourself in a tight spot if your short stint without power turns into an extended outage. You’ll need to recharge it as needed and be prepared to replace the battery every few years.

Water-Powered

A water-powered sump pump is another backup option that works separately from the pump itself. It can be a dependable device as long as your water supply is on and running. These pumps use water pressure to prevent water from pooling in your basement. They’re designed to last decades, so you won’t have to replace them often. 

However, the initial cost to install a water-powered pump can be significant since a local contractor is often needed. Its operation will create higher monthly water bills that you might not want to pay.

Portable Backup Generator for Your Sump Pump

If you want to keep your sump pump as it is and find a reliable addition that can serve as a backup power source, consider investing in a small generator that you can connect when the power goes out. 

A backup solar generator like those from EcoFlow supplies additional electricity to your sump pump without noise, toxic fumes, or complicated installations. 

Some models, like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Pro, can kick on automatically for uninterrupted power. 

While these generators can be expensive, they’re versatile investments that can be used for things beyond sump pumps. You can take them on camping adventures, use them for whole-home backup power, or bring them on the go.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Backup Battery for a Sump Pump

Here are three things to remember when choosing a backup solution for your sump pump.

Battery Type

Battery type matters. You want a deep-cycle battery that can be discharged and recharged for 3,000+ cycles before diminishing the capacity to 80%. LFP batteries are the best option, offering enhanced safety and efficiency features. 

Capacity

Your battery will need to support the power capacity the sump pump requires. To determine if a model can satisfy your pump’s energy needs, calculate the wattage and multiply that by the time you expect to use it. 

Add a buffer for things like starting surge watts. If you plan to use the backup solution for other appliances or systems besides your sump pump, ensure those are accounted for in your calculations.

Price

You’re limited by budget, so first understand what you can afford and only consider products that fit into that range. Remember that this is an investment, and you will see returns by preventing water damage to your home, so spending more upfront might be worth it to save thousands down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

A sump pump works hard to keep your basement dry and clear of water that can damage your home’s foundation, but it can’t protect your house if the power is out and it doesn’t have a backup energy source to fall back on. 

Give yourself peace of mind with EcoFlow Portable Power Stations that can maintain power for your sump pump and ensure it works properly even during blackouts.