When heavy rains hit Racine, the last thing you want to worry about is your basement flooding because of a power outage; yet this scenario plays out in countless homes every year. A sump pump is your first line of defense against water damage, but what happens when the electricity goes out during a storm? This is where a battery backup system becomes an essential asset in your home, not a luxury.
Why Your Sump Pump Needs a Backup
Wisconsin summers bring thunderstorms with both heavy rainfall, strong winds and then power outages. This unfortunate combination means your primary sump pump can fail precisely when you need it most. Water can quickly accumulate, potentially causing thousands of dollars in damage to your basement and home foundation.
"We receive many calls after a major storm from homeowners with flooded basements due to sump pump failures during even short power outages," explains Edward Scharding, Vice President of Feiner Plumbing,
How Battery Backup Systems Work
A battery backup system works alongside your primary sump pump, automatically activating when power is lost or when the main pump can't keep up with water volume. These systems typically include:
- A secondary pump that runs on battery power
- A marine-grade battery that provides 5-7 hours of continuous pumping; 1-3 days of non-continuous pumping
- An automatic charging system that keeps the battery ready
- Alarm systems that alert you to pump activation or battery issues
- WIFI Monitoring System
- Seamless self maintenance system
The system seamlessly takes over pump operations during outages, continuing to protect your basement even when the power grid is down.
The Cost of Not Having Backup Protection
Consider what's at stake in your basement: finished living spaces, stored belongings, appliances, and your home's structural integrity. Water damage restoration can easily cost thousands of dollars, not to mention the potential for mold growth and long-term structural issues because a wet wall is a soggy wall.
A battery backup system represents a fraction of potential repair costs while providing peace of mind during severe weather events. Some home owners insurance companies offer discounts for a batter backup as well as water detection device.
Peace of Mind During Power Outages
While some homeowners attempt DIY installation, professional setup ensures your backup system integrates properly with your existing sump pump. Feiner Plumbing's experienced technicians can evaluate your current system, recommend the appropriate backup solution based on your home's specific needs, and ensure everything works together seamlessly.
A commercial battery backup is superior than those available to consumers as they last longer and high powered.
Maintenance Considerations
Like any home system, battery backups require periodic maintenance to ensure reliability;
- Battery testing and replacement every 3-5 years
- System testing to verify proper operation
- Inspection of connections and components
Feiner Plumbing can incorporate your battery backup with WIFI so you can effortlessly see how your system is performing.
Who Needs a Battery Backup?
Battery backup systems are particularly important for:
- Homes in areas with frequent power outages
- Properties with finished basements
- Homes where water enters quickly during heavy rain
- Households that travel frequently
- Any home where basement flooding would cause significant hardship
Trust the Local Experts
As a 5th generation plumbing company with over 110 years of service to the Racine community, Feiner Plumbing brings unmatched experience to sump pump installations and battery backup systems. Their technicians understand the unique water challenges facing Wisconsin homeowners and can recommend solutions tailored to your specific situation.
Don't wait until after a flooding disaster to consider a battery backup system. We can also help you with getting the basement cleaned up! Contact Feiner Plumbing at (262) 632-8994 to schedule a consultation about protecting your home with a reliable sump pump backup solution. Their team is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM to answer your questions and schedule service.
Visit feinerplumbing.com or their Facebook page to learn more about their full range of residential and commercial plumbing services.
Lee Enterprises newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content.

