Will My Sump Pump Work if the Power Goes Out? What To Know About Battery Backups

Last Revised: 4/30/25

Have you thought about what could happen if your sump pump stops working during a heavy storm? Can your basement stay dry when the very system designed to protect it loses power? 

Your sump pump uses electricity just like the other appliances in your home, so when you need it most during a heavy storm – and the power goes out – it may sit there lifeless. Yikes. This isn’t what you signed up for when you installed it. 

At Mattioni, we’re here to help you prepare for the worst – and hooking up a battery backup system will ensure that your sump pump runs as you’d expect it to when things get serious.

In this article, we’ll explain why power outages are the worst-case scenario for sump pump failure, review the best backup options, and help you assess whether your home is truly protected from basement water damage. 

After reading this, you’ll know how to assess your current system and make sure you’re fully protected before the next storm hits. Let’s kick things off by looking at how sump pumps are vulnerable to power loss. 

Will My Sump Pump Work Without Power? 

A standard sump pump is powered by electricity and installed in a pit (called a sump basin) at the lowest point of your basement or crawlspace. When groundwater levels rise high enough, the sump basin fills up, activating a floating mechanism that turns the pump on automatically to push water safely away from your home. 

However, this entire system depends on one thing: a live power source. If the electricity goes out, your sump pump shuts off along with your other electronics. This reality can lead to a dangerous combination – the same storm that’s flooding your basement knocks out your power. The timing couldn’t be worse if you’re caught in this scenario. 

A Power Outage is the Worst Time for Sump Pump Failure 

When a severe storm hits, heavy rainfall begins to saturate the ground surrounding your home. But if the power goes out at the same time, your sump pump shuts off – and the water keeps coming. Within a matter of minutes, water can overflow from the sump pump basin and begin to flood your basement. 

Flooding caused by sump pump failure can result in serious and costly consequences, including: 

• Water-damaged flooring, walls, and furniture 
• Ruined appliances and stored belongings 
• Mold and mildew growth within 24-48 hours 
• Structural damage to the foundation or framing 
• Insurance claims, deductibles, and potential premium increases 

In short, a sump pump failure during a power outage is more than frustrating and inconvenient – it can cause thousands of dollars in damage and long-term problems for your home. Every homeowner should consider a backup system, which ensures continuous operation, even when the power is out. 

Battery Backup Sump Pumps: Reliable Protection When Power Fails 

Battery backup systems are one of the most effective ways to keep your sump pump running during a power outage. These systems either power your main pump or activate a secondary pump when electricity is lost. 

Depending on the battery size and how frequently the pump cycles, these backups can keep your system running for several hours – often enough to outlast a typical storm. High-capacity batteries can provide even longer protection. At Mattioni, a battery backup costs about $1,500 – $2,100 to install.

It’s worth noting that battery backups require periodic maintenance. Batteries can degrade over time and should be tested and replaced as recommended to ensure they work when needed. Think of a battery backup as your sump pump system’s spare tire: it’s not designed for the long haul, but it can get you through the emergency. 

Alternative Backup Systems for Sump Pump Power Outages 

1. Water-Powered Backup Systems 

These systems rely on municipal water pressure to operate, rather than electricity or batteries. When your main pump fails, a water-powered pump uses incoming water pressure to create suction that pulls water from the sump basin and discharges it outside. 

Water-powered backups are low-maintenance and have no batteries to replace, but they do come with limitations: 

• They only work if your home uses city water (not a well) 
• They’re less powerful than electric pumps and may not keep up with heavy flooding 

Still, for many homeowners, they offer peace of mind as a hands-off automatic solution. 

2. Whole-Home Generators 

A standby generator is the most comprehensive solution, providing power to your entire home, including your sump pump, during an outage. These generators can draw power from a variety of sources and can be activated within moments of a power outage. 

The key advantages: 

• Long-term protection for extended outages 
• Supports multiple home systems (HVAC, lighting, refrigerators, etc.) 
• Potentially seamless, automatic transition 

While this option comes at the highest upfront cost (generators are much more expensive than a simple sump pump battery backup), it offers unmatched convenience and peace of mind. 

3. Manual Methods: Emergency Solutions When All Else Fails 

If you don’t have a backup system and power goes out, your last resort may be manual water removal. Using buckets to physically remove water from the sump basin and dump it outside is a dire option, but an option nonetheless. You may also use a manually-operated hand pump attached to the sump basin to draw water out. 

These methods are labor-intensive and far less effective than automated systems, but they may help minimize water accumulation in an emergency. Think of them as a last-resort – not long-term solutions. 

How to Know If You’re Protected 

Wondering whether your home is at risk? Here’s how to check: 

• Look for a secondary pump or battery system next to your main sump pump 
• Check your electrical panel – if you see a generator switch or interlock system, you may already have generator support 
• No backup visible? If there’s only one pump and no other equipment, you likely won’t be covered during an outage 

If you’re unsure, a professional inspection is the best way to evaluate your current system. At Mattioni, we know exactly how to assess sump pump setups and can walk you through your options, from simple battery backups to full generator integration. 

Don’t Wait Until the Storm Hits 

If your sump pump relies solely on electricity, it won’t work during a power outage – and that puts your basement at serious risk. And that’s exactly what many homeowners face when storms hit and power fails. 

The good news is that there are reliable, proven backup solutions available to suit every home and budget. From battery backups and water-powered systems to full standby generators, you can safeguard your home from flooding no matter the weather. 

Now that you know the risks and the available solutions, your next step is to have your system professionally inspected. At Mattioni, we’ve been helping families protect their homes for over 75 years. Call us at (610) 400-8510 or book an appointment online, we’ll make sure you’re ready – before the next storm hits.