This is a good question and really easy one to solve. There are two different types of back-up pumps that can be installed:

Battery back-up pump

This pump runs of a 12-volt battery, which is activated when the first pump fails to pump. It is always plugged into an outlet so that it is always charged and ready to work when needed.

The average run time for a battery back-up pump is three hours of constant running, which could mean it can last you several days if it doesn’t have to pump too often – kind of like turning on and off a flashlight.

The battery system also has a built-in alarm system which activates every time the battery pump has to pump.

Water-powered back-up pump

This pump is quiet an achievement and it is my favorite pump.

You will need to have a 3/4″ inch waterline coming into your house for this pump to function properly.

This powerful little pump can move approximately 1,324 gallons of water per hour and all without the use of any power source, as it only runs off the water pressure in your house.

The water-powered pump has no time limit and can run as long as you don’t have any power in your home.

This pump works like a water mill that will go and go as long as the water is moving (water pressure).

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