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Pete C.

wrote:

During last rain storm we had water backed into our basement through
the sump pit.......it was caused by the pump not working for over four
hours due to loss of power. We had significant damage that was also not
covered by our insurance. We certainly don't want to repeat this
incidence. Besides having some type of a back-up power supply, what
other inexpensive options do I have? One that comes to mind is may be
building a safety dam around the sump pit (say 3 ft X 3 ft X 1ft tall)
that would contain the water for a brief period of time in case of
extended power loss....does any one of you have any creative / simple
ideas?

Though it also provides the most chances to kill yourself (carbon
monoxide, flammable liquids, miswiring, etc.), a small portable
generator is likely the best option. Run it outside and just run several
extension cords to your sump pump, refrigerator and table lamp and
you're pretty safe.

If you're home sitting in the dark watching the sump pit fill up, you're
being negligent. If you're there, bail the silly thing out with a
bucket. Four or five hours of periodic bailing is nothing compared to
uninsured losses. If the water is filling faster than you can bail, your
pump probably wouldn't keep up either and you have other problems.

Pete C.