backup power

This is the first of my leg work on remodeling my basement. I need a sump pump to keep my basement dry. No cracks/seepage through the walls, just normal ground water after heavy rains (the cracks I had were epoxy plugged, no water since).

What I think I need is a auto on gen that runs on propane. Depending on the cost, might just whole house it. Realistically, all I need is the sump, furnace, maybe the kitchen(fridge). I would probably hire this out as it does exceed my experiences. I know its not gonna be cheap but would like to do it right the first time around. I currently have 200a service.

I was hoping that this board could provide the do's/don'ts/tips/tricks/anything else I should know but haven't asked, based upon real world experiences.

Thank you for your time.
I do appreciate it.

Regards....don t. .....

All I really want is the sump pump to be able to run, almost, no matter what. Anything else would be gravy. Im also thinking that, labor wise, even though I have 1986 electric hookups, it might be cheaper to go whole house. Don't know just yet. Thank you for your time. .....don t. .....

Another idea may be a small, or large, solar set up that uses solar panels to charge batteries and invertors to develop AC current when the power fails. This system can be as small or large as you desire. This is a quiet system and most switch over automatically and with little or no delay.

Now, if you are just concerned about the water situation, you do well to consider a 12 volt �Bilge pump� set up, activated by a simple float ball and On/Off switch. This could be powered by one, or more, batteries and an inexpensive charger that would stay plugged in and maintain the proper float charge.

We moved in 5+yrs. ago, lots of water after most rains. Plugged cracks in walls, landscaping, gutters/oversized extended down spouts, stopped most water.

At times, the sump was unable to keep up, overflow 40% of basement. When it died, I went to the biggest "store bought" sump, 3/4 hp. Still unable to keep up. Went to an ejector pump w/2" pvc. No problem past 18 mths. There have been times, the sump has ran days after heavy rains.

The batt. backup sumps I've seen were all smaller than the 3/4, or the life of batt. was to short. I don't think, in my situation, it'll keep up. The very little I've researched, I know it won't be cheap, but neither has the work we've done already. We're not Rockefellers but want to do it right. We've raised our kids but still have 20 yrs to work. What you've described is what I would consider right, now its a matter of affording it (grin). Never even thought of the solar option, thanks.

Best Regards.....don t. ...

Shoot me an email. I just got done building Momma her dream home (killed my tractor funds). When doing so I made provisions for propane generator. Right now I am looking at a deal on the Generacs. ShepFL

My neighbor bought a China Diesel 15kw with enough spare parts to rebuild both engine and generator, for $7500 delivered. The genset alone was $6000

He's happy with it. Can't say if it was worth it for me but he seams to think so. For the 12 times he'll use it, the price was right.

T_Bone