Recommendations for 12v backup sump pump

Our basement was built on a water table when we have lots of rain, sump runs a lot & when we lose power & were not home, our backup sump(liberty back up pump are no good-ive had 2). I do have a small generator on wheels, but if we're not home, it's not a help. I need a reliable 12v backup sump pump-any recommendations?

If you're on city water, they make water-powered sump pumps that are quite reliable.

Ment to put in tractor tales

I would recommend a bilge pump for a boat, with an automatic float switch. We tried several back up sump pumps at our fire station, had the same experience as you had.

I would think a quality bilge pump would be a good choice, just be sure it is capable of pushing high enough head.

A deep cycle marine battery on a solar charger would easily power it.

And surround the pump with a screen to stop any debris from locking or clogging it. I would also run the discharge directly to the outside, far enough away it can't recycle back to the basement. Don't send it to the sewer.

I replied on TT..

I installed a Liberty model 441 battery backup sump pump several years ago.

It was easy to install. And when needed it has worked great.

Highly recommended!
Liberty backup sump pump

I can t help with a brand but my brother has the same deal as you. He has a 12V pump and two 115V with a generator back up.A couple of years ago he was running all three and wans t gaining any headway. He wasn't losing ground but didn't gain any for three hours. Power failure and his finished basement would have been toast. That's what happens when you build a house at the foot of college hill!

Screen wire over the opening could catch washed in material from getting into the pump. Jim

I dug sump pump hole out & put a plastic 55 gallon & cut to height with 1/4 holes all around(sump pump hole is clean). Does bilge pump have a float for adjustment?

Some have built in floats most require a separate switch. Jim
one example

The liberty model 441 is the one i had-went thru 2 of them & no good.

I've dealt with a couple different styles. I have some off brand unit that actually does ok when it has to. No name on it, so I can't help with that one. I only went with it because the design has the pump and motor outside the pit. My sump pit is tiny, and the main doesn't leave enough room for a secondary, other than the draw pipe, and float.

The system I've had very good luck with in 2 other homes is Basement Watchdog. I'd have no issue recommending their gear to anyone.

Any battery system isn't going to run for ages. If you're going to be away for days, rather than hours, then the water powered units are possibly a better choice. Keep in mind they take about 2 gallons to move 1. That could lead to a terrifying water bill, but then a flooded basement is likely worse...

I would suggest getting something designed as a system, rather than making your own from a bilge pump, and battery. You want this thing to work when you need it. Also, you really need to keep on top of the batteries. Keep the water topped off. I went through a period of no water in the sump for years, and got complacent. Cooked the water out due to the charger, and wrecked a battery. Just managed to find that, and get it changed before Ida hit us last year. Good thing, because my main failed due to the steel screws rotting out of the impellor enclosure. The backup couldn't quite keep up, but it held it back enough for me to rebuild the main in a hurry... Why they used steel rather than stainless screws in the bottom of a sump, one will never know...