How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Sump Pump

A sump pump is a device that pumps water out of your basement or crawl space to prevent flooding and water damage. It is essential to have a reliable power source for your sump pump, especially during heavy rain or snowmelt.

But what if the power goes out? How can you keep your sump pump running without electricity?

One option is to use a generator, which is a machine that produces electricity from fuel such as gas, propane, or diesel. A generator can power your sump pump and other appliances in your home until the power is restored. But not all generators are created equal. You need to choose the right size generator for your sump pump, otherwise you may risk damaging your equipment or running out of power.

How to Choose the Right Size Generator for Your Sump Pump

The size of the generator you need depends on two factors: the starting wattage and the running wattage of your sump pump. The starting wattage is the amount of power needed to start the motor of your sump pump, which is usually higher than the running wattage, which is the amount of power needed to keep the motor running. The starting wattage is also known as the surge wattage or the peak wattage.

To find out the starting and running wattage of your sump pump, you can check the nameplate on the device, the manual that came with it, or the manufacturer’s website. You can also use a formula to estimate the wattage based on the horsepower (HP) and voltage (V) of your sump pump. The formula is:

W=HP×V×746

where W is the wattage in watts, HP is the horsepower in horsepower, V is the voltage in volts, and 746 is a constant factor that converts horsepower to watts.

For example, if you have a 1/2 HP sump pump that runs on 120V, you can calculate the running wattage as follows:

W=0.5×120×746

W=44,760

The running wattage of your sump pump is about 45 watts.

However, this formula does not account for the starting wattage, which can be much higher than the running wattage. A more accurate way to estimate the starting wattage is to multiply the running wattage by a factor of 3 to 5, depending on the type of motor your sump pump has. For example, if your sump pump has a capacitor start motor, which is common for submersible pumps, you can multiply the running wattage by 5 to get the starting wattage. If your sump pump has a split phase motor, which is common for pedestal pumps, you can multiply the running wattage by 3 to get the starting wattage.

Using this method, you can estimate that a 1/2 HP sump pump with a capacitor start motor has a starting wattage of about 225 watts (45 x 5), and a 1/2 HP sump pump with a split phase motor has a starting wattage of about 135 watts (45 x 3).

Once you know the starting and running wattage of your sump pump, you can choose a generator that can supply enough power for both. A good rule of thumb is to choose a generator that has a rated output that is at least 50% higher than the starting wattage of your sump pump. This will ensure that your generator can handle the initial surge of power without overloading or damaging your equipment.

For example, if you have a 1/2 HP sump pump with a capacitor start motor that has a starting wattage of 225 watts and a running wattage of 45 watts, you should choose a generator that has a rated output of at least 337.5 watts (225 x 1.5). This will give you enough margin to power your sump pump and other appliances in your home.

What Are Some of the Best Generators for Sump Pumps?

There are many types and models of generators available on the market, but not all of them are suitable for powering sump pumps. Some of the features you should look for when choosing a generator for your sump pump are:

• Fuel efficiency: A fuel-efficient generator will save you money and reduce emissions by using less fuel per hour.
• Noise level: A quiet generator will not disturb you or your neighbors with loud noise while running.
• Portability: A portable generator will be easy to move around and store when not in use.
• Safety features: A safe generator will have features such as automatic voltage regulation, overload protection, low oil shutdown, hour meter, and fuel gauge to prevent accidents and damage.
• Dual fuel mode: A dual fuel generator will give you the option to run on either gas or propane, depending on availability and preference.

Based on these criteria, here are some of the best generators for sump pumps that we recommend:

 Champion Power Equipment 200961 Portable Inverter Generator: This is a lightweight and compact generator that can produce up to 2500 watts of starting power and 2100 watts of running power. It has a dual fuel mode that allows you to run on either gas or propane, and a fuel-efficient engine that can run for up to 11 hours on a single tank of gas.

It also has a low noise level of 53 decibels, which is quieter than a normal conversation. It has safety features such as automatic voltage regulation, overload protection, low oil shutdown, and an LED indicator. It is easy to use and recharge, and has thermal, water, and voltage protection. 

Briggs & Stratton 30795 P4500 Inverter Generator: This is a powerful and reliable generator that can produce up to 4500 watts of starting power and 3700 watts of running power. It has a fuel-efficient engine that can run for up to 16 hours on a single tank of gas, and a low noise level of 55 decibels, which is comparable to a dishwasher.

It has safety features such as automatic voltage regulation, overload protection, low oil shutdown, hour meter, and fuel gauge. It also has a telescoping handle and wheels for easy portability.

DuroMax XP12000EH Generator: This is a heavy-duty generator that can produce up to 12000 watts of starting power and 9500 watts of running power. It has a dual fuel mode that allows you to run on either gas or propane, and a powerful engine that can run for up to 10 hours on a single tank of gas. It has a high noise level of 74 decibels, which is louder than a vacuum cleaner. It has safety features such as automatic voltage regulation, overload protection, low oil shutdown, hour meter, and fuel gauge. It also has an electric start and a wheel kit for easy operation and mobility. 

What Are Some Alternatives to Generators for Sump Pumps?

If you do not want to use a generator for your sump pump, you can consider some alternatives that can also provide backup power in case of a power outage. Some of the alternatives are:

• Battery backup sump pump: This is a system that consists of a secondary sump pump and a battery that can power it when the primary sump pump fails or loses electricity. The battery backup sump pump will automatically kick in when the water level in the sump pit rises above a certain point, and will pump out the water until the primary sump pump resumes operation or the battery runs out of power. The battery backup sump pump can run for several hours depending on the size and capacity of the battery. 
• Water-powered backup sump pump: This is a system that uses the water pressure from your home’s plumbing system to power a secondary sump pump when the primary sump pump fails or loses electricity. The water-powered backup sump pump will draw water from your main water line and use it to create suction that will pump out the water from the sump pit. The water-powered backup sump pump does not require any electricity or battery, but it does use a lot of water, which can increase your water bill. 

Conclusion

A sump pump is an important device that can protect your home from flooding and water damage. However, it needs a reliable power source to operate effectively. A generator is one option that can provide backup power for your sump pump in case of a power outage. To choose the right size generator for your sump pump, you need to know the starting and running wattage of your sump pump, and select a generator that has a rated output that is at least 50% higher than the starting wattage of your sump pump. You also need to consider other factors such as fuel efficiency, noise level, portability, safety features, and dual fuel mode when choosing a generator for your sump pump.

Alternatively, you can use other systems such as battery backup sump pump or water-powered backup sump pump to provide backup power for your sump pump without using a generator. These systems have their own advantages and disadvantages that you need to weigh before deciding which one is best for your situation.

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