PSA: Check your sump pump battery backup before spring storms hit

Last April I had my basement flood because the power went out during a heavy rain and my backup battery was completely dead. I live near the Rocky River area and it took three shop vacs and a nasty smell in my carpet to fix the mess. Turns out those Optima batteries only last about 4 years before they stop holding a charge. Anybody else test there's regularly or just wait until something happens?

3 comments

3 Comments

shanelee12d ago

We had an Optima last nine years before it finally gave out.

leodavis12d ago

@shanelee that's pretty good going with nine years. I'd say you got your money's worth out of that Optima for sure. Most people I know who had them said the alternator or the battery management system was what finally did them in. If you ever get another one, I'd keep an eye on the oil consumption around the 100k mile mark, that's usually where they start having issues. A lot of folks recommend switching to a synthetic blend a bit early to help with that. But yeah, nine years is a solid run for any car these days.

christopher94312d ago

Yeah that bit about checking regularly really hits home. A buddy of mine ignored his backup for years and when the power flickered during a storm last spring his basement turned into a swimming pool. He spent the whole weekend renting a dehumidifier and peeling up wet carpet, now he tests both pumps every single month.