Secondary (or Backup) Sump-pump

[Ronnie Goldsmith]

Our house is 4 years old and the basement is constructed of concrete block. The block was painted with a black tar substance for water proofing purposes (on the outside). We have french drains around the perimited of the inside of the basement which lead to a sump pump hole. The builder installed a sump pump which is connected to the sub-division storm drain system. Our soil is 100% clay! We think our basement was dug below the seasonal high water table line, thus our sump pump pumps water even when it is not raining. I can live with this if: (a)the structure of our house is not in danger and (b) we never loose power or the pump does not break.Can you please answer (a). And Since the possibility of (b) is very very remote (the pump has already broke) should we install a secondary, or backup pump in a second sump pump hole. We purchased a marine battery (with an 8 hour charge) as a backup to the power supply yet I am concerned because if the pump breaks when we are away we would come home to a wet basement. Of course, the builder says this is our problem, and the township engineers motto is Buyer Beware, or Your house, Your Problem. (which is illegal in our state but how do you fight city hall.) The homebuyers warranty wont even cover this.Well have to fix this with our own money so please let me know if we should consider hiring a plumber to dig a second hole and install a back-up battery powered pump.Thank you.

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