Could You Benefit From Generac’s Load Managers?
Learn how Generac’s Smart Load Managers can help you enhance…
Heavy rainfall isn’t unusual for Michigan, and that’s why many homes in the state (with basements) have installed sump pumps to prevent flooding.
The bad news is that sump pumps rely on electricity to work and prevent flooding. Sump pumps require a lot of power and may need more than a battery to provide adequate backup protection during power outages.
Installing a whole-home generator is the best way to prevent basement flooding during a power outage and ensure your sump pump system stays reliable. However, prevention goes beyond the installation itself.
Below are some of our recommended best practices for preventing basement flooding:
Portable generators can certainly provide enough power to run your sump pump in a short-term outage. However, they won’t switch on automatically when the power goes out. You’ll have to be home to connect the generator to the sump pump and turn on the power.
Additionally, never operate a gas-powered generator inside your home or any enclosed area, even with doors or windows open. This is an incredibly dangerous practice and increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Install a standby unit, sized to the critical appliances and systems in your home that need to run during an outage. These units are installed outside your home in a protected area to improve safety. The key here is to install a standby generator before you need it, not a week before a predicted storm event. A generator installation requires planning, permitting, sizing, and permanent wiring.
The benefit of a whole-home generator is that it automatically switches on seconds after the power goes out, which helps prevent minor flooding from a powerless sump pump.
Once you have a standby generator in place, you can’t rest on your laurels and assume your sump pump will run 24/7 as needed during an outage. We recommend running your whole-home generator at least once a week and checking for errors on the control module. This critical maintenance will ensure your generator is ready to switch on whenever Michigan’s storms knock out the power. If you have a Generac generator, this isn’t needed. These units self-exercise on a set schedule.
Run your sump pump at least once a month, including during seasons when flooding is less common. This is general best practice whether you have a generator or not, but it’s especially important when you’re concerned about power outages flooding your basement.
Most generators can run out of fuel unless they are connected to a direct gas line. Whether you’re working with a portable unit that’s powered by gasoline or a whole-house generator using propane, you never know if something will disrupt your usual supply. Keeping extra fuel on hand lets you run your standby system long enough to operate the sump pump and other essential home systems.
When storing extra fuel around the house, choose a secure, well-ventilated space outside the home. A nearby carport or any outdoor area where you can keep gas upright and away from ignition sources is recommended. Also, add fuel stabilizer to liquid fuels like gasoline to prevent oxidation and protect your generator over time.
Even with power from a standby generator, your basement could flood if enough rain falls in your area. You can deal with seasonal or sudden flooding by:
Be prepared before the stormy season hits!
Budget Electric & Generators is committed to helping Michigan homeowners and businesses keep critical appliances running during a power outage. Our team can pair you with the best generator for your property, including a home sump pump or basement drainage system, and handle every phase of the installation process, from permit requests to concrete pad construction to transfer switch installation.
Visit our website to learn more about our Generac standby units, or contact us today to request a free estimate.
