Keeping the Sump Pump Running in an Outage - A Plain-English Guide
Last verified: September 2026
How to keep your basement dry when a storm takes the power out — a whole-home standby generator that runs the sump automatically, plus a battery-backup pump for the brief gap before it starts. Rather talk it through? My number is (330) 200-8042.
Keeping the Sump Pump Running, at a Glance
A power outage during a storm is exactly when your sump pump is needed most — and exactly when it can lose power. A whole-home standby generator keeps it running automatically, and pairing it with a battery-backup sump pump covers the brief gap before the generator takes over. This guide covers both layers, testing the pit, and simple upkeep. There's a printable 29-page version up top.
Common Questions
1 Will a standby generator run my sump pump automatically?
Yes. An automatic transfer switch senses the outage, starts the generator, and switches your home — sump included — over to generator power, usually within seconds, whether you're home or away.
2 If the standby covers the sump, why add a battery-backup pump?
Because a standby takes a few seconds to pick up the load, and any machine can have an off day. A battery-backup sump pump covers those moments instantly. Two layers are far stronger than one.
3 Is a sump pump a big load for a generator?
Usually not — it's a motor with a modest starting surge, smaller than a well pump or central air. It just needs to be on your must-run list so the unit is sized to carry it. Our sizing guide covers that.
4 How do I test my sump pump?
Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit until the float rises, then watch the pump switch on, empty the pit, and shut off by itself. Do it a couple of times a year, and before the wet season.
5 What upkeep does a sump need?
Keep the pit, float, and discharge line clear, check the one-way check-valve now and then, and — if you have a battery-backup pump — keep an eye on its battery, which wears out over time.
6 My basement is flooding — can I go restart the pump?
Please don't wade into standing water near anything electrical — it's a real shock hazard. If you can reach the main breaker without stepping into water, cut the power; otherwise stay out and call an electrician or your utility.
Would You Rather I Just Help?
A flooded basement during a storm is one of the most common worries I help folks put to rest — and one of the most satisfying to solve. I'll help you plan the standby and the battery-backup sump, build your must-run list, and line up the licensed pros to do the work. I don't sell any of it, so it's just honest advice. $99 flat for a visit, 30-day come-back-free.
Would you rather I just do this for you?
No shame in it — plenty of folks would rather hand it off, and that's what I'm here for. I'll come to your home, set it up right, and make sure it's working before I leave. Flat $99 per visit — no jargon, no upsell, and every visit is 30-day come-back-free.
Not a hardware job? I can often fix it remotely for $49 — a secure screen-share, up to 2 hours, that you watch the whole time and can end whenever (included free for $39/mo Support Plan members, and it counts toward the $99 if it turns out I need to come out).