What Size Generator Do I Need For Sump Pump: A Query Answering Guide

Do you find yourself on edge during the rainy season when storms come and your basement floods? We have great news for you!

You need a sump pump watts. But what will do when you have a power outage? You need a generator for your sump pump to remove the water from the floor.

You know! Having a sump pump in a basement is a need in any home or building. Sump pumps remove water from the basement and dispose of it down the drains.

Say goodbye to the wet basement!

Sump pumps are a viable option if you’re tired of constantly pumping water out of your basement.

A sump pump collects water, moves it outside your home, and eliminates flooding in your basement. The main function of this tool is to keep the lower area dry of your house.

When sump features require electricity, you must connect them to the power units. This handy tool will keep your basement secure even if the power goes out.

You’ll need the generator for the sump pump to keep the water extracted.

The next question will pop up in your mind, “what size generator do I need for the sump pump”? Keep an eye on this page to find answers to all your queries.

What Power Generator Need To Run Sump Pump?

Sump pumps typically have a horsepower rating between 1/3 Hp and 1/2 Hp horsepower. When running, a 1/3 HP sump pump takes 600-800 watts of power, and with an initial start-up, it takes 1,300-1,600 watts.

Similarly, a 1/2 sump pump will consume between 800 and 1,100 watts when running and 1,500 and 2,150 watts when starting up. The recommended generator to run the sump pump will be Champion 100554.

The start-up watts are critical for the first few seconds of running, after which the pump will decrease to its normal operating wattage. Startup watts are designed to get things up and running quickly.

For example, imagine yourself on the bike and start pedaling. You’ll have to work hard to get started, but the pedals don’t require much effort once you get rolling. Pumps and compressors work in the same pattern. 

Sump Pump Considerations Before Purchasing a Generator

Type Of Sump Pump

Before heading for the purchase, you need to make up your mind about the type of sump pump you want to have. There are four types of sump pumps and you need to choose the type of sump pump that is ideal for your job and that is the device that rightly matches your purpose.  The four types of the sump pump are:

• Pedestal Sump Pump
• Submersible Sump Pump
• Battery Backup Sump Pump
• Combination Sump Pump

1.) Pedestal Sump Pump

Pedestal sump pumps are the cheapest and also the most common of all sump pumps. These are typical primary sump pumps that are extensively used in homes and commercial buildings. It derives its name from its structure which makes it mounted on a high rod in order to keep its motor base dry. These are traditional sump pumps and are most suitable for small areas where submersible sump pumps can’t be used.

2.) Submersible Sump Pump

Pedestal sump pumps are prone to overheating and as an upgraded version of those primary sump pumps, submersible pumps are introduced and can be submerged fully in a sump pump basin. This is because these sump pump motors are covered with waterproof casings and are fully submersible which makes them safe for use in flooded areas without being at risk of damage.

3.) Battery Backup Sump Pump

Battery backup sump pumps are the perfect portable pumps that are the most desired during power outages. With a battery backup sump pump, you don’t have to worry about your generator wattage or running time as you could easily do that without a generator. These sump pumps run on battery power and are best for rainstorms and thunderstorms which cause floods in your basements as well cause power outages.

4.) Combination Sump Pump

Combination sump pumps are a hybrid of battery backup pumps and primary sump pumps. These units give you the best of both worlds as they have combines the advantages of all three types with the focus on eliminating the cons of each. You can get a perfectly dry basement with added safety and security features with your combination sump pump but you would have to spend quite a good fortune to get your hands on these units.

It means if you are deciding the type of sump pump you are going to purchase, you can easily decide on the generator you should have to pair with your sump pump. For example, if you choose to go with a battery backup sump pump you wouldn’t have to buy a generator at all. So, let’s move forward to considerations before buying a generator for airing it with your sump pump.

Let’s get started.

Critical Considerations Before Selecting a Generator for Your Sump Pump

Power Rating:

The generator’s power rating is the most critical factor to consider. It would help if you wanted to buy a generator that provides at least as much power as your sump pump demands or more than that as a rule of thumb.

Many factors include in determining the rating of a gadget. The volts, amperage, and horsepower are most important.

You can get a constant supply of electricity by multiplying voltage with amperage. You’ll know how much power the sump pump needs to run if you have this information. 

Sump pumps require both a starting and a running wattage for their operation. Typically, the starting wattage is higher than the running wattage.

Usage Of Generator:

As you know, generators are expensive and may be a one-time investment, so you will want to choose one that can also power other home appliances.

Furthermore, you may like to use the generator to power some lights or a fan. Consequently, you will need to include the power consumption of the lights, fans, etc., in the overall power output of the generator you intend to purchase. 

Running Numbers Of The Sump Pump:

Have you intended to run one or more sump pumps? How many sumps are there?

You should count up each horsepower rating for multiple sump installations, particularly if they are from different manufacturers or have differing horsepower ratings.

Generator power requirements can be multiplied by 3x or 4x if all the equipment is the same type.

So, What Size Generator Do I Need For The Sump Pump?

It’s our actual discussing point, and you’re searching for the answer. Don’t be exhausted! The answer is just under your eyes. 

Yes! The size of a generator is a major concern. You’ve come to the right place if you want to know what size of generator you need for your sump pump.

You should have handy information in your pocket before buying a generator for your sump pump.

Having a generator on standby to run your sump pump when the power goes out is a must for a homeowner. Power outages are sometimes caused by severe rains, resulting in deadly flooding in your basement.

You know! To start and run a sump pump, it needs a lot of surge power. A generator with a surge power of at least 2000 watts is preferable.

These water storage gadgets require roughly 2000 watts of power to start and run continuously.

The Sump Pump comes in many sizes, so “what size generator do I need sump pump” are mentioned below:

• 800-2,000 watts small generators are popular for invertible electronics, including PCs, heavy machinery, and camping gear.
• 3,000-5,000 watts medium-sized generators can run a sump pump, refrigerator, and other home appliances. 
• 6,000-9,000 watts large generators power building devices.
• 10,000+ watts X-L generators power ventilation work during summer blackouts.

Best Generator For Your Sump Pump

1.   WEN 2000-Watt

WEN 2000 watt is a Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator that is a small-range portable generator that is suitable for camping gear and also works well with heavy machinery. It is a CARB-compliant generator that is approved for use in all states including California and you can be sure of its environmentally friendly standards and clean and green power without leaving any carbon footprints.

Being an inverter generator you can be sure of its quiet operation which is way lower than any conventional or traditional generator. It is powered by a 79.7 CC 4-stroke OHV engine that gives a peak wattage of 2000 watts surge and has a continuous or running wattage of 1600 watts. Therefore it is an ideal and most affordable option for construction sites, camping grounds, and tailgating events. This generator can also be used during power outages at home for running your small to mid-range electrical appliances.

Specification

• 2000 Surge Wattage
• 1600 Running Wattage
• 7 CC OHV 4-Stroke Engine
• 51 dBA Noise Level
• THD less than 1.2% at full load
• 6 Hours Runtime at 50% Load

Pros

• Lightweight and Portable
• Affordable
• Quiet
• Have plenty of receptacles for flexible connectivity

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy-duty sump pumps

You can simply check the latest price of this amazing generator.

FAQs

1.   How To Connect A Generator To A Sump Pump?

To connect a generator to a sump pump you would first have to fill the generator with fuel and then power it up. To power the generator you would have to use the extension cord and after that run it. While the generator is running make a connection of the sum pump with the extension cord to the generator and keep monitoring the water level to ensure proper functioning.

2.   What Is The Right Size Generator To Run A 1/3 HP Sump Pump?

A 1/3 sump pump is a mid-range unit that requires enough wattage to power it up. The starting wattage for a 1/3 horsepower unit is 1300 watts while the continuous wattage is 800 therefore you need to have the output wattage of a generator higher than 1300 which means a 1500 watts portable generator will be the right size generator for powering a 1/3 HP sump pump.

Sum Up:

Have a safe and dry basement when the next power outage occurs!

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What Size Generator Do I Need For a Freezer and Refrigerator
What Size Generator Do I Need For Well Pump

Video Help:

For complete guidelines, watch the full video.