Manual pumps are lifesavers, but man, I’ve seen folks forget about their backup batteries for the electric sump too. Nothing like realizing your “fail-safe” is just a heavy paperweight when the lights go out. I always stash a cheap headlamp nearby—makes those panicked basement dashes a little less dramatic.
Headlamps are a solid move—nothing like fumbling with your phone flashlight when water’s creeping in. I’d add a few things to the checklist:
- Test your sump pump every couple months, not just when storms are coming. I’ve seen too many folks assume it’ll work, only to find out the float switch is stuck or the line’s clogged.
- Keep a backup battery *and* check its charge. Those things lose juice just sitting there.
- Extension cords rated for wet conditions are worth having on hand, especially if you need to run a pump from a generator outside.
- Sandbags pre-filled and stacked near basement doors can buy you time.
One thing I’m curious about—anyone tried those water alarms? I’ve installed a few for clients, but I’m not sure how reliable they are in the chaos of an actual flood. Do they give you enough warning, or is it more of an “oops, too late” situation?
Water alarms are a mixed bag, honestly. I put one in my own basement after a close call last year. It did go off before the water got too high, but it’s not like you get a ton of lead time—maybe enough to grab the wet vac and start moving stuff. If you’re home, they’re worth it. If you’re out, it’s more of a “well, at least I know when it happened” kind of deal. Still beats finding out by stepping in ankle-deep water, though.
If you’re home, they’re worth it. If you’re out, it’s more of a “well, at least I know when it happened” kind of deal.
That’s exactly how I felt when I put one in after moving in last fall. It went off during a heavy rain, but I was at work—got the alert and just kind of shrugged. By the time I got home, the water had already receded. Still, it made me realize how much stuff I had sitting on the floor down there. Now I keep anything important up on shelves or in plastic bins. The alarm’s a backup, but not a total solution.
Honestly, the number of times I’ve seen ruined cardboard boxes in basements... yeah, shelves and plastic bins are the way to go. Alarms are helpful, but water doesn’t care if you’re at work or not. I always tell folks: if it can’t get wet, it shouldn’t touch the floor.
