Another Active Hurricane Season on the Horizon

After the record-breaking 2020 hurricane season — 30 named storms, the most ever recorded — forecasters are predicting another above-average season for 2021. NOAA's outlook calls for 13 to 20 named storms, with 6 to 10 expected to become hurricanes. For homeowners in Bradenton and across Manatee County, that means it is time to revisit your storm preparation plans, and your sump pump should be at the top of the list.

Sump pumps are your home's primary defense against flooding during heavy rainfall and storm surge. When water enters your home's foundation area — through ground saturation, rising water tables, or direct flooding — the sump pump removes it before it can cause damage. But a sump pump is only as reliable as its power source, and hurricanes have a habit of knocking out power at the worst possible moment.

Related: Emergency plumbing services

How Sump Pumps Work and Why They Matter in Florida

A sump pump sits in a pit (called a sump basin) at the lowest point of your home's foundation. When water enters the basin — through foundation drain tiles, ground seepage, or surface water intrusion — a float switch activates the pump, which pushes the water through a discharge pipe away from your foundation. It is a simple, mechanical system that works automatically as long as it has power.

In Bradenton, the high water table makes sump pumps particularly important. During heavy rainfall, the water table can rise quickly, and the sandy soil in Manatee County does not absorb water the way clay soil does. Without a functioning sump pump, water can enter through foundation cracks, floor joints, and utility penetrations faster than you might expect. During a hurricane, when rain can fall at rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour for extended periods, a sump pump is not a luxury — it is a necessity.

Battery Backup: The Critical Missing Piece

Here is the fundamental problem with sump pumps during hurricanes: they run on electricity, and hurricanes cause power outages. A standard sump pump without battery backup is useless the moment the power goes out — which is precisely when you need it most. During every significant storm that hits Manatee County, we get calls from homeowners whose sump pumps stopped when the power failed, resulting in flooding that could have been prevented.

A battery backup sump pump system includes a secondary pump powered by a marine deep-cycle battery or a maintenance-free AGM battery. When the power goes out, the battery backup automatically takes over, keeping water out of your home for 8 to 12 hours on a fully charged battery — sometimes longer depending on how much water it needs to move. Some systems also include an alarm that alerts you when the backup has activated.

The investment in a battery backup system is modest compared to the cost of flood damage. A quality battery backup sump pump system, professionally installed, typically costs $800 to $1,500. Compare that to the average cost of flood cleanup and repair — which regularly exceeds $10,000 — and the math is clear. If you have a sump pump without battery backup, adding one before hurricane season should be a priority.

Rosco's Tip

Rosco's Tip: Test Your Sump Pump Now

Do not wait until a storm is approaching to find out if your sump pump works. Pour a bucket of water into the sump basin and confirm that the pump activates, removes the water, and shuts off. If you have a battery backup, unplug the primary pump and repeat the test to make sure the backup works independently. Do this test quarterly and after any extended power outage.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Sump Pump Ready

A sump pump that has not been maintained may not work when you need it. The float switch — the component that activates the pump when water rises — can stick, corrode, or become tangled. The check valve on the discharge pipe can fail, allowing water to flow back into the basin and causing the pump to cycle endlessly. The discharge pipe itself can become clogged with debris or disconnected from the pump.

We recommend testing your sump pump at least four times a year — at the start of each season. For battery backup systems, test the battery charge level and replace the battery every 3 to 5 years, or immediately if it fails a load test. Clean the sump basin of any debris that could clog the pump intake. Inspect the discharge pipe to make sure it is clear, properly connected, and directing water away from your foundation.

Alternatives and Supplementary Protection

If your home does not currently have a sump pump and you are concerned about flooding, there are several options to discuss with a plumber. A full sump pump installation involves cutting a basin into your slab or crawlspace floor, installing the pump, and running a discharge line to the exterior. In some cases, a simpler solution — such as improving exterior grading or installing a French drain — may address the water intrusion without the need for a sump pump.

For homes in flood-prone areas of Bradenton — particularly near the Manatee River, in low-lying neighborhoods, or on barrier islands — a combination of approaches provides the best protection. A primary sump pump with battery backup, a backwater valve on the sewer line, properly sealed foundation penetrations, and good exterior drainage together create a comprehensive defense against water intrusion during heavy storms.

With another active hurricane season predicted for 2021, making sure your sump pump is working — and has battery backup — is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your Bradenton home. Test your system now, while the weather is calm and there is time to make repairs or upgrades. If you need a sump pump installed, a battery backup added, or a maintenance check on your existing system, call Rosco Plumbing at (941) 345-2464. We have been helping Manatee County homeowners prepare for storm season since 1983.

Hurricane Season 2021: Sump Pump and Backup Battery Essentials