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The 411 on Pump Batteries.

At Pump Products we sell a lot of sump pumps by Zoeller, Meyers, PHCC Pro Series and other leading manufacturers in the spring and fall. Many customers are unclear about best practices regarding sump pump battery use, so our Product Experts put together this short list of do's and don'ts to set the record straight.

1. DO place a battery on a concrete floor.  Most 12-volt pump batteries are encased in heavy-duty plastic which prevents conducive leakage and damage to the floor. "I wouldn't put a battery on a finished floor," says Product Expert Fred Hettinger.  "Keep it on concrete and it should be fine."

2. DO check your battery every six months. Batteries are made up of cells and the water level within each cell should be inspected periodically and replenished as necessary. Whenever possible, choose a battery equipped with an alarm to alert you if an issue arises between check-ups.

3. DON'T put a battery within reach of a child. Batteries contain acid and should be handled with care. Wear eye and skin protection when working around them and be sure the area is well ventilated.

4. DON'T replace only one of the batteries in a multi-battery set up. The charger will charge to the combined voltage of the batteries and as the batteries age their needs will change. If one of the batteries has a weakened cell condition the new battery could be overburdened by the need to compensate for the weakened unit.

5. DON'T throw an old battery away with household garbage. Check with your local municipality. Most have specially designated deposit sites.

6. DON'T use a standard car battery to run a sump pump other than for an emergency situation. A car battery is not designed for continuous usage and will provide only half the run time of a pump battery specifically made for sump pump systems.