Sump pumps are usually found in basements, which helps prevent water accumulation during heavy rains. When it is raining heavily, power outages often occur, which can cause flooding in your basement.
And to get rid of water stagnation during a power outage, you have to go for alternative energy sources like a generator. Since a sump pump requires a lot of power, you need to get and use a generator based on your pump’s HP (horsepower).
If you’re wondering whether Will A 2000 Watt Generator Run A Sump Pump or not, then the answer is BIG YES. A 2000 watt generator offers enough power to run a 1/3 HP sump pump. Learn more about how many watts a sump pump takes and how to install a generator for a sump pump from this article.
How Many Watts Does A Sump Pump Take?
If you’re using a backup generator for sump pump, it’s essential to know how many watts does the pump take. However, before you know how many watts the sump pump takes, you should know that each electric device needs an extra watt to start.
Like every other device, the sump pump requires two different amounts of watts while starting and running. Starting extra watts requires only two or three seconds to start, and running watts are the continuous watts needed to keep the pump running.
Since sump pumps come with different horsepower, they all require generators with varying watts. Here we’ve included a chart that shows what size of generators you’ll need to start and run different horsepower pumps. Have a look-
| Sump Pump (HP) | Running Wattage | Starting Wattage |
| 1/2 HP sump pump | 1050 Wattage | 2150 Wattage |
| 1/3 HP sump pump | 750 Wattage | 1500 Wattage |
| 1/2 HP sump pump | 900 Wattage | 2000 Wattage |
| 3/4 HP sump pump | 1500 Wattage | 3000 Wattage |
Will A 2000 Watt Generator Run A Sump Pump
Want to know whether you can run a 2000 watt generator for your sump pump? Well, you can easily use a sump pump to get rid of accumulated water from your basement that can damage your home’s lower side.
Although a 2000 watt generator can run a sump pump, it is not the average generator-watt power required for all sump pumps. Every sump pump requires a different generator watt power to run.
However, if you have a sump pump with 1/3HP or 1/2HP, then you can go for a 2000 watt generator. The 1/3HP generator requires around 1,300-1,600 watts to start and 600-800 watts to run.
On the other hand, if you’re using a 1/2 HP sump pump, it will take 1,500-2,150 to start up and 800-1,000 watts for interruption-free running. And to be honest, for most homes, a sump pump with 1/3 HP or 1/2 HP would be a good option.
Can A Portable Generator Power A Sump Pump?
Basically, there are three types of generators, including-
- Portable
- Inverter
- Standby
All of them are good for different types of work and can be used to power sump pumps during power outages. However, if you want to know if you can use a portable generator for your sump pump, then you should go for it.
Portable generators are the perfect choice for sump pumps because they can be carried around effortlessly. All you have to do is hook up the pump to the portable generator, and the pump will take off the standing water.
Since portable generators can be used wherever you have fuel, they can be a great power source to run sump pumps during power outages.
How to Install a Generator for a Sump Pump
When you’re about to use a generator for your sump pump, you must ensure proper installation. That is because the improper installation of the generator will not power up the pump and remove the accumulated water. In that case, you can follow the below steps to learn the generator installation process for a sump pump.
Step 1 – Ensure That Your Generator’s Condition
Before starting the generator installation process, the first thing you have to do is check the generator’s condition. Be sure that the generator is in good condition that can deliver efficient working with the sump pump. Double-check the air filter and oil tank to ensure everything is in good condition.
Step 2 – Set the Generator
Proper setup is essential because your portable engine will produce harmful fumes because of its combustion engine. Perhaps, it’s a good idea to set up the generator fifteen feet or five-meter away from your home’s window or door. Or, if you have to use the generator in a confined space, ensure proper ventilation to get rid of harmful fumes.
Step 3 – Measure the Distance Between the Generator & the Sump Pump
After setting the generator appropriately, now measure the distance between the grounded generator and the sump pump. You can use a measuring tape to determine the accurate distance to figure out what size extension cord you will need.
After figuring out the measurement, get a high-quality extension cord to ensure an interruption-free connection.
Step 4 – Fuel the Generator
Once you set up the generator and extensional cord, it’s time to connect the generator. However, before connecting the generator to the sump pump, check the fuel stage and fill the generator with the required fuel. An empty fuel tank or low fuel level can significantly impact the generator and the pump.
Step 5 – Connect the Generator to the Sump Pump
Now in the last step, you have to hook up the generator with your sump pump. After ensuring the proper connection, now turn on both the generator and the sump pump.
If everything is working well, you will notice if water is draining into the sump pump hole. You will also notice the water level is also decreasing.
By following these five steps, you and anybody can easily install a generator for the sump pump effortlessly. However, always be careful about the generator’s fumes and proper extension cord connection.
How Long Can You Run A Sump Pump Continuously With A Generator?
If you’re wondering how long you can run a sump pump continuously with a generator, you have to consider several aspects. You need to consider how long the sump pump and generator can run continuously. We’ll talk about both of them in detail, have a look-
Sump Pump:
In general, a sump pump is used to reduce accumulated water from the basement. And you can use a sump pump for six hours to 24 hours continuously. However, you also need to give break to the pump after a specific time to reduce overheating issues. You can give a break to your sump pump after every 3-4 hours of continuous running.
Generator:
How long you can run a sump pump continuously with a generator depends on various aspects. Here are some facts that will help to determine how long you can use a generator for a sump pump, have a look
- Generator Type
- Tank Size
- Fuel Source
If you want an average time duration of running a generator for the sump pump, check out the below section:
- If you’re using a gasoline-powered portable generator for your sump pump, then you can run it for around 7.5 to 12 hours continuously.
- On the other hand, a propane-powered portable generator can be used for up to 8 days. However, you must continually refuel it to run it for a long time.
- If you’re using a standby natural gas generator, then you can run it for 3 weeks continuously.
Here we’ve tried to give you an idea by providing an average duration of different generators’ usability. The time duration can vary based on size, fuel type, and many more.
Final Words
A sump pump is must-have equipment for a basement-based home to get rid of accumulated water. The pump requires electric power, and during power outages, a generator can prevent the basement flooding from going worse.
Connecting a generator to the sump pump will aid to prevent water from damaging the home during a blackout. As you know, Will A 2000 Watt Generator Run A Sump Pump or not; today, get a generator to keep water accumulation conditions away. With a 200 watt generator, you can easily run a 1/3 hp sump pump and must follow the provided installation guidance for efficient results.
