The storm that fills your sump pit is the same storm that knocks out your power. In Michigan, that happens more than almost anywhere else in the country, and it’s the most common reason we see a basement flood with a perfectly good sump pump sitting in the pit.
Michigan’s outage numbers
- The average Michigan customer was without power for 671.5 minutes in 2025, compared with a national average of 262.6 minutes, about 2.5 times as long, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration reliability data. Only West Virginia was worse.
- In the July 3 storms, DTE reported 492,000 customer outages and Consumers Energy reported 276,000, per the Michigan Public Service Commission. The commission opened an investigation after more than 1,500 complaints.
- DTE said it restored 44% of affected customers within 24 hours and 99% within 4.6 days. That means some homes waited days, with no sump pump running.
A busy sump pit can fill in under an hour during a heavy storm. Without power, the water has nowhere to go but your basement floor.
Your backup options, compared
Battery backup sump pump
A second pump sits in the pit above the main pump and runs off a deep-cycle battery when the water rises past the main pump. It typically handles several hours of pumping, depending on how hard the pit is running. Batteries usually last 3 to 5 years. It’s the right fit for most homes. We go deeper in Do You Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump in Michigan?
Water-powered backup pump
Uses city water pressure instead of a battery, so it doesn’t run down during a multi-day outage. It needs a backflow preventer and usually a permit, and it won’t work on a well.
Generator with an automatic transfer switch
For homes that lose power for days, a generator keeps the main pump (and the rest of the house) running. Pair it with a backup pump so you’re covered if the main pump itself fails.
A five-minute check twice a year
- Unplug the main pump, pour water into the pit and confirm the backup starts and its alarm sounds.
- Check the battery date and replace it on schedule (every 3 to 5 years).
- Make sure the discharge line empties well away from the foundation, not right next to the wall where the water cycles back into the pit.
- In winter, make sure the discharge line can’t freeze shut.
- Plug the main pump back in.
If your pit runs often, your pump is more than 7 to 10 years old, or you’ve never had a backup, we can check the system and give you a free estimate on sump pump installation and battery backups. A standard sump system runs approximately $2,500 to $3,000, and a pump swap is about $600.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a battery backup sump pump last during a power outage?
Typically several hours of pumping, depending on how often the pit fills and the battery size. For multi-day outages, a water-powered backup or a generator is the better plan.
How often should I replace the backup battery?
Most sump backup batteries last 3 to 5 years. Test the backup twice a year and replace the battery on schedule.
Can I use a water-powered backup sump pump on a well?
No. Water-powered backups need municipal water pressure and a backflow preventer, and usually a permit.
How much longer is Michigan without power than the rest of the country?
Federal EIA data shows the average Michigan customer was without power for 671.5 minutes in 2025, about 2.5 times the national average of 262.6 minutes.
Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration electric reliability data (2025), Michigan Public Service Commission outage reports, and WDIV Local 4 reporting on DTE restoration times. This guide expands on our press release, Michigan Homes Went Without Power 2.5 Times the U.S. Average in 2025, Federal Data Shows, distributed by EIN Presswire on November 8, 2026.
Mansour’s Innovations is a family-owned waterproofing, excavation and plumbing contractor in Shelby Township, Michigan, serving Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties since 2014. Owner Imad “Matt” Mansour has 20+ years in the trade and the crew has completed 1,600+ projects. Our waterproofing work carries a 25-year transferable limited warranty. We’re open 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week. Call or text (586) 345-7292 or book a free estimate online.
