Here is the sump pump we recommend.

Two pumps in one unit. A cast iron pump does the everyday work on house power, and a battery backup pump sits beside it and takes over when the power goes out or the main pump quits. It’s one unit at one price, installed as one job.

Its Flood Mitigation Assistance Program pays back half of a battery backup sump pump, up to $5,000 per property, and it isn’t income based. You pay us first, then apply with the invoice and photos, and county staff decide what counts. The county doesn’t say whether it counts a two-in-one unit in full, which is why the page says up to. It’s first come, first served, and the check comes about 60 days after they approve it. Homes in the Town of Vienna, the Town of Herndon and the City of Fairfax aren’t covered, and a standard pump on its own isn’t either.

Its Flood Mitigation Grant Program pays back half of a battery-powered sump pump, up to $5,000 per property. The owner applies after the work is done and paid for, with itemized receipts and photos, and the check takes up to two or three months.

Age plus behavior. Zoeller, who make a lot of the pumps in this area, put service life at seven to ten years. If yours is past seven, runs often, or the basement is finished, replace it on your schedule instead of the storm’s.

A new or deeper pit, discharge line work outside, and a dedicated circuit if the pump is living on an extension cord. Most homes need none of those, and if yours does, you see the number in writing before we start.