Basement sump control systems and methods

Abstract

Basement sump control systems are disclosed. A controller may monitor an operational parameter of a sump pump, for example, a sump water level. The controller may override a switch associated with the sump pump to maintain operation of the sump pump in response to the monitored operational parameter registering an abnormal condition, for example, a high water level.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A basement sump control system, comprising:
 a sump pump; and   a controller in communication with the sump pump, the controller configured to:
 monitor an operational parameter of the sump pump; and 
 override a switch associated with the sump pump to maintain operation of the sump pump in response to the monitored operational parameter registering an abnormal condition. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the operational parameter is monitored periodically. 
     
     
         3 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the operational parameter is monitored continuously. 
     
     
         4 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitored operational parameter pertains to a sump water level. 
     
     
         5 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the abnormal condition pertains to a high sump water level. 
     
     
         6 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitored operational parameter of the sump pump pertains to its on/off status, or its transient, surge, or average current draw. 
     
     
         7 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitored operational parameter of the sump pump pertains to its total hours or total cycles of operation. 
     
     
         8 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a life expectancy of the sump pump. 
     
     
         9 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to perform a diagnostic test. 
     
     
         10 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the diagnostic test is performed periodically. 
     
     
         11 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the diagnostic test is performed weekly. 
     
     
         12 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the diagnostic test relates to the controller's functioning and/or communication capability. 
     
     
         13 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the diagnostic test involves an exercise of the sump pump. 
     
     
         14 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the diagnostic test pertains to power of the controller and/or sump pump. 
     
     
         15 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller reports results associated with the diagnostic test. 
     
     
         16 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is connected to a source of alternating current (AC) power. 
     
     
         17 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sump pump is connected to a source of AC power. 
     
     
         18 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a backup battery for the controller. 
     
     
         19 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller monitors the AC system power. 
     
     
         20 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller monitors the backup battery. 
     
     
         21 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller provides an indication of battery status and/or battery voltage. 
     
     
         22 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is connected to a local area network (LAN). 
     
     
         23 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller operates over a wireless network. 
     
     
         24 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is further configured to communicate regarding the status of at least one system component or operational parameter. 
     
     
         25 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller outputs a notification in response to registering an abnormal condition. 
     
     
         26 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller outputs a notification in response to overriding the sump pump switch. 
     
     
         27 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the notification is communicated to a smart phone, tablet, or web page interface. 
     
     
         28 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the notification is directed to a property owner or tenant. 
     
     
         29 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the notification is directed to a maintenance technician. 
     
     
         30 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises an alarm. 
     
     
         31 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to generate an alarm signal in response to detecting an abnormal condition. 
     
     
         32 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to generate an alarm signal in response to detecting a high water level. 
     
     
         33 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sump pump is in communication with a first water level sensor. 
     
     
         34 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sump pump is in communication with first and second water level sensors. 
     
     
         35 . The system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second sump pump, wherein the controller is in communication with both sump pumps. 
     
     
         36 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller includes a reset feature. 
     
     
         37 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller includes a silence feature. 
     
     
         38 . The system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a temperature sensor in communication with the controller. 
     
     
         39 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to actuate a fan responsive to the temperature sensor. 
     
     
         40 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature relates to an inside temperature, an outside temperature, or both. 
     
     
         41 . The system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a humidity sensor in communication with the controller. 
     
     
         42 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to actuate a vent responsive to the humidity sensor. 
     
     
         43 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the humidity level relates to an inside humidity condition, an outside humidity condition, or both. 
     
     
         44 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a basement fan in communication with the controller. 
     
     
         45 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to monitor an operational condition pertaining to the basement fan. 
     
     
         46 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the operational condition of the basement fan pertains to its total hours or total cycles of operation. 
     
     
         47 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the basement fan to exhaust air periodically if an outside humidity level is about 50% or less. 
     
     
         48 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to periodically actuate the basement fan to refresh air regardless of an outside humidity level. 
     
     
         49 . The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a dehumidifier. 
     
     
         50 . A method of safeguarding a basement environment comprising operating the basement sump control system of any of the preceding claims.