Basement watchdog emergency battery backup sump pump installation

The easy-to-understand controller detects irregularities, sounds an alarm, and visually pinpoints problems and solutions on the front panel. The control box automatically monitors the system, and should the power go out or the main sump pump fail, the battery backup sump pump will take over to keep your basement dry. We introduced this technology, proven reliable in other uses for over 50 years, to the pump industry and improved it by including two floats.

Simply stated: if one is good, two is better. The Basement Watchdog has been protecting homes for over 30 years and continues to be a market leader. We build the most dependable, user-friendly pumps in the industry using intelligent design, premium components, and quality manufacturing practices that include thoroughly testing every single unit.

The Basement Watchdog Emergency Model BWE battery backup sump pump is equipped with an automatic charger that helps extend the life of the battery while maintaining the maximum charge on the battery without overcharging.

The Basement Watchdog industry-leading service department, located here in the U. Our top priority is to provide you with the best customer experience anywhere, and we offer free lifetime support.

Basement Watchdog Utility Pumps can be used in a variety of areas including: wet basements, pool covers, window wells, boats, and other areas that may collect water. Basement Watchdog sewage pumps that are energy efficient, built to last, with an adjustable tether. Basement Watchdog sewage pumps that are built to last, with an energy efficient PSC motor, adjustable tether switch and strong pumping capacity.

Basement Watchdog Standby batteries are uniquely constructed with heavy duty plates to store more energy, provide longer run times and last longer in standby operation. Basement Watchdog accessories make installation easier, add features, and add run time to your backup pump. Basement Watchdog accessories make installation easier, add features, and add run time to backup pump. Basement Watchdog accessories make installation easier, add features to your pit, and add run time to your backup pump.

Installation videos demonstrate how easy it is to install a Basement Watchdog battery backup and AC sump pump. Be sure to watch the video on installing a combination system and witness for yourself how easy it can be.

You've got questions. We've got answers. Let us help guide you in the right direction. Below, we've categorized our frequently asked questions to help you out as quickly as possible. To do this, the two batteries must be connected in parallel positive to positive and negative to negative.

A special cable can be ordered by calling Glentronics at option 3. It is highly recommended to use batteries that are the same size and age. Connecting two batteries in parallel will double your pumping time during a power outage.

It is also recommended to purchase a battery box for the battery. This can be ordered from Glentronics as well. All of the Basement Watchdog combination systems come pre-assembled for easy installation and offer primary and battery backup pump capabilities. They also have a compact design that fits into pits with diameters as small as 12 inches. All Basement Watchdog combination systems come with a primary pump with dual float switch, backup pump with a mounting bracket, control unit for the backup pump with a dual float switch and battery fluid sensor, transformer, a rubber union, battery cap, and extra zip ties to secure wires.

You will also need to supply a 12V standby battery. All Basement Watchdog standby batteries are specifically designed to work with our battery backup and combination systems. They are the only batteries that will accommodate the battery fluid sensor. You will also need to supply six quarts of 1.

For convenience, both pumps have been pre-assembled for easy installation with a "Y" connector and two check valves. All combination systems come with a detailed manual that includes pictures of the installation process. Easy to follow videos are also available to help guide you.

All Basement Watchdog combination systems come with two built in check valves. It is highly recommended to remove the existing check valve. Not only will it reduce the pumping capacity of both pumps but it can cause pressure problems or air lock.

This means that the combination system features a total of four float switches for extra reliability. The primary pump's float switch features a protective cage that prevents debris or other wires from interfering with the movement of the floats. When the water drops below the float switch, an internal timer in the control unit will keep the pump running to empty the rest of the water in the pit.

The backup control unit will run the pump for additional seconds. The dual float controller for the primary pump will keep the pump running for additional 10 seconds. A maintenance-free battery can be used on:. This can be done only on the Basement Watchdog Big Combo. The Basement Watchdog batteries have been designed specifically to work with the Basement Watchdog backup systems and combo systems. The wet cell standby batteries are the only batteries that accommodate the fluid sensor, which is a very important feature for maintaining battery performance.

They are constructed to provide longer pumping times than most other batteries, and to last longer than other brands. The Basement Watchdog Wet Cell standby batteries are sold dry and have to be activated with acid. This allows us to make sure that our customers get the most out of the battery. The life of the battery starts when it is filled with acid. Although, as the battery ages this time may be shortened. If you are adding water every few weeks, the battery may need replacing.

Have your battery load tested at your local automobile service station. If your battery tests fine, your system may be overcharging the battery, and needs to be sent in for service. The acid can be neutralized with baking soda or can be taken to any place that has a HazMat Hazardous materials pick up. Make sure you have no more acid left in the pack. If the pack is empty, more acid may need to be purchased.

You can purchase 1 quart of 1. If the first five cells are full, you can use a turkey baster, or other similar instrument, and even out the cells making sure that the plates are fully covered. You may then use distilled water and top off all six cells. Note: Thoroughly wash the turkey baster before use with food. The smell of rotten eggs is common when the battery is new. When you fill the battery with acid, the initial reaction between the plates and the acid produces sulfur dioxide.

It smells like rotten eggs, but is harmless and will dissipate within a short time. Be sure to add fluid to all six battery cells, and then place the sensor rod in the correct cell. Acid is only added the first time to activate the battery. Distilled water is used all other times. The sensor rod should be in the second cell from the positive terminal of the battery. If it is in any other cell, it is not measuring correctly. An arrow on the top label points to the correct location.

If you are using a different brand battery, the fluid sensor must be attached to the positive terminal of the battery. Note: You should never drill a hole into the battery yourself.

By adding the acid you are activating the battery. It can be used immediately, and the system will complete the charging process once the charger is plugged into the wall. The yellow cap is used with Basement Watchdog Wet Cell standby batteries to accommodate the fluid sensor.

It is to be placed in the second cell from the positive post and the sensor is inserted into the off center hole in the cap. If you have this battery, the yellow cap will not be needed but keep it in case you need it in the future.

If you have misplaced your yellow cap please call Glentronics at , option 3 for a free replacement. To permanently disable the water fluid low alarm, attached the fluid sensor rod to the positive terminal of the battery.

This can be done by tightening down the wing nut on top of the positive terminal and the fluid sensor. Over time, corrosion forms on the terminals that connect the battery to the unit. This corrosion is common, but if it is not cleaned off, the battery will not charge properly.

The Watchdog has the ability to detect this corrosion and will sound an alarm when it needs cleaning. Use a stiff wire brush or sand-paper to clean the battery terminal posts, the rings on the end of the battery cable, and the wing nuts until they are shiny. See the manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions.

Give a new battery approximately 24 hours to come to a full charge. If the battery light is still on after 24 hours, please contact out service department for additional troubleshooting tips. They can be reached at , option 3. It depends on the size of the battery and the sump pump system that is doing the charging. The Big Dog system has a powerful amp smart charger that will charge a discharged battery in approximately 6 hours.

The charger on the Basement Watchdog Special is a smaller 1. While the Emergency system is a small. Alternately, you could take the battery to service station for a quick charge, or hook the battery up to an automotive charger if you have one. Be sure to disconnect the control unit from the battery if you are using an automotive charger. If you don't, the control unit may be damaged.

Make sure the float switch is properly mounted with the round floats hanging below the metal bracket. Make sure the bracket is straight, not on an angle. Once the float switch is activated, it starts a timer that will run the pump about seconds before it shuts off. This way it will empty all the water in the sump pit.