Are your thoughts down in the dumps because you are down in a wet basement? Seeing a little water on the basement floor gets me excited. Having to throw out carpet, furniture, and replacing sheetrock walls really gets me down in the dumps. That is when you realize that you need one of the Basement Watchdog backup sump pump systems.
So, let’s talk about something crucial—keeping your basement dry and cozy. And the unsung hero in this battle against potential flooding? Your trusty sump pump, especially if it’s the Basement Watchdog sump pump. This one’s a game-changer, and we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of the Basement Watchdog backup sump pump and battery system. Buckle up for some friendly advice on its features and how to give your pump and battery a long and happy life.
| Feature | Basement Watchdog Big Dog CONNECT® BWD12-120C | Basement Watchdog Special CONNECT® BWSP | Basement Watchdog Emergency BWE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price at Amazon | $444.44 | $268.00 | $154.99 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Pumping capacity | 2200 GPH at 10 ft. | 1850 GPH at 10 ft. | 1000 GPH at 10 ft. |
| Charger | 20 amp smart charger | 1.6 amp smart charger | 0.4 amp trickle charger |
| Battery compatibility | Wet cell or maintenance-free | Wet cell or maintenance-free | Wet cell only |
| Remote monitoring | WiFi module and USB data port | WiFi module and USB data port | None |
| Dual float switch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Run time* | Up to 50 hours with Big Standby Battery, up to 40 hours with Maintenance Free/AGM Standby Battery. The Emergency Standby Battery is not recommended. | Up to 60 hours with Big Standby Battery, up to 48 hours with Maintenance Free/AGM Standby Battery. The Emergency Standby Battery is not recommended. | Up to 100 hours with Big Standby Battery, up to 80 hours with Maintenance Free/AGM Standby Battery. Up to 50 hours with the Emergency Standby Battery |
| Switches automatically to battery power when AC power fails. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pumps automatically when water volume exceeds the capacity of the main AC pump. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Monitors battery and power conditions constantly. Recharges automatically when power is restored. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Runs the pump weekly to ensure it is working properly. | Yes | Yes | No |
| Connect two batteries to further extend the run time of the system. | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pumps on AC power as well as battery power. Capable of pumping and charging the battery simultaneously. | Yes | No | No |
| Detects irregularities, sounds an alarm, and pinpoints problems and solutions on the control panel. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Displays the battery charge level. | Yes | No | No |
| USB data port to connect to the Basement WiFi or Home Automation Module. Remote terminal for connection to a security system, auto dialer or other device. | Yes | Yes | No |
| Warns when the pump is clogged or broken and needs to be cleaned or replaced. | Yes | No | No |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Table of Contents
Quick Tips for Basement Watchdog Backup Sump Pump and Battery Maintenance
Before we get into the geeky stuff, here are some quick tips to keep your Basement Watchdog pump and battery on their A-game:
- Regular Inspection: Give your pump the once-over. Check for debris or signs of wear and tear. You know, just like you’d inspect a car before a long road trip.
- Battery Testing: The Basement Watchdog will do this for you and alert you when there is a problem.
- Clean the Impeller: The impeller is like the beating heart of your pump. Check it regularly to keep things flowing smoothly. Believe me, it’s worth the effort.
- Monitor Alarms: Your Basement Watchdog comes with alarms. Think of them as your pump’s way of texting you – some models will text you! Pay attention and respond pronto to avoid basement drama.
- Environment Considerations: Treat your pump and battery like house plants. Extreme temperatures, hot and cold, can mess with their performance. Heated basements are fine but un-heated basements, crawl spaces, and outdoor locations might permit freezing. Find them a cozy spot away from the weather extremes.
Basement Watchdog Backup Sump Pump Features
Now, let’s talk about why the Basement Watchdog pump is like the superhero of sump pumps:
- Submersible Design: It’s like Aquaman but for your basement. This pump can work its magic even when submerged.
- Dual Float Switch: If the first one fails the second one keeps ypou safe. Have you ever had a friend who always knows when to jump into action? That’s the dual float switch. It ensures the pump kicks in at the perfect water level, saving the day.
- High Pumping Capacity: Your Basement Watchdog pump is the marathon runner of pumps. It’s built for various basement sizes and won’t break a sweat.
- Easy Installation: DIY enthusiasts, rejoice! Installing and maintaining this pump is a breeze. Pros: you’ll love it too.
Importance of Battery Backup
Let’s discuss a sump pump’s Achilles’ heel—power outages. This is where the Basement Watchdog battery backup system swoops in like a superhero sidekick. Picture this: your main power source takes a nap, and the battery backup says, “I got this!”
It ensures your pump keeps chugging along during storms or when the lights decide to take a break. But here’s the secret sauce: you need to know your batteries. Which ones play well with Basement Watchdog? And how long do they last in this dynamic duo? Not all batteries work with all of the Basement Watchdog backup systems. See the chart further down the page.
Extending Battery Life
Okay, real talk. Your battery won’t last forever. But fear not, there’s hope:
- Regular Maintenance Routines: Consider this like giving your battery a checkup. Secure connections, clean terminals, and an overall wellness check. Preventive care is the key.
- Proper Charging Practices: Follow the charging guidelines. Overcharging or undercharging is like giving your battery an identity crisis. Smart charging tech helps—a lot. The Basement Watchdog systems do this for you.
- Environment Considerations: Your battery doesn’t like extreme weather. Nobody does. Keep it in a comfy spot, and it’ll thank you with a longer lifespan.
Signs of a Failing Battery
Imagine your battery sending SOS signals. That’s what you need to watch for:
- Alarms and Notifications: Listen up if your Basement Watchdog starts beeping. It’s trying to tell you something—maybe it’s feeling a bit low. Respond pronto. Some models will send a message to your phone.
- Decreased Pumping Efficiency: Is your pump acting sluggish? Pumping less efficiently? Time to investigate. A failing battery might be the culprit.
Related article: Best Sump Pump Backup Battery Choices and Buyers Guide
Basement Watchdog Backup Sump Pump Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Even superheroes have their off days. Here’s how to troubleshoot common Basement Watchdog hiccups:
- Check for Blockages: Is your pump not doing its thing? Check for impeller or discharge pipe blockages. Clear the debris, and your pump will thank you.
- Inspect the Float Switch: This little guy is crucial. Make sure it moves freely. Give it a hand if it’s feeling stuck.
- Battery Connections: Loose connections? Not cool. Ensure your battery connections are snug. Loose ones might lead to power interruptions.
Audible and Visual Alarms and What To Do
All three of the Basement Watchdog battery backup systems have these alarm features:
- The alarm can be silenced when there is a power outage.
- The backup pump has turned on. Homeowners must check the main pump to see if it has failed.
- The electrical power, circuit breaker, GFCI, electric panel fuse or sump pump system fuse has failed.
- Wet cell battery needs water.
- Battery has failed or is old and too weak to be usable. It needs to be replaced.
- Battery cable is loose or the battery terminals are corroded. Make sure the terminals are clean and tighten the connections.
Instructiuons Manual and Troubleshooting Guide PDF
Big Dog Connect backup sump pump manual PDF
Big Dog Connect Troubleshooting Guide PDF
The Basement Watchdog Special Connect manual PDF
Basement Watchdog Special Connect Troubleshooting Guide PDF
Basement Watchdog Emergency battery backup sump pump system manual PDF
The Basement Watchdog Emergency backup sump pump Troubleshooting Guide PDF
Customer Reviews and Experiences
Let’s hear it from the real heroes—people who’ve been in your shoes. What do they say about the Basement Watchdog backup sump pump system?
- Reliability During Power Outages: Some users swear their Basement Watchdog is the unsung hero during storms. No basement floods on their watch.
- Ease of Installation: DIY enthusiasts share stories of easy installs. High-fives all around. Even the pros appreciate the simplicity.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks. The Basement Watchdog backup sump pump and battery system—your allies in the quest for a dry and happy basement. Understand their features, appreciate the backup battery, and treat them right. With proactive maintenance, battery TLC, and a keen ear for alarms, you’re all set to be the hero of your basement saga. Now, go forth and keep that basement dry!
Author at Best Sump Pumps
The first time I helped to install a drain tile and basement sump pump system was 1978.
Since then I have worked for a city water utility where I worked with and maintained pumps.
My rental properties and personal homes all needed sump pumps.
As a modular home dealer/builder, those new homes needed sump pumps.
I put that experience to good use by providing reliable, useful, and practical advice on buying, using, and maintaining sump pumps.