Frequently Asked Questions about Basement Watchdog Battery Backup Sump Pumps

Q. Who needs a battery backup sump pump?
A. Anyone who has an AC sump pump. At some point the main pump will fail as a result of a power outage, main pump failure, float switch failure or the inability to keep up with the incoming water capacity. A backup pump is an inexpensive insurance policy eliminating the headaches and cost associated with a flooded basement.

Q. Once installed, what do you need to do?
A. Nothing until the system alarms…Basement Watchdog systems will begin pumping automatically, as soon as water in the sump reaches the Watchdog float switch, even if the power is on. It also charges the battery automatically.

Q. Why does a Basement Watchdog provide more protection then other brands?
A. A backup pump with a dead battery, loose cables, or a clogged pump is like having no backup at all. With other brands, you will never know if there is a problem. All Basement Watchdog backup pump systems have unique monitoring systems that sound an alarm when maintenance is needed, or when a problem arises. All systems also include the fluid sensor that is used to monitor the battery fluid level.

Q. What are the differences between the three watchdog systems?
A. They differ in pumping capacity, charger strength, monitoring features and price. See the chart below for feature comparisons.

Features:	Emergency	Special	AC/DC
Capacity (gallons per hour @ 10 ft)	1000	1730	2200
Capacity (gallons per hour @ 0 ft)	2000	2500	3500
Continuous run time	6 hrs	7.5 hrs	7.5 hrs
Charger	.4 amps	1.6 amps	20 amps
Tests pump weekly			•
Warning alarms can be silenced	•	•	•
Pumps directly from AC if power is available			•
System alarms when:
Battery needs water	•	•	•
Battery is old or discharged	•	•	•
Battery cable is loose	•	•	•
Power plug is out of wall	•	•	•
Fuse or breaker is blown	•	•	•
Pump has been activated	•	•	•
Pump is clogged or broken			•
Battery hooked-up improperly			•
Indicates amount of run time remaining			•

For a complete comparison click here

Q. Can the Watchdog systems be used as the only sump pump in the pit?
A. The Basement Watchdog AC/DC Big Dog could be used as the only pump. However, it is recommended that all Watchdog systems be used as backups to provide complete redundancy to the main sump pump. In this configuration, if the main sump pump fails, there is a second pump in the pit ready to take over.

Q What does AC/DC mean?
A. All Watchdog systems will switch to DC battery power when the AC power is out, or when the main pump fails. But if the power is on, the AC/DC Big Dog can pump directly off of the AC wall current without depleting the battery. The other systems will only pump off of battery power.

Q. How easy is it to install a Basement Watchdog?
A. Installation is easy. All systems come with a detailed manual that includes pictures of the installation process.

Q. What is included in the systems?
A. All Watchdog systems include the pump, monitoring/charging controller, fluid sensor, float switch and battery box. You will need to purchase the matching battery and acid. Any additional parts needed for installation,( i.e check valves and pipe) are listed on the box, brochure and in the manual.

Q. Do you need a Basement Watchdog battery?
A. You can use any deep cycle marine battery, as long as it is not maintenance-free. However, there are several advantages to using a Basement Watchdog battery. The Watchdog battery accommodates the system’s fluid sensor which will sound an alarm when the battery needs water…a very important feature, since a dry battery will not perform. In addition, Basement Watchdog batteries run longer per charge, and last years longer. A typical marine battery will last 2-4 years, while the Watchdog battery will last approximately 5-7 years. Basement Watchdog batteries are shipped dry (without acid) so they stay fresh on the shelf indefinitely, while wet batteries have a short shelf life.

The Emergency battery is designed only for the Emergency sump pump system. It does not have enough energy to run the larger systems very long. The 7.5 hour battery can be used on all three systems. This bigger battery will run the Emergency system 12 hours continuously, since the system contains a smaller pump. It will run the two other systems for 7.5 hours continuously, intermittently for days.