Battery Backup Sump Pump System Instruction Manual & Safety Warnings Table of Contents Important Safety Warnings and Instructions Electrical Precautions Battery Preparation Battery Precautions 1 1 1 Introduction Items Included in System Additional Items Needed System Specifications Replacement Parts List 2 2 2 2 Pump & Pipe Installation Instructions Installation Options Direct Discharge to Outside Connection to Existing Discharge Direct Discharge for Narrow Sumps Connection to Existing Discharge for N
Important Safety Warnings & Instructions SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. This manual contains important SAFETY WARNINGS and OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS for the Basement Watchdog Special battery backup sump pump system. You will need to refer to it before attempting any installation or maintenance. ALWAYS keep these instructions with the unit so that they will be easily accessible. Failure to read and follow these warnings and instructions could result in property damage, serious injury, or death.
Introduction Control Unit The Basement Watchdog Special backup sump pump system is battery-operated. It is designed as an emergency backup system to support your main AC sump pump, and it will automatically begin pumping any time the float switch is activated by rising water. Should any malfunction or emergency occur that involves the sump pump, the battery, or the AC power, the Basement Watchdog system will sound an alarm.
Pump & Pipe Installation Instructions NORMAL SUMP PIT INSTALLATIONS Whenever possible, install your Basement Watchdog backup pump with a direct discharge to the outdoors. By using this method, there will always be an outlet for the water from the sump. During times of very heavy rain, many storm sewers fill up. If your pump is trying to discharge water into a full sewer, there is nowhere for the water to go.
Pump & Pipe Installation Instructions INSTALLATION A: DIRECT DISCHARGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE BUILDING (Diagram A) ! DANGER Unplug the main AC pump when installing the backup pump to avoid electric shock. Failure to do so could cause serious injury or death. 1. Cut a piece of 1½” rigid PVC pipe long enough to reach from the bottom of the sump pit to one (1) foot above the floor. Prime and cement it to the 1½” pipe adapter, then screw the adapter into the pump. 2.
Pump & Pipe Installation Instructions INSTALLATION B: CONNECTION TO AN EXISTING DISCHARGE PIPE (Diagram B) Depending on your installation requirements, PVC pipe lengths will vary. Cut the pipes and assemble them as shown in photo #7. Do not cement them together until you are sure they are cut to the correct lengths. It is important to keep the discharge pipes on both pumps parallel to each other, so that the pumps remain flat on the floor of the sump. More detailed instructions follow.
Pump & Pipe Installation Instructions INSTALLATION C: DIRECT DISCHARGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE BUILDING FOR NARROW SUMP PITS (Diagram C) ! DANGER Unplug the main AC pump when installing the backup pump to avoid electric shock. Failure to do so could cause serious injury or death. 1. Attach an “L” bracket to the discharge pipe of the main AC pump with two (2) stainless steel hose clamps.
Pump & Pipe Installation Instructions INSTALLATION D: CONNECTION TO EXISTING DISCHARGE PIPE FOR NARROW SUMP PITS (Diagram D) Depending on your installation requirements, PVC pipe lengths will vary. Cut the pipes and assemble them as shown in photo #8. Do not cement them together until you are sure they are cut to the correct lengths. It is important to keep the discharge pipes on both pumps parallel to each other, so that the pumps remain flat on the floor of the sump. More detailed instructions follow.
Battery Instructions purchased the battery. A new Basement Watchdog 7.5 Hour Standby Battery will run this system for a minimum of 7.5 hours continuously. However, most of the time the pump will turn on and off, and this battery will run the pump intermittently for days. In addition, the unique materials in the Basement Watchdog Standby batteries enable them to last for five to seven years in standby service. NOTE: BASEMENT WATCHDOG BATTERIES NOW COME IN TWO CONFIGURATIONS.
BATTERY B If your battery looks like the battery above, follow these instructions: 1. Remove the cover of the battery box by pushing in the tabs on the front and back of the box and lifting up. 2. Place the battery box on the floor. Place the dry (unfilled) battery into the battery box. Remove the two battery caps by carefully prying them up with a screwdriver as shown on the right. Place the screwdriver in the middle of the cap on the top of the battery.
security tag from the battery cables. Attach the battery cables to the battery…the BLACK wire to the NEGATIVE (-) post, and the RED wire to the POSITIVE (+) post. Replace the wing nuts and tighten them. CAUTION PUMP CHARGER FUSE 1a 1b 5a PUMP CHARGER FUSE 5b 2 If you are not using the Basement Watchdog Standby battery, you cannot use the battery fluid sensor. However, you must attach the sensor to the POSITIVE (+) post of the battery or the alarm will sound continuously.
Understanding the Warnings & Alarms The Basement Watchdog control unit features a series of warning lights that pinpoint potential problems. In addition, an alarm sounds to alert you to the problem. In some cases the lights and alarm will go off automatically when the problem has been solved. In others, the YELLOW button must be pushed to reset the alarm. Refer to the table below for a quick review of the features and their corresponding alarm status.
REFER TO THE PHOTOS AT LEFT REPLACING THE BATTERY 1. Unplug the charger from the wall outlet. ! DANGER Risk of electrical shock or battery explosion, which can cause serious injury or death. Wear eye protection. Work in a wellventilated area. Do not smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of the battery. Avoid dropping metal tools on the battery. If battery acid contacts eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. Review the safety instructions on page 1. 2.
pump wires that have been shorted out. To determine the problem: medical attention. Review the safety instructions on page 1. REFER TO THE PHOTOS BELOW REFER TO THE PHOTOS AT RIGHT 1. Check the pump plug in the back of the unit to make sure it is firmly connected. Check the pump wires to make sure they are connected securely to the pump plug. Check the rest of the pump wires for any possible breaks. 8a 8b 9 8.
4 Pump When the water rises in the sump pit and activates the float switch, the pump will begin pumping, and the “Pump was activated” light and alarm will turn on. Try to determine what caused the system to activate. 2 • Check the main AC pump for failure. It may not be working, the float switch may be stuck, or it may be too small to handle the inflow of water.
5 Power There are several causes for power failure. The most common is a power outage by your electric company. During this emergency, the Basement Watchdog system will automatically switch to battery power and protect your basement from flooding. For your convenience, the “Power” alarm has a built-in memory that will notify you when a power outage has occurred, and the power has since been restored.
Troubleshooting Guide ! DANGER Read safety warnings & instructions before attempting any repairs or maintenance. BATTERY ALARM Remedies Possible Reasons Terminals are corroded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clean terminals & cables Cables are loose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tighten wing nuts Battery is discharged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replace battery if power is out. There is only 1/2 hour of continuous pumping power left.
Limited Warranty GLENTRONICS, INC. warrants to the original retail purchaser that all of its pump, switch, sensor, battery box and control unit products are free from defective materials and workmanship for the period indicated below: All parts and labor (excluding installation) for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase The defective product must be returned directly to the factory, postage prepaid with the original bill of sale or receipt to the address listed below. Glentronics, Inc.
CHECK OUT THESE OTHER BASEMENT WATCHDOG PRODUCTS AC PUMPS FLOAT SWITCHES Industrial Grade Pumps for the Residential Market What’s the most common reason your main AC pump fails? The Basement Watchdog line of AC sump pumps are strong, dependable and so energy efficient, they could pay for themselves in a few years. The sump pumps are equipped with dual float switches for added reliability. When your main AC pump needs replacement, consider upgrading to one of the pumps in the Basement Watchdog line.
© 2008, Glentronics, Inc.
