A Watchdog Sump Pump Simple But Powerful

Battery operated sump pumps come in many different configurations for practically any purpose where a backup system is needed. Here are some tips and ideas for backup sytems.

A watchdog sump pump is something that can relieve you of the potential of a very expensive problem. There is nothing that is more messy, rotten smelling and downright disgusting than a flooded basement not to mention the damage that may occur to your living area and valuables.  It would be a really good idea at this point to examine your insurance policy closely to see what is and not covered in your policy. There are exclusions that are common and "acts of God" are one of them such as tornados and hurricanes. So is a disatrous flood an act of God? Check and be sure. A backup sump pump system installed on a Zoeller sump pump  or any name brand sump is an inexpensive insurance policy that can help eliminate the problem.

Who Needs A Battery Backup Sump Pump?

Anyone who has an AC sump pump. The watchdog sump pump is a battery powered backup system. 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. If you live in an area which is low lying or where heavy runoff from heavy thunderstorms or nearby waterways that flood are common then an emergency sump pump back up is a necessity and a wise investment. The most popular option is a battery back up system that comes on automatically in the event of a main pump failure and to add more capacity to clearing a heavy water load. 

Sizing Of a Watchdog Sump Pump

Selecting the right watchdog pump for your application is dependent upon three things.
   
    (1)  Pumping capacity
    (2)  Charger strength
    (3)  Monitoring features

Pumping Capacity

The most important of the three is the pumping capacity. The basement Watchdog  is available in 1000 gph, 1730 gph and a hefty 2000 gph.  For most residential and small business applications 1000 gph is sufficient. Just make an assessment of your conditions where you live and the capacity of your present sump pump system and match accordingly. See the selection below for more detailed information of selecting the right pump.

Head Pressure: The head pressure of a sump pump describes the maximum height that the pump will move water. For instance, a sump pump with a 15’ max head (also called a shutoff head) will pump water up 15’ before it completely loses flow. The higher the lift the less discharge, sump pumps operate at maximum output when lift is the lowest. 

Charger Stregnth

The charger is next most important especially on high capacity back up pumps. The more capacity of removal the higher the amount of power it will take to do it. A high capacity pump would need a high rate charge to replenish the battery because the back up power of the battery would be used up more quickly. For instance a sump pump system rated at 2000 gph would use 10-12 amps and last about 7.5 hours the charger rate is typically 20 amps which means a shorter time to fully charge a battery. A 1000 gph would give 12 hours of use before discharge and the charger rate is less than 1 amp and would take much longer to fully charge a discharged battery. 

Monitoring Features

The monitoring system should have the ability to monitor battery for low power or exhausted use and will indicate replacement, can monitor low fluid levels in the battery. Monitoring power and pump activity that sounds an alarm when it detects the Ac power is interupted and signals your main pump failure.

Installation Of A  Watch Dog Sump Pump

Installation is easy. All systems come with a detailed manual that includes pictures of the installation process. 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.

Ac/Dc Power Switching

All Watchdog systems will switch to DC battery power when the AC main 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. Many other systems will only pump off of battery power. See also the Zoeller sump pump  for more information about sump pump systems.
 
What Is The Cause Of Pump Failure?
 
The leading cause for a sump pump to fail is a power failure. The second most common is a faulty switch from sticking or just plain worn out. The Zoeller sump pump, the Little Giant sump pump and the Watchdog sump pump are good quality pumps but you still have to inspect and check the switch frequently to make sure it is working properly along with the float assembly. Ensure the float arm moves freely and is not sticking. Other causes, pipes are frozen, the pump is bad, the impeller's damaged, the cord is unplugged. After so many cycles the switch just gets worn out and no longer can it rise or fall with demand. There is no maintenance of a float switch they simply have to be replaced when they stop working.

Do you need a Basement Watchdog battery?

You can use any deep cycle marine battery with the Watchdog sump pump as long as it is not maintenance-free. However, there are several advantages to using the branded 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.