Basement Watchdog Backup Battery + Battery Acid

All I can tell you is what is listed in the instruction manual. That reads:

• The use of automotive batteries is NOT
recommended. Automotive batteries are not
designed for this application. They will only
run the pump for a short time and will have
a shorter life than a standby battery.
• NEVER use a maintenance-free or sealed
battery with this system
• The battery fluid sensor is designed to fit
the Basement Watchdog Standby batteries.
Measuring the battery fluid is one of the
most important features of the system; since
about 80% of backup sump pump failures
are the result of a battery that has dried out.
• The internal construction of some wet cell
batteries may not be compatible with this
system. The use of a Basement Watchdog 7.5
Hour battery is HIGHLY recommended.

While I have heard of some customers in fact connecting maintenance free batteries to the system, I am unaware of how they made that connection without getting any alarm issues on the system controller. You are welcome to call Basement Watchdog tech support at 800-991-0466 to get their take on this issue. They are a great bunch of people and will not lead you astray.

This kit does incude the Basement Watchdog battery model 30HDC140S and the 6 quart box of battery acid.

It's possible that you may need to refill the cells in your battery. Over time, the acid will tend to evaporate due to chemical reactions taking place within the battery in order to provide the power you need and the acid levels in the cells will need to be replenished with distilled water. YOU ONLY ADD ACID TO YOUR BATTERY ONCE, UPON THE INITIAL INSTALLATION. As a general rule, sump pump manufacturers do recommend that all pumps, float switches and batteries (when applicable) be inspected every 3-4 months to insure that they are operating correctly, clean and free of any debris that may impede their operation and that batteries terminals are clean and cells are filled to the proper levels and charging properly.
If, after inspecting your battery, you determine that the cells are filled to the "Fill" line, you may want to take it to a battery store or auto/marine battery supplier to have it checked. You may also want to contact the manufacturer of the battery if all else fails. If you have a Basement Watchdog battery, you can call them at 800-991-0466.

The normal life is 5-7 years. Of course that is also dependant on the number of cycles and that the proper maintenance is performed, i.e. cheking and filling the battery cells as needed and keeping the battery connections clean.

Per the instructions from Basement Watchdog, DO NOT use a maintenance-free or a sealed battery. They are made of different materials and will trigger a false “Battery problem” alarm. If you would like to shop around for a marine battery, the Basement Watchdog model 30HDC140S, 7.5 hour battery would be the equivalent to a 700 CCA (cold cranking amps) rated marine battery. In order for it to work properly, you must attach the sensor to the POSITIVE (+) post of the battery or the alarm will sound continuously. The Basement Watchdog
Special Sump Pump System will not warn you if the fluid level is low in this
configuration. You will need to check your battery every couple of months to see if it needs water. If the battery dries out, the system will not work.

Yes, you can use any automotive charger to charge to the Basement Watchdog batteries as long as they are not connected to our controllers.

These batteries are designed to work with the Basement Watchdog Battery Backup Sump Pump Systems. Those systems do include a control box that controls the pump in the event of a power failure and also monitors and keeps the battery charged. For more information on the systems mentioned, go to http://www.sumppumpsdirect.com/quick_search.php.

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.

Update 11/16/15: Basement Watchdog has changed this requirement around 2013 and their backup systems will now accept maintenance free batteries. Please refer to their updated installation manual for instructions on the proper method for this battery installation.

For advanced troubleshooting on Basement Watchdog Systems, try contacting them directly at (800) 991-0466