Search Product Q&A's Answered by Jim, the Water Pump Expert
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Was interested in purchasing Basement Watchdog Battery Backup system, but sump is next to gas furnace and gas water heater. Would
like to use AGM or other sealed battery but am
getting conflicting information as to compatibility
with Basement Watchdog system. What's the
real truth here?
Ken V
from Illinois
April 28, 2013
Answer
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.
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The Basement Watchdog Backup Battery and Battery Acid kit. What is the Battery model number associated with this kit. I currently have in operation the Basement Watchdog Big Dog; model BWD12-120C along with battery model # 30HDC140S. I want a second battery to be added to mode BWD12-120C to achieve double the hour capacity....
Louis Acampora
from New Jersey
October 28, 2012
Answer
This kit does incude the Basement Watchdog battery model 30HDC140S and the 6 quart box of battery acid.
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My Watchdog sump pump battery got me through one of the worst storms in the past decade. But now the battery is dead. Can I just change the acid and have it recharged or do I have to get a new battery. Battery is 8 months old.
Chaunce
from Maryland
February 24, 2012
Answer
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.
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how does this battary last? five years or 10 years?
Richard
from Michigan
January 03, 2012
Answer
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.
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Hello! Can you suggest a marine/sealed battery for my basement watchdog special? I know that the little water sensor won't work but have heard there is a way to hook the sensor up to a terminal to quiet it.
Are there different size batteries?
Linda Sybrant
from Illinois
July 24, 2011
Answer
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.
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Jim,
I have two of these batteries filled with acid. Can I use my car battery charger to keep the second one charged?
Keith
from Illinois
July 24, 2011
Answer
Yes, you can use any automotive charger to charge to the Basement Watchdog batteries as long as they are not connected to our controllers.
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How do I hook this up to my esisting sump pump - Does it simply self-activate if the power goes out in my house? - thanks
Michael Barnett
from Georgia
March 05, 2011
Answer
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.
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If I buy a Basement Watchdog pump do I need a Basement Watchdog battery?
Karen
from Illinois
January 03, 2011
Answer
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.
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Jim: The charging and charged lights are both on at the same time on my charger. Where do I start?
Tom
from Michigan
December 30, 2010
Answer
For advanced troubleshooting on Basement Watchdog Systems, try contacting them directly at (800) 991-0466
