Thank you for your interest in Sump Pumps Direct. And funny you should ask, Simon! Basement Watchdog has recently updated the controller in the BWSP. The newly updated system has been on the shelves and in circulation for about a year now. According to Basement Watchdog, the updated controller has proven its reliability, having sold over 10,000 systems - with only 5 defective units to date.

While this new controller has some similarities to our previous one, some significant hardware and software changes have been made. Those changes include:

• Remote Notification - We have added in terminals which allow for remote notification. This system is now able to communicate with an Auto Dialer, Home Security System or other device, to alert home owners to problems or required maintenance

• AGM Compatible - The most popular revision allows the customer to utilize wet cell, or AGM maintenance free batteries

• Improved Charging System – Improved battery monitoring and charging system

• Weekly Pump Activation – The system will run the pump for a few seconds every week to not only test the pump but to also exercise it which will help prolong the life of the pump

Thank you for your interest in Sump Pumps Direct. The Basement Watchdog 1/2 HP Combination Primary and Backup Sump Pump, model BW4000 will fit in a sump pit as small as 12” wide and 14” high (the size of a 5 gallon bucket). It measures 18“ inches from the bottom of the pump to the top of the "Y" connector where it will be attached to the discharge pipe.
The Basement Watchdog 1/3 HP Combination Primary and Backup Sump Pump System, model DFK-961 will fit in a sump pit as small as 10” wide and 14” high (the size of a 5 gallon bucket). It measures 17-3/4“ inches from the bottom of the pump to the top of the "Y" connector where it will be attached to the discharge pipe.

Thank you for visiting Sump Pumps Direct. You bring up a very good and important point, Mark! Most primary (1/4HP - 1/2HP) and battery backup pumps discharge to a 1-1/2" discharge pipe and will be installed separately but due to the discharge system already in place, be piped or "Y'd" together. In MOST cases, the total pumping capacity by both pumps at the same time will be handled by that 1-1/2" discharge pipe and will not cause any extra stress or back-pressure on those pumps. That being said, for optimum performance of both pumps, they should be connected to separate discharge pipes. Again, that is not always possible. In cases of extreme high water tables and frequent possible flooding where high capacity pumps are required, you should definitely run a separate discharge pipe for each pump you have installed.

The only time you need to raise your pump is if you want to allow the basin to fill a bit more before it activates and you do not have float switch that can easily be raised instead of the pump OR if you have a dirt or loose gravel base in your basin and are afraid that the pump will get clogged easily. If you have a standard sump basin with a clean, flat bottom it is not necessary.

No reset needed, Mark. Your primary pump will return to service and the controller for the battery backup system will start re-charging the battery.

Per the instructions for the Basement Watchdog battery backup systems, DO NOT use a maintenance-free or a sealed battery. They are made of different materials and
will trigger a false “Battery problem” alarm.
A new Basement Watchdog 7.5 Hour Standby Battery, model 30HDC140S 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 the battery will run the pump intermittently for days. In addition, the unique materials in the battery enable it to last for five to seven years in standby service.

Yes it is. Please click HERE, and then scroll down a bit and click on the "Specs" tab. You will then see a "Download Documents" box on the right side of the page where you will be able to download a pdf file of the owners manual, which includes all of the dimensions and installation instructions.

Unfortunately, the BW4000 is not designed to accept 2 batteries. The only Basement Watchdog system designed for that application is the BIG DOG. This system is capable of accepting 2 batteries in parallel for twice the runtime, up to 15 hours continuous or 3-4 days non-continuous. If you should opt for this system, you would need to purchase a seperate primary pump.

The discharge pipe on this system is 1 1/2" and there is a rubber 1 1/2" union included to attach the system to your current or new discharge pipe.

Per the instruction manual:
• 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 and cap are designed
to fit the Basement Watchdog 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 Pro Series is an excellent quality and is manufactured by the same company that manufactures the Basement Watchdog pumps. Any primary or backup pump system should be checked at a minimum of every 6 months. You should check to make sure the pit and the pump(s) are clean and free of any debris that can cause your float to stick and cause your pump to fail. Battery backup systems almost always will have alarm systems to warn you if your battery needs water or if it needs to be replaced. Some systems will even run your backup pump for a few seconds to verify it is operating correctly and warn you by another alarm if it is not. Also, please note that we do also carry some of the PRO SERIES pumps.

The BW4000 comes with a 1/2HP BW1050 primary pump rated at 32000GPH at 10 feet of head and a BWSP battery Backup pump rated at 1730GPH at 10 feet of head. The SPD-BW4000KIT also includes the battery and battery acid.

This Basement Watchdog combination system is compact and will fit in a sump pit as small as 12” wide and 14” high (the size of a 5 gallon bucket).

It measures 18“ inches from the bottom of the pump to the top of the "Y"connector
where it will be attached to the discharge pipe.

These combination pump systems from Basement Watchdog have built-in check valves. An additional float switch is not needed.