Protect Your Basement from Flooding •Provides both primary and backup pumping capabilities •Primary pump will operate as long as it is receiving A/C power •A/C fails or excessive water into sump than pump can handle •The backup sump pump will begin pumping automatically
Exclusive Monitoring System •Sounds alarm and flashes during failure or required maintence
Combination System includes: •1/2 HP (BW1050) AC pump (3200 GPH @ 10') •BW Special (BWSP) Battery Backup System (1730 GPH @ 10') •BATTERY SOLD SEPARATELY
Dual Float Switch •Both pumps have two redundant floats on each switch •If one float fails to operate, the second float takes over
Detailed installation instructions complete with pictures •Already assembled for easy installation •Compact footprint fits in any size sump pit
Q: I've owned and used Basement Watchdog battery backup systems for a long time and they have always performed very well for me but I see all these new systems with notification, self-testing and other nice features that would be great to have in a lower cost system. Will they ever improve or upgrade this system? by Simon F from Wisconsin on November 14, 2014
A: 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
Q: Can you recommend an ACpowered sump pump with battery backup that would fit into a 14 deep x 12 diameter well? My current sump pump is a Ridgid Model SP500 12 hp, 60 hz, 120 volt, 3.8 amp. Thanks. Rick by Rick G from Oregon on August 25, 2013
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: If the 120 v pump can't keep up it sounds as if the battery backup pump will kick in---but the units share a common pipe so how can you add water /flow to an already maxed out pipe?? Would this not just increase head pressure on the battery pump causing it to work even harder???? by Mark F from Wisconsin on April 10, 2013
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Jim, do you recommend placing a Sump Foot beneath a Basement Watchdog BW4000 - 1/2 HP Combination Primary and Backup Sump Pump System? by Bob S. from Pennsylvania on November 22, 2012
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: After the battery back up system kicks in and then the power comes back on, does anything need to be reset or does the primary pump automatically go back in to service? by Mark S from New York on November 09, 2012
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Is the PeakFlow 12v maintenance free deep cycle 120ah AGM battery compatible with the WatchDog BW4000 pump system and charger ? Will it last 7.5hrs in continuous mode like the battery sold with the kit? What is the shelf life if used 2x a year intermittently for 1hr. for by Walter from Michigan on March 12, 2012
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Is the installation manual and dimensions available on-line so I can se if this will fit in my application? by Ralph Hirsch from Massachusetts on December 02, 2011
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Can I use 2 batteries connected at the same time for extended extra protection time on this Glentronics BW4000 unit? by Zach from Maryland on October 29, 2011
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Is the exit pipe 1 1/2' pvc? does it have any fittings attached? by Al Bielunis from Massachusetts on May 04, 2011
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Jim, Can I use a regular deep cycle battery with this system or do i need to use their specific battery? Also, what is the function of the battery probe, and can that be used on a deep cycle? by Chris from Connecticut on April 19, 2011
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: How often does the back-up battery need to be checked and/ or replaced. How do I know when it needs replacing. My basement has flooded twice in the past 6 months. Prior to that, we have had little trouble and have been in the house 9 years. My sump pump runs every five minutes on a rainy day. I am torn between purchasing this unit and the one glentronics offers called their Pro-Series. The problem with that one is that only plumbers can purchase it and install it. The first one that came out wanted $1,500, which included the product and the install. I do not know if their Pro-Series is worth it? Any help you can give me is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU! by Chad DiFranco from Ohio on April 08, 2011
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Jim, what is the difference between the pumps, (primary and back-up), in the BW4000 combination primary and back-up ($399.99) versus the model SPD-BW4000 costing $639.99? by Pete from New York on March 23, 2011
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: How small of a footprint does this unit take? My sump hole is square shaped and 11in by 11in. by Mike from Connecticut on February 01, 2011
A: 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. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Do I need a check valve with this unit? by Elliot from New Jersey on January 27, 2011
A: These combination pump systems from Basement Watchdog have built-in check valves. An additional float switch is not needed. by Jim, Product Expert
70% of respondents would recommend this product to a friend
20 Reviews
Sort by
William M. Albany, NY
Purchased 2/20/17
Most Helpful Positive Review
REVIEWED
APR.
27
2017
Best Sump Pump I Could Find
Has been very reliable.
Pros:Features, Quiet, Durable, Reliable
William Recommends This Basement Watchdog Product
Brand Rep
William,
We thank you for purchasing our product. We are very happy to hear you had a positive experience. If you ever need assistance with our products please call our service team at 800-991-0466 option 3 for technical assistance.
First of all I've had this system in my house since September last year 2011, I am currently on my 3rd pump!! If you have a crock that fills up with a lot of water during a rain storm THIS SYSTEM IS NOT FOR YOU!!! This system has in my opinion a very serious design flaw, the float switches are not long enough. Meaning that the pump will cycle on and off far too many times during a storm, leading to a pump failure and a flooded basement. This is suppose to be the best system they sell but the backup pump isn't even the best backup pump they have, so save your money look for a better way or system out there. You get what you pay for so go for a better system and save your most valuable investment(your home and piece of mind), the only reason that I will give this system 2 stars because Glentronics has been working with me. Good luck!!!
First of all I've had this system in my house since September last year 2011, I am currently on my 3rd pump!! If you have a crock that fills up with a lot of water during a rain storm THIS SYSTEM IS NOT FOR YOU!!! This system has in my opinion a very serious design flaw, the float switches are not long enough. Meaning that the pump will cycle on and off far too many times during a storm, leading to a pump failure and a flooded basement. This is suppose to be the best system they sell but... more
Brand Rep
Al,
We are sorry that you are not satisfied with this system. Please keep in mind that if the pump is kicking on too often the floats are adjustable and can be mounted at the desired height so that the pump will cycle more efficiently. As stated in your review we are always willing and ready to help our customers and we guarantee top notch customer service.
I live in a low lying area and if my sump-pump is not working, or if the power goes out (as it often does where I live) then my basement will flood. Over the past 20 years I have had to change the pump at least every 3 - 4 years. I also had to purchase a generator to ensure that my pump will be able to run during outages. I've been looking at various back-up pumps over the years, and finally decided to bite the bullet and purchase one.
I read the instructions and I viewed the video online - and the installation was remarkably easy. I decided to change the pvc piping so that everything would be new - and the instructions for the measurements were right on. I purchased the battery and acid separately at Home Depot, and although I was a little nervous about filling the cells, it was easier than I thought. I have to say that the entire process was straightforward and without incident. I built a small platform / shelf for the battery and it looks great.
The main pump has been working well, but since I haven't had a chance to see if the backup works yet (at least not in a real situation) - I can't really give feedback on that.
I'm confident that everything will work fine (from the reviews that I've read) and I now have peace of mind.
I live in a low lying area and if my sump-pump is not working, or if the power goes out (as it often does where I live) then my basement will flood. Over the past 20 years I have had to change the pump at least every 3 - 4 years. I also had to purchase a generator to ensure that my pump will be able to run during outages. I've been looking at various back-up pumps over the years, and finally decided to bite the bullet and purchase one.
I read the instructions and I viewed the video online... more
Pros:Easy To Use, High Quality, I'd Buy It Again, Easy To Install
Cons:Expensive, Had To Purchase Battery And Acid Separately
Barry Recommends This Basement Watchdog Product
Brand Rep
Barry,
Great! Thank you for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
This product has been giving me trouble since I bought it. I have changed the battery twice b/c it stayed beeping indicate the battery need distilled water. Unfortunately the battery part is not working any more. But I don't know if I can buy any other back up system to work it.
Pros:Price
Cons:Unreliable
Soji Does Not Recommend This Product
Product Expert
Soji,
This systems is backed up by a 2-year warranty. If you are beyond the warranty period, you can use another backup system with that primary pump. Any of the DC systems should work fine and you should be able to use most of the existing plumbing.
Thank you for taking the time to review the BW4000 product. We would like to let you know that if the fluid sensor is indicating that the battery needs more water in a fully filled battery, it is usually not due to a malfunction with the controller but just a simple mistake as into how or where the sensor is placed. The sensor does need to be in a specific location in the battery in order to read the levels of fluid correctly. Please give us a call directly and our support staff can walk you through trouble shooting this problem. This is a quick fix. We would love to help you so that you can be assured that your system is working properly. Please contact us at 800.991.0466 Ext. 3 for technical support.
I just installed the Basement Watchdog sump pump unit prior to hurricane Irene and thankfully I only had a small amount of water in my sump pump well.
The following week my area in PA got another 7" of rain from the tropical storm Lee and again the pump only turned on a few times to empty the sump pump well.
I am not able to provide any long term use report, but I am very happy with this unit. It is well made and it was easy to install and I am glad that I got the battery backup unit and the optional battery. It certainly gives me peace of mind that I will be able to run the 12 volt pump in the event of a power failure.
This system is more practical than the 120 volt pump it replaced as it was a big hassle to run the pump off of a generator after a power failure.
As it turned out, I was out of town visiting family when my area got about 4" of rain from tropical storm Lee and from what I can tell the unit did not run, but we got an additional 3" of rain while I was home and the sump pump well did fill up with water a few times.
I can highly recommend this unit and the technical support that I used before my purchase was first class and very helpful, they even returned my call within an hour.
I just installed the Basement Watchdog sump pump unit prior to hurricane Irene and thankfully I only had a small amount of water in my sump pump well.
The following week my area in PA got another 7" of rain from the tropical storm Lee and again the pump only turned on a few times to empty the sump pump well.
I am not able to provide any long term use report, but I am very happy with this unit. It is well made and it was easy to install and I am glad that I got the battery backup... more
Brand Rep
Mark,
Thank you so much for your review. Also thank you for highlighting the fact that we stand behind our customers as well as behind our products. We are always willing and ready to help with whatever we can. We appreciate your feedback.
Bad Main Pump, Horrible Battery & Bad Pipe Connection
I did not purchase this system from SPD but from the local store because I have to have the battery backup system right on the spot and thought this is the perfect system for what I need. It is very easy to install and very clean system except about a year or so later and found out the secondary pump was activated for no reason. Turned out, the main pump was rusted around the lower portion of the body and there are at least 2-3 dime size holes around it.
For something that is only about 1.5 years old that is unacceptable. Especially this item is design to sit inside the water and suppose to be rust proved. IT IS NOT. Because of the holes, water are splashing everywhere within the sump pit and it triggered the secondary pump's switch and then it triggered the battery. Battery alarm is ON and I open up the case and try to see why it said my battery is bad (only about 1.5 years old)....turned out, 5 out of 6 chamber of the battery are almost empty....no acid left and hint the battery is going to die. It has the acid water warning pin on it, and it suppose to do the work...but I guess it decided NOT TO until it drained all the acid and let the battery die...after 1.5 years old for almost $150.
The worst thing....trying to check the secondary pump is working or not....it turned on but does not pump out water....the main reason is, after I tried to open up all the conenction/coupler and such...it is almost IMPOSSIBLE to put it right back perfectly. It is not my 1st plumbing work for the sump pump but no matter HOW to adjust and tighten those coupler, it will not seal the opening perfectly and when the pump trying to pump out water, it will leak thru the coupler everywhere...both pump did the same and after 2 days of working on it I have to give up and buy another new system from WAYNE.
The rust of the main pump is definitely unacceptable...the 1st time it happened is definitely less then 1 year and I used JB weld (water resistant type) to seal the opening...it does the work and I decided to do that just because I hate to deal with customer service and returning something I will need when it rain....but then, it happened at least 3-4 more time and I cannot patch those holes any more and so does my warranty expired....
Overall, not a good experience and definitely stay away from this system. I have my original Zoellner pump that is in the pit now (at least 10 years old) and I am planning to savage the secondary pump and that almost dead battery as my backup backup system......hopefully my new WAYNE system will last me at least 3-4 years.
I did not purchase this system from SPD but from the local store because I have to have the battery backup system right on the spot and thought this is the perfect system for what I need. It is very easy to install and very clean system except about a year or so later and found out the secondary pump was activated for no reason. Turned out, the main pump was rusted around the lower portion of the body and there are at least 2-3 dime size holes around it.
We are very sorry to hear of your negative experience with our BW4000 system. All our pumps are anodized to prevent corrosion. It's rare to have that kind of corrosive buildup on the pump that you describe. As for the battery, we recommend checking the fluid level inside of it every 6 months or so. You are correct that the low fluid alarm should come on prior to it getting that low. I would suggest calling our service team as they will help you with all the issues you are describing. Even if your system is out of warranty we are here to help and will take everything into consideration. We appreciate all our customers and will do our best to make this right for you. I know you mentioned your dislike of dealing with customer service departments but I think you will find a different experience when speaking with us. We can be reached at 800-991-0466 option 3 9-5 central time Monday through Friday or feel free to email us service@glentronics.com
I ordered this Sunday night and received it Wednesday morning. I picked up the Basement Watchdog brand battery and acid at Lowes for about half the price of buying the acid/battery combo here. I am guessing it has something to do with the added cost of them shipping hazardous materials. If you buy the empty battery from SPD, it is the same price as at Lowes. The battery acid was around $15-20. I checked on buying a wet battery from batteries plus, but it only saved me about $35. I just figured I would go with the battery they designed for the unit. I went back and forth between this one and the Wayne model, but I opted for this because of the dual float switches and the battery sensor that alarms if the battery is bad.
Install was really easy. I have never done anything plumbing related so I was a little nervous. It is 0 degrees here so I was surprised that there was still water & pressure in the existing pipe. I got a little nervous when water started leaking out, but it wasn't very much. That was the only surprise. I was able to reuse the existing piece of PVC because there was another rubber coupler on the old unit. Just measured and cut that and coupled everything together. I tested each float and the pump worked, no leaks. I would say I am moderately skilled as a handyman, but this is easy enough for most anyone who is willing to spend the time. Since I had to fill the battery, I would say the whole project took me an hour or so. I could have probably done it quicker, but I was not in a hurry. The only part that I really didn't like was filling the battery with acid. It just makes me nervous messing with chemicals like that. I am glad I won't need to do that again.
I ordered this Sunday night and received it Wednesday morning. I picked up the Basement Watchdog brand battery and acid at Lowes for about half the price of buying the acid/battery combo here. I am guessing it has something to do with the added cost of them shipping hazardous materials. If you buy the empty battery from SPD, it is the same price as at Lowes. The battery acid was around $15-20. I checked on buying a wet battery from batteries plus, but it only saved me about $35. I just figured... more
Pros:Features, Easy To Use, Price
Cons:Messing, Messing With Battery Acid
Chris Recommends This Basement Watchdog Product
Brand Rep
Chris,
Thank you for your review. We really appreciate your feedback. Please contact us directly in the future if you are ever in need of assistance with the product @ 800.991.0466 Ext 3 for Tech Support M-F 9-5CST
Piggy back bracket broken in shipping. Say that 5 times fast.
Wayne Recommends This Basement Watchdog Product
Brand Rep
Wayne,
Thank you for your recommendation of our products. We apologize for the damage caused in shipping but we are happy Power Equipment Direct was able to resolve that for you quickly. We appreciate your business.
"This company is a rare find as far as I am concerned. I am Canadian and I ordered this sump pump to come to an American address because they do not ship to Canada, this is the only fault I have. However when the item arrived at the address, one of the brackets that holds the piggy back pump was broken. I figured this would be a huge problem because I would have to drive over 100 miles to get to my American address. When I called the 800 number I was very surprised to talk to a real person who seemed very concerned and knowledgeable about my problem. He took my Canadian address and shortly after it arrived on my doorstep by courier at no cost to me. Little things like this are certainly appreciated by its customers and are few and far between now days. The pump system is now hooked up but we haven't had any rain storms to try it out. The pump runs so quietly it is hard to hear standing beside it. I know I am going to love this pump. It is 100% better than the one I had before.
Merry Xmas Everyone"
(Just installed it) Like the ready to install package with dual float protection. Sounds very smooth and quiet. But I'm not thrilled with the 'value' part of it because one can buy separate pumps and battery b/u unit or a small inverter package and still end up $100 to 150 dollars less. I paid for avoiding the headache of custom plumbing with Y joint, separate check valves, etc.
Pros:Features, Quiet, Light Weight, Convenient Package Of Main And Bu Pumps
I installed the Big Dog Combination on Saturday, four days ago, so I can't speak to longevity yet. But what I can speak to is ease of installation and customer service.
First, installation was a breeze. Instructions were clear and complete, and my installation went very smoothly and came out neat and pretty.
Second, Sump Pumps Direct customer service. I ordered this pump November 5th and it was at my door November 7th. I couldn't be happier.
Third, Glentronics' customer service. I used a sealed marine deep-cycle battery instead of their battery. Their controller won't work properly with a sealed battery. This morning, the battery alarm started chirping. I called Glentronics customer service, and they're shipping me a new controller, with a prepaid shipping label to return the old one. No hassle, no charge to me, no cross-shipping, no problems.
I installed the Big Dog Combination on Saturday, four days ago, so I can't speak to longevity yet. But what I can speak to is ease of installation and customer service.
First, installation was a breeze. Instructions were clear and complete, and my installation went very smoothly and came out neat and pretty.
Second, Sump Pumps Direct customer service. I ordered this pump November 5th and it was at my door November 7th. I couldn't be happier.
Third, Glentronics' customer service. I used... more
Brand Rep
Dave,
Thank you so much for your consideration of our products. We also would like to thank you for contacting us directly and allowing us to help remediate your problem. We are always ready to help our customers. We know that you will be satisfied to years on end.
We received in the pump system in 2 days, and since the old pump was acting up we were happy to see that it was here so fast. Was very easy to install. Very happy with company.
Brand Rep
Carol,
Thank you very much for your review. We appreciate your business.
Shop for the Basement Watchdog BW4000 - 1/2 HP Combination Primary and Backup Sump Pump System at Sump Pumps Direct. Research Basement Watchdog 717301121982 combination sump pumps online. Find Basement Watchdog BW4000 combination sump pumps & BW4000 .5 HP Combination Pump features and specifications. Get the best deal; compare Basement Watchdog BW4000 prices now. Buy the BW4000 direct and save.
Product Manual
