Basement Watchdog Big Dog Backup Sump Pump (2200 GPH @ 10') & 2 Batteries

This review is predicated upon future performance after all this is a backup system that kicks in when AC power fails.

Pros: well packaged full kit with everything needed (except plumbing parts to replumb the pit) manufacturer will spend umpteen hours on the phone as you learn and research nice array of alert alarms dual-battery option provides potential for days' worth of backup compact footprint in the pit yet decent gallons per hour rating (assuming you plumb wisely).

Cons: it'd be nice to have the option for a 2nd battery fluid level probe for a two-battery kit one boxed bottle of battery acid fluid leaked and even though I had laid out tarp and worked atop an old large cookie pan I had substantial fluid management to do.

I like that this pump stays on a long time it empties more water from the pit than my current primary pump, an older Zoeller M53. I like the dual float system, even uncaged, where each float moves only 1/4" to trip the pump—though I had to clamp it to the lower union joining a Zoeller check valve to the up pipe (my installation has a discharge pipe exiting the pit running horizontally through the foundation's concrete so the plumbing spans are tight compared to the installations pictured in the excellent instructions).

Time will tell if it works and lasts as advertised it'll be a great investment.

Note that the before/after pix shows a pair of AC pumps plumbed by pros—who really diminished pumping output by using 2 90º elbows per pump. My new plumbing uses only a pair of 45º elbows to join to the tee, reducing that drag by 75% per pump. I'm also awaiting a true symmetrical wye (a Waterway Plastics 413-4100—google it) that I'll add the appropriate angles to and slip in, replacing the tee and its 90º angles).

This review is predicated upon future performance after all this is a backup system that kicks in when AC power fails.

Pros: well packaged full kit with everything needed (except plumbing parts to replumb the pit) manufacturer will spend umpteen hours on the phone as you learn and research nice array of alert alarms dual-battery option provides potential for days' worth of backup compact footprint in the pit yet decent gallons per hour rating (assuming you plumb wisely).

Cons: it'd be... more

Thankfully, it works out of the box.

We know what you're thinking: "This kit isn't cheap!"

Let's put things into perspective. It takes just one thunderstorm to destroy your basement and weekends worth of sweat equity.

If you have a finished basement, you need a backup sump pump system. Otherwise, your entire basement is at risk of flooding.

You're not only buying protection with this kit. You're getting peace of mind, too.

No more worrying about power outages, malfunctions or clogged pumps. This Basement Watchdog system protects you from practically everything that can go wrong in your sump pit.

It includes 2 (that's right, two) batteries and acid packs to double your run time to 15 continuous hours. Since your sump pump isn't always running, it's more like a day's worth of protection.

If you need even longer protection, we recommend getting a standby generator instead. It'll power your sump pump -- and the rest of the house -- as long as natural gas or propane is supplied.

We know what you're thinking: "This kit isn't cheap!"

Let's put things into perspective. It takes just one thunderstorm to destroy your basement and weekends worth of sweat equity.

If you have a finished basement, you need a backup sump pump system. Otherwise, your entire basement is at risk of flooding.

You're not only buying protection with this kit. You're getting peace of mind, too.

No more worrying about power outages, malfunctions or clogged pumps. This Basement... more

I'de heard horror stories about flooded basements in other peoples' homes, but when I looked at battery backup systems they were always so expensive I just dismissed them. Well, in 2011 my unfinished basement flooded during hurricane Irene. Adding insult to injury, we were out of the country on vacation at the time. Luckily, my family helped me out and took care of things until we could get back home so I avoided mold. But needless to say, everything porous was ruined!

Right then and there I decided this would never happen again, so I decided on a two battery backup system. Basement Watchdog was the one I chose as it appeared the best bang for the buck. My father and I installed it and a check valve along side my existing pump in about 2 hours no issues with the install.

It has worked as advertised ever since, but we've not had a power outage to put it to the test in a 'real life' situation. That being said, I have no doubt the system will do the job since I've tested the pump every couple of months and it's always performed. The charger unit even has a 'test' button which makes it easy to do whenever you feel like it. I also check the actual float activators (there are two which is a nice redundancy to make sure it works when needed).

The pump volume is actually greater than that of my original. It's also nice to have the charger unit monitoring and testing. Filling the batteries with acid was an extra chore, but not hard or painful. Wish the 2nd battery had an acid level probe as well since I stored both my batteries in a case and that prevents me from seeing the levels unless I take them out of the case.

I'de heard horror stories about flooded basements in other peoples' homes, but when I looked at battery backup systems they were always so expensive I just dismissed them. Well, in 2011 my unfinished basement flooded during hurricane Irene. Adding insult to injury, we were out of the country on vacation at the time. Luckily, my family helped me out and took care of things until we could get back home so I avoided mold. But needless to say, everything porous was ruined!

Right then and... more

I'm not super-handy, but easy enough to install.....