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Basement Watchdog SPD-WDBATTERYACID Reviews
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Features  3/5 Quality 3/5 Performance 3/5 Value 2/5
Durable (2)
Easy To Store (1)
Exceeded Expectations (1)
High Quality (1)
Reliable (1)
Expensive (3)
Durability (1)
Heavy (1)
Low Quality (1)
Bad Instructions (1)
50% of respondents would recommend this product to a friend
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| Charles B. |
 Most Helpful Positive Review Good Experience
The system was easy to install and appears to be robustly designed and assembled. The instructions were not totally clear, however, since they amount to a package containing the instructions for the main pump, and the instructions for the battery backup, and rely on the installer (me in this case) to figure out which elements of the instructions can be omitted when the assembly is purchased as a unit.
One reason that I only provide 4 stars on value is that the battery acid package seems quite overpriced to me - which causes me to suspect that margins are high on this product. I thought about going elsewhere for the acid but decided to stick with the manufacturers recommendation because of the high cost of making a mistake (flooded basement vs. a few bucks on the acid pack).
I tested the system after assembly and it worked well. The system was easy to install and appears to be robustly designed and assembled. The instructions were not totally clear, however, since they amount to a package containing the instructions for the main pump, and the instructions for the battery backup, and rely on the installer (me in this case) to figure out which elements of the instructions can be omitted when the assembly is purchased as a unit.
One reason that I only provide 4 stars on value is that the battery acid package seems... more Pros: Durable, Reliable, High Quality Cons: Expensive, Bad Instructions  Charles Recommends This Basement Watchdog Product Brand Rep Charles, Thank you for your review and feedback of our product. Sorry to hear you feel the instructions were not clear. We update our manuals on a regular basis and I will be sure to pass your feedback on to the appropriate people. If you have ever have any questions about your system or need clarification on something please contact our Service team at 800-991-0466 option 3. We are here to help and available from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday Central time.
Happy New Year! moreCharles's Experience With Sump Pumps Direct "Initially the acid package that needs to come with the battery did not arrive. This was not the vendor's problem but a mixup by the shipper. The vendor replied immediately to my inquiry regarding this error, with personal attention (not a canned response) and immediately sent a second shipment without any quibbling or delay. This was most gratifying." moreWas this review helpful? 25 |
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| T C
Holland, PA |
Most Helpful Critical Review
Watch Dog
Lasted only 1.5 years. Not a good value. Cost me around $150.00. I have had car batteries last three plus years.
Cons: Low Quality, Heavy, Durability, Expensive  T Does Not Recommend This ProductBrand Rep T, We apologize that you experienced an issue with our battery. Typically these batteries should last an average of 4-7 years. Please contact our service team at 1-800-991-0466 option 3, at your earliest convenience so we can resolve this for you right away. moreWas this review helpful? 13 |
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| David
Shelby Township, MI  2 Reviews  20 Helpful Votes |
Check Your Batteries
We had 7 out of the 24 units installed have their batteries fail. We use this system in all 3 of our complexes. I am not sure if its a battery issue or the system charger, but it needs to be looked into. All batteries were covered under warranty, no hassles there. This is the best back up system we have used and in our professional opinion the best on the market, by far. All the components are quality, and it is very easy to install for a professional .
There are just a few tricks of the trade and common sense to have them work properly. I've seen poor float location, batteries on the concrete floor instead of the case that is provided, units never inspected on a scheduled basis only to find a brand new system with 5 lbs of mineral build up. How they gonna work then, nothing is maintenance free. Pumps are easy to take apart and clean if needed, its idiot proof with the nice diagnosis control board.
All of our tenants find them easy to understand and monitor. Load testing the battery is easy, just put your multimeter on the battery and turn on the pump, watch what the voltage does for 1 minute and record the results and report. This will show if there are any dead cells( big volt drop in a few seconds) or if everything is fine. We will not purchase anything else, we unfortunately already tried 4 other brands. We had 7 out of the 24 units installed have their batteries fail. We use this system in all 3 of our complexes. I am not sure if its a battery issue or the system charger, but it needs to be looked into. All batteries were covered under warranty, no hassles there. This is the best back up system we have used and in our professional opinion the best on the market, by far. All the components are quality, and it is very easy to install for a professional .
There are just a few tricks of the... moreBrand Rep David, Thank you for your review. We are very appreciative of you using our products in for your tenants. As Jim states, it is really rare to have to change out batteries so often. We recommend before switching out the batteries we would recommend that you have them tested on load. The batteries may not have been bad at all but in need of maintenance. Please give us a call directly if you need further assistance at 800-991-0466 Ext. 3 for technical support. moreWas this review helpful? 84 |
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| Jeff 2 Reviews |
Battery Didn't Last Long
Watchdog Battery model (with acid in box) only lasted 18 months. Battery in plastic case and checked every week. Impressed until now and that replacement batteries are $250!
Brand Rep Jeff, Thank you for your review. For the future, Please know that before replacing one of our batteries we do recommend that you have it professionally tested on load at a local service station or auto part store. Those testing instructions can be given to you over the phone or emailed to you if you contact us directly. Also, we do provide a one year free replacement warranty and a prorated warranty for up to 2 years. We are willing to help out our customers in any way that we can. If, in the future, you need this information or just need to reach us directly you can contact us at 800-991-0466 Ext.3 for technical support. moreWas this review helpful? 52 |
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| Jim S.
Carmel, IN 2 Reviews |
Hmmm, A Semi
I ordered this product to use with a backup sump pump system.
It has the features needed for longevity and durability that I was looking for. Because of the acid, it was literally delivered on a semi truck to my house.
I thought that to be comical, but I understand the hazardous caution. It was the only merchandise on the truck.
Unfortunately, I was at Lowe's a week later and found the same battery and battery acid combo for half the price. Buyer beware.
Pros: Durable, Features, Exceeded Expectations, Easy To Store Cons: Expensive Jim Recommends This Basement Watchdog Product Brand Rep Jim, Thank you for your consideration of our products. We appreciate your feedback. moreWas this review helpful? 43 |
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| Raymond Smith
Winslow, ME 2 Reviews |
Great Product
The battery alerts you if it needs service before a failure.
Plus, the battery is fresh when you install it -- not when it was manufactured. It is fantastic that you can replace the Battery Acid if need be.
Brand Rep Raymond, Thank you for your review. We are happy that you like the fact that the life span of the battery doesn't start until acid is added to it. We also think that's a great benefit. Please note that you should only add acid upon first filling the battery. For preventative maintenance you should check the battery about every 4-6 months and add distilled water only to have the levels come about an inch from the top of each cell. (Remember all cells are separate) If you need further assistance please contact us at 800-991-0466 Ext. 3 moreWas this review helpful? 32 |
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| Robert
Apalachin, NY 3 Reviews |
First Usage
I purchased my pump kit after a wet spring ,vowing to stop getting water in my basement. I never needed it this summer,but when hurricane Irene hit in august, I was impressed! This little system is a monster at getting rid of water. I couldn't be more happy. I have done away with 90% of my wet basement problems. I hope the quality is as good as it looks. I'm putting it to the test as we speak. I would like to write in again after hurricane season.Please keep this pump package on your shelves,as if it works out more people around here (N.Y.) may be interested, I know I am for sure. Thanks! I purchased my pump kit after a wet spring ,vowing to stop getting water in my basement. I never needed it this summer,but when hurricane Irene hit in august, I was impressed! This little system is a monster at getting rid of water. I couldn't be more happy. I have done away with 90% of my wet basement problems. I hope the quality is as good as it looks. I'm putting it to the test as we speak. I would like to write in again after hurricane season.Please keep this pump package on your shelves,as... moreBrand Rep Robert, Thank you for your review and eagerness to promote our products. We are glad that we were able to assist you in your time of need. We really appreciate your business. moreWas this review helpful? 11 |
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| Southgate F.
Lake Mills, WI |
Horrible
The battery works great but your customer service is horrible. I paid for same day shipping and you didn't do that plus you kept my $50 that I paid for it.
The woman I talked to about my shipment not being on time was very rude! The next time I need a battery I will shop somewhere else. I will put a bad review on amazon as well.
I have already talked to the contractors that I know and let them know that they should shop somewhere else for sump pumps. One contractor has already bought a sump pump from someone else so that means that you may have kept my $50 for same day shipping but you lost a lot more because of me! The battery works great but your customer service is horrible. I paid for same day shipping and you didn't do that plus you kept my $50 that I paid for it.
The woman I talked to about my shipment not being on time was very rude! The next time I need a battery I will shop somewhere else. I will put a bad review on amazon as well.
I have already talked to the contractors that I know and let them know that they should shop somewhere else for sump pumps. One contractor has already... moreSouthgate Does Not Recommend This Product  Product Expert Southgate, We refunded your $50 yesterday, and left you a voice message to notify you. We're very sorry to hear how upsetting this has been for you.
Unfortunately, you placed your order past 4pm EST (3pm CST), which is past the cutoff for that day's rush order processing according to the terms listed on our site. We're sorry you had such a hard time. moreBrand Rep Southgate, We are sorry for your experience and we thank you for your review. PED is a great company and we assure you that they will do all they can to help. moreWas this review helpful? 23 |
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