How To Install The Basement Watchdog?

Basement Watchdog is a brand offering backup and combination sump pumps to its customers. Installing one of the company’s water-pumping systems may help remove excess moisture from your basement. Now you’re wondering how you can install a Basement Watchdog system in your home. We researched for you and here’s what we found.

The installation procedure for the Basement Watchdog backup and combination pumps are quite similar despite the brand offering different models. For instance, the general instructions for setting up a Basement Watchdog’s combination sump pump are:

  1. Remove the AC pump from the sump pit.
  2. Extend the discharge pipe into the sump pit.
  3. Connect and secure the discharge pipe with the union.
  4. Attach the pump and its battery using the correct wires.
  5. Install the fluid sensor and secure it with the included wing nuts.
  6. Plug the system and test it to check for issues.

As for the brand’s backup battery pump system, the typical steps are:

  1. Disconnect the main pump. Then, cut the discharge pipe to size.
  2. Attach a check valve to the discharge pipe.
  3. Connect a PVC pipe to it to the Basement Watchdog backup battery pump.
  4. Lower the backup sump pump into the sump pit.
  5. Connect the main and backup sump pumps to the property’s plumbing system.
  6. Fill the battery and install a fluid sensor on it.
  7. Plug the system and test for errors.

After reading these steps, you might think that the installation procedures for these Basement Watchdog pumping systems are reasonably straightforward. But missing some details may result in expensive mishaps. Keep reading as we talk about the installation of Basement Watchdog pumps in greater detail.

A sump pump with some water around it. How To Install The Basement Watchdog

Can You Install A Sump Pump Yourself?

Experts agree that sump pump installation is generally not a DIY-friendly job. Incorrect wiring can bring about inefficiency during water pumping operations. If not, the machine can fail to function at all.

Therefore, if you want to proceed with installing a sump pump by yourself, you should have sufficient knowledge and confidence in the task at hand. Otherwise, consult professional help to handle the job.

Household submersible pump with plastic housing lies on stone floor of courtyard

How Do I Install A Watchdog Combo Sump Pump?

Before proceeding with the installation, make sure to fill the battery according to the instructions included in the product’s packaging. Also, you should familiarize yourself with the property’s existing basement plumbing system. That way, you’ll make the appropriate connections and prevent costly mistakes.

Also, make sure you’re wearing suitable safety gear for this operation. Equipping yourself with protective equipment like a respirator and a pair of gloves will reduce the risks of potential health issues while taking on the task.

Replacing the old sump pump in a basement with a new one to drain the collected ground water from the sump or pit

It’s also advisable to lay out all the items needed for the installation. Doing so makes it fairly easy to locate the parts needed for specific steps. Additionally, disconnect the AC pump’s plug from the wall outlet and take it out of the sump pit. Place the disconnected AC pump into a bucket for safekeeping.

Check out this combination sump pump on Amazon.

Once you finish the necessary preparations, you can proceed with the rest of this guide:

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Extend the discharge pipe to a 19-1/2-inch depth from the sump pit’s bottom.
  2. Carry the Watchdog combination sump pump system by its handle and lower it into the sump pit.
  3. Connect the discharge pipe with the union and tighten the hose clamp.
  4. Take the backup controller's wires and insert them through the hole in the top of the battery's box.
  5. Attach the backup pump by connecting its wires into the connector on the control unit’s back.
  6. Remove the battery cap from the second cell from the positive post. You’ll see an arrow pointing to this component.
  7. Replace the removed battery cap with the yellow battery lid included in the package.
  8. Insert the fluid sensor in the yellow cap’s hole. Ensure that the sensor goes all the way into the hole.
  9. Remove the wing nuts from the battery terminals. Then, connect the black wire to the negative charge and the red wire to the positive post. Secure these wires by reinstalling the wing nuts.
  10. Plug the primary pump into an available wall socket. Plug the rest of the wires into their appropriate sockets.
  11. Test the system if it functions properly.

Take note that most of the items needed for this installation should already be in the Watchdog Sump Pump’s package. However, you still need to close the sump pump with an appropriate lid. This cover will help protect the sump pump and pit from potential hazards like pests.

You may also want to connect this system to a dehumidifier. If so, read our guide on how to drain a basement dehumidifier to a sump pump for more information.

You can also watch the video below for a visual representation of the steps mentioned above:

How To Install a Basement Watchdog Battery Backup Sump Pump?

Like the installation procedure for the Basement Watchdog combination sump pump, make sure that you’re wearing protective gear before attempting to install this battery backup pump.

A sump pump in a home basement

Take note that you also need to secure some items that aren’t in the packaging. You'll need:

  • Basement Watchdog battery
  • Acid pack
  • Y connector
  • 45-degree elbow
  • 1-1/2-inch PVC pipe
  • PVC primer
  • PVC cement

After acquiring these items, you can proceed to the next steps:

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Unplug the primary pump and cut the discharge pipe about a foot above the floor.
  2. Attach a check valve on top of the discharge pipe. Secure it by tightening the bottom hose clamp.
  3. Cut a PVC pipe to a length that reaches the sump pit from a foot above the floor. Glue the pipe's adapter and screw it into the backup pump.
  4. Drill a 1/8-inch hole in the cut pipe. The hole should be at a 45-degree angle from the bottom.
  5. Lower and place the Basement Watchdog backup pump into the sump pit. It should be next to the main AC pump but both machines shouldn’t touch.
  6. Attach the Y connector and another PVC pipe that’ll go to the main pump.
  7. Attach another PVC pipe to the other opening of the Y connector. Connect a 45-degree elbow to this pipe. Complete the connection by attaching these fixtures to the backup pump.
  8. Fill the battery according to the owner's manual. Then, attach the float switch to the discharge pipe with a wire tie.
  9. Remove the security tag from the backup pump and plug this system at the back of the main control unit.
  10. Take out the wing nuts from the battery terminals and attach the appropriately colored wires to the correct posts. Secure these connections by reinstalling the wing nuts.
  11. Remove the black battery cap and replace it with the yellow cap included in the package.
  12. Insert the fluid sensor into the yellow cap’s hole, ensuring that it goes all the way into the battery.
  13. Connect the charger to the battery and plug it into a wall outlet.
  14. Test the system to check for issues in the installation.

Make sure to watch the video below to learn more details about this installation process:

You can also read our post on using Flex Seal to waterproof a basement for you to check if this option can go well with your sump pump.

How Long Does The Basement Watchdog Battery Last?

Basement Watchdog systems provide different battery capacities. For instance, the brand’s Emergency backup system may last up to 100 hours.

On the other hand, the Basement Watchdog Big Dog+ Connect unit may only provide half the longevity as compared to the Emergency unit.

Two household submersible pump with plastic housings on stone floor of courtyard. How To Install The Basement Watchdog

Final Words

Installation for Basement Watchdog sump pumps bears many similarities across the brand's different models. Some differences between each unit exist and certain models may require additional purchases.

Make sure that you're confident about your sump pump setup knowledge and skills before attempting these jobs to avoid pricey errors.

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