THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Special CONNECT Battery Backup Sump Pump System

Introduction

This instruction manual provides comprehensive guidance for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Special CONNECT Battery Backup Sump Pump System (Model BWSP). This system is designed to offer reliable basement protection against flooding due to power outages, main pump failures, or excessive water. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation to ensure proper function and safety.

Figure 1: Overview of the THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Special CONNECT Battery Backup Sump Pump System components.

Safety Warnings & Instructions

Always observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury, electric shock, or property damage:

• Electrical Precautions: Ensure all power to the sump pump area is turned off at the main power supply before any installation or maintenance. Always handle the control unit with dry hands. Unplug the control unit and disconnect cables from the battery before maintenance. Do not expose the control unit to rain or snow.
• Battery Preparation: Sulfuric acid can cause blindness or severe burns. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. In the event of contact, flush with water and call a physician immediately. Keep out of reach of children.
• Battery Precautions: Explosive gases could cause serious injury or death. Cigarettes, flames, or sparks could cause battery to explode in enclosed spaces. Charge in a well-ventilated area. Always shield eyes and face from battery. Keep vent caps tight and level.
• General Safety: Do not use an extension cord unless absolutely necessary. Do not operate the control unit if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged. Do not disassemble the control unit.

Package Contents

The THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Special CONNECT Battery Backup Sump Pump System includes the following components:

• Controller
• Charger
• Dual Float Switch
• Backup Pump (BWSP)
• Battery Box (Battery sold separately)

Figure 2: Labeled components of the THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Special CONNECT system.

Setup & Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the reliable operation of your sump pump system. Follow these steps carefully.

1. Pipe Connection

You will be building a pipe connection from the backup pump to the discharge pipe of the primary pump. Ensure to dry-fit all PVC pieces together before gluing to allow for any necessary adjustments.

• Unplug the primary pump and cut its discharge pipe approximately one foot above the floor.
• Install a check valve on top of the primary pump's discharge pipe, ensuring the arrow on the check valve points upwards to prevent backflow. Tighten the bottom hose clamp.
• Cut a piece of PVC pipe to reach from the bottom of the sump pit to about one foot above the floor.
• Glue the pipe adapter onto this newly cut pipe and then screw it into the backup pump.
• Drill a 1/8-inch hole in the pipe above the backup pump at a 45-degree angle towards the bottom of the sump to prevent water splashing outside the sump pit. This also prevents airlock.
• Lower the backup pump with its PVC pipe attachment to the bottom of the sump pit, next to the main AC pump. Ensure the pumps do not touch each other.
• Attach a Y-connector to the primary pump's discharge pipe.
• Connect the PVC pipe from the backup pump to the Y-connector using a 45-degree elbow.
• Once the assembly is correct, take the pieces apart, prime, and cement all connections. Tighten all hose clamps on the check valves.

2. Float Switch Installation

The dual float switch provides double protection. Position the bottom of the float switch approximately 6 inches above the water line in the sump pit. Securely attach the float switch to the discharge pipe with a wire tie. Ensure it is turned away from the side of the pit where the drain tile empties to avoid splashing.

Figure 3: Diagram illustrating the dual float switch for redundant protection.

3. Battery Preparation & Connection

The battery is sold separately. If using a wet-cell battery, fill it with acid according to the manufacturer's directions. Connect the battery wires to the battery terminals: the black wire to the negative (-) post and the red wire to the positive (+) post. Replace the wingnuts and tighten them. Install the battery fluid sensor by removing the black battery cap that is second from the positive post and replacing it with the yellow cap provided. Insert the fluid sensor into the hole in the yellow cap, pressing it firmly until it reaches the connector. Do not bend the sensor rod.

Figure 4: THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Standby Battery, sold separately.

4. Controller Connection

Remove the security tag from the backup pump and plug the pump into the back of the control unit. Immediately plug the charger into the charger jack on the back of the control unit, then into an AC outlet on the wall. Secure the cover on the battery box. Plug in the main AC pump. For a neater installation, secure the cables to the discharge pipes in a couple places, ensuring wires are not touching or overlapping.

Operating Instructions

The control panel provides continuous monitoring of the pump, power, and battery conditions. It features easy-to-understand lights and alarms.

• System Operating Light: A green light indicates the system is operating normally.
• Charging Light: A green light indicates the battery is charging.
• Warning Lights: Red lights will illuminate next to specific icons (Battery, Fuse, Water, Pump, Power) to indicate an issue.
• Alarm: An audible alarm will sound when an issue is detected. Press and hold the yellow button for 1 second to test or reset the alarm. Press and hold for 5 seconds to silence any alarm for 24 hours.

Figure 5: The control panel displays system status and alerts.

Optional Wi-Fi Module

An optional Wi-Fi module (sold separately) can be connected to the system to receive alerts on your phone about any issues, allowing you to monitor your pump system remotely.

Figure 6: Optional Wi-Fi Module for remote monitoring of the sump pump system.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and reliability of your sump pump system.

• Battery Fluid Levels: If using a maintenance-free battery, ensure the fluid sensor is properly attached. For wet-cell batteries, check fluid levels every 6 months and add distilled water as needed.
• Fuses: The system uses a 20 amp auto fuse. If a fuse blows, replace it. If it blows again, replace the pump.
• Circuit Breaker: Periodically check the circuit breaker for the main AC pump.
• Pump Exercise: The system automatically exercises the backup pump weekly to keep it healthy.

Troubleshooting

The control panel's warning lights indicate specific issues and suggest corrective actions:

Specifications

Warranty & Support

The THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Special CONNECT Battery Backup Sump Pump System comes with a 2-year warranty.

For technical support or service, please refer to the contact information provided in your product packaging or visit the manufacturer's website.