|
The pump runs continuously, what do I do?
|
|
Make sure the float switch is properly mounted with the round float hanging below the metal bracket. Make sure the bracket is straight, not on an angle. Once the float switch is activated it starts a timer that will run the pump about 40-60 seconds before it shuts off. This way it will empty all the water in the sump pit. It will not damage the pump if it runs dry after all the water has been discharged from the sump.
|
 |
| Back To Top |
|
No water is being pumped out of the sump pit, what’s wrong?
|
|
The first thing to check is the installation of the pump. Make sure the pump is plugged in to the back of the control unit. Second, if a check valve has been used in the installation, make sure it is installed correctly. It should allow the water to flow upward. If it is upside down, no water can pass through it. There is an arrow on the valve. Make sure it is pointing up. If you are using 2 check valves, both check valves must be installed below the “Y” connector. Finally, make sure a 1/8” hole has been drilled in the PVC pipe about 3 inches above the pump. (See next tip)
|
 |
| Back To Top |
| Why drill the 1/8" hole in the PVC
pipe? |
|
The purpose of the 1/8” hole is to prevent the pump from becoming air locked. A pump that is air locked cannot pump water. This hole should be drilled approximately 3 inches above the pump at a 45° angle directed downward so the water will flow back into the sump.
|
 |
| Back To Top |
|
Can I connect two batteries together?
|
| Only if they are used on the Basement Watchdog
AC/DC system(Big Dog). To do this, the two batteries
need to be hooked up in parallel (+) to (+) and
(-) to (-). A special cable can be ordered directly
from the manufacturer by calling Glentronics at
800-991-0466 extension 12. |
| Back To Top |
|
How does the pumping capacity of this pump compare to an AC pump?
|
- The pump in the Basement Watchdog AC/DC system
is approximately the same as a 1/3 HP AC pump.
- The pump in the Basement Watchdog Special is approximately half way between a 1/3 and ¼ HP AC pump.
- The pump in the Basement Watchdog Emergency system is slightly less than a ¼ HP AC pump.
|
| Back To Top |
|
Why use a Basement Watchdog battery?
|
|
The Basement Watchdog batteries have been designed specifically to work with the Basement Watchdog backup systems. They are the only batteries that accommodate the fluid sensor, a very important feature for maintaining battery performance. They are constructed to provide longer pumping times than most other batteries, and to last longer in a standby mode…usually 5 to 7 years.
|
| Back To Top |
| Why is the “battery fluid low” alarm
on even after the cells are filled to the proper
level? |
| The first thing to check is the placement of
the fluid sensor. It should be in the second cell
from the positive (+) terminal of the battery. If
it is in any other cell, it is not measuring correctly.
Make sure all 2½ inches of the sensor is inserted
in the pre-drilled hole in the battery cap. |
 |
| Back To Top |
|
Explain “clean battery terminals”.
|
|
Over time, corrosion forms on the terminals that connect the battery to the unit. This corrosion is common, but if it is not cleaned off, the battery will not charge properly. The Watchdog has the ability to detect this corrosion and will sound an alarm when it needs cleaning. Use a stiff wire brush or sandpaper to clean the battery terminal posts, the rings on the end of the battery cable, and the wing nuts until they are shiny. See the manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions.
|
  |
| Back To Top |
|
Why can’t I use a sealed or maintenance-free battery?
|
| Basement Watchdog systems were designed around
the Basement Watchdog batteries, which are not sealed.
Sealed batteries or maintenance free batteries are
made out of different materials. They respond to
a charge and discharge differently, and the Basement
Watchdog sump pump systems notice the difference.
The older Basement Watchdog Special system will
sound an alarm as if there was a battery problem
if you use a sealed battery. |
| Back To Top |
|
Why does my battery smell like rotten eggs when I fill it with acid?
|
| The smell of rotten eggs is common when the battery
is filled for the first time. When you fill the
battery with acid, the initial reaction between
the plates and the acid produces sulfur dioxide.
It smells like rotten eggs, but it is harmless and
will dissipate within a short time. |
 |
| Back To Top |
| Do I have to charge the battery after
I add the acid? |
| No. By adding the acid you are activating the
battery. After adding the acid, the battery will
be charged 80% to 90% within 15 minutes. It can
be used immediately, and the system will complete
the charging process once the charger is plugged
into the wall. |
| Back To Top |
|
How often should I add water to the battery?
|
| Add water to the system when the “battery fluid
low” alarm sounds. For the Basement Watchdog AC/DC
system, water may need to be added approximately
once a year. For the Basement Watchdog Special or
Emergency system, water may need to be added every
6 to 9 months. Time may be shortened if a battery
has been used frequently or for long periods of
time. If you are adding water more frequently the
system may be overcharging the battery, and it needs
to be serviced. |
 |
| Back To Top |
|
How long does it take to fully charge a battery after is has been used extensively?
|
| It depends on the size of the battery and the
sump pump system that is doing the charging. The
AC/DC system has a powerful 20-amp charger that
will charge a discharged battery in approximately
6 hours. The chargers on the Basement Watchdog Special
and Emergency systems are less powerful trickle
chargers, and they will take several days to recharge
a battery. You could take the battery to a service
station for a quicker charge, or hook the battery
up to an automotive charger if you have one. You
must disconnect the control unit if you use another
charger. |
| Back To Top |
|
Where do I find the serial number?
|
|
The serial number labels are located on the back of the control units (the boxes with all the lights), not on the pump. |
|
On the Basement Watchdog A/C-D/C system, the serial number is on the back of the blue control unit. |
 |
|
On the Basement Watchdog Special, the serial number is on the back of the black control unit on the top of the battery box. |
 |
|
On the Basement Watchdog Emergency system, the serial number is on the back of the yellow control unit. |
 |
| Back To Top |
| Can my carbon monoxide detector go off
near the battery? |
| Occasionally because a carbon monoxide detector
cannot differentiate between sulfur dioxide and
carbon monoxide. Sulfur dioxide, which is emitted
by the battery, is not harmful. Move the carbon
monoxide detector a little further away from the
battery. |
| Back To Top |
|
Does my warranty start from the date of purchase or the date of installation?
|
|
The warranty on all Basement Watchdog products begins at the date of purchase.
|
| Back To Top |
|
Where can I get help?
|
Glentronics, Inc. technical service: 800-991-0466,
option 3
E-mail: mail@glentronics.com
|
| Back To Top |
