Q: Other than water, what maintenance should i do to the watchdog 24EP6 battery? Should i re-add acid after 5 years or replace battery?
Any ideas how to daisychain two of these batteries so both stay charged and double run time? Thanks jim by Mike Costello from New Jersey on August 04, 2012
A: Besides checking the battery terminals to insure that they are free of any corrosion and checking the acid level in the battery, the entire system, including your pumps, float switches and basins should be inspected every 3-4 months to insure they are performing properly and are free and clean of any debris that may impede their operation. Battery acid is only added once, at the initial start-up. Thereafter, if the cells are showing a low level, distilled water will be added. These batteries generally last a good 3-4 years before needing replacement. You could always take it to a local battery supplier or auto parts store to have the battery checked. They can test it and verify if it is ok and will still hold a charge or if it needs replacement. Only certain battery backup systems are capable of adding a second battery to double the run time as the system controller must be configured to handle this type of connection. The Basement Watchdog model 24EP6 is the smaller of the two basement Watchdog batteries and would not be the recommended battery of choice even if your system was capable. You would need to consider the model 30HDC140S for such an application. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: I have a sump pump installed in my home. It is plugged into the wall and is controlled by a float. I want to back it up with a battery in case power goes out. Do you have a battery that will work with my existing sump pump? by Steven Ramaekers from Nebraska on June 20, 2011
A: Unfortunately, it's not that easy. A 120 volt pump will not connect to a battery to provide backup in the event of a power outage. You would need to look at a BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM or an AUXILIARY POWER SYSTEM. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: If I buy a Basement Watchdog pump do I need a Basement Watchdog battery? by Karen from Illinois on January 03, 2011
A: You can use any deep cycle marine battery, as long as it is not maintenance-free. However, there are several advantages to using a Basement Watchdog battery. The Watchdog battery accommodates the system’s fluid sensor which will sound an alarm when the battery needs water…a very important feature, since a dry battery will not perform. In addition, Basement Watchdog batteries run longer per charge, and last years longer. A typical marine battery will last 2-4 years, while the Watchdog battery will last approximately 5-7 years. Basement Watchdog batteries are shipped dry (without acid) so they stay fresh on the shelf indefinitely, while wet batteries have a short shelf life.
Update 11/16/15: Basement Watchdog has changed this requirement around 2013 and their backup systems will now accept maintenance free batteries. Please refer to their updated installation manual for instructions on the proper method for this battery installation.
A battery backup sump pump is only as good as its battery.
If the battery fails during a power outage, the system is useless. In fact, nearly 80 percent of failures are due to dead batteries.
The entire Basement Watchdog system was designed around its unique battery.
Maintenance-free batteries sound appealing, but they lose power with age. If it sits in a warehouse or store shelf too long, the battery will be weak or dead when you buy it.
The Basement Watchdog battery, however, is shipped dry. Yes, you have to add the battery acid (sold separately) and distilled water, but your battery is fresh from the first use.
Plus, the Basement Watchdog battery features a unique cap to measure the water level in the battery. In all other batteries, the water slowly evaporates, rendering it useless when you need it.
The Basement Watchdog, however, signals an alarm, alerting you to add some water. Basically, you'll know if the battery needs maintenance before your basement floods -- not after.
A battery backup sump pump is only as good as its battery.
If the battery fails during a power outage, the system is useless. In fact, nearly 80 percent of failures are due to dead batteries.
The entire Basement Watchdog system was designed around its unique battery.
Maintenance-free batteries sound appealing, but they lose power with age. If it sits in a warehouse or store shelf too long, the battery will be weak or dead when you buy it.
The area that I live in has a lot of underground water. When we get heavy rains, the water comes up from underneath and my 2 sump pumps work overtime keeping up. I don't have much of a problem unless we lose electricity, then I have a major problem.
I have a back-up in the form of a portable generator, but if I am not home that does no good. I did have a small battery back-up system that was of lower quality and capacity.
Thanks to Sump Pumps Direct I have a good system in the Basement Watchdog to ease my worries. Everything shipped to my doorstep quickly and neatly. I will definitely call Sump Pumps Direct when I need anything else.
The area that I live in has a lot of underground water. When we get heavy rains, the water comes up from underneath and my 2 sump pumps work overtime keeping up. I don't have much of a problem unless we lose electricity, then I have a major problem.
I have a back-up in the form of a portable generator, but if I am not home that does no good. I did have a small battery back-up system that was of lower quality and capacity.
Thanks to Sump Pumps Direct I have a good system in the... more
Brand Rep
Art,
We thank you for your review. We appreciate your kind words.
This is my 2nd battery in 8 years, thought it was time to change it. My last battery was still running after 8 years, but knew that you should replace every 5. Good system and a great battery
Brand Rep
Nancy,
Thank you for sharing your experience with our battery. We really appreciate your review.
The client had experienced a water loss in a recently finished basement with no sump pump. Her aunt offered to provide one for her.
This unit was chosen because it offers a combination of the primary sump pump system with the battery back-up unit already assembled. The cost of the dual unit is considerably less than a separate add-on system, plus ease of assembly.
Once the pit had been dug and the preformed shell set in position, installation was much like installing a primary unit with only a couple simple additional connections for the battery and monitor system. There were no special brackets or additional plumbing connections required.
The client and I were very pleased with the product. We hope it will never be put to the test!
The client had experienced a water loss in a recently finished basement with no sump pump. Her aunt offered to provide one for her.
This unit was chosen because it offers a combination of the primary sump pump system with the battery back-up unit already assembled. The cost of the dual unit is considerably less than a separate add-on system, plus ease of assembly.
Once the pit had been dug and the preformed shell set in position, installation was much like installing a primary unit... more
Brand Rep
John,
Thank you for your review as we see that you have purchased a Dfk961 combination system and this battery to go with it. We Know that you and your client will be more than satisfied with its performance.
Product Manual
