Basement Watchdog BWSS User Manual

Basement Watchdog

Sump Pumps

Instruction Manual &

Safety Warnings

Important Safety Instructions

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. This manual contains important SAFETY WARNINGS and

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS for the Basement Watchdog pumps. You will need to refer to
it before attempting any installation or maintenance.
ALWAYS keep these instructions with the unit so that they will be easily accessible.
Failure to read and follow these warnings and instructions could result in property
damage, serious injury, or death.

 WARNING

• ALWAYS disconnect the pump from the power source before servicing or making

adjustments.

• NEVER handle the pump or motor with wet hands or when standing on a wet or damp

surface while the pump is plugged into the power source.

• MAKE SURE THERE IS A PROPERLY GROUNDED RECEPTACLE AVAILABLE. This pump is

wired with a 3-prong grounded plug. To reduce the risk of electric shock, be certain that
it is only connected to a properly grounded, 3-prong receptacle. If you have a 2-prong
receptacle, have a licensed electrician replace it with a 3-prong receptacle according to
local codes and ordinances.

• NEVER bypass grounding wires or remove the ground prong from the plug.

• DO NOT use an extension cord. The electrical outlet should be within the length of the

pump’s power cord, and at least 4 feet above the floor level to minimize potential
hazards from flood conditions.

• DO protect the electrical cord from sharp objects, hot surfaces, oil, and chemicals. Avoid

kinking the cord.

• MAKE SURE the supply circuit has a fuse or circuit breaker rated to handle the power

requirements noted on the nameplate of the pump.

 CAUTION

• DO NOT use the power cord or strain relief to carry the pump. Use the pump handle.

• DO NOT expose the control unit to rain or snow.

• DO NOT operate the pump or control unit if it has been damaged in any way.

• DO NOT use sump pumps in pits handling raw sewage, salt water, or hazardous liquids.

• DO NOT disassemble the pump or control unit. When service is required, contact

Glentronics technical support at 800-991-0466, option 3. Return the product to the
manufacturer for any repairs at the following address:

Risk of electric shock. To reduce this risk, observe the
following precautions.

To reduce the risk of hazards that can cause injury or
property damage, observe the following precautions.

Glentronics, Inc.

645 Heathrow Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Items included:

Pump
Dual float and controller
Stainless steel hose clamp
2" x 1-1/2" reducer adapter

(on 3/4 HP pump only)

You may also need:

1-1/2” or 2" rigid PVC pipe to
connect to the existing plumbing

A check valve or union
PVC pipe cleaner and cement

Note:

The 3/4 HP pump will accomodate a 2" discharge pipe. However, most
homes have 1-1/2" pipes. Therefore we have included a 2" x 1-1/2"
reducer adapter with this pump. You may replace your 1-1/2" discharge
pipe with a 2" discharge pipe, and a 2" adapter to obtain the optimum
gallons per hour.

1-1/2”

discharge

Specifications 1/2 HP Model BWT050 3/4 HP Model BWT075

GPH @ 0’ 4100 5300
GPH @ 10’ 2770 3630
Pump diameter 7.375” 9.75”
Volts 115V, 60Hz 115V, 60Hz
Amps 3.8 4.8

2”

discharge

1/2 HP Pump

BWT050

3/4 HP Pump

BWT075

The Dual Float

& Controller

• When a check valve is used, a 1/8 in. (3.2mm) air bleed hole must be drilled

PUMP
W

IRE

AIR BLEED

HOLE

FLOOR
JOIST

SLOPE

P

IPE

DOWN

DISCHARGE

PIPE

GATE

VALVE

UNION/CHECK

VALVE

BASEMENT
WATCHDOG
PUMP

DOUBLE

FLOAT

BRICKS

DRAIN TILE

FLOAT WIRE

DUAL FLOAT CONTROLLER

PLUGGED INTO

AC OUTLET

PIT COVER

DISCHARGE

PIPE

GATE

VALVE

UNION/CHECK

VALVE

DUAL FLOAT CONTROLLER

PLUGGED INTO

AC OUTLET

PUMP

WIRE

FLOAT

WIRE

in the PVC pipe above the pump. Drill the hole at a 45° angle toward the
bottom of the sump to avoid splashing water outside the sump pit. Make sure
the hole is above the water line, and below the check valve. If a hole is not
drilled above the pump, an air lock may prevent the pump from operating.

• The control unit must receive 115V AC +/- 5% and 60 Hz from the AC outlet.

• These primary pumps will not provide protection during a power outage. With the
risk of property damage from high water levels, the addition of a Basement
Watchdog battery backup sump pump system is highly recommended.

• After the initial installation, be sure to check the operation by filling the sump
with water and observing the pump operation through one full cycle.

• For continuous duty operation, the pump must be submerged at least 3/4 of the
depth of the pump at all times.

• In instances where the discharge line is exposed to freezing temperatures, the pipe
must be sloped downward so any remaining water will drain out. Failure to do so
will prevent water from exiting the sump and damage the pump if the line freezes.

Installation Instructions

Prior to Installation

1. Visually inspect your pump. Products may be damaged during shipping. If the
product has been damaged, contact your place of purchase or Glentronics, Inc.
before installation.

2. Thoroughly read the instructions provided to learn specific details regarding
installation and use. This manual should be retained for future reference.

 WARNING

1. Use a pit that conforms to all local codes
and is large enough to accommodate the
pump and float switch. The minimum
requirements for the 1/2 HP pump with
the double float assembly are 8⬙ in
diameter and 14⬙ deep, for the 3/4 HP
pump they are 10" in diameter and 16"
deep. However, larger sump pits are

preferred, since they will extend the
discharge cycle and reduce the number
of times the pump turns on.

2. Clean the pit of all debris. The pump’s
strainer must be kept clear.

3. The pump should not be set directly onto
a clay, earthen, or sand base. You may
install bricks or blocks under the pump
to provide a solid base.

4. The pump should be level.

5. Install discharge plumbing according to
local, regional and state codes. Rigid
PVC pipe is recommended.

6. An in-line check valve is recommended to
prevent back-flow. This check valve is
mandatory when sharing a discharge line
with another pump (i.e. a back-up pump or a second primary pump).
(a) When a check valve is used, a 1/8 in. (3.2mm) air bleed hole must be

drilled in the PVC pipe above the pump. Drill the hole at a 45° angle
toward the bottom of the sump to avoid splashing water outside the sump
pit. Make sure the hole is above the water line, and below the check valve.
If a hole is not drilled above the pump, an air lock may prevent the pump
from operating.

7. Install a gate valve or ball valve if required by any codes.

8. The pipe must be positioned in a downward slope so any remaining water will drain
away. Failure to do this will prevent water from exiting the
pit and damage the pump if the line freezes.

9. If you are replacing an old sump pump:
(a) Unplug the pump from the outlet.
(b) Loosen the check valve or rubber union by unscrewing the

bottom hose clamp. (If the existing system is installed
without a check valve or rubber union, saw the pipe apart
above the sump pit.)

NOTICES

This installation must be in accordance with the National
Electric Code and all applicable local codes and ordinances.

9B

9C

9D

9F

(c) Remove the old pump and unscrew the pipe and adapter.
(d) If the adapter fits into the new pump, screw the pipe into the pump. If not,

cut a piece of rigid PVC pipe and connect it to the new adapter by cleaning and
cementing the two pieces together. (Follow the instructions on the PVC cleaner
and cement.)

(e) Loosen the enclosed stainless steel hose clamp by turning the screw

counterclockwise and slip it over the pipe on top of the pump.

(f) Hold the float switch against the discharge pipe so the cage is below the

bracket.

(g) Position the bottom of the float at the height you want the pump to activate

and turn the screw clockwise to tighten the hose clamp, but do not tighten it

completely at this time.
(h) Lower the pump into the sump by the handle.
(i) To avoid debris pouring into the float, it should be positioned on the side of the

discharge pipe opposite the drain tile. Note: It is desirable to mount the float
below the drain tile that empties into the pit. Mounting it above the drain tile

would allow water to fill the drain tile before the pump is activated. (See diagram).
(j) Once the switch is in the desired position, tighten the hose clamp.
(k) Connect the pipe on the pump to the existing discharge pipe with a rubber

union or check valve and tighten the hose clamps securely.

Connecting the Pump and Controller

 WARNING

Dual Float Controller

Plug the control box into a properly
grounded, 3-prong receptacle, then insert
the pump plug into the receptacle on the
control box.

For a neater installation, secure the power
cord and the float switch cord to the
discharge pipe with wire ties or hose
clamps. Keep the cords separated from each
other on opposite sides of the pipe.

Completing the Installation

1. After the initial installation, be sure to
check the pump operation by filling the sump with water and observing the pump
through one full cycle. The pump should run for 10 seconds after the lower float
drops. Note: When the pump activates, it should have a “normal pumping” sound.

Any abnormal sound, vibration, or lack of output is the signal of a problem. Stop
the pump and refer to the troubleshooting guide.

2. Replace the pit cover making sure not to pinch or crimp the pump wire with the
cover. The pit cover either has a ‘hole punch’ that will allow the cord to be passed
through or one can be drilled in the cover.

Make sure the outlet is single phase, 115V and 60HZ
for all the pump installations.

Product Operation

Dual Float Switch

The dual float switch contains two large floating rings enclosed
within a protective cage. Water will lift the bottom float by a

1

⁄4⬙, which will activate the pump. If for any reason the lower
float does not activate the pump, the water will rise and
activate the second switch. As the pump evacuates the water
from the pit the floats will drop. The pump will run for an
additional 10 seconds to extend the cycle after the lower float
drops. Note: When mounting the float switch, position the

bottom of the cage at the height you want the pump to activate.

2