1/3 HP Combination Unit with Emergency Backup Sump Pump System

We bought this combo in 2017 and saw the aluminum case of the primary pump disintegrate by the third year. Prior to that, we had a similar Basement Watchdog combination unit, which lasted only a year or so longer before that primary pump disintegrated. I had hoped the first situation was an anomaly, but apparently not. Both times, the plastic backup pumps looked dirty, but were not shedding their case metal like the primary pumps. I suspect that the rapid deterioration may be because (due to the legacy plumbing in our older home) the pump is handling laundry water along with ground water. The pump we'd had prior to the Watchdogs (it was from a different manufacturer) had been uneventfully in place for over 8 years, though, so I am disappointed by the short lifespan of these units in the same conditions. I only replaced that 8+ year pump with the first combo unit because I liked the idea of having a backup and wanted to be proactive. I still do like the idea of having a backup, so I called Glentronics support to explore options. From talking to the support person, I got the impression that the pump on this combo unit is only intended to handle clean water (e.g. ground water.) The part of the case that eroded so badly is (I think) made of aluminum. He recommended their BWSS model, which is made of stainless steel. So, I just bought one of those and bought a new backup pump (BWE) separately. I assembled my own "combo", and am hoping the stainless steel model will give me more than 3 years.

We bought Watchdog as we needed coverage when the power went off. so we purchase the basement watch dog in June 2017. we had to put the previous sump pump back in the other day as their is a hole in the wall of the big watchdog pump. Also the Watchdog pump out time is very short which makes the pump have to pump out way more. I can't believe the poor quality of this product. I would not recommend this product

When I test the backup, the motor runs for about 45 seconds and shuts by itself. Bottom is in water but it is not sucking the water. Just a humming sound. Not great for $900 investment for peace of mind. Waiting for solution from Glentronics.

So far so good. Quiet Pump. Very easy to install. My only conpkicom is the where it plugs in to my gfi the watchdogs box and the 12v pump charger don't fit very well in the same outlet. Over all happy the 12v pump works great and I do like the information center. I did not buy the watchdog battery I went with a deep cycle from an auto parts store and got a better battery. .... Picture is before I cleaned up wiring just testing it out.

The concept is great but in reality the quality just isn't there. The float started sticking regularly after only a year. Home Depot couldn't sell just a float so I had to order one online. Then less than a year later the main pump started spewing most of the water back into the pit through three holes that had blown out of the casing right in the middle of a big storm. The backup pump was overwhelmed and could not keep up. So after $290 for the system I have just spent another $450 within less that 2 years for a plumber to come out at night and install a $150 pump (which he says is a better pump anyway). Not impressed at all !!!

Easy to install and does the job. Have not had to test the battery backup yet but it’s great peace of mind. Bonus is its much quieter than the builder grade pump I had before. The old pump you could hear it running from upstairs but this one we never hear running. A bit pricey with the AGM battery but you get what you pay for.

Love this combination sump pump. Easy to install and works great. Definitely worth the price to have the protection and peace of mind.

I bought this one to replace an identical unit that lasted five years before the main pump failed. The battery backup saved our basement last summer during a power outage when many of our neighbours flooded.

The plug for the primary pump is very large. As a result, the outlet for the battery charger had to be plugged into an extension cord. Bad planning by their designers. Both plugs should fit in an outlet! The cover for the sump didn't have a slot. I could not run the wires through a hole since they were connected at both ends.

Good easy instructions. Started up with no problems. After 2 weeks did a test and everything worked good.. I feel I’m protected with my new basement flooring being installed in a few days

I gave it 4 stars because although it does the job and was fairly easy to install the main pump is however extremely noisy! It is much louder than my last 2 sump pumps.

Pump works fine but the float on the main went out less than a month after purchase and install. Kind of cheap product but you get what you pay for. I would have given less stars but customer service was very helpful and sent a new part in a few days at no charge.

Emergency alarm keeps going on for no reason and the wifi messaging needs improving. Every time I check on it with my phone the message says the alarms went off at the time I sent for the checkup. Otherwise very quiet, powerfull and so far dependable.

Controller failed within a day. Manufacture replaced it but it took 4 weeks to arrive. Back up pump saved day.

Buyers beware. This is a good product and goes in just as it should. The issue is that the secondary pump is much smaller in capacity than the primary. I called the Basement Watchdog engineers and they confirmed that the pump can only lift 10 feet vertical. I have roughly 11 feet and a slight (2 foot) offset from the sump to the exterior wall and the pump cannot keep up. I now have a primary sump pump with an alarm, i.e. the UPS pump does nothing. Much better than my original 20 year old pump, but very frustrating.

Very easy to install.

Prefer to set the backup pump at the same level of primary pump to pump more water out.

This review is based on 2 years of use. My requirements for a sump pump are stringent. It needed to fit into an 11" diameter sump pit. It needed to have a reliable battery backup attached. It needed to run 24/7/365. This unit meets those requirements, thus the 5 stars. Some background. Water flows into my sump pit year round. Right now the pump only runs once every 1-2 hours. In the spring, when the water table is high, and there is a heavy downpour, the pump runs every 10-15 seconds, for many hours. Maine has the least reliable electric service in the country. I need a good battery backup to handle those periods when the generator is off line, or the power goes out during the night. My previous pump used a diaphragm float switch, which would only last 2 years, max. This unit has a mechanical float switch with a backup, and is still working fine. Very pleased with this unit.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

Great concept and design. Very easy to install and set-up. After purchasing the externally battery, the overall system was reliable and consistent. At the two year mark, small pin hole leaks started to appear in the main pump aluminum cast housing. At first, confusing the leak for the back flow drainage vent, only to discover a month later a bigger problem when the system alarm went off. After witnessing the main pump in operation it was clear that more and larger holes had developed in the main casing along the bottom edge and sides of the pumps' cast. At this point, the main pump was simply swirling the water around the pit while the backup pump was extracting water.. I ordered a second replacement unit from HD and waited patiently during the covid delays (almost 30days) hoping the backup pump would last until delivery. In the end, the pumped lasted and the replacement unit was installed within a few minutes. Being new to having a sump pit how long should these system last? Because $500 ever two years is not a sustainable solution.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

Easy and compact.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

Pump stopped working after one hour of use. I will return the pump and seek an alternate solution.

Nice compact unit, very surprising on its durability and quiet as well .

Junk!

Very easy to install and works great. Much quieter than my old sump pump. Having the battery backup pump is great peace of mind in case there is a power failure.

My 2nd one. First one lasted 6 years. This time bought the maintenance-free battery.

Purchased recently. No difficulty to install-great clear instructions. Battery hookup was just as easy. Had question on free extended warranty when pump and battery bought together. Answered via email within 2 hours by Glentronics Customer Service Manager. Pump(s) works great.

This is great product and so easy to install. Really quiet.