#1 Home Improvement Retailer

Questions and Answers for Basement Watchdog 1/3 HP Combination Unit with Emergency Backup Sump Pump System

Internet #202042662

Model #DFK961

Store SKU #1000948507

  • Fits both wet cell and maintenance-free AGM batteries
  • Compact design fits into tight areas of use
  • Includes controller, charger, float switches, backup pump

Questions & Answers

28Questions
caret
Q:I need a pump with a 4 inch base or inlet
by|Apr 2, 2020
1 Answer
Answer This Question

A:  This pump has a diameter of 4.5” diameter with a 4” elbow coming out of one side. I would recommend contacting our customer support team at 800-991-0466, option 3, so we can discuss your application and find out which one of our products would be the best for you. We are available to take incoming calls from 9am – 5pm CT Monday through Friday.

by|Apr 2, 2020
    caret
    Q:My Watchdog is setup but squeals all the time unless I unplug the battery backup. I am then worri...
    by|Mar 22, 2020
    1 Answer
    Answer This Question

    A:  If you are having difficulty with the setup, you should contact our customer support team at 800-991-0466, option 3 to troubleshoot. We are available to take incoming calls from 9am – 5pm CT Monday though Friday.

    by|Mar 23, 2020
      caret
      Q:Can these pumps be completly submersed under water?
      by|Feb 1, 2019
      4 Answers
      Answer This Question

      A:  Yes, I bought one while I was finishing my daughter's basement. It is a very nice unit and the battery backup function gives some peace of mind if the choice is to use carpeting on the floor. It is currently in its second year of use and going strong.

      by|Feb 3, 2019

        A:  Yes. That's what they are made for. The additional battery that is needed and the control module and power supply cannot.

        by|Feb 2, 2019

          A:  Both of these pumps and their float switches are completely submersible. The electronics and the battery however, are not. For more information, please contact our customer support team at 800-991-0466, option 3. We are available to take incoming calls from 9am - 5pm CT Monday through Friday.

          by|Feb 1, 2019

            A:  Yes they can and should be completely submerses to work properly.

            by|Feb 2, 2019
              caret
              Q:Hello: I am thinking of placing an order online as its not available in local stores, does this c...
              by|Jan 2, 2019
              5 Answers
              Answer This Question

              A:  This system includes a control panel, DC pump, charger, float switch, battery box and yellow cap. It does not come with a battery. For more information please contact our customer support team at 800-991-0466, option 3. We are available to take incoming calls from 9am - 5pm CT Monday through Friday.

              by|Jan 5, 2019

                A:  No, the battery is not included. You'll need to purchase separately.

                by|Jan 3, 2019

                  A:  You have to buy the battery separate but it is available in store.

                  by|Jan 6, 2019

                    A:  You will need to buy the battery separately but it does come with the battery box.

                    by|Jan 3, 2019

                      A:  No, it does not come with a battery. The battery must be purchased separately. Basement Watchdog sells the battery as it has special caps to permit the continuous monitoring. Additionally, you will need to buy the battery acid.

                      by|Jan 3, 2019
                        caret
                        Q:Have the primary pump corrosion issues been addressed? I see many reviews of heavily corroded primary pumps.
                        by|Nov 24, 2018
                        0 Answer
                        Answer This Question
                        caret
                        Q:Where can I purchase a battery box for the large watchdog battery?
                        by|Nov 3, 2018
                        1 Answer
                        Answer This Question

                        A:  We only have one battery box size which fits all of our batteries. To order, please contact our customer support team at 800-991-0466, option 3. We are available to take orders over the phone from 9am – 5pm CT Monday through Friday.

                        by|Nov 5, 2018
                          caret
                          Q:will the backup pump work off AC if the primary fails and the battery is dead?
                          by|Jun 3, 2018
                          5 Answers
                          Answer This Question

                          A:  This battery backup pump has a DC motor so it needs a working battery to operate. This system will alarm to let you know when the battery goes bad and it is time to replace it. For more information, please contact our customer support team at 800-991-0466, option 3. We are available to take incoming calls from 9am – 5pm CT Monday through Friday.

                          by|May 5, 2023
                            1 found this answer helpful

                            A:  Yes, that's the beauty of this unit.

                            by|Oct 6, 2020

                              A:  No. The backup controller uses low wattage power supply to charge the battery. It is not sufficient to run the pump.

                              by|Apr 2, 2020
                                1 found this answer helpful

                                A:  No. The back up pump is powered by the battery alone. No battery, no back up pump

                                by|May 5, 2023
                                1 found this answer helpful

                                A:  No. The back up pup is connected to DC power only. So if the battery is dead the back up pump is dead. I might add that as a contractor, I have installed several of these systems and I like this system the least. The unit is extremely finicky, the controller errors out over the slightest issue then causes the whole system to fail. The battery life is not good and overall the system is not very reliable in my opinion. Get a simpler unit. This one has too many things that it tries to Do that trips up the whole idea of an emergency backup pump. My clients have had lots of issues with this model. Not a fan!

                                by|May 1, 2019
                                  2 found this answer helpful
                                  caret
                                  Q:Can I install it myself or do I need a plumber to do a installation. This will be a replacement for my existing sump pump which does not have any battery back up
                                  by|Apr 18, 2018
                                  6 Answers
                                  Answer This Question

                                  A:  Yes, it is very easy to install this unit yourself. Just follow the instructions and you will be fine.

                                  by|May 5, 2023

                                    A:  Provided your old pump is the same height and width as your new Watchdog pump, you can do it yourself. All you do is plop the new pump in the pit, stick the pvc piping into the Watchdog piping and tighten the screws. You then strap on the monitor onto some pipe where you can see it, easy to do using the plastic ties that are provided. Then you plug in all the stuff like the monitor, battery, etc. The battery itself has to be filled with acid, very easy to do since the acid container has a hose. The only problems I can see is if the existing pump is not the same width as your new pump, it may not fit in your pit. Also, if your old pump isn't the same height as your new pump, you may need to lengthen or shorten the pvc piping, which is not too difficult. They sell pvc piping, saws, and the purple glue at Home Depot. I replaced my pump by myself, and I am not handy. In my case, my old pump was the same Watchdog model as my new pump, so I had no problems. Hope this helps.

                                    by|May 5, 2023
                                    1 found this answer helpful

                                    A:  We make these systems as user-friendly as possible so they can be installed by people other than professional contractors. In addition to the user manual, we have video tutorials on our web site (www.basementwatchdog.com) and you can also contact our customer support team at 800-991-0466, option 3 and we can talk you through it. We are available to take incoming calls from 9am - 5pm CT Monday through Friday.

                                    by|Sep 24, 2020
                                      1 found this answer helpful

                                      A:  Easy to self-install. Previous to this combo unit, I installed a separate battery sump pump unit to work with my primary pump. This integrated unit is a breeze by comparison, particularly with check valves already in place.

                                      by|May 5, 2023

                                        A:  Yeah it was easy to install, at least in my context. Just unhook the old one, hook up the new one, and plug it all in! Hardest part was actually filling the battery with acid, which is a bit of a separate issue

                                        by|May 5, 2023

                                          A:  It depends, a plumber installed it for me.

                                          by|Sep 24, 2020
                                            1 found this answer helpful