BASEMENT WATCHDOG SP Series Primary Sump Pump Instruction Manual

BASEMENT WATCHDOG SP Series Primary Sump Pump

FAQs

Q: What should I do if the pump is damaged during shipping?

A: Contact your place of purchase or Glentronics, Inc. before installation for further assistance.

Q: How do I ensure the pump operates correctly with a check valve?

A: Drill a 1/8″ air bleed hole in the PVC pipe above the pump to prevent air lock issues.

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

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

• 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 dedicated fuse or circuit breaker rated to handle the power requirements noted on the nameplate of the pump.

CAUTION

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

• DO NOT use the power cord or strain relief to carry the pump. Use the pump handle.
• DO NOT operate the pump if it has been damaged in any way.
• DO NOT use sump pumps in pits handling raw sewage, salt water, or hazardous liquids. This pump is for groundwater use only.
• DO NOT use in continuous duty applications such as fountain ponds. This pump is rated for intermittent use only.
• DO NOT disassemble the pump or float switch. 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:

Glentronics, Inc., 645 Heathrow Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069

• When installing or replacing a primary sump pump you should also install a battery backup sump pump system.

Specifications

Specifications| 1/3 HP Model SP-33T| 1/2 HP Model SP-50T
---|---|---
GPH @ 0’| 3700| 3900
GPH @ 10’| 2800| 3100
Pump diameter| 9.5”| 9.5”
Volts| 115V, 60Hz| 115V, 60Hz
Amps| 4.2| 5.5

Items Included

• Pump with tether float switch

You may also need

• A 1-1/2” PVC pipe adapter to screw into the discharge hole near the bottom of the pump
• 1-1/2” rigid PVC pipe to connect to the existing plumbing
• A check valve or rubber union
• PVC pipe cleaner and cement
• Wire ties or hose clamps

NOTICES

• The Basement Watchdog SP-33T and SP-50T come equipped with a built-in air relief valve located near the bottom of the pump, next to the outlet. While the pump is active, some water may come out of the valve. This is normal. The valve is needed to prevent an air lock within the pump. DO NOT obstruct the air relief valve or an air lock may prevent the pump from activating. When a check valve is used, a 1/8” (3.2mm) air bleed hole must be drilled in the PVC pipe above the pump. Drill the hole at a 45º 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.
• 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 several full cycles.
• 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

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

1. Use a pit that conforms to all local codes and is large enough to accommodate the pump and float switch. The minimum requirements are 18 in diameter and 22 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 inlet must be kept clear.

3. The pump should not be set directly onto a clay, earthen, or sand base. You should 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. A 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 backup pump or a second primary pump).

   • (a) When a check valve is used, a
     A 1/8” (3.2mm) air bleed hole must be drilled in the PVC pipe above the pump. Drill the hole at a 45º 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. In instances where the discharge line is exposed to freezing temperatures, the pipe must be positioned on 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:

10. (a) Unplug the pump from the outlet.

11. (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, see the pipe apart above the sump pit.)
3.  **(c)** Remove the old pump and unscrew the pipe and adapter.
4.  **(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 a 1-1/2” PVC adapter by cementing the two pieces together. (Follow the instructions on the PVC cleaner and cement.) Then screw the new piece into the pump.
5.  **(e)** Lower the pump into the sump by the handle.
6.  **(f)** To avoid debris pouring onto the float, it should be positioned on the side of the discharge pipe opposite the drain tile. (See diagram). The tethered float switch must be moving freely at all 9D times. Make sure the float switch does not come into contact with other pumps, wires, pipes or any other object that may be in the sump pit. The float switch must not come into contact with the sump pit floor or wall. If the float switch does not move freely the pump will not activate.

Connecting the Pump

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

Plug the pump directly into a properly grounded, 3-prong receptacle. For a neater installation, secure the power cord to the discharge pipe with wire ties or hose clamps. Keep any 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 several full cycles. The tethered float switch must be moving freely at all times. If the float switch does not move freely the pump will not activate. Be sure to check the pump is turning on and off at the intended levels. Note: The pump should have a “normal pumping” sound. Any abnormal sound, vibration, or lack of output from the discharge pipe is the signal of a problem.  Stopthe 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.

Product Operation

Tether Float Switch

The tether float switch contains a single large float. Water will lift the float switch to activate the pump. As the pump evacuates the water from the pit the float switch will drop and turn off the pump. To adjust the float switch, loosen the screw on the “P” type clamp holding the float switch wire. Adjust the wire to the desired length and then tighten the screw. DO NOT shorten the tether length to less than 4”. After any adjustment of the float switch be sure to check the pump operation by filling the sump with water and observing the pumpthrough several full cycles. The tethered float switch must be moving freely at all times. If the float switch does not move freely the pump will not activate.

Maintenance Check List

Maintenance should be performed 1-2 times per year.

1. Remove all debris from the bottom of the pit and the pump strainer.
2. Remove all debris floating in the water.
3. Remove all debris from the float switch.
4. Remove all debris around the air bleed hole.
5. Fill the pit with water. Make sure the pump turns on at the intended level.
6. Make sure the tether float switch is moving freely.
7. While the pump is running, make sure the pump is evacuating water at a good pace.
8. While the pump is running, make sure a stream of water is escaping from the air bleed hole near the bottom of the pump and the air bleed hole in the PVC pipe. If not, clear the hole of any deposits or debris.

Backup Installation

When the power goes out, the Basement Watchdog AC sump pumps will not operate. For protection during a power outage, a Basement Watchdog battery backup system can be installed. There are three systems with matching batteries that will provide protection.
The illustration at right is an example of a typical battery backup installation.

Visit our website www.basementwatchdog.com for more information about the Basement Watchdog AC sump pumps and battery backup sump pump products.

Troubleshooting

(Always unplug the pump from the controller before performing any maintenance)

The pump will not start or run

| The pump is not plugged in| Plug the pump in properly (see instructions)
---|---|---
The water is not high enough to activate the pump| Make sure the float switch is positioned properly
Open circuit| Check the circuit breaker or fuse
Poor power source| Check circuit line wires and cable
Low voltage| Check line wires and source voltage
Bad power cable| Replace with new cable*
Locked impeller| Remove the strainer and clear the obstruction
Defective float switch| Replace float switch with new float switch
Defective pump| Replace pump with new pump

Thermal protector tripping or not functioning

| Locked impeller| Remove strainer and clear obstruction
Incorrect power supply| Check the power supply source and voltage
Overburdened due to heavy sand content in the water| Use a water filter or replace it with a higher-wattage pump
Pump runs continuously with no water present| Check float switch
The pump starts and stops too frequently| Water flowing back from the pipe| Install or replace the check valve

The pump will not shut off

| Clogged or frozen discharge| Clear blockage or thaw frozen line
Blocked intake| Clear debris from the intake
The float switch is obstructed and can not drop down| Clear debris from the float switch
Check valve installed with no air bleed hole in pipe or pump| Drill a bleed hole in the discharge pipe, or clean debris from the existing hole in the pipe or pump
The check valve is stuck or installed upside down| Reverse or replace the check valve. Make sure the check valve is installed with the flow arrow pointing up and out of the pit.

Insufficient or no water volume

| The check valve on the secondary pump will not close and water re-circulates within the system| Replace the check valve on the secondary pump
Partially blocked impeller| Clear obstruction
Clogged or frozen discharge| Clear blockage or thaw frozen line
Broken or leaking pipe| Repair piping
Low power voltage| Check power voltage, wires and cable condition
Check valve installed with no air bleed hole in pipe or pump| Drill a bleed hole in the discharge pipe, or clean debris from the existing hole in the pipe or pump
Check valve is stuck or installed upside down| Reverse or replace the check valve. Be sure check valve is installed with flow arrow pointing up and out of the pit
Pump is air locked| Remove debris from the air relief valve

Abnormal sound or vibration

| Check valve on secondary pump will not close and water re-circulates within the system| Replace the check valve on the secondary pump
Blocked intake| Clear debris from intake
Broken impeller| Replace impeller with new one
Discharge PVC pipes not properly secured| Secure discharge PVC pipes with appropriate hardware

Consult a licensed electrician. If the above solutions do not solve the problem, contact Glentronics customer service at 800-991-0466, option 3.

Limited Warranty

By opening this package and using this ELECTRONICS, INC. product, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of the ELECTRONICS, INC. limited warranty (“warranty”) as set out below. Do not use your product until you have read the terms of the warranty.  If you do not agree to the terms of the warranty, do not use the product and return it within the return period stated on your purchase receipt from the retail store or authorized distributor where you purchased it for a refund. To the extent permitted by law, this warranty and the remedies set forth are exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, remedies, and conditions, whether oral, written, statutory, express, or implied. ELECTRONICS, INC. disclaims all statutory and implied warranties, including without limitation, warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and warranties against hidden or latent defects, to the extent permitted by law. ELECTRONICS, INC. will not be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damages for breach of any express or implied warranties on this product. In so far as such warranties cannot be disclaimed, GLENTRONICS, INC. limits the duration and remedies of such warranties to the duration of this express warranty and,  ATGLENTRONICS, INC.’s option, the repair or replacement services described below. Some states (countries and provinces) do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty (or condition) may last, so the limitation described above may not apply to you. Any and all causes of action arising from, filed as a result of, or in reference to, this warranty or the products described under this warranty shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Illinois. Any cause of action arising from, filed as a result ofor in reference to, this warranty or the products described under this warranty shall be filed only in the Circuit Court of the 18th Judicial District, Lake County, Waukegan, Illinois, or in the Northern District of Illinois if filed in Federal Court. The maximum liability for any product described in this warranty shall be the cost of product replacement only. If any term is held to be illegal or unenforceable, the legality or enforceability of the remaining terms shall not be affected or impaired.

What is Covered by this Warranty?

ELECTRONICS, INC. warrants to the end purchaser that its pumps, switch, and control unit products are free from defective materials and workmanship for the periods indicated below: All parts and labor (excluding installation) for a period of:

• 1 year from the date of purchase, when used intermittently as a sump pump
• The defective product must be returned directly to the factory, postage prepaid with the original bill of sale or receipt to the address listed below. GLENTRONICS, INC., at its option, will either repair or replace the product and return it postage prepaid.

What is NOT Covered by this Warranty?

• This warranty does not cover the cost or value of a damaged property, including expressly any property that has been affected by water overflow, seepage, or flooding. If ELECTRONICS, INC. determines that a product is deemed defective under this warranty agreement, it will repair or replace the PRODUCT ONLY. GLENTRONICS, INC. will not cover the cost of reinstalling the product, nor will GLENTRONICS, INC. pay the cost of having a plumber or contractor repair or replace the product. ELECTRONICS, INC. will not repair or replace a product that was installed incorrectly. A product shall be considered “installed incorrectly” when it deviates in any way from the instructions described in this manual. This warranty does not cover product problems resulting from handling liquids hotter than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, handling inflammable liquids, solvents, strong chemicals or severe abrasive solutions; user abuse; misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, commercial or industrial use; improper connection or installation, damages caused by lightning strikes; excessive surges in AC line voltage; water damage to the controller; other acts of nature, or failure to operate in accordance with the enclosed written instructions. How to Obtain Warranty Service Within thirty (30) days of the product’s defective performance, the unit must be shipped, freight prepaid, or delivered to GLENTRONICS, INC. to provide the services described hereunder in either its original carton and inserts or a similar package affording an equal degree of protection. Products not received by PLANTRONICS, INC. at the address indicated below within thirty (30) days of the product’s defective performance will not be considered for warranty service. Products received after the above-mentioned timeframe, fall outside of the time frame for warranty service and will not be eligible for warranty service. The product must be returned to GLENTRONICS, INC. for inspection in order to be considered for warranty service. If the product is not returned to GLENTRONICS, INC. or the product is inspected by any person, plumber, contractor, or business other than GLENTRONICS, INC., this warranty shall no longer be valid. Prior to defective operation, the unit must not have been previously altered, repaired or serviced by anyone other than ELECTRONICS, INC., or its agent; the serial number on the unit must not have been altered or removed; the unit must not have been subject to accident, misuse, abuse or operated contrary to the instructions contained in the accompanying manual. The dealer’s dated bill of sale or installer’s invoice must be retained as evidence of the date of purchase and to establish warranty eligibility.

Where are Products Sent for Warranty Service?

• Glentronics, Inc., 645 Heathrow Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069

How Can I Obtain More Information?

• By calling 800-991-0466.

References

• Backup, AC and Combo Sump Pumps | Basement Watchdog

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