Anyone using the Basement Watchdog Big Dog?

[Paulsiu]

Doing a search on the forum, I notice several people recommended the Basement Watchdog Big Dog. When I look at the unit online, the review are mixed. I am most concern with the following youtube video:

It indicated that the Big Dog only pumped out 16 gpm with a 10 feet head, which is 1/2 the rated capacity. Owners of this system, do you notice that it doesn't pump as advertised? Did you encountered any problems with the unit?

Paul

 

[CountryBumkin]

I haven't used or heard of it.
But I'm skeptical of anything claimed on the internet. Any customer review provided on the internet has a 50% chance that its fake. If it were me I would just go with one of the "brand name pumps" then, IMO, you have a better chance of getting a good product and repair parts later (if ever needed many years later).

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

If it were me I would just go with one of the "brand name pumps"

Basement Watchdog is a well known big name brand.

 

[Paulsiu]

After further research, I found two different source that indicate the Big Dog pumps at half of the rated capacity. Since this is actually only 1 gpm higher than the Zoeller 507, it's not worth replacing the Zoeller with the big dog.

Paul

 

[7474]

Paul,

I would be interested in reading those sources as I am also researching back-up systems. Could you please provide links?

Thanks

 

[cdubs]

I installed the Basement Watchdog Big Dog in my basement about 5 years ago. The battery just died and needs to be replaced, but other than routine maintenance(adding distilled water) the pump and backup feature have performed flawlessly.

 

[Paulsiu]

Here's the info I got, one of the link is already on the first post:

Youtube Video testing the pumping:

Sumpdata, which no longer appear to exists, indicated that Zoeller tend to be accurate with their ratings. As a control, I tried a similar test on my current setup where I dumped measure amount of water into the pit until it triggers and then measure the time it takes to pump out. All are using a 10 foot head.

Primary: Hydromatic DA-1 25 GPM
Backup: Zoeller 507 15 gpm

While Zoeller did match his rated capacity, the Hydromatic was below capacity. I notice the following video:

I had initially thought that the Hydromatic below rate capacity was due to age. Now, I am thinking that it was like that to begin with. I am sure that the Big Dog will work under normal rain conditions, but I need it when the power goes out in a heavy rain storm after the ground is saturated and then the power goes out.

Paul

 

[Atomic1]

There's a big difference between gallons per minute and long-term reliability. If your foundation drain is exceeding the flow rate of the pump, you have bigger problems.

Battery backups are fine for about 5 hours, so they are not a save-all

 

[houndzilla]

Have you looked into water powered backup pumps? I know liberty pumps makes one, you need a backflow preventer. Utilized 2 gallons of city water to pump 1 gallon of sump water depending on your PSI. Needs a 3/4" or 1" line.