Glentronics Basement Watchdog SIT-33D

To Next Page

Specifications 1/3 HP Model SIT-33D 1/2 HP Model SIT-50D

GPH @ 0’ 3720 4400

GPH @ 10’ 3100 3540

Pump diameter 6.2” 6.2”

Volts 115V, 60Hz 115V, 60Hz

Amps 3.5 4.2

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.

• 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.

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

• DO NOT pull on the float switch cord.

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

• DO NOT place the controller on the floor. The electrical outlet should be within the

length of the pump’s power cord and at least 4 ft above the floor.

• 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.

This product is for ground water use only.

• 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:

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.

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.

Basement Watchdog

Sump Pumps

Instruction Manual &

Safety Warnings

Items Included:

Pump

Dual float and controller

Stainless steel hose clamp

You may also need:

A 1-1/2” PVC pipe adapter to screw

into the discharge hole on top 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

The Dual Float

& Controller

1/2 HP Pump

SIT-50D

1/3 HP Pump

SIT-33D

Models SIT-33D

and

SIT-50D

WARNING

CAUTION

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Glentronics Basement Watchdog SIT-33D and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: Electric Shock Precautions

Safety warnings regarding electric shock, grounding, and power connections.

CAUTION: Hazard Prevention

Precautions to avoid injury or property damage, including handling, environment, and maintenance.

Installation Instructions

Prior to Installation

Steps to take before beginning pump installation, including inspection and reading instructions.

Connecting the Pump and Controller

Guidance on properly connecting the pump and controller to the electrical outlet.

Completing the Installation

Final checks and steps after installation, including testing pump operation.

Product Operation: Dual Float Switch

Explanation of the dual float switch mechanism and how it controls pump activation.

Dual Float Controller and Operation

Dual Float Controller Function

Explanation of the dual float controller's role in pump activation and shut-off.

Continuous Duty Operation

Guidelines for using the pump in continuous duty applications like fountains or ponds.

Maintenance Check List

Regular maintenance tasks for the sump pump system to ensure optimal performance.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solutions for common pump problems like not starting, stopping frequently, or shutting off.

Limited Warranty

Warranty Coverage

Details on what is covered by the product warranty, including parts and labor.

Warranty Exclusions

Specific conditions and damages not covered by the limited warranty.

Obtaining Warranty Service

Instructions on how to get service and where to send products for warranty claims.

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: Electric Shock Precautions

Safety warnings regarding electric shock, grounding, and power connections.

CAUTION: Hazard Prevention

Precautions to avoid injury or property damage, including handling, environment, and maintenance.

Installation Instructions

Prior to Installation

Steps to take before beginning pump installation, including inspection and reading instructions.

Connecting the Pump and Controller

Guidance on properly connecting the pump and controller to the electrical outlet.

Completing the Installation

Final checks and steps after installation, including testing pump operation.

Product Operation: Dual Float Switch

Explanation of the dual float switch mechanism and how it controls pump activation.

Dual Float Controller and Operation

Dual Float Controller Function

Explanation of the dual float controller's role in pump activation and shut-off.

Continuous Duty Operation

Guidelines for using the pump in continuous duty applications like fountains or ponds.

Maintenance Check List

Regular maintenance tasks for the sump pump system to ensure optimal performance.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solutions for common pump problems like not starting, stopping frequently, or shutting off.

Limited Warranty

Warranty Coverage

Details on what is covered by the product warranty, including parts and labor.

Warranty Exclusions

Specific conditions and damages not covered by the limited warranty.

Obtaining Warranty Service

Instructions on how to get service and where to send products for warranty claims.

The Basement Watchdog Sump Pumps, models SIT-33D and SIT-50D, are designed to prevent flooding by efficiently removing groundwater from sump pits. These pumps are intended for ground water use only and should not be used for raw sewage, salt water, or hazardous liquids. They are equipped with a dual float and controller system for automatic operation, ensuring reliable performance when water levels rise.

Function Description:

The primary function of these sump pumps is to activate automatically when water in the sump pit reaches a predetermined level, pumping it out through a discharge pipe. The dual float switch is a key component of this system. It features two large floating rings enclosed within a protective cage. When the water level rises, the bottom float lifts by approximately 1/4 inch, activating the pump. If the lower float fails to activate for any reason, the water will continue to rise and activate the second switch, providing a redundant safety mechanism. Once the pump evacuates the water, the floats drop, and the pump continues to run for an additional 10 seconds to extend the cycle and ensure thorough water removal. This extended run time helps to prevent frequent short cycling, which can prolong the pump's lifespan.

A built-in air relief valve is located on the top of the pump. While the pump is active, some water may escape from this valve, which is normal. This valve is crucial for preventing an air lock within the pump, which could otherwise prevent it from activating. It is important not to obstruct this air relief valve.

The control unit for these pumps must receive 115V AC +/- 5% and 60 Hz from the AC outlet. For continuous duty applications, such as fountains or ponds, the pump can be plugged directly into the wall outlet without the controller, but it must be submerged at least 3/4 of its depth at all times.

Usage Features:

Installation of the Basement Watchdog sump pumps requires careful attention to local codes and ordinances, as well as specific setup instructions to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Sump Pit Preparation: The sump pit should be large enough to accommodate the pump and float switch, with larger pits being preferred as they extend the discharge cycle and reduce pump turn-on frequency. The pit must be clean of all debris, and the pump's strainer must be kept clear. The pump should be placed on a solid base, such as bricks or blocks, rather than directly on clay, earthen, or sand. The pump must also be level.
Discharge Plumbing: Rigid PVC pipe is recommended for discharge plumbing, installed according to local, regional, and state codes. An in-line check valve is mandatory, especially when sharing a discharge line with another pump, to prevent back-flow. If the discharge line is exposed to freezing temperatures, it must be sloped downward to allow any remaining water to drain out, preventing freezing and potential damage to the pump.
Electrical Connection: The pump is wired with a 3-prong grounded plug and must be connected to a properly grounded, 3-prong receptacle. Extension cords should not be used, and the electrical outlet should be at least 4 feet above the floor to minimize flood hazards. The electrical cord must be protected from sharp objects, hot surfaces, oil, and chemicals, and kinking should be avoided. The supply circuit needs a dedicated fuse or circuit breaker rated to handle the pump's power requirements.
Controller Placement: The dual float controller should be plugged into a properly grounded 3-prong receptacle, and the pump plug then inserted into the controller's receptacle. The controller should not be placed on the floor; it should be positioned at least 4 feet above the floor level. For a neater installation, power and float switch cords can be secured to the discharge pipe with wire ties or hose clamps, keeping them separated.
Float Switch Adjustment: When mounting the float switch, its bottom cage should be positioned at the desired height for pump activation. It is recommended to position the float below the drain tile that empties into the pit to ensure the pump activates before water fills the drain tile.
Initial Operation Check: After installation, it is crucial to fill the sump with water and observe the pump's operation through several full cycles to ensure it turns on at the intended level and evacuates water efficiently. The pump should run for 10 seconds after the lower float drops. A "normal pumping" sound indicates proper function; any abnormal sound, vibration, or lack of output from the discharge pipe signals a potential problem.
Battery Backup System: For protection during power outages, it is highly recommended to install a Basement Watchdog battery backup sump pump system, as primary AC pumps will not operate without power.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and reliable operation of the Basement Watchdog sump pumps. Maintenance checks should be performed 1-2 times per year.

Debris Removal: All debris should be removed from the bottom of the pit, the pump strainer, the water, and the float switch cage. Debris around the air relief valve should also be cleared.
Operational Check: Fill the pit with water to verify that the pump turns on at the intended level and evacuates water at a good pace.
Air Relief Valve Check: While the pump is running, ensure a stream of water is escaping from the air relief valve. If not, clear any deposits or debris from the hole.
Troubleshooting: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues such as the pump not starting, frequent cycling, or insufficient water volume. This guide helps users identify problems like clogged impellers, defective float switches, air locks, or electrical issues. For example, if the pump is air locked, debris should be removed from the air relief valve. If the float is obstructed, debris should be cleared from inside the float cage.
Professional Support: If troubleshooting steps do not resolve the problem, Glentronics technical support can be contacted for assistance. Products requiring service or repair should be returned to the manufacturer. Disassembling the pump or control unit is not recommended, as it can void the warranty.