Glentronics BWT050 - User Manual

Specifications 1/2 HP Model BWT050 3/4 HP Model BWT075
GPH @ 0’ 4100 5300
GPH @ 10’ 2770 3630
Pump diameter 7.375” 9.75”
Volts 115V, 60Hz 115V, 60Hz
Amps 3.8 4.8
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 (preferably with ground
fault circuit interrupt). 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 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 expose the control unit to rain or snow.
• 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.
• 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.
640 Heathrow Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
 CAUTION
 WARNING
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
2" x 1-1/2" reducer adapter
(on 3/4 HP pump only)
You may also need:
1-1/2” or 2" rigid PVC pipe to
connect to the existing plumbing
A check valve or union
PVC pipe cleaner and cement
A surge protector
The Dual Float
& Controller
3/4 HP Pump
BWT075
1/2 HP Pump
BWT050
Note:
The 3/4 HP pump will accomodate a 2" discharge pipe. However, most
homes have 1-1/2" pipes. Therefore we have included a 2" x 1-1/2"
reducer adapter with this pump. You may replace your 1-1/2" discharge
pipe with a 2" discharge pipe, and a 2" adapter to obtain the optimum
gallons per hour.
1-1/2”
discharge
2”
discharge

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Risk of Electric Shock

Precautions to reduce the risk of electric shock during operation and servicing.

Injury and Property Damage Precautions

Measures to prevent injury or property damage from pump hazards.

Installation Instructions

Prior to Installation

Essential steps and checks before starting the pump installation process.

Sump Pit and Base Requirements

Guidelines for selecting and preparing the sump pit and pump base.

Discharge Plumbing and Check Valves

Proper installation of discharge pipes and check valves for optimal performance.

Replacing an Old Sump Pump

Step-by-step instructions for removing an old pump and installing a new one.

Connecting the Pump and Controller

How to correctly connect the dual float controller and pump.

Completing the Installation

Final checks and operational verification after installation.

Product Operation and Maintenance

Dual Float Switch Operation

Explanation of how the dual float switch activates and deactivates the pump.

Dual Float Controller Operation

How the dual float controller manages pump activation and shutdown.

Continuous Duty Application

Guidelines for using the pump in applications requiring continuous operation.

Maintenance Checklist

Recommended schedule and steps for regular pump maintenance.

Backup Installation Overview

Information on installing a backup system for power outage protection.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pump Will Not Start or Run

Diagnosing and resolving issues where the pump fails to start or operate.

Thermal Protector Tripping

Troubleshooting reasons for the thermal protector activating.

Pump Starts and Stops Too Frequently

Identifying causes for the pump cycling on and off excessively.

Pump Will Not Shut Off

Resolving problems where the pump fails to deactivate.

Insufficient or No Water Volume

Addressing issues related to low water intake or discharge.

Abnormal Sound or Vibration

Diagnosing and fixing unusual noises or vibrations from the pump.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. Warranty Information

The Basement Watchdog Sump Pumps are designed to remove water from basements and other areas prone to flooding. This manual covers two models: the 1/2 HP Pump (BWT050) and the 3/4 HP Pump (BWT075), along with their associated Dual Float & Controller unit.

Function Description

The primary function of these sump pumps is to automatically remove unwanted water from a sump pit. They are equipped with a Dual Float Switch and a Dual Float Controller to ensure reliable operation. The dual float system provides redundancy: the pump activates when the lower float is lifted by 1/4 inch, and if for any reason the lower float fails, a second float will activate the pump as water levels continue to rise. Once activated, the pump evacuates water from the pit. After the lower float drops, the pump continues to run for an additional 10 seconds to extend the pumping cycle and reduce the frequency of pump activations.

These pumps are also suitable for continuous duty applications, such as fountains or ponds, where they can be plugged directly into a wall outlet without the controller. However, for continuous duty, the pump must be submerged at least 3/4 of its depth at all times.

The system is designed to be integrated with existing plumbing, typically using rigid PVC pipe. A check valve is recommended (and mandatory when sharing a discharge line with another pump) to prevent back-flow of water into the pit. An air bleed hole, drilled at a 45° angle above the pump and below the check valve, is crucial to prevent air locks that could hinder pump operation.

For protection against power outages, the manual strongly recommends adding a Basement Watchdog battery backup sump pump system, as the primary AC pumps will not operate without power.

Important Technical Specifications

The manual provides the following specifications for the two models:

• 1/2 HP Model BWT050:
  • GPH @ 0': 4100
  • GPH @ 10': 2770
  • Pump diameter: 7.375"
  • Volts: 115V, 60Hz
  • Amps: 3.8
• 3/4 HP Model BWT075:
  • GPH @ 0': 5300
  • GPH @ 10': 3630
  • Pump diameter: 9.75"
  • Volts: 115V, 60Hz
  • Amps: 4.8

Both models operate on a single phase, 115V, 60Hz AC power supply. The control unit requires 115V AC +/- 5% and 60 Hz. The supply circuit should have a fuse or circuit breaker rated to handle the pump's power requirements.

Usage Features

• Dual Float Switch: Features two large floating rings enclosed within a protective cage. The lower float activates the pump with a 1/4" rise, and a second float provides backup activation. The pump continues to run for 10 seconds after the lower float drops to extend the cycle.
• Dual Float Controller: This unit manages pump activation based on float positions and provides the 10-second run-on feature. The pump cord plugs into the piggyback switch on the control unit, which then plugs into a properly grounded 3-prong receptacle (preferably with ground fault circuit interrupt).
• Discharge Pipe Compatibility: The 1/2 HP pump typically uses 1-1/2" discharge pipe. The 3/4 HP pump accommodates a 2" discharge pipe, but includes a 2" x 1-1/2" reducer adapter for compatibility with common 1-1/2" home plumbing. Users can opt for a 2" discharge pipe and adapter for optimal gallons per hour.
• Sump Pit Requirements: Minimum pit dimensions are 8" diameter and 14" deep for the 1/2 HP pump, and 10" diameter and 16" deep for the 3/4 HP pump. Larger pits are preferred to extend discharge cycles. The pump should be placed on a solid, level base (e.g., bricks or blocks), not directly on clay, earthen, or sand.
• Electrical Safety: The pump is wired with a 3-prong grounded plug. It must always be connected to a properly grounded receptacle. Extension cords are not recommended; the electrical outlet should be within the pump's power cord length and at least 4 feet above floor level. A surge protector is recommended for the control unit.
• Discharge Line Slope: For discharge lines exposed to freezing temperatures, the pipe must be sloped downward to allow water to drain, preventing freezing and potential damage to the pump.

Maintenance Features

Maintenance should be performed 1-2 times per year to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Key maintenance steps include:

• Debris Removal: Clear all debris from the bottom of the pit, from the water surface, and from the float switch cage.
• Operational Check: Fill the pit with water to ensure the pump turns on at the intended level and evacuates water at a good pace. The pump should exhibit a "normal pumping" sound; any abnormal sound, vibration, or lack of output signals a problem.
• Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a detailed troubleshooting guide to address common issues such as the pump not starting, frequent cycling, not shutting off, insufficient water volume, or abnormal sounds. This guide helps diagnose problems like clogged impellers, defective float switches, power supply issues, or stuck check valves, and provides corresponding solutions.

Warranty Information

GLENTRONICS, INC. provides a warranty against defective materials and workmanship:

• 1/2 HP pump: 3 years from the date of purchase when used intermittently as a sump pump.
• 3/4 HP pump: 5 years from the date of purchase when used intermittently as a sump pump.
• All pumps: 1 year from the date of purchase when used in continuous duty operations (e.g., fountains or ponds).

The warranty requires the defective product to be returned to the factory, postage prepaid, with the original bill of sale or receipt. The warranty does not cover issues resulting from handling liquids hotter than 104°F, flammable liquids, strong chemicals, user abuse, improper installation, lightning strikes, excessive AC line surges, or water damage to the controller.

Glentronics BWT050 Specifications