Basement Watchdog BW4000 Sump Pump System Review

It’s hard to find a cheap sump pump system with a battery backup pump that is also reliable. One of the relatively cheaper sump pumps systems is the Basement Watchdog BW4000, let’s see if it’s any good.

This unit is already assembled. It comes with an AC-powered Basement Watchdog primary pump and battery backup pump. The battery is not included in the package. Easy to install and fits in basins larger than 12 inches in diameter.

The primary pump has a maximum flow of 4400 gallons per hour, 1/2 HP motor. The flow drops to 3540 gallons per hour at 10 feet. The backup pump has a maximum flow of 2600 gallons per hour, drops to 1850 at 10 feet.

Made from thermoplastics, weighs 26 pounds. 18 inches high, 12 inches in width, and 8.8 inches deep. It comes with detailed instructions on how to install the sump pump system. No need for buying check valves, the system comes with a built-in check valve.

The battery backup will turn on when there is a power outage, the main pump fails or can’t handle the water in the pit alone. When the backup pump is on, it rings an alarm and flashes a warning light. Also, the light will indicate if the pump needs maintenance.

The whole sump pump system has 4 floats. In addition to the normal float switch, each pump has a redundant float switch in case the main one fails or it’s blocked. The main pump has a protective cage that ensures debris won’t get it and clog the float switch.

The main pump has an oil-free motor, its motor is filled with water. That means that it’s energy-efficient. The 2 pumps have thermal override protection that will stop the pumps from burning out.

It has a discharge pipe of 1-1/2 inches. The system is designed with a bottom suction. A hard thermoplastic placed on the bottom to prevent clogging.

Also, this sump pump system has the ability to connect with the Basement Watchdog WiFi Module. Although, this is sold separately. If you buy this, your sump pump will be able to give you notifications.

Enough about the specifications, let’s move on to the pros and cons.

Pros

What are the best features that the BW4000 can offer?

Of course, the biggest advantage of this sump pump is that it comes with a battery backup. You can’t put a price on safety, having a battery backup will make sure that your basement stays dry even in a power outage.

Both sump pumps have a really good motor. Highly energy-sufficient, most pumps run on at least 9 amps, the main one runs only on 4.7 amps. The backup differs from 10 to 12 amps.

3540 gallons per hour at 10 feet are great for that kind of energy usage. This gives it a slight advantage over other pumps.

Every customer can commend The Basement Watchdog on how easy it is to install this basement system. The unit comes pre-assembled, which saves you time. It will fit in any basin and if you are not handy at all, the detailed instructions will help you, no plumber required.

What I like most about this sump pump combo are the 4 floats. You can be certain that the sump pump will start, no matter the weather condition. Even if the main float switch fails, the replacement will do what is necessary.

At first look, you may think that this sump pump lacks protection from debris. However, you will be surprised at how effective the protective cage it is. Usually, sump pumps with the bottom suction design are prone to clogging, not this one.

So far customers haven’t complained about the monitoring system. It’s great to have a device that will tell you if there is something wrong with your sump pump. The alarm is loud enough, it will make sure you know your backup is on.

In addition, you won’t have to spend additional money on valve checks. As I said, this sump pump combo comes with a built-in valve check for both pumps.

If you are willing to spend more money, the WiFi Module will work great. Some homeowners forget that they even have a sump pump. The WiFi Module will keep you up to speed without you visiting the basement every month or so.

Sure, the BW4000 has some amazing features that everyone will love. However, it is not without faults, let’s move on to the cons.

Cons

The biggest problem with this sump pump combo is that it isn’t durable at all. Users found out that it has a life expectancy of 2 years. Usually, it’s the casing that fails.

This sump pump does not have any protection from corrosion. Customers are unsatisfied with how fast the pump becomes rusty. The backup pump was doing fine but the main pump was destroyed really fast.

The thermoplastic material is not reliable. The main pump can break or disassemble in the basin. Many customers found out that water was leaking from the main pump, and if it wasn’t for the backup pump and the alarm system, their basement would have flooded.

Because of the poor casing quality, the impeller is prone to breaking too. The impeller is made from the strongest thermoplastic, but if the casing can’t endure corrosion, the impeller is useless.

This may be a bad thing only for those who want to save money. The battery is not included in the package, and you may need to buy battery acid to maintain the battery in good shape. Customers often don’t like additional costs.

Although there aren’t many issues with this sump pump combo, the housing quality issue is a big one. It’s time for a conclusion.

Our verdict

If it weren’t for the poor housing quality, this would be a great sump pump combo. Unfortunately, this one big problem lowers the value of the whole sump pump combo.

For a relatively cheap price, you get a lot of useful features. You can’t ask for a more efficient motor, the 4 floats will make your life easier, and you will be surprised how easy it is to install this sump pump combo.

However, all those features don’t fix the fact that this sump pump usually lasts 2 years. It may seem cheap, but you will have to buy another one soon. Good quality makes a product, not features.

All in all, this is an average sump pump combo. If you are used to changing sump pumps every 2 years, by all means, buy this sump pump. However, if you want a sump pump that will last, I do not recommend buying this sump pump.

Hope this helps you with your choice.