How to Pick the Perfect Combination Sump Pump
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Basement Watchdog DFK-961 - 1/3 HP Combination Primary and Backup Sump Pump System
Model:
DFK-961
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Features
Style
Combo
GPH
3600 Gallons
Switch Type
Vertical
Specifications
DFK-961
Base
Min Sump Basin Size
10 Inch
Motor
Battery Included
No
Thermal Protection
Yes
Oil Free Motor
Yes
Pump
Housing Material
Cast Iron
Handles Solids
No
Float Type
Vertical Float
GPH @ 0 feet
3600
GPH @ 10 feet
2600
Discharge Port Size
1-1/2 Inch
Check Valve Included
Yes
Manual Override
No
Backup GPH @ 10 feet
1000
Engine
Horsepower
.33 HP
Overview
Consumer Warranty
2 Years
UPC
717301121821
Reviews
(24)
Basement Watchdog DFK-961 Reviews & Ratings
Customer Rating
4.21
(24 Ratings)
81% recommend this product
5
(17)
(17)4(2)
(2)3(0)
(0)2(3)
(3)1(2)
(2)
Must Have For A Small Sump
By Steve V.
LAWRENCE, Kansas
Purchased 09/29/2019 |
Review Posted 10/22/2019
I put off getting a back-up sump pump for far too long. This combination set-up is just what I needed. My sump is only 11 inches which made it difficult to find a unit like this to fit. This Basement Watchdog slipped right in with no problems. Total install time was about an hour, mostly because of cramped space where the sump is located. If I can get it installed, anybody can. There hasn't been a major rain event and power outage since installation, but if you test the unit 10 times like the directions tell you I think it will put your mind at ease.
Steve V. Recommends This
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Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Pros:
Easy To Use, I'd Buy It Again, Quiet, Features
Watch Dog Sump Pump
By Dwayne R.
CHANNAHON, Illinois
Purchased 07/17/2019 |
Review Posted 08/07/2019
The sump pump works great. Easy to install. Runs quiet.
Dwayne R. Recommends This
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Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Pros:
Easy To Use, Quiet, Price, Exceeded Expectations
Great Product
By Robert H.
Englewood, Ohio
Purchased 05/29/2019 |
Review Posted 06/21/2019
Very pleased with product. Easy to install. Working great!
Robert H. Recommends This
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Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Pros:
Easy To Use, I'd Buy It Again, Quiet, Price
Cons:
None Above
Great Product
By Gale A.
Commerce Township, Michigan
Purchased 05/31/2018 |
Review Posted 06/23/2018
Installed easy, pump purrs very quiet, and having back up pump give me peace of mind.
Gale A. Recommends This
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Manufacturer Response
Thank you for purchasing our product and glad to hear you had a easy installation and the system provides you peace of mind. If you ever need assistance with our products please call our service team at 800-991-0466 option 3 for technical assistance.
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Pros:
I'd Buy It Again, Easy To Use, Quiet, Fast
Cons:
Expensive
Easy Install, Works Great.
By Steven
Grand Blanc, Michigan
Purchased 04/21/2017 |
Review Posted 05/16/2017
Took me less than an hour to set up. Works pretty good, wires become a bit of a mess, but all in all a good buy I think.
Steven Recommends This
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Manufacturer Response
Thank you for purchasing the Dfk-961. We are happy to hear the combination system was easy to install. If you ever need assistance with our products please call our service team at 800-991-0466 option 3 for technical assistance.
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
4/5
5/5
Pros:
I'd Buy It Again, Easy To Use, Price, Reliable
Buyer Beware
By Jim H.
San Francisco, California
Purchased 01/11/2016 |
Review Posted 03/23/2017
I bought this combination pump in January of 2016. Last week (March 2017) it stopped working. I called sump pumps direct and was told that I would need to contact the manufacture - they provided the number. When I called Basement Watchdog and explained my problem - the pump was running continually - I did pull the pump out of the sump and checked the float, which was moving freely, I was told that I actually needed to pull the pump at least 4 times a year, take it apart and reassemble it, wash out the sump and vacuum it to be sure there was no debris. When I said that it was no where in the instructions that it needed this kind of attention, I got nowhere. It is warranted for 2 years but they will not stand behind their product. I pitched the Basement watchdog and bought a system by Liberty Pumps - two individual units but MUCH better built. BTY I am a general building contractor for 30 years.
Jim H. Does Not Recommend This
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Expert Response
With these types of systems, if there's any type of debris in the water, it will decrease the lifespan of the pump. Based on your location, most sump applications in your area are taking runoff water, which usually is accompanied by a large amount of your debris. These types of system are not designed for these types of sump applications.
From there Owner's Manual: MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST
Maintenance should be performed 1-2 times per year.
1. Lift the float switches on both pumps as described above (Diag. In Manual)
2. Remove all debris from the bottom of the pit.
3. Remove all debris floating in the water.
4. Remove all debris from the float switch cage.
5. Fill the pit with water. Make sure the pumps turn on at the desired level.
6. While the pump is running, make sure the pump is evacuating water at a good pace.
From there Owner's Manual: MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST
Maintenance should be performed 1-2 times per year.
1. Lift the float switches on both pumps as described above (Diag. In Manual)
2. Remove all debris from the bottom of the pit.
3. Remove all debris floating in the water.
4. Remove all debris from the float switch cage.
5. Fill the pit with water. Make sure the pumps turn on at the desired level.
6. While the pump is running, make sure the pump is evacuating water at a good pace.
Jim O.
Sump Pump Expert
Manufacturer Response
We thank you for your feedback. We absolutely stand behind our product. From your description of the issue the pump running non-stop, can be a debris issue. Debris can cause problems with a sump pump system, including the check valves and float switches. In a sump pit located in the house we recommend cleaning out the pit 1-2 times per year as it is mentioned in the owner’s manual and as Jim from Sump pumps direct has included. In environments that have a lot of debris such as outdoor pits, we recommend cleaning the sump pit routinely. You can use a wet vac or something similar to accomplish this. In some severe cases it may be necessary to clean the sump several times a year to keep the debris from clogging the pump, float switch or check valves. If cleaning out the pit did not resolve the issue we would recommend contacting our service team for warranty information. You can reach us at 800-991-0466 option 3 Monday through Friday 9-5 Central time.
Rating Breakdown
3/5
1/5
2/5
1/5
Cons:
Durability, Low Quality
Second Day In Use
By Chris N.
Charlevoix, Michigan
Purchased 01/23/2017 |
Review Posted 02/14/2017
This one is so damn noisy!!!!! I got the inline muffler, but still loud!!!
Chris N. Recommends This
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Manufacturer Response
We apologize that you are experiencing an issue with the DFK961. These pumps should be fairly quiet compared to most other pumps. If you feel the pump sounds louder than it should be I would recommend calling our service team at 800-991-0466 option 3.
Rating Breakdown
4/5
4/5
4/5
4/5
Pros:
Easy To Use, Features, High Quality
Cons:
Too loud!!!
Basement Watchdog DFK-961
By Robert K.
Livonia, Michigan
Purchased 10/13/2016 |
Review Posted 11/04/2016
Pump has performed as expected with no problems so far. I used a Duracell replacement battery which was less expensive than the branded battery. I did not realize, however, that the battery sensor needed to be placed in the 5th cell from the negative terminal. The online support was excellent and got me straightened out. The only issue I had was that the two required plugs would not fit in a duplex outlet as shown in the product literature. This is inconvenient.
Robert K. Recommends This
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Manufacturer Response
Thank you for purchasing our product. We definitely would like to assist you. If you are using a non-watchdog battery with the DFK961 it is recommended to place the fluid sensor under the positive post. We can also assist you with plugging both plugs into the same duplex outlet. Please call our service team at 800-991-0466 option 3 for technical assistance.
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
Pros:
I'd Buy It Again, Quiet, Features
Seems Like A Great Product
By Heath B.
Keyport, New Jersey
Review Posted 04/30/2016
Just finished my basement and wanted an added measure of protection in case we lost power. Pulled my one year old sump pump and replaced it with this unit. Took me maybe 15 minutes - tested unit and pumped very quietly. Have not hooked up battery yet as waiting for flooring to be done and cabinets installed adjacent to the pump to conceal the battery. Was impressed with the packaging and added features such as the battery monitor/duel pump controller/duel floats/etc. Also having both units feed into a single output pipe makes for a very clean install versus getting a separate battery pump in conjunction with your existing pump. Hope to get some good service from this unit!
Heath B. Recommends This
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Manufacturer Response
We thank you for taking the time to review our product and know that you will be satisfied within its performance.
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Peace Of Mind
By David H.
Port Townsend, Washington
Purchased 01/07/2016 |
Review Posted 03/13/2016
We live in the Pacific Northwest where the sump pump runs during the heavy rain season. That is also when we have frequent power failures from trees falling on the power lines. Sometimes the power goes out for days at a time, so this dual pump with battery back up is just what we needed. I bought the 1/2 hp model first, but it didn't fit in the small pit, the 1/3 hp version fit perfectly in a pit about the size of a 5 gallon bucket. The install took about an hour, easier than I expected. Thanks,
David H. Recommends This
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Manufacturer Response
Thank you so much for your review. We are happy that we are able to help you during these difficult times. We appreciate your feedback.
Rating Breakdown
5/5
4/5
5/5
4/5
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Basement Watchdog DFK-961 - 1/3 HP Combination Primary and Backup Sump Pump System
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