![WAYNE - 1/2 HP Basement [Sump] [Pump] System with Integrated Vertical Float Switch and 12 Volt [Battery] Back Up Capability, [Battery] Not Included - Up to 5,100 Gallons Per Hour - Heavy Duty](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QwOPf-mFL._AC_.jpg)
I was debating on whether to give this review a 4 star rating or a 5 star rating. I settled on a 5 star rating solely due to the support response speed I received. If it were based on my 1st attempt at installation it would be a 1 star rating. The product would have gotten a 4 star rating once working but the great support bumped it back up to 5. Let me elaborate.
This product is solid, and works well, once it works. I had trouble getting it installed, but once working, it works great. Let me elaborate below:
1. Installation: This is where I had issues, which was even more frustrating because I am an IT professional and as such this should have been a breeze. The included pamphlet for install is well designed, but my experience did not match. Basically on the step where you plug the outlet into your AC outlet, you are supposed to connect to the Wifi network named "PumpSpyOutlet" that the device puts off, then you connect to that Wifi network then launch the app and then tell the app which Wifi network to connect the outlet to. For me it showed a "Wiced" Wifi network. I connected to it and the app does nothing. I got a pop-up on my android phone to "sign in" as if it were a public WiFi network or hotel etc. Basically this directs me to the internal web server page of the device. Luckily on this page there is a Wifi button and you can tell the device which Wifi network to use, but the app doesn't show data in this scenario. The ring turned green, meaning my outlet WAS connected to the Wifi, but something on the back-end was wrong or I had a defective device. Not counting my issues, the install is pretty simple, and the hardest part, which is not hard at all, is to get down by your sump pump and screw the metal bracket around your discharge pipe to put the high water sensor about an inch above your actual sump pump float that kicks it on, and then run the connector to the bottom of the outlet. Your WiFi must reach your sump pump area (obviously).
NOTE: Ideally you are supposed to use the included screw to mount the outlet into the box rather than just plugging it in on top of the existing face-plate to avoid accidental slip out etc. This would work if your existing outlet is a two-outlet box. Mine was a single outlet box so the screw hole didn't line up, but that it is fine, it is in there pretty tight so I don't think it would fall out by itself ever. Just be aware that screwing in your PumpSpy outlet may not work if you have a single port AC outlet.
2. Support Solution: Email is the only support option available, which I did at about 6PM Eastern on a Friday. I honestly didn't expect to hear back and figured I would have to do a swap through Amazon. The next morning on Saturday they emailed me basically saying that they have had some devices here and there that show the Wiced network, rather than the PumpSpyOutlet network. The Wiced network is the build in Broadcom web server from what I can tell, and they needed my serial number and PumpSpy account email and they would link up my PumpSpy unit (serial #) to my PumpSpy account. They emailed me about 4 hours later before I even had a chance to respond checking in and asking for the serial #. I replied with the required info and a few hours later they had it fixed. Now when I launched the app I could see the data that was being collected by my PumpSpy outlet.
2. Using the product / app: Now that they had the back end fixed, I now see my data. I can see lots of info, including Wifi status, Main Outlet status, Sump Pump status, Water Level status, Last Cycle time, Cycle Length & # of Cycles today. All very neat. The Alert tab shows which alerts have happened (high water, sump pump issue etc.) and the history tab will show you how many cycles and approximately how many galons of water it pumped out that day.
The Contacts area of the app is where the magic happens, you can put in as many phone numbers or email addresses as you like, so I put in my personal cell, work cell, work email and wife's cell # for alert. I tested it by lifting the water sensor (to simulate if water rose the float) and within a few seconds I got my messages to let me know. It also lets you know when it returns to normal. Being alerted within a few seconds is perfect. It supposedly will also let you know if it stops hearing from your SmartOutlet within a few minutes, I guess if the Wifi goes down or your lose power at the house.
UPSIDES: The service is free, the only cost is the hardware. The hardware is a bit high, but the value is great if you've ever had any flooding anywhere, ever. I am sure part of the hardware cost goes into paying for the servers that host the sump data and notificaiton systems as well. The support was quick and nimble. The data is great, the peace of mind is great.
DOWNSIDES: My "settings" area of the app has no Wifi section so I am not sure how I would ever change the Wifi network it was connected to if needed, I guess I could factory reset it and then use the Wiced network to get it on a new network, but that seems like something overly technical for most people. I should be able to use the app to point it to a new WiFi network. If the servers ever go down, this product becomes absolutely worthless, it relies entirely on servers in the cloud and your device reports to them, this device does NOT contact you directly if there is an issue (the notification is sent from their servers in the cloud), which is good because its a lot less complicated than running your own SMTP server or something like that, but it has the downfall that if this company ever goes out of business, the outlet is useless.
OVERALL: It is clear that this is a very small company, but they do a great job of looking professional. The website is top notch, the product packaging is just as good as you would see on any product at Walmart, the pamphlet is professional etc. The only tip-off that this was a small company was the app only lists about ~100 downloads for the Android version and the emails, while helpful, lacked a signature, persons name and was probably just some guy checking that email address on his phone, but that's fine since the support was quick and helpful. I would recommend that you buy it especially if you only have one sump pump. The peace of mind is worth it.
| Brand | PumpSpy |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Style | Sump Pump |
| Product Dimensions | 6"L x 4"W x 3"H |
| Power Source | Ac/dc |
| Item Weight | 12 ounces |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Manufacturer | PumpSpy Technology |
| Part Number | PSO1000 |
| Item model number | PSO1000 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
