It appears that both the float type and the diaphragm switches on sump pumps are susceptible to failure. I read somewhere that electronic switches are more reliable. Does anyone have first hand experience with these? What is your take on this matter? Also, are there specific brands that stand out? Thanks for your help.

I have recently gave myself a reason to hate my life by purchasing a bank owned century home. It has an external deep well pump in the basement that makes horrific noises while running, but for the first week would kick on at 30 psi and then turn off (about 3 minutes later) at 50 psi. Tonight it kicked on, but would not turn off and the pressure never got above 35 psi. Fearing that the well went dry, I gathered three five gallon buckets and connected a hose to a valve in between the pressure tank and the pump. I turned on the pump and water filled all three five gallon buckets so I don't think the water level is the problem. The noise from the pump seems to come from the motor, not the pump, and I know it needs replaced anyway. I dumped the three five gallon buckets of water back down the well and heard some gurguling noises out of the well when I did this while the pump was running. Any opinions are welcome and appreciated!