Sump Pump Activation
#1
06-29-16, 07:07 PM
Sump Pump Activation
My sump pump does not activate when water slowly raises the float. I will find the well full and the float all the way up. If I manually push the float down and it comes back up quickly the pump activates as it should. What can be done to have the pump activate without my intervention?
#2
06-29-16, 07:32 PM
Member
Is it a tethered float (black ball on the end of a cable) that just flops around? If so probably best to just replace the float. Some are really easy, others a little more involved.
Post a pic if you want more specifics. Brand and model No. of pump would also work.
Post a pic if you want more specifics. Brand and model No. of pump would also work.
#3
06-29-16, 08:51 PM
Group Moderator
#6
06-30-16, 06:24 AM
Member
You have the easiest to repair version where the float switch is a separate assembly with a piggyback receptacle.
You would replace it with this or equivalent: https://www.amazon.com/Parts-FP18-15.../dp/B000FK9W0E
The cord of the float is tethered to the pump with a single clamp held with a single screw. Unplug the pump and switch. Unscrew the clamp holding the existing float in place. Install the new float leaving 3.5" of cord between the clamp and float. Plug the pump into the new switch and that into the receptacle and you should be all set.
You would replace it with this or equivalent: https://www.amazon.com/Parts-FP18-15.../dp/B000FK9W0E
The cord of the float is tethered to the pump with a single clamp held with a single screw. Unplug the pump and switch. Unscrew the clamp holding the existing float in place. Install the new float leaving 3.5" of cord between the clamp and float. Plug the pump into the new switch and that into the receptacle and you should be all set.
#7
07-05-16, 06:05 AM
Almost fixed...
I replaced the float and all is well EXCEPT for when there is a very large storm. The float will activate the sump pump and due to the volume of water will activate again a minute or so later (as it should). After numerous cycles of this the pump will just hum after it is activated (it's only a little over a year old). I have to unplug it and plug it in again to get it to pump the water out.
#8
07-05-16, 06:24 AM
Member
Does it sound like it's running and just not pumping water, or does it sound more like it's just trying to run?
Is there also a backup sump pump in the pit?
Is there also a backup sump pump in the pit?
#10
07-05-16, 09:12 PM
Member
Sounds like the suction is clogged. Check to see if something isn't being sucked up against the bottom intake. You should set the pump on bricks so it's not sitting on bottom of pit.
#11
07-05-16, 10:48 PM
Another interesting piece of information I noticed tonight is that the outside drain inside the basement stairwell is clogged with sand after last night's storm. I am not sure where the abundance of sand came from since it the drain is in a concrete stairwell floor. Today when I opened the basement door there was a mound of sand on top of the drain and when I took the drain cover off sand was packed in the drain pipe.
