Vertical float doesn't turn on without manual lifting
#1
03-29-17, 12:31 AM
Vertical float doesn't turn on without manual lifting
Hello,
I have a sump pump with a vertical float (on the side of the pump). When the water level rises the float moves up but it doesn't turn on the pump. But if I take a stick and reach into the water with it and life the arm that goes from the float into the switch/pump housing it will turn on.
I imagine it's the switch but since I can turn it on manually by lifting the arm I'm thinking maybe there's just some gunk in there keeping it from turning on the switch. Likely or no?
If I'm going to buy a new pump then I just want to buy one. But if there's a chance that taking the pump out and cleaning might help I will do that.
Thanks,
Ron
I have a sump pump with a vertical float (on the side of the pump). When the water level rises the float moves up but it doesn't turn on the pump. But if I take a stick and reach into the water with it and life the arm that goes from the float into the switch/pump housing it will turn on.
I imagine it's the switch but since I can turn it on manually by lifting the arm I'm thinking maybe there's just some gunk in there keeping it from turning on the switch. Likely or no?
If I'm going to buy a new pump then I just want to buy one. But if there's a chance that taking the pump out and cleaning might help I will do that.
Thanks,
Ron
#2
03-29-17, 03:32 AM
You may find that lowering the float on the arm will cause it to come on earlier. Yes, keeping it clean will help it to operate more smoothly.
#3
03-29-17, 06:57 AM
Member
Pumps with integral vertical float usually have a rubber seal where the float arm enters the housing to actuate the switch. Those seals can harden with age, requiring more force to actuate than the float can provide. Major manufacturers, like Zoeller and Liberty sell replacement seal kits (and switch kits). Another possibility, although rare, is a leaky float that has taken on water. This prevents it from rising high enough to actuate the switch. Cure would be to replace the float. Pulling the pump and jiggling the float will tell you if there is water inside.
Good luck with your project!
Good luck with your project!
#4
03-29-17, 02:56 PM
I'm assuming now it's the switch because sometimes it takes 4 or 5 lifts with my stick to get it to turn on. And I believe I'm putting enough pressure on it to kick on. However, sometimes I don't hear the click when I lift it, sometimes I do.
#5
03-29-17, 03:17 PM
For reliable carefree performance you will want to replace the float and switch assembly. For switches attached to the pump you can buy a stand alone float and switch assembly and bypass the pump built in switches.
Get an assembly with independently adjustable turn on and turn off levels. This will give better performance compared with a setup without that feature.
Get an assembly with independently adjustable turn on and turn off levels. This will give better performance compared with a setup without that feature.
#6
03-30-17, 07:10 AM
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This is a really common reason for sump pump 'failures' that lead to basement flooding. Floats also can get stuck/seized if they're not actually being 'floated' frequently, so it's a good thing you checked before you had a major problem. Testing and replacing is a good idea, but we always recommend supplementing with some kind of sump pump alarm. That way regardless of what happens, the bottom line is if the water gets higher then the pump should allow, you'll know about it.
This is an example -***************
This is an example -***************
Last edited by Shadeladie; 03-30-17 at 07:43 AM. Reason: Link removed
#7
03-30-17, 09:12 AM
Thank you all for the info but I have one more question.
I took the pump out and took the float off. When I shake the float I hear what sounds like to be some sort of sand type thing in it. Is this normal? Are the floats weighted down a bit for some reason? If not maybe it had a leak and the silt stayed in there? Regardless the switch still only works sometimes. It's a Ridgid pump. I haven't figured out yet how to take the switch off but I will.
I took the pump out and took the float off. When I shake the float I hear what sounds like to be some sort of sand type thing in it. Is this normal? Are the floats weighted down a bit for some reason? If not maybe it had a leak and the silt stayed in there? Regardless the switch still only works sometimes. It's a Ridgid pump. I haven't figured out yet how to take the switch off but I will.
