Bad Sump Pump?

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For a while...my sump pump would turn on but wouldn't shut off. So I would have to unplug it to get it to stop running. Now I'm not sure if it's turning on or not and my sump pit is full of water. Is there a way of testing it to see if it's bad or does it sound like I need a new one?
 
Yeah, it's probably the water level sensor. Bypass the sensor by disconnecting that part of the power cord. Another words, plug in the pump directly into the power outlet and see if it runs.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
plug in the pump directly into the power outlet


I did and it works
thumbsup2.gif
If it's the water level sensor...can it be fixed or does it need replacing?
 
I'm no expert, but I think these things just get replaced, not fixed. Unless the sensor is just obstructed by debris in which case maybe just cleaning it would help.

How old is your pump? It may be wise to just get a whole new pump and switch installed.
 
Originally Posted By: daman
what kind of float does yours have? some can be replaced,yes.


It's a Rigid pump which I believe has an electronic float? I know the float doesn't ride up and down like my last pump. I'll have to look into it. Thanks Guy's.
 
Is the pump mounted on stiff pipe or can you haul it out and check it out? Mine has a quasi-internal float, though you can hear it bang around. I think it also has an always-on override switch. Got it on ebay straight from cheap-guy heaven*. Hardware stores charge about 3x wholesale on the buggers.

*china
 
Originally Posted By: Warstud
Originally Posted By: daman
what kind of float does yours have? some can be replaced,yes.


It's a Rigid pump which I believe has an electronic float? I know the float doesn't ride up and down like my last pump. I'll have to look into it. Thanks Guy's.

I had a rigid pump that failed in a similar way, the internal float thingie (whatever it is, it's inside there somehow) got stuck and wouldn't up go any more unless you jiggled it. It caused my basement to flood, about almost $15K of damage. My advice would be to get a pump with different kind of water sensor.
 
Pump still works since you said you plugged it directly into the wall and it workd. Get a new piggy back float switch at any hardware store. Plug switch into outlet and sump into the switch and you should be good to go.

IF you get a new pump all together get a Zoeller N (non automatic) and a separate float switch. The switch is usually the first to go. If you buy a pump that has the switch integrated into the pump it is way harder to replace the switch. If it breaks on the non-automatic you just swap out the switch by plugging in a new one. The Zoeller 53 series is one of the more popular residential pumps. Make sure you match the gpm of the new pump with the old.

Zoeller happens to be made in the USA as well!!
 
Originally Posted By: chevys10
Pump still works since you said you plugged it directly into the wall and it workd. Get a new piggy back float switch at any hardware store. Plug switch into outlet and sump into the switch and you should be good to go.


+1 to everything said by chevys10. Also, while you are in there, consider adding a battery backup. It has saved my bacon a few times, and it isn't too hard to install with a new pump.
 
Well I went down to Home Depot to get a new float (Pressure Switch)
as it's called and they dont sell them. Have to order from Rigid...they said around $60 and may take two weeks to get. So I took it apart to clean it and a wire was disconnected. The wire terminal was so badly corroded that it broke into pieces. So I went and replaced both terminals and siliconed around the switch. Just put it on and it works. Thanks...saved me $$$$
 
Originally Posted By: ABerns
Originally Posted By: chevys10
Pump still works since you said you plugged it directly into the wall and it workd. Get a new piggy back float switch at any hardware store. Plug switch into outlet and sump into the switch and you should be good to go.


+1 to everything said by chevys10. Also, while you are in there, consider adding a battery backup. It has saved my bacon a few times, and it isn't too hard to install with a new pump.



THIS!

get a basement watchdog and you can finally relax!
 
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