External float on my sump pump does not work properly. Please Help?

Question

When the sump is filling the float rises slowly and sometimes it does not trigger the pump to run. Seems like the the trigger gets stuck when it rises slowly. Any advice?

Answer 1

if it is the type where the float is attached to a cable and just kind of hangs off the pump these are famous for hanging up. The way they swing they usually end up caught. Make sure the float can make a full swing inside the crock. Best advice short of replacing it if this is the type.

If it's a stand up type pump, check to see that the float isn't catching on anything, moves freely. also check that it is not waterlogged, sometimes the float will leak and get water inside it making it heavy and harder to trigger the pump on.

I prefer zohler sump pumps, mostly for durability and the way the float operates. Never hangs up if installed correctly and very durable.

If you have the type of float I believe you do it has to almost stand straight up sometimes before it triggers the pump. It basically has a plastic housing with a metal piece or something inside that slides from one end to the other to make contact and set the pump off. They can get sticky over time.

Answer 2

You may need to replace the float. Check on the style sump pump you are using, some of these have replacable floats, some are more problematic to replace. You can always buy a whole new sump pump and float, or have an additional float installed connected to the power side of your pump (or the plug for the pump), and then position the existing float so it's always "on".

Answer 3

The first plumber who answered this questions pretty much knows his ****... I have also seen the float switches get hung up and not switch on even though the water level was definitely high enough. I solved the problem by just replacing the float switch..

Master Plumber