Sump Pump Float Switch

A sump pump float switch is a clever little device that is designed for use in the basement of many homes. The sump pit is a container or basin that collects water entering the home in cases of flooding while the float switch is responsible for triggering off a signal to the sump pump to start pumping water away from the home.

How Sump Pump Float Switch Works

In areas where flooding is prevalent, the sump pump float switch has literally saved millions of homes from extensive damage as a result of flooding. Once a certain level of water has been reached inside the sump pump pit, the sump pump float switch alerts the sump pump to begin pumping the water out and away from the property.

Due to the fact that the sump pump float switch does not last forever, when selecting a sump pump you should ensure that the one you choose is capable of having the float switch replaced when it is needed. This is important as the float switch is a critical component of the entire drainage system.

Types Of Sump Pump Float Switch You Can Use

There are three different types of sump pump float switch:

• Vertical action float

• Tethered float

• Diaphragm switch

The vertical action float is a 'middle of the road' sump pump float switch in that it works better than the tethered float and will cost you lesser as compared to the diaphragm switch. The vertical action float comes with a ball that floats on the surface of the water and rises as the water level does. When the water level in the sump pit has reached a certain point, the sump pump float switch is activated and it will automatically set the sump pump working.

The tethered float, which is suspended from the pump, is very commonly used but is also considered to be the most problematic in the range of sump pump float switch. It is usually found in pedestal sump pumps. In the event of flood and water level rises, the float also rises thereby activating the float switch. However a commonly encountered issue with this type of float switch is that dirt can get trapped in and around the float resulting in it sinking in the water. When such a thing happens the sump pump float switch will not be able to get activated.

Lastly there is the diaphragm switch which unlike the other two does not have a float. The sump pump is placed into the water and has sensitivity to water pressure. As the water level continue to move upwards the water pressure rises and this will alert the diaphragm switch to curve or hollow inwards thus activating the sump pump float switch to start working.