Sump pump switch challenge

[Bencrx91]

Good evening everyone, I have a sump pump located in a 12"w x 30 "d pit.
I need to have the switch make the pump work when it's between water level 12" to 24" from bottom. The regular float type does not work due to width restriction. What option do I have ?

Thx,
Ben

 

[NUTTSGT]

Is the float on a swing type arm like a toilet ? The sump pump I have, the float goes straight up and down.

I don't think my sump pit is much more that 12" wide but I may be wrong, it's nothing more than a section of tile.

 

[matt151617]

How about the kind that has a bulb on a wire that goes straight up and down?

Why doesn't a regular float work? You just shorten the wire on the float to the length you want it. When the water rises enough to make the switch vertical, it turns on. The thing doesn't need more than a few inches clearance.

 

[Bencrx91]

Thanks for the response.

Currently the switch is a float type on a wire.
It start - stop and flushes about 6" of water.
We need it to run longer for the water to be pumped out for 12", for a longer pump cycle pretty much. I was expecting to have an adjustable '"probe" gadget that could start - stop the pump at a specific level. Doable ?

 

[Full Throttle]

simple way is put a delay on break timer, make it run for a minute or what ever after the float breaks power.

 

[MadMechMaster]

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-599190-Model-010121110274/dp/B003OL0K66

This will get you 10" and no external moving parts.

 

[Sureshot]

Thanks for the response.

Currently the switch is a float type on a wire.
It start - stop and flushes about 6" of water.
We need it to run longer for the water to be pumped out for 12", for a longer pump cycle pretty much. I was expecting to have an adjustable '"probe" gadget that could start - stop the pump at a specific level. Doable ?

Is it new?
Sounds like the type with two floats. Both need to be in the water to make it engage and runs until the lower one comes out of the water.

 

[Bencrx91]

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-599190-Model-010121110274/dp/B003OL0K66

This will get you 10" and no external moving parts.

Cool. How does this work ?
Is it adjustable ? Can I get model with more than 10" ?
Thanks again,
Ben

 

[Bencrx91]

Got the link to pdf : http://www.franklin-electric.com/wa...astewater/accessories/switches/diaphragm.aspx I'll check this out tonight... thx !

 

[MadMechMaster]

The depth setting I think is set by a spring, and 10" is probably the highest.

basically, the water pressure rises until it can compress the spring and trip a switch.

 

[vator]

I had the same issue and found a nice compact unit that will hose clamp to the discharge pipe at Home Depot made by Basement Watchdog.

 

[kbs2244]

The older "upright" style with the moter at the top of a pipe have a simple on/off setting that can be set at almost any depth.

 

[Bmacd95b]

Watchdog Float Switch

I use a Watchdog "Big Dog" setup as an emergency backup. I really like the float that came with it.

 

[rlitman]

That watchdog switch is nice, but two floats aren't any better than one float, unless there is some sort of alarm to tell you that one of the floats isn't working.

BTW, do you have a check valve on the pump?
If you pump up a few feet without a check valve, the water in the hose will run right back into the sump when the pump stops, and that will cause short cycling.
Maybe that's all you really need to add.

 

[Bencrx91]

That watchdog switch is nice, but two floats aren't any better than one float, unless there is some sort of alarm to tell you that one of the floats isn't working.

BTW, do you have a check valve on the pump?
If you pump up a few feet without a check valve, the water in the hose will run right back into the sump when the pump stops, and that will cause short cycling.
Maybe that's all you really need to add.

Yep check valve is present. What I want really is to have the pump, pump less frequently, but longer cycle by letting the water inside the container get higher and the pump to drain water longer until the water is low in the container.

 

[MadMechMaster]

Ditto on the check valve. ~7 feet of water in a 1 1/2" pipe can add up.

 

[czr12x]

http://www.washerwatcher.com/Hi_Lo_Controller.htm

not cheap but works like a champ to hell with floats and switches!!

 

[Bencrx91]

Awesome !!! This is what i need :O) Thanks !

 

[czr12x]

if you have hard water problems these guys will program the controller to work differently. a big help for me. they did this free of charge after i had some phantom alarming. ever since then its been working flawlessly. feel free to call them. very helpful.

 

[BrianBeaman]

LevelGuard electronic sump pump conrol has no moving parts to wear or get stuck. Check out www.LevelGuardProducts.com

Watch live video to see operation of LevelGuard.