Sump Pump Float Switches
Residents in Southern New Hampshire and Eastern Massachusetts with a basement likely have a sump pump installed to protect their homes from the dangers of flooding. These devices provide an array of benefits for your property.
Besides knowing their advantages for your home, you should know a little more about how they work. More specifically, the pump float switch.
At Rescon Basement Solutions, we offer a comprehensive line of sump pump products and services, so you can rest assured your basement is always dry. Learn more about what a sump float switch does and how you can keep your basement free of water.
What is a Sump Pump Float Switch?
When water levels rise, you need a device to sense when the water level in your sump pit has reached a certain point. This is where the pump float switch comes into play.
It’s designed to turn the pump on and off based on the water level. The float switch activates the pump when the water rises to a certain point. As the water level decreases, the switch will turn the pump off. The automation is convenient for homeowners because you don’t have to monitor the water level yourself constantly. In summary, you can view it as an integral part of how your home drains water from your basement.
Types of Sump Pump Float Switches
There are different types of float switches that have different purposes. However, each one works by ensuring your basement won’t experience flooding.
- Tethered float switches- These types of float switches work by being mounted on the side of your sump pit. A switch is activated when the water level reaches a certain point, and the float rises with the water.
- Vertical float switches- A type of float switch that is long, thin, and has a weighted object at the end. They work by being placed in the sump pit so that the weighted object is lifted when the water level rises and activates the switch.
- Floatless switches- These types of switches are considered to be the most reliable. They don’t rely on a float to detect water level changes. Instead, they use sensors that are placed in the sump pit. When the water level rises, it triggers an alarm or activates the pump.
Depending on your goals, we can recommend the best type of float switch for your sump pump. It’s essential to recognize the importance of these switches so that you can be proactive about keeping your basement as dry as possible, even during the wetter times of the year. One of the more critical things to notice is if your float switch begins to fail.
What is Causing Your Sump Pump Float Switch to Fail?
There’s not a single reason why your float switch can fail. Regardless, it’s essential to address the issue quickly to avoid costly damages to your property.
Age
The primary reason why you’ll need a new float switch is because of age. Over time, the float switch will degrade and won’t be as effective at detecting water level changes. As the switch gets more use, you may notice that it doesn’t seem to be working as well as it used to.
Dirt, Debris, or Sediment Build-Up
If you notice that your float switch isn’t working, you first should check if there’s any obstruction in the sump pit. This could be anything from dirt and debris to a build-up of sediment. Any type of obstruction will make it difficult for the float to move up and down, which can prevent it from working properly.
Power Outages
Another common reason why your float switch may not be working is because of a power outage. If the power is out, the float switch won’t be able to detect water level changes and activate the pump. This could lead to flooding in your basement if the power is out for an extended period of time.
Avoid Float Switch Problems With Routine Maintenance From Rescon Basement Solutions
Having a functioning float switch is vital to the long-term health and success of your sump pump. At a minimum, we recommend at least an annual check. During an inspection, we’ll check the float switch for any type of damage or wear and tear. We’ll also clean out the sump pit to make sure there aren’t any obstructions that could prevent the float from working properly.
Our team can also make recommendations should you need a new float switch. Installation of a new switch doesn’t take long and can give you peace of mind knowing your basement is protected.
Contact Rescon Basement Solutions For Sump Pump Float Switch Repair or Installation
If you have any questions about sump pump float switches or would like to schedule an inspection, contact Rescon Basement Solutions today. We serve homeowners in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and we are here to help you protect your home from the potential damage that a wet basement can cause.
When it comes to the foundation of your home and keeping your basement dry, you want to be sure that you are taking every precaution possible. Contact us today at your convenience to get an estimate.
