Testing a sump pump float switch primarily involves simulating the water level rise in the sump pit to see if the switch activates the pump correctly.
Simple Test Method
The most straightforward way to test a sump pump float switch is to mimic rising water levels.
Here's how to do it:
- Safety First: Ensure the sump pump is still plugged in, but be cautious and keep hands and tools away from the pump impeller and moving parts.
- Fill the Pit: Using a bucket, garden hose, or pitcher, begin filling your sump pit with enough water to raise the float until the pump kicks on.
- Observe Activation: Watch the water level and the float switch. As the water rises, the float should lift.
- Check for Activation: The pump should activate once the float reaches its trigger point (usually when it's tilted upwards or reaches a certain height).
- Evaluate Performance:
- If you're filling the pit and the water level gets near the top of the pit, but the pump doesn't activate, you may have a bad switch (or a problem with the pump itself or its power supply).
- If the pump does activate, it should lower the water level in the pit, removing almost all of the water until the float drops back down and turns the pump off. This indicates the switch is likely working correctly to turn the pump on and off.
Troubleshooting Scenarios
Here's a quick look at what the test results might indicate:
| Observation | Potential Issue | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pump doesn't turn on when float rises high | Bad float switch, pump issue, power issue | Replace switch/pump, check power/breaker |
| Pump does turn on, clears water, turns off | Switch working correctly | None needed |
| Pump doesn't turn off when water level drops | Bad float switch, stuck float | Replace switch, free up float |
If the pump turns on but doesn't effectively lower the water level, the issue might be with the pump itself or an obstruction, not necessarily the switch. However, if the pump simply fails to activate when the float is clearly lifted, the float switch or the power connection to the switch/pump is the most likely culprit.
Regular testing, especially before anticipated heavy rain seasons, can help ensure your sump pump system is ready to protect your basement from flooding.
