Help with Float Switch

[Potts050]

Can you glue more syrofoam onto the bottom of your float to make it keep the pump energized longer until the water level drops enough to cause it to break the contact?

My guess is that would mean the pump would come on at a lower water level but would still drop out as soon as the level dropped a small amount.

 

[Boydo]

All he needs is a timer, there not need to go buy more float systems. Use the Ultra life float he already has in conjunction with a 24 event timer that will energise the system for a couple minutes an hour will work great. Over the course of an hour the sump he has will fill up about a gallon( approx), this will lift the float into the on posistion, then the timer energizes the system pumping the water out until the float drops turning the pump off. After a few minutes the cycle is done timer turns off for the next hour while sump fills. Very simple and works well.

 

[unknownuza13]

All he needs is a timer, there not need to go buy more float systems. Use the Ultra life float he already has in conjunction with a 24 event timer that will energise the system for a couple minutes an hour will work great. Over the course of an hour the sump he has will fill up about a gallon( approx), this will lift the float into the on posistion, then the timer energizes the system pumping the water out until the float drops turning the pump off. After a few minutes the cycle is done timer turns off for the next hour while sump fills. Very simple and works well.

I am probably going to go with this method with a minor twist. I was thinking about just running the pump off a timer that will come on ever 2-3 hours. The sump I am using is approx 30 gallons and I will be dripping about 2 gallons an hour. I'm thinking about positioning the float at the very top of the sump in case the timer malfunctions at least it will save my basement from getting flooded. I really appreciate all the input you guys gave it has greatly helped me. MFK is the shibby

 

[rallysman]

I am probably going to go with this method with a minor twist. I was thinking about just running the pump off a timer that will come on ever 2-3 hours. The sump I am using is approx 30 gallons and I will be dripping about 2 gallons an hour. I'm thinking about positioning the float at the very top of the sump in case the timer malfunctions at least it will save my basement from getting flooded. I really appreciate all the input you guys gave it has greatly helped me. MFK is the shibby

VERY good idea. If you pop a drip emitter you'll be happy!

 

[CHOMPERS]

Using timers and other complex controls for sumps is not recomended for less than expert DIY. The risk of floods or running your pump dry is very real as there are many variables that affect fill and discharge rates.
The best solution is the simplest. IMHO that would be two submersible rated float switches with opposite logic states. They should be wired up to allow the pump to start running when the water floats the high level switch and allow it to remain running until the low level switch stops floating. By varying the height of the high level float switch you can vary the pump run time frequency. The low level switch must be placed high enough to prevent the pump from running dry.

I need to program my computer to put up the 'I agree' guy everytime Potts posts

 

[CHOMPERS]

Here is my pump station. Look for a float switch like this one. It is adjustable by raising or lowering the mounting point, and by the length of the cord. Also by adding a check valve to the pump output, the water remaining in the plumbing does not flow back into the tank to raise the water level. My waste tank is 20 gallons and this serves my 250g tank.

Avoid using a timer because it does not sense the water level. And bilge pumps are designed to keep the boats bilge empty. That is why they have such a shallow depth of operation. Additionally, they are designed for 12v DC. At 120v AC, the switch will arc and after some time it will burn out. They can still be used but you should use a relay.

 

[CHOMPERS]

By the way, these float switches are available at Lowes in the irrigation pump/ sump pump section. I have not found them at any Home Depot.

 

[Phixer]

How about a pressure switch instead of a float. I belive they are used to control float levels in washing machines.

 

[Potts050]

I think you will find that sump float switches have the highest contact rating for the lowest price and are the prefered solution to passive controls such as timers and relays. You are less likey to flood, burn out pumps by running them dry, and your energy use will be more efficient.

One final word of caution when using these style float switches. You need to make sure they wont hang up on your pump and plumbing in the sump in such a manner that the pump continues to run because the float is sitting upright. This can happen if the cord is too long and there is a lot of turbulence in your sump ie the pump is over sized.

Thank you Chompers for the kind endoresment!