Help with Float Switch

[unknownuza13]

Alright so my drip system is almost complete and I can't figure out how to get my pump station to be functional. I bought a float switch from marine depot. The problem is the travel on the float is only about an inch and a half. In my tests that I have run I have run into a few problems that I am not sure how to correct. When the float activates the pump it only runs for about five seconds and then the float drops enough to turn the pump off. Anyone who has a drip and use a pump station have any ideas for me? I appreciate the knowledge.

 

[unknownuza13]

I guess I did not make my situation clear. The pump station is for my waste water and since the drain I am using is about 4' high I assumed the waste water could not drain with gravity/siphon. In my mind I was thinking the pump would come on and completely empty the tub I have set up but right now the pump will basically be on 100% of the time.....

 

[koliveira]

So the pump turns off when the water rises to top of line. Damn, you may have to set up that pump on timer instead of float switch. Or you can see if they make float switch that turns on when water rises instead of off.

kory

 

[unknownuza13]

I'm thinking I'm not doing a very good job of explaining it.. The float does work. It comes on like its supposed to when the water rises but the pump only comes on for approx. 5 seconds and by that time it has drained enough water for the float to turn the pump off. But then literally within another minute there is enogh water to activate the float again so if it was set up this way the pump would be turning on and off every minute or so. I think I have to go another route.....

 

[koliveira]

Can you just sink the float valve lower in the water?

kory

 

[unknownuza13]

Can you just sink the float valve lower in the water?

kory

Yes I can but no matter the level it is at the float is so sensitive that whenever the water raises it even a fraction of an inch the pump comes on and once its on for 2 seconds that is enough to make the float basically not be floating anymore but in that time it has only emptied 10 ounces of water so then in another 45 seconds there is enough water to make the float activate the pump again for 2 seconds and then the water falls again. I need something that will make the pump stay on for say, one minute anytime it is activated to drain the entire tub instead of just ten ounces at a time and the pump being on constantly.

 

[koliveira]

Try just ditching the float switch and getting a aqualifter pump by TOM. These pumps can move air or water and are only about 15.00.

Or hook up pump to digital timer and have it come on once an hour over howerver long it takes for holding tank to fill up.

You could then just run one tube to bucket and one tube out to drain. lmk what you do bro but I think this would be real easy for you.

Kory

 

[unknownuza13]

Try just ditching the float switch and getting a aqualifter pump by TOM. These pumps can move air or water and are only about 15.00.

Or hook up pump to digital timer and have it come on once an hour over howerver long it takes for holding tank to fill up.

You could then just run one tube to bucket and one tube out to drain. lmk what you do bro but I think this would be real easy for you.

Kory

I will let you know I appreciate the help brotha

 

[Boydo]

Run the float on a digital timer, set it to turn on for 5 minutes or so every hour to hour and a half. To clarify: power source - timer- float switch - pump. Also on the end of the float switch where the wires come out the top, I recomend you silicone that up so no water can get in there. Place the float so it's above the pumps intake, that will be the turn off point, and depending on your water rate you can set up a timed event where there will be no power to the switch the water will rise until the timer turns on lowering the level to the float. WOW, I hope this makes sense... When you get the timer be sure to get one that is capable of 20 or more events.

Gook Luck

 

[unknownuza13]

Run the float on a digital timer, set it to turn on for 5 minutes or so every hour to hour and a half. To clarify: power source - timer- float switch - pump. Also on the end of the float switch where the wires come out the top, I recomend you silicone that up so no water can get in there. Place the float so it's above the pumps intake, that will be the turn off point, and depending on your water rate you can set up a timed event where there will be no power to the switch the water will rise until the timer turns on lowering the level to the float. WOW, I hope this makes sense... When you get the timer be sure to get one that is capable of 20 or more events.

Gook Luck

Thanks man I will give it a try. It does make sense but if I hadn't been messing with this stuff the past few weeks it definately would not. Good idea about the silicone also.