Here's a picture of my sump pump. The blue arrow points to an unrelated drain from an AC condensate. How does this thing work - where's the float? Is it a pressure sensor built in near the red arrow, or am I missing something?
Comments
thunder66 t1_izguxbp wrote
Diaphragm, but yes. Upvoted as the correct answer.
golds413 OP t1_izhbuxh wrote
I tried to confirm it by filling up the well with water. Since the pump only turns on after it is submerged and then some, I sincerely doubt how it could be a float. So I agree, it seems like it must be a diaphragm.
oh_three_dum_dum t1_izgmj99 wrote
It probably has an internal switch.
BeetsMe666 t1_izhe171 wrote
Those diaphragm switches always screw up. Add a float to the circuit. They sell add on floats. Just make sure you get the right one. Some open on rise and some close on rise.
golds413 OP t1_izhjs5c wrote
Yeah - I'm wondering since it's at least 15 years old if I should just replace the whole thing.
ring_the_sysop t1_izhm3i1 wrote
At 15 years old you should absolutely replace the whole thing.
BeetsMe666 t1_izhmtqe wrote
15 is old for a pump. But I have seen older. The floats are cheap, a new pump is way more. But there are sweet pressure controls on the new ones. And variable flow rates too.
If you can afford it, go new. But a new float will get you through winter.
framerotblues t1_izgtjlp wrote
Yes, it would be in/near the housing by the red arrow and is probably a diaphragm switch
bburghokie t1_izgo1fu wrote
I could be wrong in this case cause I cant see down the hole but there might be a float valve way down towards the bottom of the cavity.
Born-Work2089 t1_izi3bfj wrote
Looks like a 'Little Giant' brand. based on the picture there is a bunch of muck, so it is possible the opening that allows fluid to supply liquid pressure to the diaphragm. If it is plugged in, that could be the problem. Also, the discharge looks undersized too. this makes the pump work harder and has less performance (volume) . Replacement diaphrams can be bought if it torn. In the end replacing the pump is the recommended fix. I sold them for years.
[deleted] t1_izjkj3s wrote
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[deleted] t1_izj65p6 wrote
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ospfpacket t1_izgunxm wrote
Probably on the bottom of the pump
burnsj85 t1_izgrtmk wrote
You are correct. There's a diagram inside that space that presses a switch when the water gets high enough to provide adequate pressure.