Sump Pump Reviews: Sump Pump Float Switches

Every sump pump has some type of float switch to control its operation. In this third of a series of videos, sump pump expert Barry Schilling talks about which types of float switches are most dependable and which ones to avoid.

[@Drew_3000]

Basically he’s saying they all suck Get it? They suck I’ll be here all night folks

[@n545ca1]

Added precaution: if you have Ring alarm system, add freeze/flood sensor at the top of the sump pit. Any detection of temps below 42 degrees or minute traces of water will trigger a phone call (mine saved me this morning at 5am). Secondly, keep a submersible pump and garden hose nearby as backup. If the sump goes out, I attach hose to submersible pump, drop it in the pit and place the other end of hose in sink or shower basin (or outside).

[@ijohnny.]

Excellent tutorial! Very useful.

[@PBS-nm1uu]

great demo thanks for all the info

[@GreenfishPete]

Thanks for posting this video

[@jddavisnyc]

Very helpful. I was trying to figure out why my new sump pump with the vertical switch was constantly on and all I had to do was pull the switch down since it was stuck in the upright position.

[@briannear2260]

Very nice explanations. Thanks!

[@jimpie231]

I like the tether type. I have the original pump (Hydromatic) in my 17+ year home . After the first switch failed after 5 years I bypassed the pressure switch and did a piggyback tether switch. That one failed after 8 years and my current switch has been working for 4+ years. Almost all pumps are pretty reliable. However switches do fail. Many times people replace a sump pump that is good, and only the switch has failed. They don’t have the knowledge or the expertise to repair them. When buying a sump pump, buy one with a piggy back switch. Even if the arrangement fails, you can always unplug the pump from the piggy back switch and plug the pump in for manual operation. If it works then shut it off, by pulling the plug (disconnecting from power). Then go out and buy a new switch, remove old, and put in new switch and you’re done! Thanks….Jim

[@jameshill4900]

I'm surprised he keeps commenting on the tether type float filling with water. I don't think that would be common in a properly made switch especially considering how long they've been used. I've found tethered to be the simplest, most reliable and as you commented easiest to repair if necessary.

[@jimpie231]

@@jameshill4900 Sorry, about that. Most tether switches fail because the contacts wear out, they don’t usually fill with water. I’m glad you like them, so do I…..

[@jameshill4900]

@@jimpie231 Nothing to be sorry about. I was referring to the video were he comments multiple times about them filling with water. I agree with all your comments. 👍

[@breeze787]

My first sewage pump lasted 16 years it was a green Hydromatic and the float switches all 4 of them are still being used after I replaced the pump. Your video is more of a warning than any kind of counsel for those looking for pumps. I don't know how useful your cry for wolves really helps DYI'ers like myself. If you pointed out how each of these pumps have characteristics that make it ideal for the hundreds of different sump & sewage pumping applications there are for all residential use might have been way more helpful. 1/3rd horsepower, 1/2 horse 2" & 1-1/2" discharge pipes and non-clog designs able to pass up to 2" material up a 10 foot 2" vertical pvc pipe. Lots of things to emphasize for each pump besides the switch like can changing out a pump be an easy or difficult job for the DIYer home owner. Yeah switches will fail and you mentioned that but is that the only thing to consider?

[@marko7843]

Thank you , thank you , thank you!!

[@ruco5775]

I've had problems with all of the switches except the Basement watchdog duel float switch. It can be purchased separately from the pump.

[@rotunda57]

The original Penberthy sump pump in my house had a mercury tilt switch. It was original on the pump and never failed with 52 years of service. (The motor locked up). Switches today are consumed like candy.

[@TheDenverSun]

Thanks Ditka!

[@rcexperts9419]

tHEDENVERSUN hh

[@harleymk88]

Da pumps!

[@ManCaveMachining]

I have an older (1995!) Hydromatic pump with the diaphragm switch. I've never had a problem with the pump or switch in 26 years. I feel like I'm pressing my luck so I'll be swapping it out soon.

[@RickyTickyTabby]

I believe the green heavy duty looking pump some people asked about is a Hydromatic(Pentair) hence the box to the left of it. Also, Hydromatic's green color is slightly lighter than Zoeller.

[@robertlaw4073]

The hydromatic diaphram switch fails like clockwork between 1-2 years of relative high-cycle use. Usually they fail in the "on" position, so you will burn out your pump but if you hear it then you can replace without getting water in basement. They also offer other swtiches (float type, and tether type), but I have not tried them... I had an old stock one of the diaphram switches that lasted 5+ years. However they changed something in their sourcing or design and now it's not worth the high price.

[@TeslaRules1856]

Digital Floats are now available - separately or with Pumps like Ion Technologies. No moving parts.

[@IdvbI]

Hello, I want to find a pump that has a float on mechanism at 4" top. Where may I find it?

[@Dua1512]

I think i have capacitive switch which has stopped working, an i just install a tethered float switch to keep it going? I think my pump still has life left in its a week end i dont have much choices....

[@janswee1]

Da' Bears!!

[@joeytornado1313]

Haha...awesome comment!

[@pupdog7374]

I have a 1/2 HP, Coleman with a tether switch. It has lasted me over 20 years.

[@neilbrookins8428]

I bought a levelguard switch and it’s been working great for about 10 years. My previous switches all would die after 6 months to a year or so.

[@kyleerickson3382]

is your level guard in a sewage sump or just a regular water sump thanks

[@learnjcbskidsterchickensga7594]

@@kyleerickson3382 i put mine in ejector pit.

[@minigingerbunnies]

hello we own a Everbilt 3/4 HP Professional Sump Pump what type of oil dose it take we got it from a sale so no manual please let me know thank you

[@rakun1212]

Have you reviewed the Wayne HALO75 Basement Guardian Halo 3/4HP Smart Sump Pump with the solid state air switch with wifi setup? I know it's not in this video, but maybe you have had a chance since this was made to see it?

[@Yobachi2007]

You sound like you root for Da Bears! Great vid on types of auto floats.

[@tayninh69]

Very informative video. In my experience with sump pumps I have found that the Wayne sump pump has a very good design for it's float switch and it is serviceable by the homeowner. Tethered switches seem to wear out the wires at the point of tether. That means buying a new switch every so often. We live in an area that has a high water table and our pump runs a lot year round. For me the Wayne 3/4 horse power pump has worked out pretty good. Very little issues.

[@PJAgnew]

The Basement Watchdog caged float switch seems to be the best and most reliable of all of the switches.

[@hydraulics]

+P.J. Agnew thanks. I was going to order one on your recommendation, but they're only good for 1/3HP pumps. Mine's 1/2, so I'm back to a tethered garbage switch. Wish there was something better for the bigger pumps.

[@Rodj12341]

Are you sure? Their website shows the same exact one on their 1/2, 3/4, and 1 HP pumps.

[@cooperrichard6]

P.J. Agnew They seam great, and them they stick all the time. Been through 2 of them on 2 years.

[@concretedavey]

As for the rigid SP-500 the steel rod will corrode and the float floats away. I don't know why they don't use stainless or aluminum for this little rod.

[@9631612]

wow that is a huge display of pumps. Thank you for your video. I'm trying to find out who makes the best ball float switch for an external pump in a holding tank.

[@dennisreynolds6915]

zoeller

[@dennisreynolds6915]

+NOpcBS ive heard that. my pump has been working for 9 years straight. when it goes out ill get a n98 with a level guard

[@dennisreynolds6915]

+NOpcBS look up level guard

[@Rodj12341]

Basement Watchdog floats are the best to me, though I wish Glentronics can get the Enhanced 1.5 controller on Watchdogs also since it has a adjustable run time.I have the BWC1 with a very long lasting Hydromatic D-A1(Still runs after 13+ years, though it is very quiet, it is not as quiet as it used to be.

[@user-tb2jy9lu3d]

Have you looked at the HydroCheck 6000? Two electronic switches...no moving parts. You put one switch at the low end and one at the high end where you want it to kick on at. When water touches both probes at the same time, the pump kicks on. Better than ball float switches...and all other float switches, for that matter. They make other similar switches for different applications, as well.

[@ausemincorporated]

Is Everbilt any good? That's what's in my sump. I think it's the HD brand which concerns me. Also, I don't have a check valve so water rushes back in.

[@ausemincorporated]

Don’t all answer at once...

[@Romans--bo7br]

I have a $49. Harbor Freight - 1/2hp sump pump with a vertical shaft magnetic switch and a float that is only 1.25 inches in diameter by 3/4 inch "thick". It has been in heavy use (due to High water table) now for nearly 6 years... works like a champ!! I did by a new one at HF last summer (2018) as a handy back-up, all plummed with a new anti-reversion valve, etc... ready to change out should or when the need arises, if it does so, before I will change them out this summer after (hopefully!!) the water level drops way down and out of the sump basket, just as a preventative maintenance measure and keep the current one as a spare.

[@Pro1er]

Thanks, but I noticed that you stopped at the Zoeller which is notorious for switch failures.

[@learnjcbskidsterchickensga7594]

mine did not last past short warranty

[@toms3502]

Less break than work with zoeller.

[@ianmoone7529]

What happened to electronic switches?

[@DavidSchertz]

And the video just ends? Which one do you recommend? Any brand more reliable than others? Do you like da bears?

[@ausemincorporated]

IKR?!?!?!

[@ausemincorporated]

Art Vandelay what do you know about sump pumps? You’re in latex!

[@SilentServiceCode]

@Art Vandelay lol two of the pumps were idential Wayne models -- the Ridgid and Campbell Hausfeld next to it. Some of the others I've seen sold under different names.

[@TamalaStewart]

Thanks for some great info! What is the name/manufacturer of the green pump?

[@mytexasdays1526]

Hydromatic. It's the brown box to the left of the pump.

[@desperado77760]

how can I keep grass clippings from clogging up the bottom of the pump inlet screen?

[@brianreeves4309]

I wrapped a metal screen around the bottom of my pump

[@DiogenesNephew]

The barracuda pumps extraordinarily fast, but the primary float switch won't close anymore. The float is almost not buoyant enough to over come the damn friction of the switch at this point. Will have to check for a leak I guess, but it does float still.

[@berhtorchio6577]

Where can buy sump floats with mercury switch and not the unreliable mechanical switch?

[@kimjongun2946]

Daaah Bears!

[@RhysOrd]

None of these videos cover the use of a manual pump using a separate switch attached to the discharge pipe, mechanical or electronic, and a piggyback power cord. With a high water table and a seepage pit, all of these switches in this video will require the pump to run constantly, needlessly pumping ground water forever. Sometimes you just need to keep it off the basement floor during rainy periods and adjust the float to accomplish that. I would love to see some of those options.

[@Rodj12341]

Actually, you are wrong, even though it may look like they are not piggyback, the Hydromatic(far left green pump) and the Basement Watchdog floats are piggyback, And the Basement Watchdog one does actually attach to the pipe, he just has it connected onto the pump in the video. The Basement Watchdog one is fully adjustable in height, though it will still remain the full 10 second pump time(Unless you go for a PHCC Enhanced 1.5 controller which allows for adjustable run time).

[@GD15555]

why not put some foam in that hollow switch then it wont fill with water

[@rickb4806]

Might cost company 10 cents. Cant do that.

[@jerseyjim9092]

Never mentioned diaphagm switch. My Little Giant has been working flawless for over 25 years.

[@shayorshayorshayor]

do all the water detectors MUST be mechanical? why not any sonar detectors?

[@kevin17111]

Float free swich

[@joeking433]

That Basement Watchdog pump sucks and not in a good say. Mine rotted through in a couple years as a secondary pump. I saw some people warning of it on youtube and they were right.

[@faRI9462]

hi

[@bguen1234]

This isn’t a review, just describing the floats, which are obvious.

[@gaurd3]

A lot of "mights". Concerns alleviated by proper installs.

[@dennisreynolds6915]

doesnt even show the zoeller pumps which are the best

[@Rodj12341]

Bad*After 2008, people had switch failures, read the amazon reviews on the Zoeller's.

[@dennisreynolds6915]

Yes you are correct. i did some reviews and theybare garbage. i also had a family member get the run around from the zoeller warranty department

[@deletesoon70]

We installed a Liberty with VMF switch which appears to be their proprietary design. After reading all of what you can find in forums etc.it seemed too risky to go w. Zoeller. It's amazing how a company with an excellent reputation making excellent products could let such a simple tiny thing sabotage them, then remaining dedicated to that thing.

[@rristevski]

i replaced 2 of them in my home with in 3 years. I switched to Liberty ProVor Grinder pumps..

[@Affordablebath_remodel]

HydroCheck HC5000 Sewage Pump Switch

[@eliottpadilla10]

In conclusion none of this pumps are good.

[@biabia4462]

lmao right?

[@tomslick2058]

No brand names WTF

[@jameswilliams663]

In other words do not purchase any of these sump pumps because none can reliably prevent a flood in your basement. Hard to believe that no company can integrate a reliable switch with a reliable pump. I have been using the honda wsp33 for almost 20 years now in my sump pump without an issue. And going to buy another because Honda may be discontinuing production of the pump.