How To Adjust Sump Pump Float

Here is a practical guide on sump pump float switch adjustment.

Sump pump floats are among the vital components that help with the smooth functioning of these pumps. They act like sensors that help trigger the pumps when water levels increase.

This is a critical function that should necessitate a seamless operation. In other words, sump pump floats should always be in perfect working condition for enhanced functionality.

Sump Pump Float Adjustment Guide

When installing sump pumps, necessary steps are taken to ensure the floats are well adjusted. Well adjusted pumps work more efficiently than those that aren’t. So, what happens when a sump pump float isn’t properly adjusted?

You’ll have to read on for details on that and more.

Safety First

Before any action is taken to adjust a sump pump float, it’s necessary to take precautionary steps regarding your safety. There’s always a risk of electrocution wherever water and electricity are concerned.

This is why you should turn off the power supply before you begin any work.

What Adjustment Entails

The end goal of sump pump float adjustment is to have the float properly positioned for optimal functioning. Such positioning will require checking the height, as well as performing electronic or manual adjustments.

So, what do these adjustments achieve?

Let’s discuss each for more clarity.

• Height Adjustments of Sump Pump Floats

Every sump pump float has an ideal position from where it functions best. You’re left to figure this out through the process of adjustments.

This might require some trial and error approach. The easiest way to set your sump pump float switch perfectly is by having it trigger the pump when water reaches 5 inches of height.

Height adjustment for sump pump floats is also important because sometimes, placing it too low means your pump is triggered at the slightest collection of water.

This might end up overworking your sump pump as it’s triggered on and could work almost indefinitely.

The objective is to ensure there’s sufficient buffer space to allow the sump pump some rest before it gets triggered by the sensor or float.

If you aren’t technically inclined, you want to have a plumber carry out your sump pump float adjustments.

This adjustment must be done at least once to allow for the proper functioning of your sump pump. When the right positioning isn’t achieved, it’s likely to cause the pump to develop faults or malfunction.

• Electronic Adjustments of Sump Pump Floats

This type of adjustment is largely determined by the sump pump type you have. Certain sump pumps come installed with electronic float switches.

Here, water detection all happens electronically and sets off or triggers the pump to either turn on or off depending on the water level.

You’ll need to have an appreciable level of understanding of electronics to perform this type of float switch adjustment.

With the help of a screwdriver, you can either raise or lower the detection electronics within the pump. How you fine-tune it will determine what levels the pump comes on and off.

• Manual Adjustments of Sump Pump Floats

Compared to electronic floats, adjustment of manual sump pump floats is much easier. Depending on water levels, you might have to use higher or lower tethers and rods.

Here, you still need some basic understanding of the working principles of sump pumps to succeed.

The Adjustment Process

To ensure your sump pump functions optimally, the floats need to be well adjusted. Now, there are multiple steps to be followed in getting the ideal adjustment.

As stated earlier, it’s necessary to turn off the power. This cannot be overstated due to its importance.

Next, adjust the float to the right level (up or down), have it tested, and make readjustments where necessary. All of these steps are crucial and necessary.

Now, let’s take a brief look at each to provide you with an idea of what must be done.

• Turn off Power

This is one of the most simple and crucial steps to follow. All you’ll have to do here is turn the power off. Removing the power source eliminates any risks of electrocution.

With this done, you can proceed with other actions. Power should only be turned back on when you need to test or when adjustment is completed.

• Adjust the Float to the Right Level

This is the main action under focus and involves moving the sump pump float up or down. Depending on the type you have, you can have them adjusted based on their working principles.

Manual pump floats are much easier to adjust compared to electrical.

Asides from height adjustment, you may need a screwdriver to properly tune the switch to the desired level. The condition of your sump pump basin will determine to what extent such adjustment will be made.

Rod and tether height will need to match water levels in the pump and basin.

• Have it Tested

Having made necessary adjustments, it’s time to have it tested. Testing confirms whether the results or objectives have been achieved or not.

However perfect you think your adjustments were, they are only confirmed through testing. The sump pump is reconnected to power and water is added into the sump basin.

When the sump pump float triggers at the desired level, you will have done your job correctly. However, there’s no shame in finding some deviation off the mark. When this is the case, readjustments will be necessary.

Cut off the power source before you make necessary readjustments.

• Make Readjustments where Necessary

Here, nothing new is done apart from fine-tuning your earlier adjustments on the sump pump. It’s expected from your testing that you should have discovered the reason(s) why you didn’t get it right the first time.

Sometimes, you might still not get it right even after performing multiple readjustments. If so, there may be a fundamental problem that affects the process.

You should call a plumber to conduct a more professional sump pump adjustment for you.

Remember, the objective is to find solutions that involve having a sump pump that works effectively.

With the above procedures followed, there shouldn’t be much difficulty carrying out the needed sump pump float adjustment. You also get to benefit from this by keeping water levels down to a minimum.