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Sewage pump/ejector pump

Asked Apr 2, 2008, 12:58 PM — 2 Answers
My sewage/ejector pump sometimes won't shut itself off. It has gradually gotten worse as time goes by. What could be causing this? Any suggestions appreciated.

2 Answers
hkstroud's Avatar
hkstroud Posts: 6,922, Reputation: 2955
Home Improvement & Construction Expert
 
#2

Apr 2, 2008, 02:34 PM
Check the float mechanism to insure that its is not getting hung up on something.
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Harold,
The Left Handed Widget Maker
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massplumber2008's Avatar
massplumber2008 Posts: 9,247, Reputation: 4637
Plumbing Expert
 
#3

Apr 2, 2008, 04:27 PM


Hi guys:

Iamjung...does your pump system have 1 or 2 cords (1 plugs into the back of the other)?

If 2 cords, then may have a "PILL" type float mechanism that is pretty famous for failing over time. It could be getting caught up on something like Harold suggested. It could also have let some water into float mechanism and begun to rot from the inside out. I have replaced many of these over the years.

If have 2 cords, best way to check this is to set water flowing into pit just until pump turns on and pumps pit empty...then shut water flow, disconnect the power supply to pump and float mechanism, disconnect the pump from the check valve (loosen bottom half only!) and open up ejector pit (1 side of cover only if possible).

Now, pull that pump out of pit, let it drain itself of water a bit.....then carefully plug the pump and the float mechanism back in together...then tilt the pill switch up and down...just like you can picture it working in full basin (on) to empty basin (off).

If fails, or sticks and stays on...found/confirmed the problem. Just go to supply house and they should have a replacement float for you. Reverse steps, install as last installed and should be set.

If this is a single cord sump pump, then maybe that float mechanism at the sump has failed for whatever reason....steps are pretty much the same to check/confirm float arm/mechanism is at fault.

Get back to us with any more questions...Mark

.
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