[GraduationHavoc]

Throw out my common sense with the trash. I need help.

2 weeks ago, Memorial Day Weekend, my septic pit overflowed. I called my plumber/friend, who was unavailable. I decided I could pull out the septic pump and replace it.

I pulled it out and removed the minimal hair and such. I plugged it in and lifted the float and it blew air. I figured the float was stuck? I submerged the pump, added water and watched it exhaust 3 times before closing up the pit. Success I thought.

No problems for 2 weeks. This morning, the day we are hosting a graduation party, I awake and find the pit has overflowed again. Well, I know how to figure this out... I thought. Pulled it out, tested it above ground. No apparent problems. Submerged it. Added water and watched it work several time before closing up the pit.

Mid afternoon, I had an overflow on the basement floor once again. I decided to make a run to Menards and get a new pump. 1/2 hp Coleman Septic. I had it licked I thought.

Submerged it. Added water. Watched it exhaust several times. Closed up the pit.
Worked just fine.

Until tonight. Overflow again. I pulled the new one. Put the old one back in and watched it exhaust several times. Then before my eyes, I watched the water rise, the float rise and nothing. I reached in pushed the float arm down and it popped up and exhausted the water. The float is not touching the wall and it is rising. Besides hiring a professional, do you have any ideas for me?

[speedball1]

Why wasn't the float switch replaced instead of the pump? You have bad contacts in the switch. Can it be opened so you can clean them? Regards, Tom