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    cmcbryde's Avatar
    cmcbryde Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 4, 2009, 01:53 PM
    Ejector Sewage pump Switch
    How do I replace a switch on an Zoeller ejector sewage pump? Plumber said I had to replace the whole pump, but I know that's not the truth. The pump is only about 4 years old.:confused:
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Mar 4, 2009, 02:49 PM

    My rule is pretty much if they can build it, it can be repaired. Since Zoeller sells replacement swicthes for sewage pumps I'm thinking your plumber just want to sell you a new pump. Zoeller float switches for control of sump pumps and sewage pumps.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Mar 4, 2009, 04:33 PM
    Hi all...

    If your ejector has a float switch like in my picture below then your plumber may be correct when he stated that the whole pump needs to be replaced.

    Here, this type of float switch is always under water. When this type switch fails it is usually due to fact that water has gotten into the motor/electrical area as the float arm seal has failed.

    This means that sewer water has gotten into the motor/electrical area and most people/companies will not work on these! If they do, they charge big bucks because of the sewer water factor (pump would need to be cleaned and disinfected before most will even look at it) and the pump inevitably fails a year or so later... so usually not worth repairing.

    If you have a mercury type float switch on its own plug then that is easily replaced and plumber is pulling your leg as Ballengerb1 has suggested... ;)

    Let us know more here...

    MARK
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    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Mar 4, 2009, 09:24 PM

    Repairing sewer ejector pump may cost you substantial amount of money. On top of it, somebody has to remove it, clean it, bring it to the store and reinstall it. The total cost may easily exceed the cost of the new pump since these pumps are not overly expensive. Your plumber may be giving you valid option...
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #5

    Mar 4, 2009, 09:31 PM

    Milo and Mark, I am thinking this is a DIY project and the homeowner wants to fix it himself. Yes those ejectors are terrible to work on but its his home and he'd probably spray it off with Lysol and a garden hose. Once the original switch fails the switch box has a cap that can be opened. You short the wires to cause the pump to run 24/7. The new float switch is piggy backed with the existing plug in the outlet and it turns the power on and off to the pump right at the outlet box.
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #6

    Mar 4, 2009, 09:33 PM

    Sewer ejector pumps,, ugh. Working on these definitely validates our hourly charge.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #7

    Mar 4, 2009, 09:34 PM

    I actually would not do someone's for pay, I'd suggest a replacemnet too but I would work on my own.
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #8

    Mar 4, 2009, 09:58 PM

    Kind of like farts, don't mind smelling my own, but hate smelling others.lol. Unfortunately, I get paid to "smell others" all the time.

    My motto is,, your sh!t is my bread and butter.
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