[schroeder1959]

What setps do I need to take in order to change a sewage pump switch? My pump will only work if I slightly tap the pipe coming out of the pump. It will work for a few cycles, but then I will notice that it has not pumped and will tap the pipe and it kicks in. Do you have any ideas? I have a Zoeller Pump, but don't know the specific model. Next question, where do I find the model number? I have the instrcutions, but several model numbers are listed, where do I look on the pump for this information. Next question, how do I go about getting the pump out of the pit without breaking things? One more thing, my pump only has one power cord coming out of the pit, no piggy back connection.

Thanks for your help!

Mike
(Schroeder1959)

[massplumber2008]

Hi Mike.. then you should have a float type ejector like in my picture.

This is the only type pump I install... very reliable. If you are having issues with having to tap on pipes to engage the float/pump it may be due to something settling onto the float itself. As you guessed... that means you have to go inside the pit and remove whatever that something is.. *yuck*... but at least it is your home.

Of course, may just be that float is defective... or water has gotten into electrical connections... but you will not know for sure until you open the pit. SO...

You should have a check valve assembly on the discharge pipe... above the check valve... standing sewage... below check valve is clear.. so release the bottom clamp and try to lift the checkvalve off the discharge pipe (do not overstree and BREAK the pipe with standing sewage... that would add insult to injury, to say the least... ;) ). If that does not work you may need to cut into the pipe below the check valve and install a nohub clamp when re-installing (se pic #2). OR you could always remove the top of check valve and try to catch the sewer as it falls out... *yuck again*

Then remove the bolts at the 1/2 cover that attaches to discharge pipe and see what you can see inside pit with a flashlight. If possible, may see what the problem is... trip the float with a stick a few times... does it work better now?

If nothing obvious then will need to pull pump up and out *yuck*... you may need to cut into the evnt pipe to do this (same as discharge... cut, remove 1/2 cover and then pull pump... reattach vent pipe later with clamp shown).

Then can evaluate in full... do all this... get back to us... ok? Let us know what you find... if float switch bad, may need to go to pump repair shop... *frown*... not so easy to change this type switch!