Sump Pump Switches Review By Comparison

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Review By Comparison

How do the switches work?

Sump pump switches are triggered to run the sump pump in the following ways:

Traditional float switches

  • When the sump pump float is raised by the water in the sump pit, the switch is triggered and the sump pump runs. These float switch types are known as the tethered and the vertical float switches very commonly found on the Zoeller, Flint-Walling, Myers, StormPro, Superior, Flotec, Simer and some Wayne sump pumps.
  • When the water pressure increases on the diaphragm, the pressure becomes so great the switch is activated. These switches are known as the diaphragm switch very commonly found on the Little Giant pumps.

Newer technology switches

  • When the water level is sensed by a probe which is connected to a microprocessor. the electronic switch is triggered and activates the pump to run. The probe microprocessor is commonly found on the Wayne and Ridgid sump pumps. The probe sensor does not work accurately where ground water is high in calcium carbonate.
  • When the water pressure is sensed by a diaphragm membrane and sends a current to a relay board, the relay activates the pump to run. These are known as the Ion Digital Level Controller. These controllers are too new to know how long before they fail. They have a one year warranty.
  • When the water level rises the sump pump resistance becomes greater than the water resistance. The change in resistance is sensed by the controller and the pump is activated when the sump pump resistance reaches a defined level. These switch controllers have been on the market for over five years. They have a lifetime warranty and have proven to be very reliable. This sump pump switch controller is known as the Hydrocheck HC6000.
 

Reliability of the switch types

  • A switch activated by a tether float may get stuck in the 'on' or 'off' position because the tether float can get obstructed.
  • A switch activated by a vertical float may get stuck in the 'on' or 'off' position because the switch mechanism gets stuck.
  • A switch activated by the movement of a diaphragm will eventually dry out, become brittle and fail to operate.
  • A switch activated by a microprocessor may get a false reading from the probe with a high presence of calcium carbonate or water from a water softener.
  • The digital level controllers are new on the market and thus there is not enough evidence to determine their reliability. They come with a one year warranty.
  • An electronic switch controller activated by water/pump motor resistance ratio is proven to be the most reliable . It has no moving parts to wear out or get stuck, and is not affected by water chemicals or contaminates.         Read more about the reliable HC6000 electronic sump pump switch controller.
 
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