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Have you experienced a sump pump switch failure which happened during a heavy rainstorm? There is a way to prevent frequent sump pump switch failure and make replacement easy. We discovered this switch in 2011 and it has been working ever since. This is the most reliable switch on the market today. Learn why this switch is so reliable.
Five Key Features
1) No Moving Parts
Moving float switch parts have many disadvantages. Any mechanical moving part will eventually fail. The float switch may get caught on the basin wall or other pumps in the basin since vigorous pumping tends to cause pump movement. Switches wear out after on million cycles or less. Non solid floats can get punctured allowing water to enter the pit causing it to fail. The graphite used on some models where the ON connection is made to the switch gets weak.
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2) No Chemicals, Mineals, Salt Water or Waste Water Effects
Some pump manufacturers have created electronic switches taking advantage or modern technology advances; however many have failed because they were not able to overcome the effects of minerals, chemicals and even salt in the waste water. The most reliable switch is not impacted by such.
3) Reduces Motor Short Cycling
The ON OFF height of the float switch determines how frequently the pump motor runs. The ON OFF height is preset by the manufacturer of automatic sump pumps. Only a non-automatic sump pump allows customization of the ON OFF heightof the motor. Usually preset heights have a differential of only five inches maximum. Therefore during heavy water flow into the pit, the pump motor turns ON and OFF very frequently which adds to the wear and tear of the motor. The mosts reliable sump pump switch allows customization of the ON OFF height.
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4) Lifetime Warranty
The float switch is the first thing to fail on a sump pump. The longest sump pump warranty in the industry is five years which includes float switch failure. No manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty except the most reliable switch. Any manufacturer that offers a lifetime warranty has complete confidence in their product.
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5) Fits Small Pits
Automatic sump pumps with attached float switches increase the diameter required in the basin. A float switch that requires less space in the basin accomodates more basin sizes. The most reliable switch requires no additional basin diameter because its controller switch attaches to the discharge pipe and is therefore most highly desired.
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Three Installation Benefits
1) No Removal Of Sump Pump Required To Install Float Switch
The most reliable sump pump switch attaches to the discharge pipe not the pump. It is a remote switch which means that it is separate from the sump pump. Therefore if the switch should ever fail, the old switch can be easily removed from the discharge pipe and a new switch attached to the same location on the discharge pipe without removing the sump pump from the basin.
2) Easy To Install
The most reliable switch is easy to install.
Step One: To ensure the ON and OFF probes will not be affected by chemicals or minerals in the water, attach the two probes to an additional length of 3/4 inch PVC and attach the additional PVD length with the prones to the main discharge pipe hihg enough so the pump impeller will not go dry before the water goes below the bottom probe and low enough so the top probe is below the four inch drainage pipe into the basin.
Step Two: Plug the switch piggyback controller into the wall socket
Step Three: Plug the pump motor cord into the piggyback controller.
Step Four: Fill the basin with water to test the switch with the sump pump.
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3) Universal Switch Which Works With All Sump Pump Models and Brands
This switch can be used with any sump pump that runs on 14 amps or less. Starting amps are not used in this calculation only running amps. Currently we do not know of any residential sump pumps that run on more than 14 amps including Zoeller, Wayne, Liberty, Superior, Little Giant, Flotec, Simer, Ridgid, Everbilt, Basement Watchdog, and Eco-Flo.
This dual switch can be used with any automatic or non automatic sump pump. Installation is easiest with non automatic sump pumps because their is no float to contend with. For an automatic sump pump it is necessary to secure the float in the ON position unless the sump pump has a piggyback switch. In that case, unplug the motor cord, tie the float switch cord to the discharge pipe and plug the pump notor into the dual switch controller piggyback.
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Most Reliable Switch Brand And Model: HydroCheck HC6000
The HydroCheck HC6000 is the most reliable switch on the market.
We installed the HC6000 in 2011 and it is still working perfectly.
Six Reasons We Like This Switch
1) We can set the ON and OFF height of the sump pump. Our pump runs even when it does not rain because we live in a high water table area. To prevent motor short cycle we set the ON height about three inches from the bottom of the drainage pipe entering the basin and the OFF height just above the inpeller so the pump will not run dry. There is no timer on the controller so when the water recedes below the bottom probe the motor shuts off.
2) The HC6000 probes do not need cleaning. We have water softener and high mineral and chenicals in our ground water. The HC6000 probes are not affected. We have never cleaned ours after seven years.
3) The Switch works with any brand of pump. We like Zoeller so have used the M53 and M98 with it. The running amps on both pumps is well below 14 amps. We put the switch in ON position and plugged the motor cord into the back of the HC6000 controller plug.
4) Installation is easy. (We are not plumbers though we have learn a lot from other plumbers.) It attaches to the discharge pipe and the sump pump motor cord is plugged into the HC6000 piggyback switch. Here's more detail on how to install it.
5) No additional basin diameter is required because it is attached to the discharge pipe above the primary pump. We have a primary and battery backup sump pump in our basin. It is full; therefore we are glad no additional basin diameter is required.
6) The price is around $75 which is $30 higher than a replacement switch for the brand of primary pump you own; and is cheaper than other remote electronic switches such as the Level Guard Z24801A1Z for around $98. Unlike other switches, the HC6000 comes with a lifetime warranty. We have talked with the HydroCheck engineer and find him to be very caring about the products he designs and desires their products meet homeowners needs.
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What Consumers Are Saying
The HC6000 can be purchased at Amazon. Several consumers have rated the product and are very pleased with it.
Here Is What Some Consumer Review Ratings Say.
Heard So Much. Have Hi-Expectations
By David February 1, 2017
My sump pumps run an awful lot. In fact so much that the switches fail after a couple of years. The failing switches have all had moving parts and the copper contact inside the switch eventually breaks. The HC6000 Hi-Lo dual sensor is an electronic device with no moving parts to break. The installed HC6000 operates perfectly. This switch has alarms that tell you when your pump is beginning to fail, when pump failure is imminent, and for any event outside of normal operation. Also, I give another five stars to their tech support. The support seemed happy to answer questions about my sump pump that was only vaguely related to the new switch.
This Controller Is Excellent
By Zack, July 2016
This controller is excellent. I use it to control the pump in my kitchen sink drain and it works almost flawlessly, even though the water in the drain is rather oily compared to other sump basin water. The instruction manual is clear to understand and to follow.
Works Great!
By DL, August 2016
I received this device quickly. After reading the instructions which were plain enough, I had some questions regarding an alternative sensor installation method and how the device worked. I called the contact phone number and to my pleasant surprise, a person answered the phone! Not only that, he knew what he was talking about. I asked about the reliability and product support told me that they had done testing and the product ran in excess of 1 million on/off cycles without failure. Pretty impressive. Mine is working great. This product because it has 2 sensors allows me to custom adjust when I can turn on the sump pump and when to turn it off. That is a real help in my situation.
Tailored This To My Unique Need!
By Tony, October 2016
I have window wells that occasionally fill up with water during heavy thunderstorms and leak into the basement. I did not know what to do because a sump-pump would have been total overkill for these small window wells. With the HC6000 I am able to automatically run a small fountain pump in the window wells to drain the water and keep the basement dry. As soon as the water is drained this controller switch automatically shuts off the pump. How unique this product is. I have not found anything else like it. This was exactly what I needed. It functions perfectly as advertised. I would encourage anyone to use it. It works so well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Does It Work?
Answer: The controller plugs into an outlet and the sump pump then plugs into the back of the controller. The controller has two sensors on long wires that are placed in the sump pit and attach to the discharge pipe with cable ties. One sensor is attached at the level you want the pump to turn OFF (bottom or low) and the other sensor is attach at the level you want it to turn ON (hihg or top). One probe for the high and one probe for the low. When both probes sense water which acts as continuity to ground, the pump motor turns on. The pump will run until both probes sense no water (read no continuity to ground). It is a good system and worry free.
Can I put the Primary pump plugged into the HC6000 controller and the Battery Backup pump on the same circuit?
Answer: No. The Primary and Battery Backup Pump require a separate circuit. Putting them on the same outlet circuit will at some point cause the fuse to blow and neither pump will work.
Does the Controller Switch cover more than one wall socket? It looks so big like it covers more than one wall socket.
Answer: No. It only takes the space of one wall socket. Something else can be plugged into the other socket.
How do I install this if chemicals or minerals are found in the water entering the basin?
Answer: You must follow the Special Installation instructions. The Special Installation installs the two probes on an additional 3/4 inch PVC pipe which is attached to the discharge pipe.
The Standard Installations does not require the probes to be attached to an additional piece of PVC instead the two probes are attached directly to the discharge pipe which the primary pump uses.
Understanding how the sensors work will clarify why the Special Installation is necessary when there is water with high mineral content (i.e. water softener discharge) or the presence of iron algae, etc. There is a small voltage at the tip of the sensor, and when that voltage gets pulled to ground, the switch knows there is water present at that sensor.
The normal path for this voltage is through the water to the pump. However, in environments where the water is exceptionally conductive, a film builds up on the lower sensor and can be conductive enough so that the voltage on the sensor tip can find an alternate path to ground, which is up the body of the sensor, over to the discharge pipe and down to the pump.
In the Special Installation, the sensor is mounted to a separate PVC pipe that is secured at the top of the pit above the maximum water line where you want the pump to turn ON and the tip of the lower sensor should at attached to extend below the added PVC pipe. Then, as before, the body of the sensor will get a film built up on it, as will as the PVC pipe it is mounted to. The voltage will still follow up the body of the sensor to the PVC pipe, but since the pipe does not extend below the sensor, the voltage cannot find a path to ground in that direction. It will follow up the PVC pipe, but will terminate when it reaches dry pipe, so cannot find a path to ground in that direction either. So, with this type of installation, even though the lower sensor will get that film buildup, it is not affected by it so it will not stay triggered even when the water has dropped below the tip.
Are the sensors specific - one sensor for high and the other for low?
Answer: No; however once you use one as high, keep it as high and the one you use as low, keep it as low.
I would like to buy this product for future use. How long can I store the unit on my shelf?
Answer: Indefinately. It has no shelf life.
Will these sensors fit on a 2 inch diameter PVC discharge pipe?
Answer: Yes. It will fit on any size diameter PVC pipe. The key ks using a right sized fastener to hold the sensors (probes).
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Will this work with an automatic Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate pump that already has a switch?
Answer: Remove the float from the pump thus deactivating the float mechanism. Then permanently set the float switch in the UP or ON position; Use a zip tie or some wire. On other pumps you may need to secure the pumps mechanical float switch in the UP or ON position so the pump is always ON.
If I cut the probe wires and splice to extend them how far can I go? I would like to put the HC6000 with an alarm and a blinking light far away from the sump.
Answer: HydroCheck has tested the HC6000 with sensor cables up to 50 feet in length and it works fine. There is no reason you could not go longer. There is no current flowing through the wire, so there is no voltage drop to be concerned. Just make sure the splices are secure and kept dry.
How many years does it last?
Answer: Our HC6000 has been installed since 2011 with no problems. We live on a flood plain so our sump pump runs even on days without rain. When we get rain the pump runs continuously for 40 minutes or more. So the HC6000 gets a lot of activity. The same HC6000 has been installed since 2011 without problems. It still shows no signs of quitting operation. It saves us so much worry.
How long are the wires from the sensors to the wall outlet?
Answer: 12 Feet but can be customized up to 50 feet.
What if my pump is 220v? Does this come in 220v?
Answer: No. This switch works only in 120 VAC.
Can I have 2 of these in the same pit controlling 2 different pumps?
Answer: Yes. There is no interaction between the two switches, so each pump will be controlled individually. A number of customers use two switches in a single pit because of the small sensor (probe) size.
Can I shorten the pump ON time?
Answer: Yes. The pump ON time is determined by the positioning of the 2 sensors (probes). If you move them closer together (.e.g. lower the upper sensor) you will get a shorter run time. The way the switch works is that as soon as both sensors are detecting water, the output turns ON. Then, the output will stay on until neither sensor is detecting water. So, the cycle time is determined by how long both sensors are detecting water.
Is there any way to run the pump manually with this controller installed?
Answer: Yes. Unplug the motor cord from the controller adn remove the controller switch from the wall socket and plug the pump motor cord directly into the wall socket.
Does the HC60000 switch turn off after 90 seconds or will it stay on for many minutes or hours or until the water level drops to the bottom sensor?
Answer: There is no timer set for the switch to run for so many seconds. It will be triggered to run when both sensor tips as touched by water and will continue to run until neither of the sensor tips is touched by water.
With a pedestal pump how would you zip tie the switch to keep it ON? There is nothing above the switch to hold it ON?
Answer: For pedestal style sump pumps, it is easier to disconnect the float rod from the switch lever, then leave the lever in the ON position.
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Is using the HC6000 Dual Float Switch best?
Answer: Yes. We recommend the Dual Sump Pump Switch HC6000 because you can customize the ON and Off point of the sump pump. The Single HC8000 has only one probe so only the ON height can be customized. The OFF height of the HC8000 is established by the switch itself based on its sensing of water height when it is first installed and runs the first time.
Answer: No. The HC6000 is not constructed to be used outdoors. However, the HC6100 dual controller switch is constructed for outdoor weather and will work fine with an outdoor sump pump.
Answer: Use the HC8000. It has only one sensor. The sump pump motor will run when the water reaches the height of the sensor and shut off when the water is below the sensor. The sensor senses water by measuring the resistance between it and the grounded pump motor. When the water is below the sensor the resistance is very high, but when water reaches the tip of the sensor, the resistance is relatively low.
When the sensor detects the low resistance from the water, it triggers the control module to turn the pump on. Once the water drops below the sensor, it has no affect on the control of the pump until the next cycle.
Can I use it in a basement grinder or sewer pump pit?
Answer: We recommend the HC5000 Sewage Pump Switch, which has a sensor specifically designed not to be affected by anything in the water such as toilet paper or solids. What happens if the HC6000 is used is if a piece of toilet paper, for example, gets hung up on the lower sensor such that it formed a "bridge" from the sensor to any wet surface in the pit, the sensor would stay "triggered" even though the pump has emptied the pit, causing the pump to not turn off as it should. So go with the HC5000 Sewage Controller Switch.
Can I use a controller switch to automate a utility pump?
Answer: Yes. The HC7000 is designed to automate a utility pump. No need to watch the utility pump so it does not burn the motor. Let the HC7000 utility switch turn the pump ON when there is water to pump and OFF when there is no water to pump.
