Owning a Zoeller sump pump is a good thing. The pump motor and body are built to last decades, but a Zoeller float switch will not last decades. This is a problem because no one wants a flooded basement. This review identifies what causes Zoeller's four float switch types to fail and provides solutions.
Before addressing float switch problems, it is important to remember that the typical tether, vertical magnetic reed and vertical snap action float switches are mechanical devices. All mechanical devices fail soon or later so float switch failure is not unique to Zoeller sump pumps. All mechanical float switches fail sooner or later regardless of brand.
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Mechanical sump pump float switch failure varies by float switch type. Zoeller uses four mechanical float switch types: tether, vertical magnetic reed, vertical snap action and vertical enhanced snap action. Each of these float switch types experiences failure; however some experience fewer failures and last longer.
Discover what makes each float switch type unique, how it works, why it fails, how to solve its failure and models using the float switch type.
The tether float switch gets its name from its tether (long cord) with an attached float at the end. Inside the float is a ball like object and a switch with two connections.
Zoeller has two styles of tether floats: one that is attached directly to the sump pump and one that is a standalone and is used with a manual pump. Both styles work the same. The only difference is that the standalone is attached to the discharge pipe, its height is customizable, and the pump motor cord is plugged into the tether piggy back switch plug.
The tether switch works differently than the vertical float switch. When the water level is low the tether with its float rests quietly along the side of the pump and the ball is far from the switch and the switch connection is open and electric current does not flow, however as the water level rises, the tether moves upward freely in the pit with the float. As the float moves upward, the ball like object in the float moves closer to the switch and at its highest point causes the switch connections to touch. The current closure gives electrical power to the pump to run until the float lowers enough for the switch connections to open again and the pump stops.
The most common failure is float hang up in the pit. Even if the pit diameter is the recommended 12 inches in diameter, a sump pump moves during heavy pumping and can get too close for the tether to swing freely as needed.
Four additional tether float switch failures include 1) Electrical shortage 2) Hollow body puncture 3) Rocker failure and 4) Switch failure. Electrical shortage occurs when the rubber coated tether eventually gets old and cracks and exposes the electrical wires running through it and causes an electrical short. A rocker and switch failure occurs because both of them are mechanical and all things mechanical eventually wear out and fail.
The tether float switch failures listed here are not unique to Zoeller. All brands of tether float switches are known for the same failures. Zoeller tether float switches have an advantage because they are made by Zoeller in the USA and tested before shipment. Most companies do not manufacture their own tether float switches; instead they import them.
Here are some helpful tips for solving tether float switch problems.
The WM49 is currently the only Zoeller model that comes with a tether float. This 1/4 HP sump pump is unique in that its tether is shorter than its competition. This is great for a pit that is only 14 inches wide. Though the WM49 warranty is only 2 years, it is well built with a cast iron motor housing.
With only 1/4 HP this pump is powerful pumping 1,500 GPH @ 10 Feet. Its 10 foot power cord makes it unnecessary to use an extension cord which is not recommended.
The switch ON height is 11-1/4 Inches and the OFF height is 4-1/8 Inches. In an 18 inch diameter pit this means that 7 gallons of water are pumped each pumping cycle. During heavy pumping the WM49 may move because it only weighs 11 pounds. It is energy efficient using 4 Amps. Its discharge port is 1.5 Inch in diameter to accommodate the most common discharge pipe size.
Zoeller's manual models N53, N55, N57, N59, N98 and N137 can be automated by using Zoeller's variable level tether float switch.
The vertical magnetic reed float switch gets its name from its components: a rod, float, two magnets, and two reeds for the switch. The switch head located at the top of the pump body. The switch is inside the switch head.
The rod allows the float to slide vertically up and down as the water rises and recedes in the basin. A stopper at the end of the rod stops the float at its off point. A magnet is located in both the top of the rod and in the pump head which houses the switch. As the water rises, the float rises. When the float gets high enough the two magnets cling and at the same time the two reed strips in the switch close allowing electricity to pass through causing the pump to run. As the water level recedes the magnets release, the reeds separate, the electrical circuit disengages and the pump turns off. Since all of these moves are mechanical, this action eventually causes the float switch to fail.
The most common failure for the vertical magnetic reed float switch is contamination of the float switch connection. Ground water containing calcium carbonate contaminates the float switch connection in as little as one or two years.
Many years ago we installed this type of float switch and could not figure out why they always failed so quickly. Then one day we learned that our ground water contains calcium carbonate and contaminates the switch causing it to fail.
Another potential problem with this float switch type is pump movement. Even if the sump pump fits in the pit with inches between the float and the wall at installation time, the float switch guard does not prevent the float from hang up on the pit wall because a pump moves during heavy continuous pumping.
Three additional vertical magnetic reed float switch problems are 1) Grommet failure causing the float to slide off 2) Float puncture though highly unlikely 3) Switch failure.
A vertical magnetic float is mechanical and eventually wears out. The vertical magnetic switch failures listed above are not unique to Zoeller. All brands of vertical magnetic float switches experience the same failures.
Here are some helpful tips for solving vertical magnetic reed switch problems.
The 1073-001, also known as 73-001, 1075-001, also known as 75-001, and 1099-001 are currently the only Zoeller models that come with a vertical magnetic reed float switch. These models come with cast iron motor housing which dissipates heat well.
These pumps belong to the Basic Series and pump approximately 4 gallons of water every pump cycle in an 18 inch diameter pit. The 1073-001, 1/3 HP, pumps 1,800 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height; the 1075-001, 1/2 HP, pumps 2,400 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height and the 1099-0001, 3/4 HP, pumps 3,720 GPH at a 10 foot height. The 1/3 HP and 1/2 HP float switch ON height is 6-1/2 inches and the switch OFF height is 2-1/2 inches. The shut off head height is 15 feet. The 1099-0001 is more powerful with a shut-off height of 20 feet.
The pump port diameter is 1-1/2 inches to accommodate the most popular discharge pipe size. There is no screen to clean because they come with a vortex impeller that handles 1/2 inch solids. Their power cord is 9 feet. Model 1073 weighs 12.4 pounds. Model 1075 weighs 15.76 pounds. Model 1099 weighs 19.88 pounds.
Model 1099-0001 is unique in that it has 2 float switches which offer a great advantage in case one switch fails.
The warranty period for the 1073 and 1075 models is 2 years while the warranty period for 1099 is 3 years.
The vertical snap action float switch is a vertical switch too, although it is much different than the vertical magnetic float switch. The two-pole snap action switch is comprised of a float, two arms used to anchor the top and bottom of the rod and a switch enclosed in a cast iron pump switch head.
The vertical snap action float switch is much more durable and sturdy. Its float is connected at both the top and bottom so it is very controlled; the float is made of solid polypropylene which does not sink or puncture; the rustproof stainless steel float guard extends well beyond the contour of the float so protects it against pit wall hang up.
The switch for the Professional Series pumps, which includes the plumber's favorite M53, is itself housed in a cast iron switch head case which dissipates heat well.
The Snap Action switch is tested to pump 1 million pump cycles so can last as long as 7 to 9 years. Our M53 float switch lasted 9 years before we replaced it. Many other owners have reported theres has lasted 9 years as well before it needed replacement.
As for how the vertical 2-pole snap action float switch works, when the water is low the float is resting in its lowest position. As the water rises in the basin, the bottom negative circuit is closed and as the water continues to rise, the float rises and the top arm moves with the physical force of the water. The movement causes the top circuit to send a rapid transfer of contact from the positive to the negative closing the electric circuit at which time the pump runs. As the water recedes the connection is disengaged and pump stops.
Every time the snap action occurs friction is created. It's the friction that eventually wears the connection points out and causes pump failure.
The other most common cause of float switch failure is the wearing of the neoprene gasket that seals the pump body from the switch case so moisture does not interfere with the electrical current.
Ground water containing calcium carbonate does not affect this type of float switch. This is why we switched from vertical magnetic to vertical snap action. The switch lasts so much longer. Vertical snap action float switch failure is not unique to Zoeller. All brands of vertical snap action float switches experience the same failures.
Here are some helpful tips for solving vertical magnetic reed switch problems.
Models M53, M55, M57, M59, M98, and M137, known as the Professional Series, and Models 1052-0005 and 1096-0001, known as the Basic Series, use the vertical snap action float switch. The motor and cast iron housing will last decades; however the float switch will not; therefore the Eco-friendly thing to do is replace the vertical snap action float switch. These switches are readily available online and easy to install. We have done it. The simplest way is to purchase the switch case with an already installed new switch so only a few screws need to be loosened.
The material used for these 2 sump pump series models is different. The Professional Series pumps use cast iron for their switch case and pump housing which dissipates heat. On the other hand the Basic Series pumps use thermoplastic. Thermoplastic traps heat. In fact the M57, M98 and M137 also use cast iron for their pump base and Models M57 and M137 use cast iron for their vortex impeller which is designed to handle small spherical solids.
When it comes to horse power and pumping performance, both the Professional and Basic Series offer 1/3 HP, Models M53, M55, M57, M59, and 1052, and 1/2 HP models M98, M137 and 1096. The pumping performance is the same for the 1/3 HP pumps with 2,040 GPH at a 10 foot height however the M98 and M137, both ½ HP, have a greater pumping performance at 4,320 and 4,500 GPH at a 10 foot height respectively than the 1096, 1/2 HP, with a pumping performance of 3,660 GPH at a 10 foot height.
The number of gallons removed from the pit per pumping cycle for the 1/3 HP pumps is 4 gallons for an 18 inch diameter pit; however the switch ON OFF height is different. The M53 and M57 switch ON height is 7-1/2 inches and the switch OFF height is 3 inches; whereas Model 1052 switch ON height is 8-1/4 inches and the switch OFF height is 4-4/5 inches.
The gallons of water removed per pumping cycle is greater for the M98 and M137 than for the 1096 by 1 to 2 gallons. Model 1096 switch ON height is 9 inches and the switch OFF height is 4 inches. Model M98 switch ON height is 9-1/2 inches and the switch OFF height is 3 inches; whereas Model M137 switch ON height is 10 inches and the switch OFF height is 2.75 inches.
The pumping capability of the Zoeller Professional Series pumps over takes the Basic Series when it comes to maximum pumping head height. Model M137 maximum head height is 26 feet; for M98 it is 23 feet; for the Basic Series ½ HP 1093 it is 20 feet. The Professional Series 1/3 HP also have a greater maximum head height of 19.25 feet compared to 1052 at 15 feet.
The power cord is 9 feet for Models M53, M55, M57, M59, and 1052 and 1096. Model M98 power cord is 8 feet and Model M137 standard power cord length is 10 feet. Power Cord length is important because an extension cord should not be used.
The enhanced vertical snap action float switch is a vertical snap action float switch too; however it is an upgrade 2-pole snap action switch with an additional bar connecting the positive and negative charges. This makes it much more durable because less friction occurs.
Just like the snap action vertical float switch its float is connected at both the top and bottom so it is very controlled; the float is made of solid polypropylene which does not sink or puncture; the rustproof stainless steel float guard extends well beyond the contour of the float so protects it against pit wall hang up. The switch itself is housed in a cast iron switch head case which dissipates heat well; it is tested to pump 3 million pump cycles so will last well beyond a decade. For additional protection against moisture entry through the switch arm area, an additional Viton boot surrounds the switch arm connection.
The warranty for these models or 5 years demonstrates the enhancements make a difference in the life span of the float switch.
Since the life span of this switch is enhanced, the first thing that will probably fail is the gasket located between the switch case and the pump body. It will eventually wear thin or become misaligned. Gasket wear allows moisture into the switch area and plays havoc with the electrical current. Eventually the switch will also wear out, but that should be well over ten twenty years before that happens depending on the usage of the pump.
Here aer some helpful tips for solving vertical magnetic reed switch problems.
Models M63, 1/3 HP, and M95, 1/2 HP, known as the Premium Series Sump Pumps, use the enhanced vertical snap action float switch. The float switch is not all that is an upgrade from the Professional Series M53 and M98. A Viton boot protects the connection around the float switch arm from moisture penetration into the switch cap. The electrical cord is longer, 9 feet for M63 and 15 feet for M95, and has an LED lighted plug to indicate active power.
The M63 is all cast iron unlike the M53, but like the M57. The M63 motor and pump housing, switch case, base and impeller are cast iron which gives great heat dissipation. The M95 base and vortex impeller are made of engineered plastic like the M98 though the motor and pump housing, volute and switch cap are cast iron.
Pump performance is definitely greater for the M95, 1/2 HP, than the M98 at 4,800 GPH at 10 feet vs. 4,320 GPH. In addition the shut off height is greater for M95 at 26 feet.
The M63 and M95 are built to last several decades, even their snap action float switch. Their warranty is 5 years.
An electronic switch is electronic rather than mechanical. Mechanical devices fail much faster than electronic devices.
The Hydrocheck HC6000 is an electronic switch controller and keeps working without fail after 13 years for us. It has no moving parts to wear out, get caught in the pit, get overheated, or get contaminated by water chemicals such as calcium carbonate and best of all, the switch ON OFF height is customizable. The HC6000 switch is so unbelievably good.
Is The Electronic HC6000 Switch Reliable?
Yes, the HC6000 electronic switch controller is reliable. Our initial skepticism disappeared when the manufacturer came to our home and answered our questions. In 2011 we installed the HC6000. What a wise decision! Even after 13 years this electronic HC6000 still works without fail every day because of our high water table. It is so very reliable, even more reliable than so many other electronic switches on the market.
Why Is The HC6000 So Reliable?
The HC6000 is so reliable because there is nothing to fail. The key to its reliability is the way it is installed.
The electronic switch comprises a controller, piggyback switch and two sensors, a high and a low, that are attached to a 1/2 inch PVC pipe that is attached parallel to the pump discharge pipe using a PVC cross and two hose claims. Installing the two sensors on the 1/2 inch PVC pipe with the lower sensor tip extending below the 1/2 inch PVC pipe assures the small current, 1/10,000 Amps passing from the tip of the sensor, through the water, is grounded.
Most of the time the pump, the sump pit, or the basement floor, provide sufficient grounding; however it is wise to install the additional 1/2 inch PVC pipe with the sensors attached to it so the only conductive path the lower sensor finds is up the 1/2 inch PVC pipe when its tip extends below end of PVC pipe where it eventually runs into the dry, non-conductive, part of the pipe above the upper sensor, where the conductive path stops.
Any wet surface is conductive. That's why the additional PVC pipe installed alongside the pump discharge pipe works so well. After the water reaches the tip of the top sensor the current runs into the dry PVC part of the pipe and stops conducting. That's when the controller in the piggyback switch closes the electrical circuit and runs the pump.
Our ground water is full of calcium carbonate so we use the additional 1/2 inch PVC pipe and it works great. We have never cleaned the sensor tips in 13 years and they still work as intended flawlessly.
The HC6000 works with an existing pump by sending a small current through its sensors. When both sensors are wet, the current seeks grounding. When it becomes grounded the controller closes the electric circuit and sends electrical current to the sump pump that is plugged into its controllers piggyback switch.
Here is how the HC6000 works with the manual pump.
The HC6000 plugs into the wall outlet. The manual pump plugs into the HC6000 piggyback switch. Thereafter, the HC6000 controls the pumping activities of the pump. The HC6000 is the pumps 'float switch'.
Here is how the HC6000 works with a pump with a vertical magnetic reed float switch.
The HC6000 plugs into the wall outlet. The pump with a vertical magnetic reed float switch must have its float wired so it is up to its ON position. Then the pump motor cord plugs into the HC6000 piggyback switch. Thereafter, the HC6000 controls the pumping activities of the pump. The HC6000 is the pumps float switch.
Here is how the HC6000 works with a pump with a vertical snap action float switch.
The HC6000 plugs into the wall outlet. The pump with a vertical snap action float switch must have its switch arm tied to the float guard so that the float is in its highest position. Then the pump motor cord plugs into the HC6000 piggyback switch. Thereafter, the HC6000 controls the pumping activities of the pump. The HC6000 is the pumps float switch.
Each float switch type has pros and cons. It is important to know your water pumping needs so these pros and cons can be applied in a meaningful way to your water pumping situation.
Pros and cons are provided for four float switch types: tether, vertical magnetic reed, vertical snap action and the enhanced vertical snap action float switch.
PROS
CONS
PROS
CONS
PROS
CONS
PROS
CONS
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CONS
Zoeller offers multiple float switch options and sump pump models; they all work; however installing a quality sump pump that lasts over a decade removes constant worry about pump failure. Ultimately your choice depends on your water pumping needs and personal preference.
As for us, our preferences are two-fold.
We strongly recommend an electronic switch. We installed an electronic switch made by Hydrocheck in 2011. This switch has been unbelievably reliable. We have had no failures since its installation. It certainly gives us so much peace of mind. The model number for the switch is HC6000.
Check out the Hydrocheck HC6000 electronic switch. Learn how it works.
All manufacturers float switches will eventually fail. Float switch failure depends a lot on how often the sump pump runs. If the pump runs more than once a day and continuously during heavy rainfalls you can expect the switch will last three to five years. If the sump pump rarely runs the switch will last much longer. Some homeowners report their switch has lasted ten years.
The Zoeller pump housing and motor will outlast the switch. The housing and motor are built to last almost forever. In fact, only eighty percent of the motors capacity is used during a pumping cycle which results in motor longevity.
Most of the time the float-switch will fail during heavy continuous pumping; therefore it is wise to replace the switch every three to five years depending upon the frequency of usage ton prevent flooding. The smart homeowner will keep a replacement switch on hand. Replacement of the switch is easy. Follow the replacement steps below.
The following steps define how to replace a failed float-switch.
When it comes to replacement switches, Zoeller manufacturers their own parts so they are guaranteed to fit and work. The pump housing and motor are built to last a long time; therefore rather than discharge the well-built heavy cast iron pump, replace the switch. It is easy to buy and install.
There are several replacement switch options available for submersible sump pumps M53 (also known as 2P547), M55 (also known as 2P549), M57 (also known as 2P549), M59 (also known as 2P550), and M96 (also known as 2P550).
To make installment easy, install the entire switch head assembly part number 004702 which includes the switch already installed inside the switch head and the gasket. If the pit is dry and the four screws holding the pump head turn, it may be possible to loosen the screws and replace it without removing the pump from the pit. So basically it is loosen 4 big screws, remove the old switch cap and switch assembly, put the gasket on if it came loose, put the cap on, tighten the screws and the job is done. We have done it and it is easy.
The replacement switch is easy to replace. See switch installation instructions below.
The replacement gasket part number #034046 is made by Zoeller and fits Models Mighty-Mate M53, M55, M57, M59, Flow-Mate M98 and Waste-Mate M264. We have replaced our M53 gasket once. Our M53 is 12 years old. The gasket is very easy to replace. Just open four screws, remove the old gasket and replace it with the new. The gasket fits perfectly.
The replacement float rod part number #054062 is manufactured by Zoeller.
The replacement float part number #034019 is manufactured by Zoeller. The floats found on the automatic pumps are unsinkable if they are punctured because they are buoyant solid polypropylene. It is highly unlikely that the float will need to be replaced.
Zoeller also makes a replacement guide assembly part number: #034086 for the float.
A few other parts that Zoeller makes available include #004704, an assembly arm for the float, #054062, a float rod, and #003644, an impeller and replacement guide assembly part number #034086 for the float.
A Check Valve prevents Backflow when the Float Switch returns to the OFF position
Zoeller manufactures check valves. They are highly rated by Consumers and are easy to find online.
Zoeller makes many check valve styles ranging from those that slip on both ends of the discharge pipe and those that are glued on. Sizes also vary from 1 1/4 inch to 2 inches.
As for the water thumping sound, Zoeller manufactures both the standard and the quiet check valve. The quiet check valve reduces the thumping sound.
Zoeller check valves are very reasonably priced ranging from $9 to $30.
When sump pump float switches fail, if no battery system exists, the basin may overflow. A high level water alarm alerts the homeowner when such a condition exists.
Zoeller manufacturers two water alert series. They are the A-Pak and the Aquanot Flood Alert.
The Aquanot Flood Alert Series uses three AAA batteries. Stainless steel is used for the sensor contacts. The alarm can be installed as is without adjustments. The alarms are made of solid-state electronic components, have a five foot lead wire, and have an AC power adapter capability (Class 2 transformer, Type B Plug).
The Aquanot Flood Alerts has a 103 decibel horn to alert the homeowner when the sensors are contacted by water and when the alarm batteries are low. There is an on/off silence button to silence the alarm.
The model number is 10-0763.
The A-Pak Alarm System has terminal connectors for a pump and a float-switch. It can be used indoors or outdoors. Its horns is rated at 86 decibels. When there is a high water condition a light will come on. There is a auto reset button to test or reset the alarm. The standard float-switch cord length is fifteen feel with a six foot power cord. It has a 9 V battery backup feature. The model number is 10-0623
Auto Dialer
The auto dialer uses voice chip technology. It can be used with any device that can provide a normally open/closed contact including telephone (voice tone or pulse not digital), most cell phones, and pages. Four numbers can be stored. Each contact number is dialed up to four times. A sixteen second pre-recorded message can be created by the homeowner. An internal 9V battery backup is included. The model number is 10-2616
Shop Zoeller Tether Switch Sump Pumps
WM49 Water Riddr III
Shop Zoeller Vertical Magnetic Reed Switch Sump Pumps (Basic Series)
The Zoeller Automatic Submersible Basic Series Sump Pumps with Vertical Magnetic Reed Float Switch include models 1073, 1075 and 1099.
1099-0001
Shop Zoeller Vertical Snap Action Float Switch Sump Pumps
The (Basic Series) Zoeller Automatic Submersible Sump Pumps with Vertical Snap Action Float Switch include models 1052 and 1096. The (Professional Series) Zoeller Automatic Submersible Sump Pumps with Vertical Snap Action Float Switch include models M53, M57, M98 and M137.
Shop Basic Series Zoeller Vertical Snap Action Switch Sump Pumps
The (Basic Series) Zoeller Automatic Submersible Sump Pumps with Vertical Snap Action Float Switch include models 1052 and 1096.
1052
1096-0001
Shop Professional Series Automatic Zoeller Vertical Snap Action Switch Sump Pumps
The (Professional Series) Zoeller Automatic Submersible Sump Pumps with Vertical Snap Action Float Switch include models M53, M57, M98 and M137.
M53
M57
M137
Shop Premium Series Automatic Zoeller Enhanced Vertical Snap Action Switch Sump Pumps
The (Premium Series) Zoeller Automatic Submersible Sump Pumps with Enhanced Vertical Snap Action Float Switch include models M63 and M95.
Shop Professional Series Manual Zoeller Sump Pumps
The (Professional Series) Zoeller Manual Submersible Sump Pumps include models N53, N57 and N98.
Shop Electronic Switch
HC6000v2
HC6000v2 Kit
Shop Zoeller Replacement Switches
004892
004892 Replacement Switch for Zoeller M53, M55, M57, M59, M98 Submersible Sump Pumps
004702
004705
004705 Switch Assembly 50 No Gasket for Zoeller M53, M55, M57, M59, M98
034046
034046 Replacement Gasket For Zoeller M53, M55, M57, M59, M98
004740
004740 Replacement Switch for Zoeller M137 And Sewage Pumps M264, 266 and 267
025384
025384 Replacement Switch cap with switch included for Zoeller 1052-0005 Sump Pump
Shop Zoeller Variable Level Float Switches
10-0033
10-0055
10-0034
Shop Zoeller Check Valves
30-0043
30-0040
30-0181
30-0151
Shop Zoeller Water Alarms
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