Replacing A Zoeller Sump Pump Switch Is Not As Difficult And Mysterious As It Seems.
The model number for your Zoeller sump pump is found on the pump housing or attached to the power cord.
it is important to identify your pump's model number before purchasing and installing a switch replacement part.
When it comes to replacement switches, the model number may have an alternative reference number. This is important to know because some parts indicate they are for the alternative reference number, but do not list the common model numbers.
Here are the alternative reference numbers for Zoeller submersible sump pump model numbers.
This option requires replacing the switch cap. A new switch cap comes with a preassembled and pre wired new switch and gasket, so there is no need to fuss with the switch.
Switch Replacement Option One is easiest because an entire new switch cap (case) comes with a preinstalled switch. This option involves removing a few bolts that connect the switch cap to the pump housing and 2 wires for the electric circuit connection. The bolts connecting the switch cap to the pump housing are large and easy to loosen.
This replacement option requires only replacing the switch. The original switch cap is still used.
Switch Replacement Option Two is more challenging because the switch must be removed from the switch cap (case). The wires must be loosened to remove the switch from the switch cap. Sometimes the wires can be difficult to loosen and reconnecting the new switch can be confusing. See the detailed steps for how to replace a failed switch only.
Regardless of which option is chosen, both are the eco-friendly and economical way to maintain a Zoeller sump pump. They eliminate discarding a perfectly good cast iron housed motor and sump pump body capable of pumping for many years to come. And they eliminates waiting for a plumber and paying high installation charges.
Both Switch Cap Assembly Parts include a preinstalled switch already installed in the switch cap (case) and a gasket that sits between the switch cap and the pump body when installed.
Gasket Replacement Is Important Too
Regardless of which switch replacement option is chosen, it is important to install a new gasket so a tight seal is created when attaching the switch cap to the pump housing. Lack of a tight seal allows moisture to enter the switch area and cause electric failure. The gasket is included with the Switch Cap Assembly.
Replacing the Zoeller switch by installing a new Switch Cap Assembly is the easiest way for a home owner. The switch comes preassembled in the switch cap so this eliminates the need to remove the old switch and replace it in the switch case first.
2) Twist and loosen the float rod from the switch arm assembly.
4) Unhook the two wires in the switch cap from the pump motor so the switch cap can be disengaged. Also remove the old gasket between the switch cap and the pump housing. Note the color of two wires that are connected from the switch cap to the pump motor and note where they are connected before unhooking them.
5) Connect the new replacement switch cap to the pump motor by connecting the two wires as was identified in the prior step.Seeing an actual installation makes a difference. Here's a very helpful video showing the above steps for installing a Zoeller sump pump switch cap. Seeing the above steps by video provides additional confidence if this is your first time replacing a switch.
3) Pry the switch cap from the pump housing (body). Find two wires attached from the switch case to the pump body. The white (yellow) wire is known as 1. The black (brown) wire is known as 3. Detach the 2 wires from the switch cap that are attached to the pump housing (body). This action results in the switch cap no longer being attached to the pump body.
5) Wire the new switch into the switch cap. Don't forget the bar and placing the new gasket on top of the pump body where the switch cap will be bolted in place.
6) Re attach the switch cap to the pump housing body making sure the gasket is lying flat and follows the outline of the frame. Re attach the float to swtich arm and bottom support bar.Since all sump pump switches eventually fail, it is natural to ask questions such as the following.
A Zoeller sump pump float switch usually lasts from 5 to 7 years depending upon its usage. The first thing to fail on a Zoeller sump pump, or any sump pump, is the switch. Each time the switch is engaged friction is caused and this results in mechanical switch wear.
A Zoeller sump pump switch is mechanical unless an electronic switch is used such as the Floatless switch made by Zoeller. Anything mechanical wears out over time.
The most common cause of switch failure is a wearing of the connectors of the electrical current. Each time the water level rises the float causes the positive and negative electrical circuits of the switch connectors to come closer together and close. This causes an intense amount of friction and wear on the two connector over time. Eventually too much wear results in failure. Either the circuit will not close and the pump will not run or the circuit will remain closed and the pump will not stop running. Either scenario is a switch problem.
The other common cause of switch failure is the wearing and movement of the gasket used to seal moisture from entering the switch cap. If the gasket fails to create a water tight seal, moisture enters the switch area and can cause the wiring to corrode and result in short-circuiting which leads to pump failure or the moisture can cause voltage serge and trip the circuit breaker.
A bad Zoeller sump pump float switch can be identified by sight and sound. Here are four possible signals of switch failure.
If the water level in the basin is above the top of the float or higher, and the pump is not activated, the float switch is most likely the reason because the switch must be activated to provide electrical current to the motor.
If the motor keeps running and the water is not being removed from the pit, the switch is not properly activated and disengaged to cause the motor to stop.
If there are unusual sounds like gurgling, sucking, jolting, the gasket sealing the switch cap (case) to the pump housing may be worn letting moisture enter the switch area. Moisture causes electrical switch failure.
The good news is a Zoeller sump pump switch can be replaced and that it does not take a professional to replace it. Better still, you can easily purchase a replacement switch and a replacement gasket online. Here's the link for switch replacement parts.
Zoeller manufactures their own replacement parts including the replacement switch. This means the replacement parts will fit and work when installed. Zoeller parts are easy to purchase and install.
Learn two options for replacing a Zoeller switch and see the steps for replacing a switch.
Universal switches exist and work with many sump pump brands; however a Zoeller switch is required for all Zoeller sump pumps that come with an integrated float switch. This includes all of the models listed above: M53, M55, M57, M59, M98, M137, M139, M264, M266 and M267. If a manual model of the M50 series, the M90 series, the M130 series or the M260 series is installed, a universal float switch will work.
Yes! A faulty Zoeller sump pump switch can cause a flooded basement because the pump motor will not run.
Since Zoeller sump pump housing and motors are built to last a long time, it is smart to have a replacement switch on hand. The replacement switch cap assembly is the fastest to replace if a failure occurs during a heavy rain storm.
Be smart and proactive. Protect your home from flooding during a heavy rainstorm by replacing the switch every 5 to 7 years and most certainly have a replacement switch on hand in case the switch fails during a heavy rainstorm.
Installing a battery backup sump pump or water powered sump pump is a great way to avoid basement flooding if you are not home to install a replacement switch, the rain storm is too heavy and will cause damage to your basement before a switch can be replaced or the electricity fails and the primary pump cannot run. Learn more about Zoeller battery backup sump pumps and water powered sump pumps.
Zoeller sump pumps are a great sump pump. Plumbers recommend them. They are well built, proudly made in the USA and thoroughly tested before leaving the plant. Zoeller makes it easy for home owners to get years of service from the sump pump products because they make mechanical parts that fit and work.
Like any sump pump, they are mechanical and the switch will wear out over time. Fortunately, Zoeller provides replacement switches for easy pump repair.
The replacement switch cap assembly is the easiest switch replacement option to install. The switch cap assembly comes with a preassembled and wired switch in the cap assembly. A new gasket is also included to ensure a tight seal between the switch cap assembly and the pump housing. The YouTube video above shows how to install a switch cap assembly.
The more budget friendly way to handle a failed switch is to install only a replacement switch and gasket. This is most cost effective because the original switch cap is used. The old switch must be removed and replaced with the new switch.
Enjoy your Zoeller Sump Pump.
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