Testing the sump pump

Considering the weather today, it seems to be a fine time to test the Aquanot backup sump pump.

It’s taking quite a while for the water level to go high enough in the pit. I’m a bit worried that the float on the pump is too high.

Problem here is that once the water goes over the input from the drain tiles, the flow slows down.

Of course, I suspect the fact that the ejector pit is taking on ground water isn’t helping this test. Yet another item to be added to the repair list. This one, however, is pretty pricy … As the utility room floor will have to be broken up in order to put a new pit liner in.

<time passes>

Well, the sump pump never did turn on. Rather frustrating. I did a bit more research and figured out that the float was not set right. It needs to have some play so it will turn the pump on and settle a bit before turning the pump off. Unfortunately, the primary pump interferes with the floats range of motion.

I’ll gave to call Permaseal about getting it reconfigured so it works properly.   Having a emergency backup sump pump doesn’t help if it doesn’t turn on in an emergency.

4 thoughts on “Testing the sump pump

  1. ginny

    Well, the picture turned out okay. Still, disappointing about the “not really working” part but at least we didn’t find out the hard way.

    Reply
  2. http://mom-o-matic.blogspot.com/

    We’re not sure what to do about our basement. With the recent floods (we live in Brookfield, IL – not too far from you) we took in water in our basement. The odd thing is that it’s coming in from the ejector pit and the base of this totally random toilet that’s located right next to the pit.

    We had two plumbers out and both said the pump worked fine, and it was because this was coincidentally the lowest point of the basement. And that’s why we had water coming in.

    I’m at a loss at how to proceed. We’ve got Permaseal coming in this week to look at everying, but it’s still nagging at me that this is a plumbing issue.

    The cost to rip out the toilet, fill it in with gravel and cement. And then install a shut off valve in the ejecter pipe, whatever, is $975. And I’m not sure that will do anything.

    Gah! If you have any plumbers you trust please give me a shout. tsvobo1526@comcast.net

    Reply
  3. http://diyguyct.blogspot.com/

    That float switch is MUCH too high for ether pump.

    The way it looks the float switch might engage close to the top of the pit which will be dangerous in the long run.

    When they build that sump liner did they think to put a top on it? Basically they’re just additing to the moisture content in your basement by leaving it open and unsealed like that.

    The flow will slow down when the water gets that high because that pit becomes harder for the water to get into.

    Need any help, let me know.

    -Jacob
    Pioneer Basement

    Reply
  4. david

    Well, the main pump doesn’t have a float switch … it has a pressure switch.

    As for the pit liner, that was in the house when we bought it … I’m sure it was installed during construction.

    I’m probably going to reconfigure the pipes this spring … the outflow froze the other day and that has me concerned.

    Reply

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