When professional plumbers require a switch for a sump pump, they most often choose a  diaphragm like the  Little Giant Piggyback Diaphragm Switch.   Most sump pumps have  an average life span of 5-7 years. Most times, if the pump fails before that time, it is due to a problem with the switch. If you’re in need of a new sump switch,  it may be helpful to understand the different options that are available to you.

There are 3 basic switches for sump pumps:

1. Diaphragm Switch
2. Vertical Action Float
3. Tethered Float

Diaphragm Switch

Diaphragm switches such as the Little Giant Piggyback Diaphragm Switch are the best switches for submersible sumps.  When the water level rises, it also increases the pressure and this activates the switch to turn on the sump pump. When the water level drops, the diaphragm switch shuts off.

Vertical Action Float

This type of switch has a ball that floats above the water.  As the water level rises, so does the sump switch. Eventually the switch will be triggered to turn on the pump. The sump float switch has limited movement within a vertical rod, so it can only move up and down.  This gives it the benefit of not getting stuck compared to a tethered float.  The down side is that this type of switch does not recognize that the rise of water immediately compared to the diaphragm switch.

Invest In The  Little Giant Piggyback Diaphragm Switch And Avoid Annoying Mechanical Problems

Little Giant diaphragm Switch 599008

Converts any manual pump, up through 1/2 HP (10 max. run amps), to automatic. When mounted to 5-MSP or 6-CIM-R pump, “on” level range is 6″ – 9″ (15.2cm – 22.8cm), “off” level range is 1″ – 4″ (2.54cm – 10.2cm).

Most homeowners tend to use the float switch with their sump pumps which can often lead to challenges with their pump working. In most cases when the sump pump stops working, there is an issue with the switch.

The leading sump complications involves a problem with the switch. This usually occurs when the pump shifts from it’s original position from within the basin.  Although it sounds simple, it is actually a major problem. Your sump pump relies on both the switch and the float arm working smoothly in order to operate adequately.

You can save a lot of headaches by purchasing a diaphragm switch such as the Little Giant Piggyback Diaphragm Switch.

Specifications:

• Horsepower: 1/2
• Cord Length:10′
• Shut Off: 0
• Voltage: 115
• Amps: 10
• Weight: 1.25
• Height: 4.75
• Width: 1.75
• Length: 3

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