NW3
New Member
I have a Zoeller model 53 pump in a basin approximately 24" deep and 24" in diameter.
The pump sends water up out of the basin to an 8' vertical x 2" diameter schedule 4o PVC pipe and out the house. I've had this setup for over 15 years and am on the second pump after the contacts burned out on the first pump after around seven years.
We've had a few days of heavy rain so I went down to the basement to check the sump/basin at it was about half full, over the top of the pump. I pushed the float up and down to cycle the switch and the pump began working. It is now cycling constantly, approximately 18 second on and 6 seconds off. I unplugged the pump and the level rose very slowly. it's acting as if the check valve is not working. I have the valve mounted low near the pump to reduce the amount of water that flows back into the pump. I disconnected the check valve and a pretty good head of water drained back into the sump so I assume the check valve is good. I blew air through both ends anyway and it seems to work as it should. Got everything back together but it's still acting the same. Don't understand how a setup that has worked reasonably well for so long could begin cycling like this after I touched it.
I understand a remote float/switch is probably the way to go but it's Saturday night and more rain is expected so I don't want to ignore this until Monday. Suggestions appreciated.
The pump sends water up out of the basin to an 8' vertical x 2" diameter schedule 4o PVC pipe and out the house. I've had this setup for over 15 years and am on the second pump after the contacts burned out on the first pump after around seven years.
We've had a few days of heavy rain so I went down to the basement to check the sump/basin at it was about half full, over the top of the pump. I pushed the float up and down to cycle the switch and the pump began working. It is now cycling constantly, approximately 18 second on and 6 seconds off. I unplugged the pump and the level rose very slowly. it's acting as if the check valve is not working. I have the valve mounted low near the pump to reduce the amount of water that flows back into the pump. I disconnected the check valve and a pretty good head of water drained back into the sump so I assume the check valve is good. I blew air through both ends anyway and it seems to work as it should. Got everything back together but it's still acting the same. Don't understand how a setup that has worked reasonably well for so long could begin cycling like this after I touched it.
I understand a remote float/switch is probably the way to go but it's Saturday night and more rain is expected so I don't want to ignore this until Monday. Suggestions appreciated.