Septic tank pump problem

travlnusa · #1 02/23/10, 06:40 PM

About a month ago, the septic tank alarm went off for about 3 seconds and then the pump kicked on and all was well.

Over the past month, the alarm has been going off for longer times before the pump would start up.

We are now at the point when the alarm goes off, we have to go out, remove the tank cover and wiggle the pipe to get the pump to kick on.

So, what is my problem? Bad float for pump or alarm? If it is a bad float of one kind or another, can you buy an replace just a float switch or am I looking at a new pump set up?

Thanks to all in advance.

fordy · #2 02/23/10, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travlnusa

About a month ago, the septic tank alarm went off for about 3 seconds and then the pump kicked on and all was well.

Over the past month, the alarm has been going off for longer times before the pump would start up.

We are now at the point when the alarm goes off, we have to go out, remove the tank cover and wiggle the pipe to get the pump to kick on.

So, what is my problem? Bad float for pump or alarm? If it is a bad float of one kind or another, can you buy an replace just a float switch or am I looking at a new pump set up?

Thanks to all in advance.

................Is this a two tank system where the first tank accepts all the solids , and the liquid portion gravity flows over , into the second tank ! If yes , then the pump kicks on when the fluid level reaches a certain level ?
If Yes , it maybe the solids tank is full and some solids are getting into the liquid tank thereby gunking up the sensing mechanism that turns on the liquids pump . , fordy

travlnusa · #3 02/23/10, 08:29 PM

Fordy, the system is a two tank system just as you described.

fishhead · #4 02/23/10, 08:35 PM

I was wondering about solids blocking the pump too. I used similar pumps in my ponds and sometimes mud would prevent one from coming on until I flushed it out.

The pumps I used at the ponds and the one in my septic has a float on the end of a cord so there really isn't anything to gunk up.

You may want to check the solids level in your tank or have it pumped if it's been a while.

I've never seen it happen with my pumps but IF it's the float sensor then yes you can replace just it. The floats I've used are just a pass through plug that the pump plugs into. If the float switch is hanging down it doesn't let the power flow to the pump. If it's up it does.

travlnusa · #5 02/24/10, 05:07 AM

Both the on/off and alarm switch are run via floats.

The snow will melt enough in about 45 days, and will have both tanks pumped. It has been quite awhile.

If the problem contines after both are pumped, will look at the float being the problem.

fordy · #6 02/24/10, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travlnusa

Fordy, the system is a two tank system just as you described.

..................It very well maybe that the liquid in both tanks is Freezing at night preventing the floats from turning on the pumps ! , fordy

fishhead · #7 02/24/10, 07:06 AM

The septic inspector that inspected mine during installation in last fall recommended that I put 2" of blue foam over the tank and incoming line.

**Cabin Fever** · #8 02/24/10, 08:35 AM

It sounds like the "Pump On" float might be the problem. And, "Yes" you can replace a single float. The float may be either partially watelogged or not making good electrical contact...or possibly getting hung up on something.

travlnusa · #9 02/27/10, 06:44 PM

All is well.

Pulled the pump up today. The float switch was covered in about 10+ years of goo, and it was just enough to keep the float from raising all the way.

Also took the bottom of the pump off thinking I could clean that out, but once open, it was clean and clear.

Cleaned up the alarm float as well. Put all back together and life is good again.

Thanks to all for your help and ideas.