To those of you with a little knowledge of septic tanks and effluent pumps...do you run a pump with the built in float and float switch, or do you run a pump without the built in float and float switch?

It seems like most installers put in a separate piggyback float and float switch that turns the pump on/off when the effluent side of the septic tank reaches a certain level instead of putting in an all in one pump with a built in float and float switch.

What are the advantages of running a piggyback float and float switch?

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Posted by Lutcher Lad

South of the Mason-Dixon Line

Member since Sep 2009

5758 posts

Posted on 4/16/23 at 7:55 am to Arkapigdiesel

I've got a 1/2hp motor driven pump with a built in float that has been working very well for a couple years now. I check the sump basin periodically because I have had 2 pumps crap out in a 20 year span that had to be replaced. Most of the time it's the motor that goes bad. Pumps are usually about $200 to $300 to replace, which is easily done by myself.

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Posted by PurpleGoldTiger

Thibodaux, LA

Member since Mar 2010

4009 posts

Posted on 4/16/23 at 8:23 am to Arkapigdiesel

quote:
What are the advantages of running a piggyback float and float switch?

Floats fail and are cheaper to replace when they aren't built in with a motor assembly.

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Posted by baldona

Florida

Member since Feb 2016

20452 posts

Posted on 4/16/23 at 9:01 am to Arkapigdiesel

I’m not a plumber, but I have some experience. Fwiw I just put in a motor with an attached float switch and that was probably a mistake but so be it.

The benefit of an external float switch is the float can be bipassed and the pump turned on manually. A combined unit this can’t be done.

The floats get stuck or fail, and then you are left with a non working unit. If you can manually pump the water out still.

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