How to Set a Sump Pump Height

A sump pump protects your home from flooding damage by pumping out excess water automatically. The pump operates with a float that lowers into a well or cavity. Once water fills the well, the float rises. If the float rises to a particular height, this will trigger the pump, which will then pump the water out until the float drops a sufficient distance. To ensure your pump operates properly, you need to set the pump float height correctly. Consult a plumber or sump pump specialist if you need assistance setting your pump's height.

Sump pump owner's manual
Screwdriver
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Read your sump pump's owner's manual. Each sump pump manufacturer may recommend a different level for the sump pump float height. Read the manual thoroughly for any height suggestions, as well as details on how to adjust the float height on your pump.
- 2
  Inspect the float switch mechanism. The sump pump's float is attached to a rod that moves whenever the water moves the float up or down. There is a connector, or two connectors, on the rod that flips the switch controlling the pump when the rod reaches a certain height. Inspect this connector to see how it is attached to the rod. If there are two connectors, the top turns the pump on, while the bottom turns it off.
- 3
  Adjust the float height. Unscrew or otherwise disconnect the float from the connector switch. Raise the float if your pump is turning on too soon. Lower it if the pump isn't turning on fast enough.

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