Torpedo Sump Pump Continual Cycling

[dzd9fy]

My in laws have a Shellback #10 torpedo sump pump that does what I would call short cycling when it needs to run. In other words, when the water level is high enough to kick the pump on, the motor will violently kick on and kick off ever 1 to 2 seconds and continue this cycling until either the water is low enough, or as the case was tonight the pump overheated and would not run. {at which point they called me to say their basement was flooding }

After unplugging and allowing the motor to cool I plugged it back in and it started the short cycling, at which point I immediately held in the TEST button to force the pump to continue to run. After probably 3 minutes the water that was on the basement floor had receeced to the point that the floor drain allowed the remaining water to drain. I am not sure why they floor drain and sump drain are connected, but that will be the next issue to resolve.

So.......... my question is why would the pump operate like this? My father in law says it has run this way since installed about a year ago and the technician said this was normal operation. I disagree, but would lke to learn more before I deal with the installing company to resolve. Thanks!!!

[Redwood]

Sounds like a bad switch! Does that unit have a diaphragm switch?
I'm not familiar with them, they are not a popular brand around here.

[dzd9fy]

Thanks for the response. It does appear to have what I would think is a diaphram switch. There is a line from this switch to the motor, as well as a tube from the switch into the sump pipe.

Is there a manner to adjust the switch? I could not tell how to do much, and did not want to pull the pump as it appears to be somewhat built in place with pvc and only a backflow device hooked to a fernco that can be disassembled.

[rmesic]

Thanks for the response. It does appear to have what I would think is a diaphram switch. There is a line from this switch to the motor, as well as a tube from the switch into the sump pipe.

Is there a manner to adjust the switch? I could not tell how to do much, and did not want to pull the pump as it appears to be somewhat built in place with pvc and only a backflow device hooked to a fernco that can be disassembled.

I realize this reply is late, but as others may search... It sounds like your pump has the same problem mine did - it required a restrictor to be installed as it was pumping the sump out too fast.

I've just gotten the pump back today, so I'll know if it works following the next heavy rain...