Zoeller SPD-N98KIT N98 - 1/2 HP Cast Iron Submersible Sump Pump w/ LevelGuard™ Switch

4 Questions

Q: Will the LevelGuard sensor in this configuration work in a separate lift / effluent tank being pumped to a mound? No solids should be going from the septic tank to the lift or effluent tank. I know LevelGuard sells a sewage sensor, but it seems this sensor should work fine where no large solids are present.

Thanks ... Bill
by Bill A from Minnesota on October 22, 2015

A: Actually, in a sewage application, even though there are no solids being pumped and you are only dealing with the effluent, the LevelGuard Z24803PTZ - Electronic Sewage & Effluent Pump Switch should be used due to the more acidic nature of the liquids being pumped.
by Jim, Product Expert

Q: Jim:

Is the "LevelGuard Switch" resistant to build up on its surface? My sump water seems to be high in calcium...it builds up deposits on the pumps and floats. I generally have to de-scale my pumps and floats every 1-2 years.

Thanks in advance,
Wayne
by Wayne J from Minnesota on December 20, 2014

A: While we do not have any specific answer to how the LevelGuard reacts to the buildup of various materials, it will handle a certain amount of buildup. Generally, this highly dependent upon what the build-up material consists of. For a non-porous, non conductive material such as peanut butter the thickness would be 4 to 5 mm. For a material that soaks up water as it sits it would be considerably lower. For more specific answers, you might contact LevelGuard tech support at (877) 342-3261.
As with any sump pump system, all manufacturers recommend that your system be inspected every 3-6 months to insure that they are operating correctly and that the basins are free and clean of any debris that may impede the operation of the pumps or float switch.
by Jim, Product Expert

Q: My Zoller pump has a threaded female connector on the body. What am I expected to put between the pump body and the bottom clamp of this check valve?
by BN from California on September 17, 2014

A: Typical installations will include the discharge PVC Sch40 pipe screwed into the pump discharge port and extending approximately 2-3 feet above the sump basin cover. At this point, you could attach the check valve and then complete your discharge configuration. This method would allow for an easier access point for you to service your pump.
by Jim, Product Expert

Q: How does the level guard switch work
by Gary R from Ohio on May 03, 2014

A: Thank you for your interest in Sump Pumps Direct. The LevelGuard switch works based on Field Effect sensing technology that was developed by TouchSensors, Inc out of Wheaton, IL.
Field-Effect sensors are digital, solid-state electronic devices that can detect conductive materials such as water or the human touch. The sensor’s cell design uses an integrated circuit (IC) that switches its output state when the conductive target is sensed. A Field-Effect cell is comprised of three main elements, the IC, a unique sensing electrode geometry, and two tuning resistors. Moreover, Field-Effect requires no moving parts, floats, software, or any other mechanism to operate.
When 5 VDC is supplied to the sensor, a low power, invisible field is created. The field emanates directly through any protective dielectric barrier such as plastic or glass that may surround or cover the sensor. When a conductive object or material enters the field, the sensor detects the change and indicates an event has occurred with a corresponding output signal. The input stimulus to the field is typically water in most liquid level sensing applications, as is the case in TouchSensor’s™ LevelGuard Home Sump Pump Control product line.
by Jim, Product Expert