Plumbers Sarasota install, repair and maintain plumbing systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. They are trained to work with a variety of tools and equipment, including wrenches, pipe cutters, soldering equipment, and power tools.
On construction sites, plumbers install piping systems according to blueprints and building specifications. They also connect plumbing to water supply and drainage systems.
A safety float switch protects an AC unit from water damage by preventing it from starting to operate when there’s a problem with condensation drainage. It consists of a buoyant float that rises with the water level in the drain pan and triggers an electrical circuit when it reaches a preset high point, causing the system to shut down. If your float switch keeps tripping, it could be a sign of an issue with the drainage system that needs to be resolved quickly by professional HVAC experts.
A clogged drainage line is the most common cause of a tripping float switch. Debris, dirt, mold, and algae can accumulate in the drain line and prevent the condensate from flowing through. This causes the water level in the drain pan to rise, triggering the float switch and shutting down the system.
Another common reason for a tripping float switch is a dirty or frozen evaporator coil. A dirty or frozen evaporator coil produces excessive condensation, which can clog the drain line and rise to the pre-set high point. If the float switch trips, the system will not start up until the clog is cleared or the coil is thawed.
The float switch may also be tripped by an improper installation. Make sure the junction box your cable-suspended float switch connects to is above the desired high-water mark, and ensure that the tether length and positioning are correct for your system.
Finally, a power surge can damage the internal circuitry of the float switch and lead to malfunction. Install surge protection devices to safeguard the switch and other components in the system from electrical spikes and voltage fluctuations.
Float switches are available in a variety of materials to suit different applications, and you’ll need to select the right one for your project. For example, choose a switch with a standard rating for residential or clean water use, or opt for a higher-rated model that can handle more aggressive environments, like sewage and wastewater pits. Check the manual of your float switch to find out how much load it can handle. Using a switch that exceeds its rating can generate excessive heat, leading to contact welding or insulation breakdown.
Lubricate the Bearings
Plumbing systems are installed and maintained in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Plumbers must have a wide range of skills, including an understanding of the science behind water flow and an ability to work with a variety of materials. They also need to be familiar with building codes and regulations. In addition to installing and repairing pipes, they must be capable of interpreting blueprints and plans in order to ensure that systems are properly integrated into the overall building structure.
Proper lubrication is essential for pump reliability. Low-quality lubricants will generate excessive heat, shortening bearing life. Lubricants should be selected based on the design of the bearing housing assembly. There are four common lubrication methods: oil bath, oil jet, oil drop and oil mist. Each requires a different type of lubricant and an effective method for delivering it into the bearing assembly.
The oil mist lubrication system is one of the most efficient methods for high-speed lubrication. It delivers an atomized quantity of lubricant into the bearing assembly through branch lines connected to a header pipe. This lubricant is fed from a constant level oiler that replenishes oil lost through the bearing seals, vents and connections. The constant level oiler can be fitted with seals and labyrinth isolators that eliminate lubrication leakage from the bearing housing. View ports (bullseyes) can be used to verify proper oil levels.
Grease lubrication is commonly used for lower horsepower pumps and offers the advantage of simplicity and affordability. However, grease can build up inside the pump and cause excessive heat, so it is not a good choice for high-speed applications. In addition, it can become contaminated with solid particles, which can snag and damage the bearings.
Oil splash lubrication is the most widely used method of pump lubrication. This system uses a direct contact, oil rings or flinger discs to submerge rolling element bearings in a controlled amount of oil. The oil level should not be submerged below one-half the diameter of the lowest rolling element or ball. If the oil level is too low, there will be insufficient film strength between the roller and race.
Clean the Sump Pit
While cleaning your sump pump may not be a fun chore, it’s a vital part of keeping the system functioning properly. Without regular cleaning, a sump pit can become filled with sediment, which can cause the float switch to malfunction and prevent the pump from turning on. This can lead to costly home water damage.
You’ll need several tools to clean your sump pump. Gloves to protect your hands from dirty sludge and a wet/dry vacuum for removing standing water and debris. A plastic scraper can also come in handy for getting rid of stuck-on grime. Finally, a garden hose can be used to rinse off the pump and basin.
Before beginning the cleanup process, be sure to turn off your sump pump and unplug it. This can help to reduce the risk of electric shock while you’re working. You should also remove the sump pit cover or lid if your model has one.
Next, you’ll want to drain the pit by using a wet/dry vacuum. This will be necessary to avoid a flood in your basement. Once the pit is empty, you’ll need to sweep out any remaining debris and sludge. Afterwards, you can use a plastic garbage bag to dispose of the contents. Once the pump and pipe are clean, you can then connect it back to your sewage system.
Cleaning your sump pit is a messy job, and it can be difficult to complete in cramped spaces. To help make the process go more smoothly, you should have adequate lighting available. This will ensure you can see what you’re doing as you remove the sump pump cover and clean out the pit.
You should also take this opportunity to clean your sump pump’s impeller, a rotating component that drives the water. This can become clogged with debris, including gravel, stones, leaves, and twigs. If this isn’t cleaned, it can cause the pump to work harder to do its job and overheat. To clean the impeller, consult your pump’s manual for model-specific instructions. In general, you’ll need to unscrew the outer casing, then use a plastic scraper or brush to remove any debris.
Inspect the Discharge Line
The discharge line removes groundwater and transports it to a dry well or municipal storm drain. Debris can accumulate in the line, which can lead to clogs and poor operation of the sump pump. After turning off the power to the pump, disconnect it from the pit and carefully inspect the discharge line for blockages. Use a plumber’s snake to break up and remove any debris you can see in the line. Also, make sure the line extends far enough away from your foundation.