Electric switch. Pump comes on only if I unplug it from the float switch and plug to outlet

When you say pressure gauge I'm assuming you are talking about a we'll system. Depending on what type of we'll system you have it can be a simple fix. Hard to describe but check breakers first...if that's not it the pump will be plugged into a GFCI outlet. That circuit maybe protected by an outlet somewhere else on the line....an outlet with a test and reset button. In the garage or possibly kitchen or bathroom. Start at the pump outlet and work your way through the house to all with the reset. If that doesn't work... follow the power cord from the outlet to the pump. There will be a box that the cord goes into. Unplug the pump and remove the cover to the box which is your pressure switch. Make sure you are unplugged!!! Lethal electric shock is possible. Inside the pressure switch is a paddle type circuit connector/ interrupter. You will notice a spring on the back. Take a flat screwdriver and make sure the switch can move freely. Sometimes ants or water can cause a short and actually fuse the switch. Spray with some wd40. Once that is free plug power cord in. If nothing happens if you have a volt metter you can check your power leads. Could be that the switch is bad. This describes power failure to both jet style and submersible pump with a pressure switch. If you have an aerator tank with a submersible inside there should be two floats inside the tank. A fill float and a kill float. The fill float will be toward the top of tank and as water drops the float switch will drop and trigger the pump drawing water from ground to fill the tank. If there is a failure and no water fills tank the kill float switch placed low in tank will kill power to submersible pump to protect it from running dry. Not knowing your system I think the first part of my answer should be your solution. If you need more help or better explanation write back. Good luck

The only "easy fix" may be a stuck float switch. First make sure the outlet where the pump is plugged in works. Plug something into the outlet such as a work light to confirm the outlet is live. The float switch may be stuck in the OFF position. Giggle the float arm up and down several times to see if the pump comes on.> You can spry wd40 into the switch where the arm enters. If this does not work, the pump probably needs servicing.

There is a float switch somewhere that is not working. If you have the type with an actual visible float that has a wire that the pump plugs into at the outlet, this probably needs to be replaced and they are readily available at a hardware or plumbing supply.

Gary

Is it under water, at least a foot deep?
Lift the float, does it start?
If you plug the pump directly into the outlet without the plug from the float, does it run?
Gary

Hello, the pump motor is controlled by the float switch. If your motor is running constantly even when you move the float switch around, then I would say that either the switch is shorted internally, or the wires going to the switch are shorted, thusly causing the motor to run. Is the float on a separate adapter to the pump, or is it wired into the pump?
joe

If you have the pump pictured, there is a float switch in the big round thing that floats. When this float drops, the switch should open and pump should shut off.
Make sure that the pump plug is plugged into the piggyback type float plug.

The first thing I would do is unplug pump and disconnect discharge pipe. Then remove pump from pit and check float switch to see if there is anything catching on it that would stop pump from running. While you have pump out of the pit you can wash it off and spray water around base to clean inlet to impeller, also clean float assembly. Install pump and hook up discharge pipe and plug it in. When you put the pump back in the pit make sure that it is sitting so that the float is free to move. If you don't want to remove and clean pump then make sure that float is free to move where it's at. I hope this helps you. Thanks

These units are normally factory sealed. You can buy a secondary float switch from a hardware store which intercepts the pumps power at the wall outlet and takes over the float switch duty. compare the costs as it may be more benificail to replace the pump

check float switch for proper operation

Sounds like the float switch is hung up or burnt out. hope this helps. duane.