Bilge pump kicking on without any water

[Z-Worthy]

This summer, one of our shower sump pumps died. I installed a brand new Sahara 750, but the new one kept kicking on periodically (roughly every 10min it would turn on for less than a second). I assumed it was probably a bad check valve and water was slowly trickling back down the hose into the box. Since it was only a minor annoyance, I figured I would get it to over the winter.

Fast forward to winterization: I cleaned and dried the sump box and the problem is still happening. Can a brand new pump have a bad float switch? Or could there be another electrical issue that I'm overlooking here? What on earth would cause a dry pump to cycle itself every 10-15min? Thanks guys!

 

[Bt Doctur]

Does the pump use a sensor to check for water or a standard mechanical float switch

 

[hottoddie]

I think you have one of those new style pumps that automatically turns on every so often to sense if water is present. Check the manufacturer specs

 

[Sublimetime]

The new style pumps that sense for water have to be connected to a full time 12 volt source. If he replaced the original float operated pump as it was installed it will only have the 12v power when the float is activated. Unless your wiring is leaking to ground somewhere that's puzzling.

 

[Z-Worthy]

The Sahara 750 has a mechanical float switch built into the pump housing. So yes, it is a mechanical float. But no, those two parts are not wired separately. This is why I'm truly stumped.