How long do float switches last, and when should I replace them?

The lifespan of a float switch can vary widely based on its quality and the environment. In relatively clean water and with infrequent cycling, float switches can last many years (5–10 years is not uncommon for a good float). In harsh industrial wastewater, their life might be shorter – you might get a couple of years if lucky, especially if maintenance is overlooked. Signs of aging include cracked float bodies, water infiltration, or intermittent operation. It’s wise to proactively replace critical float switches every few years or at the first sign of unreliable behavior. Many operators keep spare floats and will swap one out the second it acts up (since floats are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of a failure or overflow). Also, if you’re already pulling a pump for service, it can be cost-effective to replace the float switches at the same time, given that labor to access them is a big part of the expense. In summary: there’s no hard rule on time but monitor the condition – if a float looks degraded or has caused issues, replace it before it fails completely. And always test new floats thoroughly after installation to ensure they work properly with your system’s logic.