DIY Automatic Water Pump Cut-Off System

 

Welcome to my first blog post on DIY convenience gadgets! Today, I’ll show you how to build a simple automatic system that turns off your water pump when your overhead tank is full. This project is beginner-friendly and uses affordable components.

Why You Need This

If you've ever forgotten to switch off your motor and ended up wasting water, this gadget is for you. It saves water, prevents overflow, and extends the life of your motor.

What You Need

• 1 x Arduino UNO (or any compatible microcontroller)
• 1 x Relay Module (5V)
• 2 x Water Level Sensors (Float switch or conductive probes)
• Jumper wires
• 5V power supply or battery
• Plastic box for enclosure (optional)

How It Works

The water level sensors are placed inside the tank. When the water reaches the top sensor, it sends a signal to the Arduino. The Arduino then sends a LOW signal to the relay module, which cuts off power to the motor. Simple and effective!

Wiring Diagram

Here’s a simple wiring setup:

• Sensor 1 (bottom) to Arduino pin 2
• Sensor 2 (top) to Arduino pin 3
• Relay IN pin to Arduino pin 8
• VCC and GND connections accordingly

Sample Code

int bottomSensor = 2;

int topSensor = 3;

int relayPin = 8;

void setup() {

  pinMode(bottomSensor, INPUT);

  pinMode(topSensor, INPUT);

  pinMode(relayPin, OUTPUT);

  digitalWrite(relayPin, HIGH); // motor ON

}

void loop() {

  int topState = digitalRead(topSensor);

  if (topState == HIGH) {

    digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW); // motor OFF

  } else {

    digitalWrite(relayPin, HIGH); // motor ON

  }

  delay(500);

}

  

Assembly

1. Place the sensors at two levels: one at the bottom and one at the top.
2. Connect them to the Arduino using jumper wires.
3. Wire the relay module to the Arduino and motor.
4. Upload the code using the Arduino IDE.
5. Power up your Arduino and motor through a relay-controlled socket.

Safety Tips

• Always insulate wires properly.
• Do not handle wet sensors while the system is powered.
• Use a fuse or circuit breaker for extra protection.

Final Thoughts

This simple system brings big convenience. It's cheap, efficient, and can be upgraded later with Wi-Fi modules or an app interface. If you liked this project, stay tuned for more DIY gadgets on this blog!

Happy building!