The Little Giant 1/6 HP 5-ASP-LL 1500 GPH continuous duty submersible hydroponics pump comes with a piggy-back diaphragm switch than can be easily by-passed for manual operation. This low level switch activates the pump when the water level reaches 2 to 3 inches and shuts the pump off when the water falls between 0.5 and 1.5 inches. To by-pass the switch, unplug the pump from the back of the switch and plug directly into the outlet. This pump is ideal for hydroponic use but can also be used for emergency water removal, water transfer, water recirculation in homes, commercial or industrial applications. It comes with a removal screen and removes water down to 1/8-inch with screen in place or 1/16-inch with the screen removed. This pump comes equipped with an 18-foot cord. This unit is not designed to filter out sewage, mud, soil, or similar matter. If you are looking for a pump that can filter out sewage, mud, soil, etc., consider an effluent, sewage, or trash pump.