In our narrow, deep bilge, I attached the pump and switch to a small aluminum plate which I attached to an aluminum extrusion. I assembled this as a unit and then lowered it along with the wiring and hose. It was then attached to the hull so that it cannot move. The extrusion was bent to match the contour of the hull. We check the switch periodically with a dowel stick which with you can rotate the float to see that it activates the pump. There is no way to reach this area by hand.