How Long Should My Sump Pump Last? 5 Signs It’s Time to Replace

sump pump design
crawfordmech February 10, 2021

crawfordmech February 10, 2021

A sump pump is a basement waterproofing system that prevents water damage. While this system is generally reliable, at some point it will not perform as well as it once did and will need to be replaced. The average lifespan of a sump pump tends to be between five and seven years, but that depends on several factors. That said, some units may last even longer if taken care of and maintained properly.

5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sump Pump

The following list goes over common signs of sump pump failure and decline so you’ll know when it’s time to make repairs or possibly replace your pump altogether.

1. Your Sump Pump Is Old

The lifespan of your sump pump will depend on the quality of your unit and how well it has been maintained. As mentioned above, the average sump pump lifespan is between five and seven years, although some units last several decades. Certain pedestal pumps can even run for as long as 30 years.

However, whether the estimated life span of your sump pump is five years or 20 years, you should always keep tabs on the performance of your unit, even if it is still relatively new. 

One way you can keep track of your sump pump’s performance is to keep a notebook where you log when maintenance was performed and/or any operating issues you might have noticed. By doing this, it will be easier to monitor your pump and have records to reference in the event that something goes wrong.

2. It Runs Constantly

If your pump runs constantly — even in sunny weather — you’ll likely have to replace it. If your sump pump is always running, this means it can’t handle the amount of water coming into the unit.

Many factors could cause your pump to run excessively:

  • You might have a problem with a switch or float arm mechanism.
  • You might have a missing or broken valve.
  • Your sump pump might not be the right size to accommodate the needs of your home.
  • Your sump pump might have shifted in the basin, making the float unresponsive.
  • Constant rainfall is causing your sump pump to go into overdrive.

Sump pumps that constantly run will be unable to handle a high water load during a flood, so a professional should take a look at it as soon as possible. The longer this issue goes unresolved, the worse the situation will become — and the last thing you want is for your pump to fail.

3. Strange Noises and Vibrations

It is normal for sump pumps to make some sound when they operate, such as low humming noises. However, if something sounds unusual, like rattling, squealing or grinding, this could suggest serious issues. These sounds could mean there are components that are failing — and failed parts could quickly cause your basement to flood.

Excessive vibration is another sign that your pump may be experiencing issues. When your pump sucks in debris, this causes its impellers to bend, making the unit vibrate excessively. If the unit continues to vibrate, the pump may be headed for serious problems in the future. Although impellers can be re-bent, you also risk damaging the impellers further. In this case, we recommend replacing your pump altogether.

4. It Wasn’t Installed Correctly

Contractors don’t necessarily have the plumbing experience needed to install sump pumps correctly. If there was already a sump pump when you bought your house, you should have a professional inspect it, as it’s possible whoever installed it did not size it correctly or ensure that it was working properly.

5. It Stopped Working Altogether

If your pump has completely ceased to function, motor failure is the likely cause. Motor failure can be due to several factors, including electrical or wiring problems and clogged and frozen drain hoses. The important thing is to contact a plumber immediately when you notice your pump is no longer functioning. The plumber will determine whether the pump can be salvaged or if the motor must be replaced.

If your home frequently experiences power outages, this could damage your sump pump, which is part of your electrical system, and ultimately reduce the lifespan of it. For this reason, we recommend checking your sump pump whenever a power outage occurs. Another alternative is to install an auxiliary pump powered by a backup marine battery.

Contact a Professional

To ensure your home and valuable belongings are protected against water damage and mold, it is vital to have a professional inspect your sump pump once a year.

During your sump pump inspection, the professional will test the pump to ensure it’s operating smoothly. They’ll also inspect the following components:

  • Float: They make sure the float isn’t jammed or tangled.
  • Alarm: If your pump has an alarm, the professional will test its performance. If you don’t have an alarm, you may want to install one, as it will let you know if high water levels in the sump pit fail to activate the sump pump.
  • Check valve: If you don’t have a check valve on the discharge pipe, the professional may suggest that you have one installed. Without this component, expelled water could unnecessarily strain the pump by backing up into the sump pit via the pipe.
  • GFCI: If your pump is connected to a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet, the professional may recommend that you switch to a regular outlet. This way, there’s no chance of the pump being deactivated if the GFCI trips by accident.
  • Backup power: Heavy rainfall is known to cause power outages. If your pump isn’t equipped with battery backup, it may fail to work in severe weather — a time when it’s most needed.
  • Sump pit: The professional will also inspect the sump pit to ensure it’s a minimum of 24 inches deep and 18 inches wide, which allows the pump to work properly. They may also recommend installing a tight-fitting cover on the pit to control humidity issues in the basement.
  • Discharge location: The professional will also confirm that your discharge is at least 20 feet from your home and isn’t draining into a public sewer, residential septic system or onto a neighbor’s property.

By inspecting all components of your sump pump, a professional can diagnose exactly what is wrong with your system and make necessary repairs, which can save you money and prevent bigger problems down the road.

Contact Crawford Mechanical Services

If you live in or around Columbus, Ohio, and need plumbing services, contact Crawford Mechanical Services, a family-owned, full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company.

Our services include:

  • Leaks and drips in bathrooms, kitchens and basements
  • Garbage disposal units
  • Water heaters
  • Backflow certified services, repairs or testing

To schedule plumbing services, you can contact our friendly staff using our form.

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