How Long Sump Pumps Last? 5 Tips To Make Them Last Longer

Michael Bowen November 8, 2024

Are you wondering how long sump pumps last and what you can do to prolong their lifetime? If so, you’re not alone; many people have stuck with this question: how long sump pumps last?

Fortunately, by examining a few factors and doing a few preventative maintenance steps, you can find the answer to the question, how long sump pumps last? Therefore, let’s go into this informative article without further ado.

How long do sump pumps last on average?

Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump will not last forever. With a lifespan of around ten years, you may notice a problem once it stops working. However, you can extend the sump pump’s life by performing a few steps.

Furthermore, you can check out Zoeller pumps, such as the M53, M57, and M98 are among the most trustworthy and long-lasting on the market. Due to varying workloads, it is hard to predict how long sump pumps last, but the new Zoeller sump pump will endure. It should last long if you undertake routine maintenance and have a powerful pump.

Backup Plan

Backup pumps are essential to basement waterproofing, as sump pumps that run on electricity can fail during power outages. Setting up some redundancy will ensure your pump won’t let you down, especially when severe storms hit!

Some people opt to use a generator for back-ups, which is a relatively straightforward way of ensuring electricity continues during outages; you must either be home to switch the generator on yourself or have it wired into the home’s wiring for an automated (though more costly) solution.

An alternative is a battery-powered backup- the reserve system functions removed from the significant sump pump. Still, water-linked to switch on if the chief device fails. It is also essential to monitor how long your sump pump battery will last while the electricity is out. These units are generally easy to install and range in price from $150 to $250.

Water-powered pumps also serve as a temporary remedy, relying on the same amount of water they pump to operate effectively.

In light of the limited use of hydraulic pumps, they can serve as extra insurance if your primary pump fails. Furthermore, highly-rated hydraulic pumps are available on Amazon for less than $200.

How long sump pumps last: Factor Influencing

The type of sump pump you have influenced its longevity, but remember, a sump pump has an average lifespan of 5-10 years, depending on the kind and quality of the pump. Sump pumps are essential for preventing flooding in your home; therefore, consider the following when determining how much life it has left.

Maintenance and repairs

Routine maintenance, testing, cleaning, and professional sump pump check, as with any other piece of equipment, can assist in preventing premature failure. Annual maintenance is essential because metal parts are frequently in touch with water, which causes corrosion.

Use

How long sump pumps last also depends on the usage of the pump. The sump pump lifespan is affected by cycle runtime and the amount of water that must displace. A pump that sits unused for most of its life will only need to be replaced once, unlike one in a home where flooding is common.

However, as with automobile batteries, leaving a pump inert for an extended time can shorten its shelf life; thus, regular testing is required.

Quality of installation

Different sump pump issues might occur by improper DIY or straightforward expert installation. Some problems, such as those involving electrical components, pose a serious safety concern and can cause irreparable harm.

Others can result in dirt accumulation, excessive air entering the system, or backflow issues that shorten the lifespan and operation of your sump pump.

Brand

The quality of the pump has an impact on how long sump pumps last. If you buy a generic copy from an unexpected source, you risk breaking it down before it should. Therefore, ensure that your sump pump purchase is worthwhile using a reliable brand.

Size

Water must be drawn out of your pump more quickly than it enters. If the pump you install is too small for the flooding you encounter, it will only last for a while. If you have a pump with a horsepower rating of 1/3 rather than 1/2 in a very flooded location, it may not be able to handle the volume of water and will likely wear out more quickly, trying to keep it out.

So these factors affect your sump pump and its life; however, appropriate maintenance and usage will undoubtedly extend the life of your sump pump.

Types of sump pump

Well, how long sump pumps last- depends on multiple factors, and which type of pump you’re using is one of them. Affordably priced pedestal pumps are elevated – they can occasionally last 15 years or longer because they are simpler to maintain and aren’t constantly submerged in water.

Since they aren’t powerful, there are better options for keeping your basement dry in severe storms.

Typically, submersible pumps endure seven to ten years. They are more vulnerable to corrosion and more challenging to maintain when submerged in water. If you live in a flood-prone area, you must invest in a strong pump like this.

5 Easy ways to make your sump pump last longer

Because there are so many reasons to understand how long sump pumps last. A few ways can help your sump pump extend its life and avoid basement flooding and water damage. We have listed a few of them below:

Clean it regularly

Debris, such as dirt, stones, sand, and other particles, can accumulate in the sump pit over time, obstructing the flow of water and causing damage to the pump’s motor or seals. To help keep your sump pump working properly, clean it regularly using a garden hose or wet/dry vacuum cleaner with appropriate attachments to remove small particles.

Check for obstructions

Sometimes debris can form little ‘dams’ which block water access to the sump pit’s intake opening, resulting in an overflowing basin and inadequate drainage system functioning – leading to much bigger problems than a clogged-up system.

Exercise proper caution when checking for obstructions to prevent electric shocks or failure of mechanical parts caused by excess wear & tear due to physical intervention inside the sump pit – always use tools specifically designed for this kind of work.

Test It regularly

Not all homeowners think about testing their pumps regularly – usually once a month or so, depending on how often you use them. This helps ensure that everything is working correctly before any issues arise – hence making sure there won’t be any surprises deeper into their lifetime!

Install battery backup sump pump system

Suppose you live in an area with frequent power outages. Consider installing a battery backup system for your pump to continue running even when no electricity is available from the grid, especially during significant rainfall events like thunderstorms.

They are relatively easy to install & come with additional benefits like more consistent pumping pressure & prevention of partially filled-up sumps due to inverter electric surges.

Properly store your pump when not in use

During wintertime, ensure that your pump is appropriately stored away from any moisture accumulation areas (such as basements), preferably kept dry & cool places like sheds or garages nearby must-access spots like exit doors.

This will reduce the chances of rust formation on its metal parts & increase longevity dramatically since these types of machines prefer ambient temperatures close-to-room temperature range instead of too much humidity.

By following these few steps above regularly, you should be able to maximize the lifespan of your sump pump and prevent flooding risks while keeping it operating at maximum efficiency levels too!

Summing up

So, after reading this post, we hope you have a better idea of how long sump pumps last and that by following these helpful tips, you can easily prolong the life of sump pumps.

A sump pump has a potential lifespan of 5 to 10 years, depending on the type and brand of the pump. Furthermore, depending on the water table and flood risk of the area in which a home is located, a sump pump may spend the majority of its lifespan dormant.

So, what are your thoughts? Please share them in the comments below, and if you found this post helpful, do share it with your friends and family to simplify their lives.

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