How Many Years Does A Sump Pump Last?

A sump pump doesn’t last forever. This important part of your drainage system has an average life expectancy of about 10 years. When you notice that your pump is acting up, it could be time for a replacement.

 

The Factors That Determine A Sump Pump’s Age

Though ten years is standard, several factors can shorten the life of your sump pump. These include:

  • Frequency of use: Does your sump pump have to run all the time? There might be a larger problem to deal with, but a sump pump that is also kicking into gear won’t last as long as one that is rarely used.
  • Discharge: The distance the pump sends water away from the foundation affects how hard the pump has to work.
  • The quality of the pump: Low-quality sump pumps are made with cheap metal and plastic parts, and they can degrade much faster than expected.

These factors can cause the intricate parts of the sump pump to wear down and break over time. If you’re not sure about the age of your sump pump, pay attention to the following signs; they are the best indication that it is time for a replacement.

 

Some Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Replacing

Check if your sump pump has a lid; if not, dirt and other contaminants are likely getting into the pit. These particles can cause clogs in the sump pit, make mechanical parts dirty, jam the float switch, or tangle the switches. These are all problems that can slow down the sump pump or stop it from doing its job. Extensive clogging might not be an indication that you need a new pump, but many problems are the result of large amounts of debris getting in.

sump pumps setup article image

One of the problems is worn or damaged parts. The most obvious indication of these is excessive sounds coming from your pump. If the sump pump’s motor is making an excessive amount of noise, it could have a failed bearing. Rattling or grinding noises can mean a jammed or damaged impeller, which is the fan on the bottom of the pump that pulls in water.

A lot of hard debris can bend or damage the impellers. It’s important to keep the impellers balanced, as this minimizes wear on the shaft. A bent or damaged impeller blade will cause the whole shaft to wobble, creating undue stress on the pump. You can tell there’s a bent impeller by the noise of the wobbling, and this is an indicator of major pump problems. Unfortunately, bending an impeller back into position is nearly impossible, so it’s best to replace the unit.

You should get the most out of your sump pump. If you’re not sure about the condition of it, call the experts of Ashworth Drainage. If you need a replacement, we can install a top-quality iron sump pump systems with the longest-lasting battery backup available!