How Long Do Sump Pumps Last? Everything You Need to Know Before Buying
Swap your sump every decade to defend against flood damage
If you live in a region prone to flooding, you’re probably familiar with sump pumps. But how long do sump pumps last, and what affects their lifespan? These devices divert and drain water to prevent costly and inconvenient water damage in your home.
Because it’s hidden away, it's easy to forget about your sump pump. But, even with regular maintenance, it’ll need replacing at some point. Understanding how long sump pumps last will help prevent a wet basement from catching you unaware.
How Long Do Sump Pumps Last?
Exactly how long your sump pump lasts depends on the type you have, how often you use it, and how well you maintain it.
As a rough guide, the average lifespan of a sump pump is around 10 years. Unless you're really neglectful, you should get at least seven years out of it; some can last for as long as a couple of decades.
If you've just moved into a house and don't know how long the existing pump has been there, it's worth calling a plumber in your area to assess its condition and tune it up.
Factors Influencing Sump Pump Lifespans
The type of sump pump you have influences its longevity, but don’t forget to factor in the following when estimating how much life it might have left.
Maintenance and Repairs
As with any equipment, regular testing, cleaning, and professional sump pump maintenance help prevent its premature demise. Annual servicing is important because metal parts regularly come into contact with water, leading to corrosion.
Usage
A pump that lies dormant most of its life won’t need replacing as soon as one in a home where flooding is commonplace. Cycle runtime and the quantity of water needing to be displaced impact sump pump longevity. However, just like with car batteries, leaving a pump dormant too long can reduce its shelf life, so regular testing is important.
Quality of Installation
Improper DIY or inexperienced professional installation can lead to a variety of sump pump problems. Some issues, like those involving electrical components, can do immediate irreparable damage, and they’re a major safety risk.
Others can lead to a buildup of debris, too much air entering the system, or backflow problems that reduce your sump pump's performance and longevity.
Brand
The quality of the pump plays a part in how long it lasts. If you go for a generic knock-off from an unknown website, you risk it breaking down prematurely.
Size
Your pump needs to draw out water faster than it flows in. If the pump you install isn’t the right size for the quantity of flooding you experience, it won’t last as long. In heavy flood areas, if you have a 1/3 rather than 1/2 horsepower pump, it might not be able to cope with the flow of water, and it’s likely to burn out faster trying to keep out.
Types of Sump Pump
Affordable pedestal pumps sit above the ground. Because they are easier to access for maintenance and aren’t submerged in water all the time, they can sometimes last 15 years or more. However, they’re not the best choice for keeping your basement dry in severe storms, as they aren’t all that powerful.
Submersible pumps typically last seven to 10 years. Sitting in water all the time under the ground makes them more prone to corrosion, and they’re not so easy to access for upkeep. This is the type of powerful pump you’ll need to plump for, though, if you live in a flood-prone zone.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sump Pump
There are various signs there’s a problem with your sump pump. Watching out for them helps you avoid waking up to a basement full of water.
While sometimes you can resolve these issues with a simple repair, if your pump is older and sees lots of action, it might mean replacement is on the cards. Regular testing saves you from malfunctions when you need your sump pump to work the most.
Sump pump noises, like gurgling and clanging
Stinky odors
Heavy rust buildup
Switches on but doesn't pump
Persistently cycling on and off
Not turning off
Not turning on
Excessive vibrations
Slower than normal pump-out times
What’s the Average Cost to Replace a Sump Pump?
When your pump is ready to give up the ghost, the good news is that sump pump replacement costs are lower than installing one for the first time (no major drilling or digging).
Expect to pay between $300 and $750 to hire a local sump pump installer for this job. The type of pump and any additional features influence the final price.
Is It Worth Having a Backup Sump Pump?
If you’re worried about your aging sump pump conking out on you unexpectedly during bad weather or you experience frequent power outages, you might want to have a battery- or water-powered backup sump pump for peace of mind.
They aren’t as powerful or long-lasting, but they can be enough to help divert disaster in an emergency. Reserve pumps typically cost between $100 to $400.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often you replace your sump pump depends on the type and how often you use it. While pedestal pumps can last 15 years or more, the more common submersible styles typically last 10 years, or sometimes less if used extensively. Even if your pump seems to be running fine, if you don’t want to run the risk of flooding, replacing your pump every decade is a sensible precaution.
There are times when you only realize your sump pump needs replacing after your basement floods. But it’s worth watching out for strange gurgly noises, bad odors, intermittent glitches (like not switching on or off when it should), or slower pumping action. If you get an annual service, the pros can also point out any major problems that merit replacement.
It’s not unheard of for pedestal sump pumps to last 30 years, but that would be when they aren’t used all that often while still being regularly maintained. It would be a bit of a miracle for a submersible sump pump to still be going strong after three decades. If you get 15 years out of yours, it’s good going. Plus, continuing to run a sump pump well past its expected expiration date means you run the risk it might suddenly stop working just when you need it the most.
To keep your sump pump performing properly, annual maintenance is a must. While you can do some simple maintenance jobs, like clearing debris from the sump basin, yourself, it pays to call in a professional for a yearly inspection. They can clean and clear clogs, deal with corrosion, lubricate parts, and keep on top of repairs to keep your sump pump working safely and smoothly for longer.