When To Replace a Sump Pump: A Homeowner’s Guide
It’s huffed and puffed and pumped itself out
Highlights
Sump pumps typically last about 10 years.
Failing or faulty parts are often easy to identify with a quick look.
Loud and unfamiliar sounds coming from your sump pump indicate a problem.
Some problems you can fix yourself, but others require a pro.
Sump pumps are the unsung heroes of many homes: They’re critical lifelines protecting your home against flooded basements and costly water damage. Sump pumps toil away during heavy rains without your family even noticing—that is until they stop working. Before you find yourself dealing with a unit that has totally failed, recognize the telltale warning signs that indicate it’s time to replace your sump pump.
1. It’s Over 10 Years Old
How long sump pumps last depends on a number of factors. Sump pumps that are well-maintained and not overworked tend to last longer. But, you can expect the typical sump pump lifespan to be somewhere between seven and 10 years. If your sump pump is older than that, it may be time to say goodbye.
There’s no sense in repairing an old sump pump that will need to be replaced soon anyhow. The good news is that replacing an existing unit is usually more affordable than the cost of installing a new sump pump. For the easiest transition, replace your old sump pump with the same brand and model. All the connections, both electrical and plumbing, should line up perfectly and make for an easy switch.
2. It Runs for Too Long
You may be due for a sump pump replacement if it runs continuously even when it doesn’t need to. This could also be a sign that your sump pump motor doesn’t have enough power to handle the volume of water coming through or to pump the water the distance it needs to go. If the pump keeps running, it’s going to wear down more quickly. Consult with local pump contractors or plumbers who can assess your needs and offer their recommendations.
Other reasons why your sump pump is running continuously could have to do with faulty parts. If the float switch sensor is permanently jammed, it may cause the sump pump to keep running because it believes the water level is too high. Similarly, the check valve can be damaged or obstructed after heavy rainfall or a recent storm. Sometimes, a visual inspection can save you from having to replace your sump pump prematurely.
3. It Fails To Turn On When It Should
The opposite of a sump pump that won’t turn off is one that won’t turn on. This isn’t just when you’ve experienced heavy rain in your area. When water seeps into the basement from melting snow, ground pressure, or dripping pipes, it’s still the sump pump’s job to get that water away from your house. If you notice puddles and pooling in your basement, your sump pump may not be doing its job effectively. Listen for when and if it turns on.
A common reason why a sump pump fails to turn on is that the motor has failed. This could be due to an internal wiring failure or some other electrical problem, like issues with a fuse or breaker. It could also be due to an issue with the float switch, like getting stuck in the “off” position. Depending on the age of the sump pump and the complexity of the problem, it may be time to replace your sump pump.
4. It Makes Loud or Suspicious Noises
A well-maintained sump pump that’s running effectively shouldn’t make much noise beyond a low hum. So, if you have a sump pump that’s making noises, this should be a cause for alarm. A motor that’s too loud, clanging, rattling, grinding, or gurgling are all reasons to look into sump pump repair and, if it comes to it, a complete sump pump replacement.
Your sump pump may start making these loud or suspicious noises for a number of reasons. A jammed impeller or a failed motor bearing can cause sounds like these, as well as other worn or damaged parts. A licensed technician can offer a closer inspection and let you know when to replace a sump pump and when to repair it. Upgrading to a cast iron, self-lubricating pump from an older plastic or PVC pump can reduce noise and be more reliable to boot.
5. It Gets Knocked Out In Storms
If you live in an area where power gets knocked out during heavy storms, sump pump backup options can provide incredible peace of mind. Even if your sump pump should be functioning normally, it can’t do it without electricity. Battery backup systems can keep your sump pump running even when the rest of the house is out of power.
Some newer models come with a built-in battery backup. You may also consider adding a secondary, battery-powered unit as a backup when you install a new sump pump. They can run for up to seven hours continuously or up to 24 hours intermittently. Include these additional options as part of your total sump pump installation cost estimate the next time you’re due for a replacement.
6. It Vibrates Violently When Active
Just as suspicious noises can be a legitimate cause for alarm, if you notice excessive vibration, it could be time to replace your sump pump. A sump pump shouldn’t be vibrating too much, if at all, during normal operation. Violent vibration is usually a sign that something is bent or damaged, possibly from hard debris rattling around inside.
One of the key components of a sump pump is the impeller. Whereas propellers propel things, impellers draw things in. A sump pump impeller that is bent can wobble while it is spinning, adding undue stress on the shaft. This wobbling makes noise and causes the sump pump to vibrate, as it isn’t spinning smoothly.
7. It Cycles On and Off Frequently
There is likely something wrong with a sump pump that keeps turning on and off too frequently. With a bit of sump pump troubleshooting, you may be able to identify why this is happening. A professional inspection can offer a more thorough diagnosis of the problem and offer possible solutions, too.
Like running for too long or failing to turn on at all, frequent cycling could be because of a malfunctioning float switch or a failed check valve. It may not be effectively getting the water out of the sump pit and through the discharge line, so the water cycles back through the system. In turn, this causes it to turn on and off again. Electrical shorts or loose wiring are possible root causes of erratic power cycling too. Check for frayed or dangling wirings, as well as any loose connections.
8. You Can See Iron Bacteria
You may start to notice a rust-colored accumulation on your sump pump. This may be rust or corrosion on the battery terminals, for instance, which may nudge you toward possible sump pump replacement. Another possibility is the development of iron bacteria. Also called bacterial iron or iron ochre, iron bacteria can present as a brown or orange sludge.
While not necessarily a human health hazard, bacterial iron is problematic all the same. The gel-like substance can clog your pump and cause water flow problems. It’s very common in wells and groundwater equipment, including sump pumps. Shock chlorination is an effective method to treat your well water for bacteria and algal residue.
9. It’s Damaged By Excess Sediment
Too much sediment and other material drawn into the system can significantly reduce the lifespan of your sump pump. You may have to absorb the cost of sump pump replacement more often than every seven to 10 years if this is the case. The sump pump works best when the water is reasonably clean and free of debris.
To minimize the amount of sediment that goes through your sump pump, install a filter over your sump pit and anywhere else the debris may make its way into your sump pump system. Inspect, maintain, and clean this filter regularly to ensure the water is still flowing as freely as it should. Also, look for anything that may be obstructing the discharge line. This debris can cycle back into the sump pump, causing more problems.
10. It Has A Burnt Out Motor
Excess sediment is the only possible cause of wearing out a sump pump motor. Many situations can lead to a burnt-out motor, reducing how long sump pumps last. Whether you choose to hire a professional or learn how to replace a sump pump yourself, you can still take some early steps to diagnose the issue. Sump pump water goes out through the discharge line—at least, that’s what it’s supposed to do.
In the winter, extension hoses connected to the discharge line can freeze from the lower temperatures. Ice can form inside the hoses, clogging the system and preventing your sump pump from effectively removing the water from your sump pit. The water stops moving or backflows, burning out the motor as it is forced to run continuously. Ask a licensed sump pump technician for advice on how to prevent this from happening in your home.