How Long Do Sump Pumps Last?
A sump pump is an important piece of equipment for homeowners who want to keep their basement dry. Like any appliance, they have a lifespan that depends on how often they are used and how well they are maintained.
The average sump pump will last between 7-10 years with proper maintenance. However, that is not an exact science and a few factors can reduce their lifespan.
Battery Life
Battery-operated backup sump pumps are a great way to prevent basement flooding and keep your home dry. They run off of a battery and are available in different sizes and capacities for your specific needs.
A backup sump pump will typically last about a year or more, depending on how often you use it and how well you maintain it. This includes checking the battery fluid levels, replacing the batteries regularly and running it routinely to ensure that it is in good condition.
If you want to ensure that your backup sump pump can survive a power outage, you should purchase one with a high ampere-hour (AH) rating. This rating will determine how long the system will run when there is no electricity available.
Electricity
Electricity is a key part of our lives. It powers the televisions and computers that we use every day, lights our homes, and heats our furnaces.
Sump pumps require electricity as well, so if you're planning to install a battery backup sump pump, it's important to choose a system that can provide power for a long time. The best option is a two-stage system that uses a battery to power the primary sump pump during electrical outages and then switches to a secondary pump to operate during normal times.
The batteries used to power these systems are often lead-acid batteries. These batteries are rated in ampere-hours (AH) and have a capacity that will provide enough power for continuous operation of the backup sump pump. New fully-charged batteries typically last about 3-7 hours of continuous pumping and 1-3 days of non-continuous operation.
Maintenance
Sump pumps are designed to move water away from your basement, preventing flooding and structural damage. But like other systems in your home, they need maintenance to keep them running at peak performance.
A routine inspection, cleaning and maintenance program can help your system last longer and avoid costly emergency repairs down the road. Most homeowners rely on professionals to perform these tasks, but you can do some of the basic ones yourself.
Check the Pump For Corrosion and Other Debris – To extend the life of your sump pump, remove it from its basin and clean it thoroughly. This includes the discharge pipe and the inlet screen.
Test It Regularly – Once a year, pour a few gallons of water into the sump pit and observe its response. If it does not respond, or does not turn on when the water reaches a predetermined level, there may be an issue with the float switch.
Some problems can be fixed with simple DIY solutions, but others require professional assistance from a licensed plumber. For example, if the float switch isn't functioning properly, the pump could become overworked and break down prematurely.
Rust
The rust that accumulates on sump pumps can shorten their lifespan and make them less effective. It also increases the chances of clogging or other issues in the pump.
Generally, pumps can last between 7 and 10 years. However, the average lifespan depends on how often they're used and if they are kept well maintained.
If your sump pump doesn't turn on when it should, then this is a sign of corrosion. It can happen because of a tangled float switch or because of wiring problems inside the pump itself.
Another common sign of a malfunctioning sump pump is the fact that it cycles on and off constantly. This happens during long periods of dry weather or when there is heavy rain.
A sump pump is an important piece of equipment for homeowners who want to keep their basement dry. Like any appliance, they have a lifespan that depends on how often they are used and how well they are maintained. The average sump pump will last between 7-10 years with proper maintenance. However, that is not…