When you have flooding in your home, having a working sump pump is essential to remedy the situation. It will help keep water damage at bay, especially if it is still raining heavily outside. With that said, sump pumps also have limited life spans; they will typically last for up to 10 years. The length varies, though, based on the type of pump you invest in, the quality of the unit, how often you use it, and whether the pump receives regular maintenance from professionals. In this guide, we will examine these variables, look at the early warning signs that your sump pump is failing, and discuss some ways to help extend its useful life span.
Factors That Affect the Sump Pump’s Longevity
Not every sump pump has the same design, which means that the longevity of the unit varies among different models and brands. Let us take a look at some of these factors so that you can help increase the life span of your sump pump.
Type of Pump
There are submersible sump pumps that operate beneath the water and pedestal sump pumps that operate above the water. These have different life spans because a submersible unit is more prone to corrosion and rust from being constantly underwater. Pedestal models can have nearly double the life span if they are properly maintained.
Quality
In addition to the type, sump pumps use different materials during their construction. Plastic is often a cheap option that lacks the longevity of more durable materials, such as cast iron and stainless steel. This added durability also helps ensure that the corrosion is not a concern for sump pumps that are made out of those materials.
Usage
When you use a sump pump frequently, it will wear out more quickly than one that is only occasionally used. Additional usage adds strain to the unit, which makes it less efficient overall.
Maintenance
Scheduling regular professional maintenance for your sump pump allows it to perform at its optimum levels. This involves keeping the sump pump clean, repairing broken parts, and checking the switch and the discharge line. At [company name], one of our team members will also check to ensure your backup power supply is working and listen for any noises inside the pump that could indicate a deeper issue.
Power Source
Most sump pumps use electricity for power, and that means that if you briefly lose electricity during a severe storm, your unit will stop functioning until the power is restored. This adds strain to the unit, and without a backup power source such as a battery or a generator, the surges that a sump pump experiences during this time can wear the motor out more quickly.
Early Warning Signs
A sump pump usually doesn’t just break down suddenly without any previous indication that there is a problem. In fact, there are typically numerous signs that will be noticeable. Let’s take a more in-depth look at a few of the more common ones.
Frequent Cycling
If your sump pump turns on and off frequently, then there may be an issue that you need to address quickly. It could be an indication that the sump pump is too small to handle the job of removing water from your basement that you need it to manage. Overworking your unit is not a good idea, especially if you are trying to preserve the life span of the sump pump.
If cycling frequently is an issue, then contact a professional plumber at [company_name] to see about installing a larger basin. Some basins are only 5 gallons, which is not a lot for a home where the basement floods frequently. There are larger basins that hold 20 or 30 gallons of water. Installing a larger basin will stop the sump pump from cycling often. Also, a pump that runs nonstop is not handling enough water, which is another issue that will need your attention.
Making Strange Noises
In general, a sump pump does not make a lot of noise. If you start hearing a noise that is louder than a hum, then there could be a serious issue, which may mean it’s time for a replacement. Sounds often mean that the motor is having problems or that there is a jam in the impeller.
Visible Rust or Corrosion
It is not uncommon to see rust or corrosion with your sump pump as the result of the combination of water and metal. This is a sign that it is time for a replacement since once rust covers the unit, the motor will fail, and the pump will become useless.
Excess Water Pooling in Basement
A sump pump will remove water from your home, but it cannot prevent water from entering your living space in the first place. That said, if you notice excess water pooling in your basement, it may be because your sump pump is not functioning or a pipe is leaking in the area, allowing more water to accumulate. If you don’t know the source of the water, contact a member of our team at [company_name] for assistance.
Frozen or Clogged Discharge Lines
Sump pump lines do not have insulation, so in the wintertime, they are more likely to freeze. This keeps the water from flowing through the lines and can overwork the motor. In addition, the line can also experience a clog from wet leaves and other debris. When this happens, a restriction in the pipe allows only a small trickle of water through the space.
Ways to Extend the Life Span of a Sump Pump
There are several steps you can take to ensure you’re not overworking your sump pump. These include the following:
- Have worn-out parts replaced by a professional.
- Ensure you’re using the right size of pump.
- Cover the sump pit to ensure debris does not create clogs.
- Install a backup power source.
- Schedule professional maintenance at least once a year.
- Protect the float switch from tangling.
- Make sure to run the pump every few months.
Contact a Reliable Plumber Today
If you need a sump pump in your home, you can expect the unit to last up to 10 years. Several factors discussed earlier can add to or take away from the life of a sump pump. That said, make sure your unit is the correct size to absorb all the water that frequently enters your basement. One way to do that is by contacting [company_name].
We are a family-owned and -operated home services company that has proudly served the Santa Rosa area for three generations, and so we know how important your trust is for our business. If you have an issue with your sump pump, or if you have other plumbing issues that need professional attention, give us a call today so that we can schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.