How Long Do Sump Pumps Last On Average

The first question that is bound to pop into your head when you decide to get a sump pump is how long do sump pumps last on average? This is because our mind needs the consolation of a safe investment that will benefit us in the long run. But there is no concept as a safe bet when it comes to a sump pump because it stays in touch with the underground water which is the worst wearing agent to date.

However, there are a few steps that you can take to ensure that your sump pump lasts for at least a few years before you have to trash it out and replace it. The good news is that you can control this wear and tear process to a great extent. You will just have to pay for regular maintenance(have a look at some useful tips to maintain sump pumps). It might sound like a waste of money but believe me, this is the only way you can try to prolong the lifespan of your sump pump.

How Long Do Sump Pumps Last On Average

The average life of a sump pump, as claimed by the manufacturers, is almost ten years. However, if you ask me, the sump pump in my basement has been working just fine for the past fifteen years and still going strong. I managed to prolong the life span of my sump pump by maintaining it regularly. After every few months I call in professional help and what they do is, take apart all the equipment, clean it up, oil the motor, and prep up the pipes. So, if you want to increase the lifespan of your sump pump too, I suggest you follow suit.

However, if you don’t do that, then I am sorry to say that your sump pump will wear out in only a couple of years. And you will not only have to pay the dismantling cost but also buy a new one to replace it. Now, you must be wondering about the factors that cause this severe level of damage to take place. But don’t worry because I am about to go over a brief summary of some of these factors or more like warning signs that might indicate damage to your sump pump.

1. Runs All The Time

This warning sign is a great giveaway when it comes to inspecting the workability of your sump pump. If your pump is running overtime even when there is no rainfall or snow melting happening in your area, then there is something wrong with the switch. The switch needs to be replaced. But how will you know if you don’t check it out yourself?

2. Strange Noises Coming From The Sump Pump

It is yet another giveaway for a faulty wearing sump pump. Sump pumps don’t usually make noise so if yours is making squeaky noises that you can hear all the way up inside your house then it means that it is calling out for help. There may be something wrong with the bearings or maybe a part or two is broken inside. In order to know the exact reason, you will have to call in professional help.

3. Rust and Water Molds

If you don’t clean up your sump pump regularly, it will get rusty and moldy because it is always in a dark and moist place. This rust will negatively impact the performance of the sump pump and slow it down. If the situation prevails, it may shut down completely. Moreover, rusty and moldy parts of the sump pump not only become useless over the period of time but also put pressure on the motor which will have to run under greater pressure. Hence, it may burn down faster than the break-down of rusty parts.

FAQs

How long do Zoeller sump pumps last?

A Zoeller Sump pump lasts an average of seven to ten years however, it is just an estimate and it can turn out to be wrong in your case. If you want to increase the lifespan of your sump pump, you will have to pay for the regular upkeep. Without proper maintenance, your sump pump will just wear out in a couple of years.

Can a sump pump last 30 years?

The average lifespan of any sump pump is seven to ten years however, if you are careful with the use and maintain it properly through trained professionals, the life span can shoot up to fifteen to twenty years. But that is the limit for a sump pump. It will not last longer than that. Any attempt to do otherwise should be avoided because it is not safe for your house. The motor sump pump motor loses its ability to do an efficient job after such a long time.

Final Thoughts

So, this was all from my side, I hope you now understand this topic more clearly. To sum it all up, it is safe to say that sump pumps are prone to wear and tear and hence need regular maintenance for a longer lifespan. Otherwise, all the problems will keep piling up and it will be only a matter of a year or two when your sump pump will wear out completely. And you will have to pay a lump sum amount to get rid of the old pump and install a new one, which will be totally unnecessary if only you would take the necessary precautions to prevent that from happening.