How long do sump pumps last on average?

Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won't last forever. Averaging about 10 years, you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working. And once it does, water damage to your home and the belongings within it can follow closely behind.

How often should a sump pump be replaced?

Even if you have professionally installed a quality product, a sump pump should be replaced every 7-10 years. Typically located in a basin on your basement floor, your sump pump collects excess water from drains and redirects it away from the house.

Can a sump pump last 30 years?

A Pedestal Sump pump last about 25 to 30 years. it's motor is mounted directly above the sump, making it easier to service.

What sump pump lasts the longest?

Type of pump – A pedestal sump pump tends to last longer than a submersible sump pump.

How often does a sump pump fail?

Years of wear and tear eventually result in the inevitable failure your sump pump after 7 to 10 years of use. While some sump pumps can exceed well after this time period, it is recommended that you consider replacing your sump pump after 10 years to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.

6 Things Sump Pump Owners NEED to Know

How do you know when your sump pump is going out?

Will basement flood if sump pump fails?

If the sump pump fails during a big rain event, the basement can flood causing extensive water damage to your property, in addition to creating a huge mess. The most common cause of sump pump failure is a power outage.

How much is a good sump pump?

Sump pump costs range from $639 to $1,977, with the national average at $1,257. If you need to move water away from your home's foundation and prevent it from seeping into the basement, you need a sump pump. A sump pump is installed at the lowest point in the basement in a sump hole or pit.

Can I replace a sump pump myself?

When your home has a sump pump, you want it working to keep rainwater out of your basement or crawl space. If your sump pump is failing and you need to replace it, it's a DIY job you can handle yourself.

How many cycles will a sump pump last?

So the trade off for the few dozen extra cycles on the switch of your main sump pump isn't worth the risk of flooding your basement (and most pump switches average 100,000 cycles anyway).

Why do sump pumps fail?

The most common reason for sump pump failure is an electrical power outage as a result of bad weather or a storm. Sump pumps depend on your home for power and these blackouts can be problematic. Because power outages happen at random, the best way to combat this is by having a backup generator.

Should every basement have a sump pump?

If your house is built on a concrete slab (no basement) then odds are there is no sump pump. Sump pumps are designed to take water that surrounds your foundation and pump it outside before it can seep into your basement. So—no basement—no need for a sump pump.

What happens when your sump pump stops working?

When the pump stops working, you need to start working. With a dormant pump, there's going to be water coming into the basement. If the amount of water is manageable, you can mop it up, deposit it to a bucket, and dump at least 20 feet away from the house. The faster you remove the excess water, the better.

Do sump pumps require maintenance?

Water from under or around your home drains into a sump pump pit, and is then pumped out of your home and away from the foundation. As with any other system or appliance you may have in your home, a sump pump needs regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly.

Should you proactively replace sump pump?

A well-maintained sump pump should last several years, but there's only so much one pump can take. Replacing your sump pump before it breaks down is key to avoiding a flood.

Should I be worried if a house has a sump pump?

Although sump pumps can stop most of the water, holes in the structure of your home can cause leaks and lasting damage. So, even if you have a sump pump installed in your new place, it's important to keep an eye out for this kind of damage.

Should there be water in my sump pump pit?

It's perfectly normal for a sump pump pit to always have some water in it. This water can be the result of rain, snowmelt, or seepage from the ground. That being said, when the water rises to a certain level, this should trigger your sump pump's float switch. This will cause the pump to turn on and start working.

Why is my sump pump so loud?

The Pump Extends Out of The Sump Pit

One of the most common causes of a noisy pumping system is that the sump pump system is not actually placed within the sump pit. If the system is not correctly placed, underneath the ground, then the noise will more than likely echo around your basement.

What is the labor cost to install a sump pump?

Best to spend the money to have a professional install the sump pump for you. The average cost for the labor is between $100 – $200 per hour.

What type of sump pump is better?

Pros: Submersible pumps are quieter than pedestal pumps. With the motor inside the sump basin, submersible pumps are less obtrusive, safer in homes with children, and ideal for finished basements. Cons: Submersible pumps are usually more expensive than pedestal pumps and they can't operate without electricity.

Are cast iron or stainless steel sump pumps better?

Stainless steel has anti-corrosion properties, while cast iron maximizes cooling ability to better distribute heat from the motor. The interior of a sump pump is just as important.

Does insurance cover a failed sump pump?

For a standard homeowners insurance policy, the simple answer to that question is "no." On many policies, water damage or a flooded basement from a sump pump failure, overflow, or sewer backup is considered an uncovered peril.

Does insurance cover sump pump flooding?

In most cases, a standard homeowners insurance policy does not provide coverage for water damage caused by sump pump failure. However, this type of coverage can be easily added on to your homeowners policy in the form of what's called an “endorsement.”

Can you still get water in basement with a sump pump?

A sump pump keeps water out of your house. So, when it fails, your basement could quickly be at risk for flooding. If you're a homeowner with property more prone to flooding, don't rely on your sump pump alone.