On average, sump pumps tend to last about 10 years. But we have seen some go out as early as 5 years and others last as long as 25 years.

Like most machinery, proper maintenance and the wear and tear placed on the pump will determine how long it will continue working for you.

Regular Maintenance Of Your Sump Pump

Like most any other appliance in your home – there should be a maintenance schedule to keep it working properly and efficiently.

Here are the simple steps to take for regular sump pump maintenance.

Check the plug – Sump pumps should be plugged in to a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet. There are times that the GFCI breaker will trip (especially if the area is damp) so check to make sure it is still on, if not, reset it.

Positioning – If you have a free-standing sump pump (some are inground) then you want to make sure that it hasn’t fallen over due to some vibrations either within the home or within the sump pump itself.

Test It Out – Pour a bucket of water into the pit which should then make the unit automatically turn on. If the pump doesn’t start, then you know it needs to be serviced.

Cleaning – Remove the submerisible pump from the pit and clean out the grate which is located at the bottom of the unit. Oftentimes small stones and other debris can get caught in that grate and block the flow or damage the pump over time.

Check for Odor – If you smell a nasty odor it may be that water is not flowing from the trap to the basin. The solution is to add 1 cup of bleach to a gallon of water and then pour that combination into the trap.

Signs It’s Time To Replace The Sump Pump

There are generally 7 signs that indicate it’s time to get a new sump pump for your home.

  1. It runs all the time – although it’s normal for a sump pump to run when it detects water in it’s pit – it’s not normal for it to run continuously.
  2. Doesn’t run at all – the purpose of the sump pump is to drain water away from the home’s foundation so if it doesn’t run when it should – it may be time for a replacement.
  3. Runs when it should not – if there is little to no water in the sump pump it and your pump turns on – there may be an electrical problem or some other mechanical issue.
  4. Makes loud noises or vibrations when it’s running – this could be due to debris or a problem with the motor but whatever the issue is – it’s not normal.
  5. Rusted out unit – a sump pump unit that is showing signs of rust is a sign that bacteria is corroding the unit and should therefore be replaced.
  6. Motor stops running – you can see that power is getting to the sump pump but the motor is not working.
  7. It’s an old unit – sump pumps generally last about 10 years but they can last longer. But if your unit is 10 years or older – expect that sometime soon you will have to have it replaced.

Here in Georgia, where many homes are built on the side of a small hill – sump pumps are an important part of the home’s construction.

Regular maintenance can help to lengthen the lifespan of your unit.

If you have any questions about your sump pump or are having problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.