How Often Should I Replace My Home’s Sump Pump?

Homeowners know the importance of having a functioning sump pump in their home. Sump pumps are responsible for keeping your basement dry by diverting water away from your house and into an underground drainage system or nearby creek. But like all mechanical devices, sump pumps need to be replaced every so often as part of regular maintenance and repair. So, how often should you replace your home’s sump pump? The answer depends on several factors including the age of your current unit, the type of environment in which it is located, and any signs that suggest it needs to be repaired or replaced.

In this blog post, we will discuss these topics in more detail and provide tips on when you should consider replacing your home’s sump pump.

Call 317-784-1870 For Sump Pump Replacement in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-784-1870 For Sump Pump Replacement in Indianapolis Indiana

Top Factors That Affect Sump Pump Replacement Timelines

Sump pumps are crucial in preventing basement flooding and ensuring the safety of your home’s foundation. The lifespan of a sump pump mainly depends on its usage and quality. On average, a well-maintained sump pump can last for about 10 years. However, if the pump frequently operates or experiences heavy usage, its lifespan can be reduced to 5 to 6 years.

It’s essential to have your sump pump regularly inspected by a professional plumber and to replace it before it fails to avoid unexpected damage to your property. Ultimately, investing in a high-quality sump pump and conducting routine maintenance is worth the cost to ensure the longevity of your equipment and the safety and security of your home.

Here are some factors that can influence your sump pump lifespan:

Age – If your sump pump is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. The life expectancy of a sump pump is usually between 5 and 10 years, so if yours has been around for over a decade, you’ll want to start looking into getting a new one.

Location – The environment in which your sump pump is located can also affect its lifespan. If it’s located in an area that is prone to flooding or other water-related damage, then your sump pump could be more likely to break down sooner than later and will need to be replaced.

Climate – Additionally, if your home experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year (e.g., cold winters followed by hot summers), this can also shorten the life of your sump pump.

Act Fast When You Notice Sump Pump Problems

If you do notice any signs that suggest your sump pump needs to be repaired or replaced, then it is important that you act quickly. These signs can include loud noises when the pump is running, a lack of water being pumped away from your home, and even flooding in your basement. If you experience any of these warning signs, contact a professional plumber to inspect and repair (or replace) your sump pump as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Overall, replacing a sump pump should not be done on a regular basis unless there are signs that indicate it’s time for an upgrade. If yours is more than 10 years old or if you live in an environment where temperature or water-related damage is a concern, then you may want to consider replacing your sump pump sooner rather than later. Additionally, if you notice any warning signs that suggest it needs to be repaired or replaced, contact a professional plumber right away. By following these tips, you can ensure that your sump pump is functioning properly and keeping your home dry for years to come.

We hope this information was helpful in understanding when it’s time to replace your home’s sump pump and how often regular maintenance and repair should be done. If you need assistance with repairing or replacing your sump pump, don’t hesitate to contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 to receive information about our sump pump services and products, anytime. Not only do we repair, install, and replace all make and model sump pumps, but we also carry state-of-the-art Zoeller Sump Pumps and Aquanot ll® Battery Backup Sump Pumps at below-market prices.

Related Posts:

How to Tell If You Need Sump Pump Repair
How to Determine Which Sump Pump Size You Need
Why Won’t My Sump Pump Turn Off After it Rains a Lot?

Do I Need to Empty My Septic Tank?

Your priority as a homeowner is to maintain the value, function, and safety of your house. One of the most important systems in your home to maintain is the plumbing, namely, the septic system. The problem is that many people are quite confused on what the proper maintenance is for a septic system. Furthermore, many people confuse sump pumps and septic systems. If you are having the same questions, such as, “what is the difference between a sump pump and septic tank?”, or “when should I empty my septic tank?”, you are in the right place.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about taking good care of your property’s septic system, including when septic tanks should be emptied.

Septic System Basics

First let us discuss the basics of a septic system so that you understand the difference between a sump pump and a septic tank. You see, a septic tank is a component of plumbing that collects sewage and wastewater, and naturally decomposes them using a bacterial action. They are usually constructed of precast concrete, concrete blocks, or reinforced fiberglass, and buried in the ground somewhere on the property.

A sump pump is a device that is outfitted to a sump pit for the purpose of removing excess water and liquids from the pit. They are usually connected to a municipal sewer line or storm drain, and equipped with a flotation device that forces them to clink at particular levels of flooding. If the power is out, there is a manual lever that allows people to release excess water. If the water level reaches or exceeds a preset level in the pit, the pump initiates and sucks up enough liquid to remedy the risk of overflow.

Cesspools

Now where does the cesspool come into play? Well, not every property has a cesspool. Some homes are equipped with cesspools instead of septic systems. Although both collect organic waste and decompose them naturally, cesspools are a much older waste disposal technique compared to the modern-day septic tanks. The general rule of thumb is to have your septic tank inspected and serviced by a professional plumbing company every 1 to 3 years.

When and How to Empty the Septic Tank

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends having your septic tank inspected every three years by a licensed Indianapolis master plumber. They further recommend adhering to the professional advice given by the plumbing contractor in regard to routine de-sludging and septic service. Basically, you need to hire a licensed plumbing contractor to perform all septic and cesspool work, no matter how inclined you feel on doing it yourself. These are important systems, and one wrong move or mistake can leave you with some very messy, and extremely unsanitary conditions.

Where to Get Professional Sump Pump Service and Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-714-0759 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable master plumber about sump pump service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are happy to answer any questions you have about septic tank and sump pump installation, maintenance, replacement, repair, problems, and more. We even offer 24 hour emergency services for water leaks, floods, and more. Owner and Master Plumber, Mark Weilhammer, recommends installing the Aquanot ll® Battery Backup Sump Pump in your sump pit along with your main sump pump. The Aquanot ll® is the most reliable back up system on the market today. Call 317-714-0759 for professional sump pump services in Indianapolis you can trust!