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?

Clearing Up the Confusion About Sump Pumps and Sump Pits

Homes and most properties retain a sump pit, which is basically a hole in the ground that collects water run-off and other spilled liquids. These are usually located in a lower level of a home or property, like a basement, cellar, or other underground room. Sump pits are imperative for preventing floods and excess water accumulations, especially for properties located in flood zones or near large bodies of water.

Continue reading to learn more about sump pumps and sump pits, including tips on how to prevent overflows and floods on your property.

Sump Pump Plumbers Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870
Sump Pump Plumbers Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Facts About Sump Pumps

Sump pits are man-made holes, or “pits” that are drilled into the floor and lined with concrete or brick, then covered with a grate, making it look similar to a large drain. Sump pits are equipped with a sump pump, which is an appliance that siphons collected water out of a sump pit to prevent overflows and floods. They pump water out periodically, not constantly, as to not waste electricity and energy. In order for the pit and pump duo to function and operation properly, it requires routine maintenance and professional service.

Flood Prevention

As mentioned before, sump pits and sump pumps are vital components for properties located in flood zones. When sump pumps break, properties can be subjected to flooding that is costly and tedious to repair. You wouldn’t want to walk into your basement after a heavy rain to find three inches of water on the ground! Nor would you want to go on vacation, only to come home to a swimming pool in your living room! Sump pits and pumps are very important for all properties, as well as ones located beneath the local water table.

Keeping the gutters in good condition is helpful for preventing water overflow and flooding issues since they can better drain excess water run-off after heavy rain or snow. Mold growth, drywall rot, warped floorboards, and foundation issues are all possible consequences that can result from a flooding catastrophe in or outside of the house.

Where to Get Sump Pump Help

Many things can go wrong with sump pumps, especially the trigger devices and float switches. When your sump pump fails to remove water from your basement, or you have a long power outage during a severe storm, you might come back to an expensive disaster. It is wise to consider replacing your pump every 5-10 years. It is also wise to have a backup plan in place in case of a huge storm or long power outage.

Contact a licensed master plumber in Indianapolis for professional assistance and advice regarding water tables, sump pumps, and sump pits. They retain the proper tools, training, equipment, resources, and experience to accurately diagnose a plumbing or water issue and find solutions that fit within a property owner’s budget. They can also facilitate a pit dig, as well as provide installation, repairs, and maintenance for all make and model sump pumps.

Are you worried about the condition of your sump pump? Do you lack a sump pump and wish to learn more about installing one in your home? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair for sump pumps in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Related Posts:

FAQS About Sump Pumps and Basement Flood Prevention
How to Determine Which Sump Pump Size You Need
Why Won’t My Sump Pump Turn Off After it Rains a Lot?

What are the Advantages of Installing a Sump Pump?

Aquanot II Sump Pumps 317-784-1870

Aquanot II Sump Pumps 317-784-1870

If you own a home with a basement, you should strongly consider purchasing and installing a top-quality sump pump. This is especially true for home’s located in known flood zones, built on low terrains, or regions with high precipitation. Basements can flood, and water damages will cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars-worth of damages and losses. If you want to safeguard your belongings and prevent devastating basement or crawl space floods, think about buying a sump pump.

Continue reading to learn about all the benefits of owning and installing a sump pump.

Sump Pumps

Basements and other areas of a property that are below ground-level can become flooded with water from heavy rainfall, clogged or poorly-maintained gutters, and large amounts of melting precipitation. Once a home is flooded, it is almost impossible to stop damages from occurring. When a home is built, especially in newer homes, manufacturers drill in a sump pit. This is basically a small dip in the basement floor that collects any flooded or excess water that may enter the premises.

Zoeller Sump Pumps 317-784-1870

Zoeller Sump Pumps 317-784-1870

Sump pits are important for homes with basements that are below the local water table or retain poor foundation drainage systems. These pits must be drained and emptied regularly to prevent overflow. Within the pit is a float, or buoyant tool that notifies when a pit is too full. Once this float reaches a certain level, the sump pump turns on and relieves the excess water. Many sump pump systems have an automated timer that initiates these tasks for a certain amount of time, at regular intervals.

Sump pumps typically connect to a large drainage pipe that carries water out of the pit, to another location far from the home, like a dry well or public drain. A check valve within this drainage pipe prevents water from backflow and returning to the pit. Older homes might drain water to a nearby sewer, but this practice is no longer permitted due to overcapacity.

Back-up sump pumps are important in the case of a power outage. These systems are battery-powered and will operate even when your electricity is turned off. Sump pumps and back-up pumps are extremely lucrative and beneficial investments for all homes. They can prevent a considerable amount of damages and losses, and insure against flooding and drainage problems. Contact a local Indianapolis sump pump repair contractor or plumber for accurate industry advice and assistance.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 to learn more about sump pump installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of highly trained and licensed plumbers, have decades of experience repairing, installing, selling, and servicing all make and model sump pumps and backup systems. We offer free estimates, emergency services, free plumbing advice, and much more. Call 317-784-1870 and speak with a licensed master plumber in Indianapolis about sump pump repair and installation, today.

Sump Pump Failures and Foes

Sump Pump Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Sump Pump Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Over the past several decades of being a state licensed master plumber, I have seen my fair share of disturbing sump pump failures and foes. Many people, unfortunately, put too much trust in old sump pump equipment. People that own a 15 year old sump pump can surely expect to have a messy situation on their hands sooner than later. And if you are one of these people, and happen to have a finished basement, you might want to consider a sump pump and battery pack replacement before the “overflow” fairy comes to town. Failed sump pumps lead to costly basement flooding and property damages. Trust me when I say it is cheaper to replace or repair a sump pump rather than pay for basement and foundation renovations!

It’s not just the old and ugly sump pumps that can cause massive flooding and property damage. This is why the same warning goes for cheap, poor quality sump pumps and battery backup systems as well. Some cheap units are known to fail within the FIRST YEAR of ownership solely if the battery water level is not checked once every month! It is vital to invest in a high-quality and reputable sump pump back up system in order to evade messy situations and back up accidents. Water-operated brands are not recommended. They tend to malfunction a lot and flood basements.

Recommended Sump Pumps and Battery Backup Systems

The best way to avoid a sump pump accident and flood situation is to buy the very best brands of backup systems on the market. Take for instance:

The Zoeller Aquanot II

Zoeller Sump Pumps Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Zoeller Sump Pumps Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

This heavy duty, highly recommended, battery-powered sump pump comes with a 1 year labor warranty, a 3 year parts warranty, and a maintenance-free marine battery. It can be installed in residential properties, as well as, small commercial office buildings and spaces. Check out the customer reviews.

NON-RECOMMENDED BRANDS:

Sump Pro Sump Pumps, Ace in the Hole Sump Pumps, & Wayne Sump Pumps

If you have a low-end sump pump that hasn’t been serviced in years, you are in DIRE NEED of some healthy sump pump education. Contact a licensed Indianapolis Plumber as soon as possible for information about sump pump replacement and purchasing. The longer you wait, the higher your chances for a sump pump accident are. The next time it downpours, is your sump pump capable of handling the water intake? Ask yourself this question when deicing if your sump pump is in good condition or not.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for the most accurate and honest sump pump information and advice in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience working with sump pump repairs and replacements. We carry the Zoeller Aquanot sump pump and can install it for you at the most competitive price in town! Call 317-784-1870 and receive a free estimate for sump pump repair and service in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.