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

Posted on April 21, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Sump Pumps

Posted on March 31, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Springtime means rain; and even though April is not quite here yet, the showers are no less on their way. During the rainy season, the persistent moisture in the surrounding environments can cause excessive puddling and standing water, which can lead to more serious issues like flooding. For this reason, it is important to double check that your sump pump is in good condition and operating efficiently this time of year. This piece of plumbing equipment will protect your home from catastrophic water leaks and flooding disasters.

Not sure what you need to know about your sump pump? Continue below to review some frequently asked questions about residential sump pumps, and where you can get trusted service before the storms hit your neck of the woods.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Services 317-784-1870 — Indianapolis Indiana Sump Pump Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Sump Pump FAQS You Want to Know

☔ What are Sump Pumps?

Sump pumps are conventional plumbing devices that are designed to mitigate indoor flooding by keeping water out of your basement, crawl space, or lower level of your home. In fact, they are installed at the lowest point of the home since water drains downhill. They collect rainwater and then transfer it to the nearest retention pond or storm drain, thus abating excessive water accumulation in and around your house.

☔ Do I Need a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are vital for all homes in regions with annual rainfall and properties located near bodies of water. Furthermore, if you have a patio, sloped driveway, clogged gutters, or surrounding sidewalks, your property is more prone to flooding problems than others. In Spring when excessive water accumulates around these areas, your home is subjected to increased rain buildup, which can lead to water leaks, seepage, flooding, and structural and foundational issues. They save homeowners thousands of dollars in invasive and time-consuming repairs, not to mention the hassle of it all to begin with.

☔ Is My Sump Pump Broken?

In order to determine if your sump pump is still working is to test it, manually. This means you will have to grab a 5 gallon bucket, fill it with water, and then dump it into the sump pit. The float trigger should activate as you pour water into your sump pump. Then after a few minutes, the pit should drain, and the sump pump should turn off automatically. If this all happens, your device is working. If your sump pump reacts any differently, such as not shutting off after the pit drains or making odd sounds, you might need sump pump repair or replacement.

☔ When Should I Replace a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are designed to last a long time. Generally, their average lifespan ranges between 8 and 10 years. However, this lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the make and model, the frequency at which it was used, and the annual rainfall in your region. Talk to your trusted plumbing company for advice on when you can expect to replace your sump pump. It is important to have your home’s plumbing inspected by a licensed plumber on an annual basis to ensure all systems are running efficiently.

☔ Can I Install a New Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are serious plumbing appliances that require serious expertise and resources. So, if you are thinking about installing your new sump pump on your own, please reconsider. It is strongly encouraged to hire a licensed and experienced plumber to advise you on which kind of sump pump your home requires, and to install it for you properly, and up to code. When it comes to mitigating flood and water damage to your house, you do not want to take any shortcuts or make a mistake.

Do you need to replace or repair a sump pump in your home? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 to get professional plumbing services for sump pumps in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve both residential and commercial clients and offer 24 hour emergency plumbing service.

You Should Also Read:

Why Won’t My Sump Pump Turn Off After it Rains a Lot?
How to Determine Which Sump Pump Size You Need
The Dangers of In-Home Flooding

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Do I Need to Empty My Septic Tank?

Posted on June 12, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

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.

Zoeller Sump Pump Installation **317-714-0759**

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!

Recommended Zoeller Sump Pumps

Posted on June 3, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Zoeller Sump Pumps 317-784-1870

Sump pumps are a vital component for every home, and offer a wide range of benefits. Not only do they protect your valuable assets from flooding waters, they reduce water pressure strain on your home’s foundation. Overall, sump pumps protect you from an endless list of possible disasters and subsequent repairs. One of the highest-rated sump pump brands available in the United States is Zoeller. Zoeller sump pumps are well-established, and have proven to be a dependable and economical choice for residential sump pump systems. They manufacture all of their products nationally, using the highest standards of excellence for materials and technology. You can trust a Zoeller sump pump system to protect you for years to come. Below you will find four top-rated and recommended Zoeller sump pumps on the market today.

Zoeller 53-0001 M53 Mighty-Mate – $135.00

• Automatic Submersible Pump
• Flow Rate of 43 Gallons per Minute (5 ft. of head)
• 1/3 Horse Power
• 115 Volt
• Cast-Iron
• Corrosion-Resistant
• 3 Year Warranty

Zoeller 98-0001 M98 Mighty-Mate – $190.00

• Automatic Submersible Pump
• Flow Rate of 72 Gallons per Minute (5 ft. of head)
• 1/2 Horse Power
• 115 Volt
• Cast-Iron
• Corrosion-Resistant
• 3 Year Warranty

Zoeller 137-0010 M137 Sump Pump- $445.00

• Submersible Pump
• Flow Rate of 48 Gallons per Minute (5 ft. of head)
• 1/2 Horse Power
• 115 Volt
• Cast-Iron
• Corrosion-Resistant
• 3 Year Warranty

Choosing the right sump pump for your home is easy to do when you have a trusted plumbing company on your side. Factors can include the size of your house, the number of occupants, annual rainfall, your average water consumption, and more. Consult an experienced master plumber for help deciding which residential sump pump system is right for you.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for sump pump installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is here to answer your sump pump repair questions in a language you can clearly understand. We don’t use confusing industry jargon, and instead, empower our clients with knowledge! We offer residential and commercial plumbing services, including sump pump repair and more. With more than 100 years as a family owned and operated business, you can trust you are getting the best in plumbing service and repair. Call 317-784-1870 to discuss Indianapolis sump pump repair services, today.