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When Should You Replace a Sump Pump?

Springtime weather has finally arrived after a long, cold winter — can you hear the rain coming? Because it’s coming. And if you live on wetlands or you have a basement that tends to flood during times of heavy precipitation, it’s in your best interest to be proactive about getting your sump pump ready for the rainfall that’s to come in the spring and summer.

How Long Does a Sump Pump Last?

Generally speaking, a brand new sump pump should last you about 10 years. But the lifespan will certainly vary depending on many factors, such as the quality of the sump pump’s design, how frequently it’s used, and how well it’s been maintained over the years. If you live on wetlands in and your basement frequently floods during rainfall, you will likely have to perform frequent maintenance in order to keep your sump pump running for as long as 10 years. In order to do that, you will need to be vigilant for warning signs that indicate when it is time for maintenance. Additionally, if your sump pump is near the end of its days, you should know the warning signs of a sump pump that’s ready to kick the dust — because failure to replace a malfunctioning sump pump could lead to flooding and water damage in your home. Ensure the efficiency of your sump pump by following this maintenance checklist:

3 Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Sump Pump

Visible Rust

If you notice rust anywhere on your sump pump, that’s a telltale sign that it’s just about time for a replacement. A rusty sump pump doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced immediately if you feel it still has some time left — but if the weather forecast predicts extended periods of heavy rainfall in the near future, arranging for a replacement pump soon may be your best course of action.

Irregular Cycling

On days with heavy and consistent rainfall, your sump pump should get into a groove of sorts where it cycles on and off in a relatively uniform sequence. In other words, your sump pump shouldn’t be cycling on and off frequently or sporadically when dealing with routine rainfall. Irregular cycling could be caused by an issue with the float switch, or it could even be a short in the electrical system, in addition to a number of other potential problems. However, if your sump pump is well past its prime, irregular cycling could be a sign that the Grim Reaper of sump pumps is on its way.

Excessive Vibrating

If your sump pump vibrates excessively while running it could mean that the unit’s impeller has become bent or damaged. This can potentially be caused when your sump pump sucks up solid debris. Don’t bother trying to bend your impeller back into place — it’s almost impossible to do it just right, so your best bet is to simply get a replacement if you want to avoid further issues.

Contact Northern Plumbing & Heating for Sump Pump Replacements

Whether you’ve got a decades-old sump pump that’s begging to be put to rest or you are dealing with a relatively-new sump pump that has suddenly malfunctioned, you can count on the experts at Northern Plumbing & Heating to inspect the damage and provide an affordable replacement pump in a timely manner. Contact us today to consult with our plumbing experts about your sump pump.