What is the average life of a sump pump?

about 10 years
Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won’t last forever. Averaging about 10 years, you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working.

What happens when a sump pump stops working?

Without a working sump pump, the excess water from a serious storm will begin to accumulate at the lowest point in your home. That point may be the foundation, crawlspace or basement. No matter where the water settles, it will begin to warp wood, cause rot and lead to mold growth.

How much does it cost to repair a sump pump?

The average cost to repair a sump pump is $508. The final price could range anywhere from $110 to a little over $1,000, depending on the extent of the service. Homeowners pay $308 and $733 on average.

What to do if your sump pump switch fails?

If the cause of the switch failure is purely mechanical, the solution is often as easy as cleaning the basin and repositioning the sump pump so that the float can move freely. Therefore, it’s often a good idea to start diagnosing the problem by checking the switch.

When do you need to use a sump pump?

Sump pumps are most commonly used when basements regularly flood, and also to solve issues associated with dampness (again, if the basement is located below the water table level). The main purpose of a sump pump is to pump and send water away from the house, to a place where it can cause less problems — usually a city storm drain or a dry well.

Can a plugged sump pump cause a flood?

Plugged screen Sump pumps have a small screen or opening through which the water flows. If this screen is clogged or blocked, the water won’t flow through properly and your basement may flood [source: Scherer]. Switching problem There are a number of causes for switching problems. The sump pump’s switch may be lodged against the side of the basin.

What should I use as a float switch for my sump pump?

Instead, use large rocks or gravel at least the size of a dime so that your lines will not get clogged, which can ruin the motor in your pump. Mistake #2: Issues with the float switch. A float switch simply tells the sump pump motor to stop once the water level becomes too low.

If the cause of the switch failure is purely mechanical, the solution is often as easy as cleaning the basin and repositioning the sump pump so that the float can move freely. Therefore, it’s often a good idea to start diagnosing the problem by checking the switch.

When do you need a back up sump pump?

For this reason, it is imperative that you have a back up system in place for your sump pump in the event that the main power to your home is out for any extended period of time, such as is often the case in a severe storm.

Can a power line knock out a sump pump?

During a storm, severe winds and lightning can knock out your power lines. To avoid your sump pump from shutting down, you should invest in a battery backup system. That way, if your electricity goes out, your battery backup can power your sump pump and prevent flooding.

What is the purpose of a sump pump?

The main purpose of a sump pump is to pump and send water away from the house, to a place where it can cause less problems — usually a city storm drain or a dry well. Sump pumps are usually hard wired directly into the electrical system of a home; however, some sump pumps may have an additional battery back up system.