How long do sump pumps last? A typical lifespan is 7 to 10 years. A heavily used sump pump will last less time if the environment it works in is wet or there is a high water level. The lifespan will be slightly longer if the pump is rarely used, but it may freeze up from lack of use.
Here is why it matters in Georgia. In the spring, there are severe storms bringing lots of water and red clay, making it flow to the foundation. This is when the old sump pump gives up. An unresponsive pump during a March shower is a flooded basement in the morning.
This guide tells you what to look for and when to replace a sump pump if you ask yourself this question because it is old.
Average Sump Pump Lifespan
The average sump pump life expectancy is 7 to 10 years for the submersible pumps found in most Georgia basements.
Pedestal pumps often last longer because the motor sits up out of the water.
| Pump type | How it works | Typical lifespan | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submersible | Whole pump sits down in the pit, underwater | 7 to 10 years | Most homes. Quiet, handles more water, fits standard pits |
| Pedestal | Motor sits on a pole above the pit, only the base gets wet | Often 15 years or more | Small or narrow pits, light water flow. Louder |
While 7 to 10 years is the average answer to how long do sump pumps last, your pump’s true lifespan depends on how hard it works during Georgia’s heavy rain seasons.
What Shortens a Sump Pump’s Life
A sump pump wears out a little every time it turns on. So anything that makes it work harder, or work wrong, cuts years off.
- Running too often: A high water table or poor yard drainage sends more water to the pit, so the pump turns on again and again. More starts mean a faster-worn motor.
- Wrong size pump or pit: A pump that is too small for the water runs longer every cycle. A pit that is too small fills fast, so even a good pump turns on and off all day.
- Debris in the pit: Dirt, gravel and silt get sucked into the pump and grind on the parts inside.
- A stuck float switch: The float tells the pump when to start and stop. If it sticks, the pump can run dry and burn out, or never start at all.
- No check valve: Without this one-way valve, water in the pipe falls back into the pit after each cycle, and the pump has to pump the same water twice.
- Power surges and outages: Storm surges can damage the motor. Outages do not hurt the pump, but they stop it right when you need it.
Signs Your Sump Pump Is Failing
Pumps usually give some warning before they die.
Watch and listen for these:
- Strange noises or shaking: Grinding, rattling, or loud humming often means worn bearings or a damaged part inside.
- Runs nonstop or turns on too often: A pump that never shuts off, or cycles every few minutes in dry weather, is working too hard. A sump pump running constantly has its own causes, but either way, the motor is wearing out faster.
- Rust or corrosion: Rust on the pump, pipe or switch is a sign of age and wear.
- Water in the basement: If water shows up while the pump looks fine, it may not be keeping up. See our guide to basement water problems.
- It is past 7 years old: Even if it seems fine, an older pump is closer to failing. Check the date on the label or your installation records.
How to Test a Sump Pump (The Bucket Test)
Here is how to test a sump pump in about five minutes. Do it twice a year, once in early spring before the rainy season.
- Check the power: Make sure the pump is plugged into a working GFCI outlet.
- Fill the pit: Slowly pour about 5 gallons of water into the pit.
- Watch it start: The float should rise, and the pump should turn on on its own.
- Watch it stop: The pump should empty the pit and shut off cleanly. Go outside and check that water comes out of the discharge pipe.
If it does not start, hums without pumping, or will not shut off, do not wait for the next storm. Get it looked at.
When to Replace Your Sump Pump
When to replace sump pump parts or the entire unit before it breaks down, rather than waiting until there’s water in the basement. How often should you replace a sump pump, then? Every 7 to 10 years for a normal household.
For pumps that run quite frequently, the lower end of that range is best. At the same time, it may seem like a premature replacement; getting it done on a dry day is preferable to replacing the sump pump during a flood.
Repair or Replace?
Not every problem means a new pump.
- Repair it if the pump is fairly new and the problem is a stuck or broken float switch, a bad check valve, or a clogged intake. Those are small parts.
- Replace it if the motor is failing, the pump is past 7 years, it hums but will not pump, or it has failed more than once.
Ready for a new one? Here is what to expect when you install a new sump pump, or contact us about sump pump replacement.
How Long Does a Sump Pump Battery Backup Last?
There are two aspects of measuring its lifespan: single charge and total battery life.
- Single charge: They work continuously for about 5-7 hours. Since the pump works only when the pit is filled, one single charge can last for days if used intermittently during a power failure.
- Battery Life: On average, you should change the battery in about 3-5 years.
The duration of the pump operation will depend on the battery capacity and volume of water entering. The backup will have to work harder during heavy storms.
Battery Backup vs Water-Powered Sump Pump Backup
Both serve the purpose of pumping out water when the main pump fails to perform. The only difference is how the pumps are powered.
| Battery backup | Water-powered backup | |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | A battery that charges while the power is on | City water pressure. No battery or electricity |
| How long it runs | Until the battery runs down | As long as city water pressure holds |
| Needs | Battery checks and replacement every few years | City water service. Does not work on a well |
| Watch out for | A long outage can drain it | Uses a lot of water while it runs. Often needs a backflow preventer. |
Water-powered sump pump backup is advisable if there is city water supply and frequent power outages.
Who Needs a Backup?
A backup is worth a serious look if:
- Your basement is finished, with carpet, drywall or furniture
- You lose power often in storms
- Your pump runs a lot in wet seasons
- You travel, and nobody checks the house
In those homes, the backup does more to stop a flood than the pump itself, because storms are when the power goes out.
Sump Pump Lifespan FAQs
How often should a sump pump be replaced?
It generally lasts from 7 to 10 years. Change it before it works non-stop, produces strange noises, or has experienced any failures before.
Do sump pumps wear out if they rarely run?
No, they will not wear out quickly, but they still may fail. The pump that is not working for several months may seize up, and the float may get stuck. That is why the bucket test is important even during the dry season.
How long does a sump pump battery backup last during a power outage?
Generally, they work up to 5 to 7 hours continuously on a fully charged battery. As the sump pumps turn on and off constantly, it may cover more than one day of a power failure. The heavy rains shorten their battery life quickly.
Should I replace the float switch or the whole pump?
It depends on how old the sump pump is. When the pump is younger than 5 years old and just a float gets stuck or fails, you can do it without changing the entire pump.
Get a Free Sump Pump Inspection
Asking yourself “how long do sump pumps last” and not sure how much life yours has left? Tri-State Waterproofing has kept basements dry across Gainesville, Woodstock and North Georgia for over 20 years.
We test the pump, the float, the check valve and the discharge line, and tell you straight whether it has years left or needs swapping before spring.
If water is already getting in, we also look at the bigger picture, from drainage to wet basement repair. Learn more about our basement waterproofing services or call (770) 869-7888.
