How Long Do Sump Pumps Last in Hinckley, IL?

Homeowners in Hinckley share the area with two large creeks, both of which are prone to flooding when a nasty storm rolls through DeKalb County. Having a well-functioning sump pump here is a must, but like all other equipment, these pumps don’t last forever.

When the time comes, you can call us for plumbing services in Hinckley, IL. How long do sump pumps last? Find the average sump pump life expectancy below.

The Expected Sump Pump Lifespan Explained for Homeowners in Hinckley, Illinois

When did you purchase your sump pump? You probably expected to get a good few decades of life out of it. Unfortunately, it’s rare for any sump pump to last that long, no matter the quality of the materials or the maintenance you put into it. 

It’s safe to say that the average sump pump duration is a mere eight to 12 years. If that’s news to you, you’ll likely need to replace your unit sooner than you had hoped. Of course, nothing is set in stone. 

Here are the top factors affecting sump pump longevity:

Pump Installation Quality

How long do sump pumps last? That depends. Did you hire a professional plumber to install yours or DIY the job to save some money? If it’s the latter, you’ll be lucky if your unit makes it to the 10-year mark.

Sump pump installation isn’t a task that most homeowners can handle themselves. To do it correctly, you’ll need to choose the right-size system for your home and ensure that everything is connected properly. One mistake could mean the unit has to work harder to do its job, so the pump will wear out faster.

Sump Pump Brand

With sump pumps, the brand matters. A no-name sump pump may not stand the test of time compared to a trusted brand like Zoeller or Superior. To make matters worse, the inferior brands often don’t come with a good warranty or any warranty at all!

The next time you need a new sump pump, ask a trusted plumber like Andersen Plumbing & Heating for recommendations. They’ll suggest a model that will keep on serving your home for its full 12 years.

How Often You Use the Pump

How long do sump pumps last? Much of what determines your sump pump’s lifespan has to do with where you live. In completely landlocked areas, you might not use a sump pump as much. 

Hinckley sees rainfall for eleven months of the year. The highest levels fall between May and September. In fact, with an average of 113.7 days of rain per year, it’s wetter than a lot of other locations in Illinois.

Your Hinckley sump pump will probably get a lot of use, so its moving parts will wear out a little more each time your sump pump activates. Locals here often install a backup sump pump to take the load off the main unit.

Sump Pump Maintenance

How often do you schedule maintenance for your sump pump? If the answer is “Never,” expect to replace your system early. While it’s true that sump pumps don’t last forever, yours will last a lot longer with regular maintenance, such as:

• Checking the water levels in your pit.
• Lubricating moving parts.
• Tightening the electrical connections.

Booking sump pump maintenance once per year is a must!

When Should You Schedule Sump Pump Replacement?

Is your sump pump ancient? How long do sump pumps last once they’re beyond that eight-year mark? 

Here are some signs to start working a new unit into your budget:

• Your unit shows physical damage. Damage starts to corrode before long.
• You spot puddles on the basement floor. You either have a leak somewhere, or your sump pump is no longer doing its job.
• Your system frequently turns on and off. Your pump may not be big enough to handle the volume of water entering your basement.
• Your energy bills are too high. Older pump systems aren’t as efficient as newer ones. 

In all cases, you could save a bundle by switching to a new sump pump model.