HawthorneVillager.com

We have had the same sump pump since we moved into the house 13 years ago. Our well pump which gets way more use (every time we turn on the taps!) than the sump pump was new when we moved in and we needed to replace it this summer. Not definitive but at least gives you a guide.

Martin

_________________
Martin Capper

HVRA member

www.cappercares.ca
www.MartinCapper.com

There is no easy answer to that question but in theory it should last many many years. It's just an electric motor driving a pump. Think how many times the electric motor in your refrigerator starts each day, day after day, and they last 20 years or more.

John Allingham, Professional Engineer
Owner & Certified Home Inspector
Halton-Peel Home Inspection
(416) 254-5869
inspect@peelhomeinspection.com
www.peelhomeinspection.com

Ours crapped out at 8 yrs.
Just failed to shut off one day and pumped until it smoked, then never came on again. I smelled the smoke and tracked it to the pump, lucky I guess, otherwise I would have had a flood.
Fire or flood? Don't take the chance, spend the dough if you suspect it's not 100%

I suspect your float got hung up on something - that's the usual cause and yes, you could have had a fire. It's happened before. Having said that, if the controls (i.e. the float) aren't adjusted correctly, even a brand new pump will suffer the same fate.

John Allingham, Professional Engineer
Owner & Certified Home Inspector
Halton-Peel Home Inspection
(416) 254-5869
inspect@peelhomeinspection.com
www.peelhomeinspection.com

Nope, float was down, and motor running.
Tried unplugging a few times, but just kept pumping away each time I plugged back in.
Guess a faulty switch which is impossible to troubleshoot ahead of time.
Keep the area clear and hope for the best.

Our previous home's sump was still going strong after 17 years and counting.