I have a pedestal sump going on 14 years. I wonder how much longer it will run. Typically, it runs 3-4 months a year between Dec and Apr. During heavy rain, it will run about once every 2 minutes for about 10 seconds. It sits in a 5 gallon can dug into the basement floor. There is also a battery operated pump in the sump which will run if the the pedestal sump either fails or the electricity quits. I figure after 14 years, it is getting near the end of life. Any thoughts?

One part of me says you're right, it's getting old. The other part of me tells me that if you replace it, what you get today will probably not last nearly as long and many new products today fail after just a few years.

Expected Life Of a Pedestal Sump Pump ?

Jan 24, 2017 43 Replies

Rate this thread:

Arnie Goetchius 9 years ago

Yes, I use a Deltran Battery Tender for the 4 months that I need the sump. I also have a 50 ft cord that I can connect to my car in the garage if the power is out for more than 1-2 days.

After about May, I disconnect the charger because the sump will be dry until the next November-Decmber. At that time, I connect the charger back up. After a full charge, I test the batteries with a Dactron battery load tester and replace any battery that does not pass the test. I've been getting 5-7 years on the batteries.

Vote

trader_4 9 years ago

Well there are actuarial table that can give you the probabilities of life expectancy for a person who is X years old. Don't know of any tables for sump pumps though.

Vote

trader_4 9 years ago

The battery tender should be on the batteries even when they are not being used. In fact, that's my main use for a battery tender. I pulled the batteries out of my boat for the winter, put them in the garage on a tender. Same thing with motorcycle batteries. Lead acid batteries self-discharge over time and a battery that's kept at less than full charge will not last as long.

Vote

Arnie Goetchius 9 years ago

Thanks for the tip. I did not realize that and will now leave the battery tender on all year around.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required