I have the original builder supplied sump pump and am wondering when it should be replaced?
Builders often install a less than quality pump to keep costs down. It may have a lower pumping capacity and may not meet the heavy duty specifications required for a sump system. Consider replacing it with a heavy duty AC primary pump with the capacity to handle major storms for many years.

My home doesn’t have a sump pump system. Do I need one?
Most likely not, many older houses built without pumps have storm drainage diverted to sewers or outside drain areas. If you live in a hilly area you may have sump pit that “drains to light” or in other words gravity drains to outside. Nearly all new houses are built with pumps which are critical to keeping the water table at a safe level under the basement floor.

What should I consider when purchasing a new primary pump?
A good heavy duty AC pump should be selected since a light duty pump motor can easily burn out. The rated capacity needs to be sufficient enough to discharge incoming water faster than it enters the sump pit. Think of a worst case situation such as a significant rain storm. Consider pumps with an externally mounted float switch that is easily replaced in case of failure. This type of set up also allows for reducing the amount of times a pump turns on and off resulting in longer pump motor and switch life. A piggy-backed switch offers the additional advantage of a manual override in case of switch failure.

What can cause a primary sump pump to fail and what are the consequences?
There are several reasons primary pumps can fail leading to basement flooding, including age, power outage, switch failure, and capacity or size too low for the volume of water needing discharge.