If your sump pump fails, your basement is one heavy rain away from disaster. It’s the unsung hero of your home’s waterproofing system — until it stops doing its job. If you’re starting to wonder whether it’s time for a new one, here’s your answer: Don’t wait until it’s too late.
At Dry Basement® Foundation Repair, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners in Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa avoid costly water damage by catching problems early. Here are the top signs your sump pump is ready to retire.
Each season impacts your foundation differently. Understanding these effects can help you determine the best time to schedule inspections and repairs.
Sump pumps have a shelf life — usually 7 to 10 years. If yours is nearing that range, it’s living on borrowed time. Frequent use, lack of maintenance, or power surges can shorten its lifespan. Better to replace it now than replace drywall, carpet, and furniture later.
Grinding, rattling, or loud humming? Those aren’t good sounds. Worn-out parts or motor issues could be pushing your pump toward failure. If your sump pump sounds like it’s struggling, it probably is.
A sump pump that runs constantly or one that doesn’t turn on at all usually has a bad float switch or a faulty sensor. That’s not a fix-it-later situation — it’s a fix-it-now-before-your-basement-floods situation.
Short cycling puts unnecessary stress on your pump and usually means something’s wrong — wrong size, bad float switch, failed check valve. Either way, it's not working efficiently, and the motor will wear out faster.
Rust is more than ugly — it means your pump is degrading from the inside. Iron bacteria in your water can also create clogs and gunk that slow your system down. If it looks rough, it’s probably running rough, too.
If water still finds its way into your basement during heavy rain, your sump pump is outmatched. It’s time to talk replacement or upgrade — possibly even add a battery backup system for extra protection.
That funky smell in your basement? It could be a sign your sump pump isn’t keeping moisture at bay. Mold, mildew, and musty odors are red flags. Moisture issues don’t just hurt your air quality — they can hurt your foundation.
You don’t want just anyone replacing your sump pump. You want seasoned pros who’ve been doing this since 1975. At Dry Basement®, we combine decades of experience with patented technology to keep your basement dry and your foundation protected.
We offer:
High-performance pumps & battery backup system
Complete basement waterproofing solutions
Service throughout Kansas City, St. Louis, Des Moines, and beyond
Don’t wait for water to show up in your basement. If your sump pump is on its last legs, we’ll let you know and give you a plan to fix it fast.
Call Dry Basement® Foundation Repair — Protecting Homes Since 1975
