Is It Better to Repair a Pump or Replace It?

Pumps are tough, but they don’t last forever. Most failures are preventable if you know what to watch for. The Most Common Causes of Pump Failure Running dry – destroys seals and motors Clogged impellers – solids, rags, or grease block flow Electrical faults – shorts, burnt wiring, or blown fuses Worn seals and bearings – normal wear and tear Poor installation – wrong size or improper alignment Neglected maintenance – the silent killer How Long Should a Pump Last? With proper care: Well pumps: 10–15+ years Sewage/effluent pumps: 7–12 years Pressure system components: 8–15 years Neglect can cut those numbers in half. How to Extend Your Pump’s Life Don’t overload the system Keep debris out of sewage lines Perform regular maintenance Respond to alarms and unusual noises immediately Use the right pump for the job Why Professional Installation Matters Even the best pump fails if installed incorrectly. Incorrect sizing, wiring, or controls will shorten life and increase downtime. Bottom line: Pumps are workhorses. Treat them like tools, maintain them, and they’ll serve you reliably for years.

Lift stations work hard underground, out of sight. That’s why many people forget about them — until something goes wrong. And when a lift station fails, it fails fast. How Often Should Lift Stations Be Serviced? General guidelines: Residential lift stations: once or twice per year Commercial/high-use systems: every 3–4 months Older systems: more frequent inspections Usage, waste type, and system age all matter. What Happens During a Professional Service Visit? A proper service goes beyond just “checking the pump.” Our team inspects and tests: Pump operation and amperage Float switches and level sensors Check valves and backflow protection Wet well condition and buildup Control panels and alarms We clean, adjust, and replace parts before they fail — catching issues before they turn into emergencies. What Happens If Maintenance Is Ignored? Common problems we see when maintenance is skipped: Burnt-out pumps Stuck floats Silent alarms Sewage backups or overflows Emergency calls at the worst possible time Emergency repairs are expensive. Cleanup costs even more. Can Homeowners Service Their Own Lift Stations? Not safely. Lift stations involve confined spaces, raw sewage, and electrical components. Without proper training and certification, it’s a high-risk job. Bottom line: Regular lift station maintenance is cheaper and safer than dealing with a failure.