What Causes Pumps to Fail — and How to Make Yours Last Longer

Pump failure is a fact of life — but deciding whether to repair or replace it isn’t always obvious. Here’s what we tell our customers at Pump-Tech Plumbing & Pump Repair . When Pump Repair Makes Sense Repair is often the right choice when: The pump housing is still solid The motor can be rebuilt Seals, bearings, or impellers are the main problem Replacement parts are available The pump was properly sized from the start A professional in-shop repair can restore a pump to like-new performance. When Replacement Is the Better Option Replacement is smarter when: The housing is cracked or corroded Internal damage is extensive Parts are unavailable or obsolete The pump was undersized or poorly designed Failures are recurring We don’t push replacements just to sell — we recommend what makes sense for long-term reliability. Why In-Shop Repair Matters Repairing a pump in-shop allows our team to: Completely disassemble it Inspect every component: seals, bearings, impellers, and motor windings Replace worn parts properly Test the pump under load before it goes back into service Quick fixes or field repairs can’t match the reliability of a professional rebuild. Bottom line: A properly repaired pump saves money and headaches. Don’t replace unless it’s truly necessary.

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.