The most common reason your sump pump fails is because of a power outage. Sump pumps draw power from your home, and blackouts can be a problem. The best way to counter this is to have a sump pump battery backup that operates even when your power is out. Backups can cost around $1,400 to $2,000 plus labor. The price may not seem attractive, but if your power went out because of flooding, a sump pump sure does come in handy.
Your sump pump might also fail because of improper installation. Your pump could be too big or too small, depending on the size of your home. For the average home in an area with an average water table, a 1/3 horsepower sump pump should be sufficient. If you live in an average home with an above-average water table, you will need a 1/2 horsepower pump. If you live in a high water table, flood plain, low-lying area, or you have a deeper basement, you’ll need a stronger 3/4 horsepower pump.
The most common part of a sump pump that wears out first is the float switch. The float switch is the moving part that detects when water gets too high in your sump pit. This part often will need replacement from time to time.