You need a sump pump if your home meets certain requirements: Past water damage and basement flooding Poor soil drainage after storms High groundwater levels in your area If your home already has an old water removal pump, consider replacing it with a newer model. During our research, we found that most manufacturers and plumbers recommend replacing your sump pump every 5–10 years, depending on the quality of the pump. Plan to replace your pump on the same schedule, especially if you have a newer home or know the sump pump installation date. If you don’t know how old your pump is, you can replace it without spending a lot of money. For homes that need sump pumps but don’t have them, you probably need to hire a professional to install the pump.