Published on

How Many Years Does a Water Pump Last? Make Your Pumps Last Longer with These Tips

If you own or manage an apartment building in New York City, you probably have a number of water pumps operating in it to keep things running smoothly. If you’ve ever wondered, “How many years does a water pump last?” keep reading. While the lifespan of a pump is variable, you can increase any pump’s lifespan by following the tips below.

How Many Years Does a Water Pump Last?

Lifespan depends on the type of pump and care

Water pumps typically last anywhere from five to 20 years, depending on a number of factors. First of all, your pump’s lifespan has a lot to do with its function. Pumps that serve your fire suppression system, for example, are rarely used, so they’re not subject to wear and tear.

However, your boiler feeder pump and circulator pump are operating all day and night, every day of the year. You need them to provide clean water to the boiler tank and distribute hot water to taps. That makes them vulnerable to breakdowns and shortens their lifespan.

Other things that affect the longevity of your property’s water pumps include:

• Demand on the pump – the size of the property and appropriate matching of the pump for its job
• Quality of the pump – sometimes you get what you pay for
• Pump mounting – proper mounting to minimize vibration and prevent misalignment
• Water quality – presence of trace minerals, sediment, pH, etc.
• Regular maintenance – keeps the pump tuned up (see below) and catches small problems before they ruin the entire pump
• Proper pump settings – adjustments to make the pump run at optimal settings
• Use of a pump controller – makes minor adjustments to the pump automatically and alerts users to problems early on

How Can You Extend the Lifespan of a Water Pump?

Have the pump professionally installed

One of the most essential things you can do to make a water pump last longer is to have a professional install it. At Antler Pumps, we assist clients with the following to ensure their pumps are given the best chance for a long life:

• Selecting the best quality pump
• Choosing a pump that’s right for the demand placed on it
• Mounting the pump properly
• Adjusting the pump settings
• Testing the pump to make certain it’s running as expected
• Partnering with boiler, plumbing, and electrical experts as needed for services related to the pump’s operation

Conduct routine in-house pump inspections

Once we install a new pump on your property, it’s up to you and your building staff to check it periodically. Pump inspections should be part of your maintenance log, just like checking boiler function. Look for the following and alert your pump specialist if you find any of these signs indicating that something is amiss:

• Lack of water supplied by the pump
• Insufficient water pressure
• Pump not turning on when it should
• Pump continuing to operate when it should be off
• Leaking water on or below the pump
• Buildup of mineral scale or sediment around the pump
• Valves that won’t open or shut properly
• Cracked, hardened, chipped, or missing seals and gaskets
• Circuit breaker triggered by the pump turning on
• Lights that dim when the pump is running
• Worn or frayed electrical components (wires, plugs, etc.)
• Excessive or unusual noise emanating from the pump
• Pump vibrating when in operation
• Loose mountings or straps

Schedule regular pump maintenance

Although we recommend that our clients perform their own routine pump checks, nothing replaces professional maintenance. In addition to having experts evaluate a water pump when there is a problem, they should give it a once-over annually or biannually. You may even want more frequent checks if the pump has had troubles or if it’s getting old.

We go through all of the warning signs listed above to make sure the pump is running correctly. We also check internal components, such as the bearings, to ensure they’re still doing their job of reducing friction. Some pumps need additional lubrication, which we can also perform.

We assess the motor and the pump’s impeller, among other parts. The impeller is crucial, as this part of the pump physically moves water. We look for corrosion, buildup of particulates, and pitting — all indicators that the system needs cleaning, repair, or adjustment. Many times, we can do repairs quickly for our clients in our own shop.

Consider adding pump controllers

You can avoid problems with your pump impeller and other components by using pump controllers, the latest in pump technology. A pump controller monitors your pump’s operation, so you don’t have to do it manually. This frees up staff for other tasks. Also, a pump controller often identifies problems before they would even be noticeable to humans. In many cases, the controller can make minor adjustments to correct the situation. And in instances where the pump is grossly malfunctioning and in danger of breaking down, the controller can shut off the system and alert maintenance staff. We highly recommend them, especially for larger properties.

Do you have a water pump on its last legs? Ready for a maintenance check or interested in upgrading with a pump controller? Call Antler Pumps at 212-534-2500, or use our online form to schedule an appointment.