Article Provided buy Houselogic. The best time to replace a broken sump pump is before the next big storm — not after it. So if you notice that the sump pump in your basement or crawlspace isn’t kicking on when the water level rises, or if your pump is more than 10 years old — the typical lifespan of these machines — don’t wait to install a new one. Here’s how to select the right replacement. Which Type Should You Choose?. Assuming your sump pump was effective before it broke down, the easiest solution is ...