You should regularly check them for wear and tear. If yours isn't doing its job, you should get a replacement. The best way to determine how effective your sump pump is is to look at how many gallons of water it can handle per hour. First, you'll want to clear out the sump basin, which is usually lined with gravel. Sump pumps are an affordable solution to keep the water away from your home. You may also want to consider a backup system such as a battery-powered pump. The key is to know what to look for in a sump pump, and when to replace it. A properly installed and maintained sump pump will last for years to come. Submersible pumps have a cast iron core and a stainless steel body.