P. This will help prevent water from accumulating in your basement and can eliminate many future problems. Whether it is due to heavy rain, snow, or even freezing rain, basement flooding is the last thing any homeowner would want to deal with. It is also important to clean the sump pump periodically to prevent the buildup of debris that can lead to failure. That's a long time for a piece of equipment, but there are a few simple maintenance measures you can take to extend its life. You may want to opt for one that is aesthetic, or you may have a basement with more practical needs.