Answer: -Well you can spend double for bronze that doesn't rust, Zoeller makes them too.\ After 5-7 years the microswith has about had it. What would you prefer, regular service or a failure? -Not from my experience, but your water may be much different. The only trouble I've ever had with them is the switch. As for the 5 - 7 years, it depends on the use. As I said before, we use ours as part of a production system in use all the working hours. In a home, I'd expect it to last many times that. The company wants to cover their ass. In your case, how often is the pump going to run? Dump a bucket of water in the sump a couple of times a year to be sure it runs.