I have a sump in the basement of my rental property where all of the plumbing in the house drains to and is then pumped up a hill into the city sewer. This sewage sump pump died this year and I replaced it with a similar model. Since I did not upgrade the system would this still be considered an improvement that needs to be depreciated or would this be a repair which could be expensed?
The life expectancy of the new pump is 5-10 years according to the plumber who installed it and the previous pump lasted 7 years. Since this is a replacement part with anticipated life of 10 years or less would it qualify for the Routine Maintenance Safe Harbor?
The plumber charged ~$5,000 to remove the old pump and install the new one. My cost basis in the house (~$220,000) is insufficient to cover the expense using the Small Taxpayer Safe Harbor even if that was an option.
Thank you!