If your sump pump isn’t working well, there’s a good chance that something might have got stuck inside your pump. And if that’s the case, a simple clean-up should be able to fix the problem in no time.
In fact, if you want to ensure that your sump pump is always running smoothly, the best thing you can do is clean it from time to time — exactly how often you need to clean it has a lot to do with how often you use the pump. Follow the steps below for a comprehensive yet straightforward cleaning process.
Safety Precautions Before Cleaning
The first thing to do is check the owner’s manual. This is to make sure that you don’t break the warranty. If everything is good on your side, then you can move on to the safety precautions listed here:
- Turn off the power: Always unplug the sump pump or turn off the power on your circuit breaker before getting started. This will ensure that no electrical shocks occur during the cleaning process.
- Check for water: Ensure that there is no water in the sump pump pit before starting the cleaning process. If there is water in the pit, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it.
- Wear protective gear: Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself from the dirt and debris that can be present in the sump pump.
- Keep the area clear: Make sure that the area around the sump pump is clear of any obstacles. This will make it easier to move around and clean the sump pump.
- Use appropriate tools: Use the appropriate tools, such as a large bucket, a garden hose, and a wet/dry vacuum, for the cleaning process. This will ensure that the cleaning process is done efficiently and effectively.
By following these safety precautions, the cleaning process of the sump pump can be done safely and effectively.
Materials Needed For Cleaning
Cleaning a sump pump requires a few essential tools and protective gear. Here are the materials you will need to clean your sump pump:
Cleaning Tools
- Plastic scraper or putty knife
- Large bucket
- Tarp or plastic sheeting
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Garden hose
A plastic scraper or putty knife is necessary to remove any caked-on debris from the sump pump. A large bucket is needed to collect any standing water in the sump pit. A tarp or plastic sheeting can be used to protect the surrounding area from water splashes or debris. A wet/dry vacuum is useful for the final clean-up. A garden hose can be used to flush out any remaining debris.
Protective Gear
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
It is important to wear gloves to protect your hands from any debris or contaminants that may be present in the sump pit. Safety glasses should also be worn to protect your eyes from any debris that may become airborne during the cleaning process.
These simple cleaning tools and items of protective gear will ensure that you can clean your sump pump effectively and safely.
Read: Best Sump Pump For Flooded Basement
How to Clean Your Sump Pump At Home
If your basement gets flooded quite often and/or the water is bad, then you’ll have to clean your sump pump several times a year. Here’s what to do.
1. Unplug the Pump
The first thing you have to do is unplug all the connections from your sump pump. To be on the safe side, you can turn off the power on your circuit breaker. Also, before you proceed, make sure you check that no one is using appliances such as a washing machine in the house.
2. Prepare Your Cleaning Tools
It’s now time to start working. You should wear your protective gloves, especially if the sump water is dirty. aYou don’t know what germs might be lurking in the water. Prepare all cleaning tools for the job. Place a plastic sheet on the ground and get your cleaning brush, plastic scraper and bucket.
3. Remove Pump From the Pit
Once you are certain that all connections are off, you can proceed to take out the pump from the pit. In order to do that, you will have to disconnect the pump from the discharge pipe.
4. Get Your Sump Pump Clean
Take your time and carefully bring the pump outside — first make sure to wrap it with the plastic cover to prevent drips. Use your hose to give the pump a good clean-up. Make sure that all the dirt is removed from the surface of the motor.
Most likely, your hose will not have enough power to remove the caked-on debris. For this purpose, you will need to use either a plastic scraper or putty knife. Work carefully and thoroughly to remove any stuck-on debris.
5. Ensure That Your Sump Pump is Properly Dry
Once you’ve finished cleaning the sump pump, you can leave it outside to air-dry. The next step is to release all water from the check valve and then disassemble it.
Now take your time and properly rinse off all the dirt and debris from inside the check valve. Once it’s completely cleaned, you can put it aside to air-dry.
6. Test to Make Sure Everything is Working
Now that all the components on the sump pump are properly cleaned and dry, you can re-assemble it. Then return the sump pump to where you took it from. Plug in the motor and run a test to make sure everything is working properly.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your sump pump is functioning correctly and efficiently. Here are some essential maintenance tips to keep your sump pump in good working order.
Regular Inspection
In every inspection:
- Check the power cord to ensure that it is in good condition and plugged in correctly.
- Inspect the sump pump carefully for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
- Check the float switch to ensure that it is not stuck in the on or off position.
- Test the sump pump by pouring water into the sump pit to ensure that it is working correctly.
Pump Replacement
If your sump pump is not working correctly, it might be time to replace it. These are signs that it’s time to replace your sump pump:
- The sump pump is more than ten years old.
- The sump pump is making unusual noises.
- The sump pump is frequently turning on and off.
- The sump pump is not pumping water out of the sump pit.
When replacing your sump pump, make sure to choose a high-quality pump that is suitable for your needs. If you have any doubts about your own abilities as a handyman, ensure you have your sump pump installed by a professional to ensure that it is installed correctly and functioning properly.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do sump pumps need cleaning?
Yes, you’ll need to actually take the time out to ensure that your sump pump is properly cleaned. The rule of thumb is to test your sump pump every four to six weeks and ensure that it is cleaned every three to six months.
Q. Is it safe to pour bleach into my sump pump?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with pouring bleach into your sump pump. Bleach diluted with warm water is an effective way to clean your pump and kill germs and odors.
Q. Can I pour vinegar in my sump pump?
Yes absolutely. You can definitely pour vinegar inside your sump pump to get it clean as vinegar is very effective when it comes to getting rid of build-ups.
Q. How much does it cost to clean a sump pump?
The price for cleaning a sump pump is quite affordable even for those on a tight budget. If you’re not able to do it yourself and need to hire someone to get the job done, then you can expect them to charge anywhere from $65 to $130.