How to Clean a Sump Pump
A sump pump plays a vital role in protecting your property from flooding and water damage. If it gets blocked, the sump pump will not function properly and may leave your home vulnerable to major problems.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to clean a sump pump, and how regularly this should be performed to keep your home safe and protected from harm.
Why should you clean your sump pump?
Over time, sump pumps and their discharge pipes can become blocked with dirt and debris, reducing their function. This can lead to backup of water and even whole pump failure.
Most sump pumps are placed in a basement, and sump pump defects or dirt build-up can result in basement flooding during heavier rain.
Cleaning a sump pump will:
- Prevent flooding
- Prevent clogs
- Prevent mould and mildew forming
- Ensure proper functionality
- Extend the pump’s lifespan
- Reduce the need for repairs and replacements
Regular maintenance and cleaning is far more time-efficient and cost-effective than neglecting cleaning duties and waiting for problems to arise. The next question is how often cleaning should be carried out.
How often should a sump pump be cleaned?
There are multiple factors affecting how often your sump pump should be cleaned, but the general advice is to clean it once a year. This frequency should be increased if there is heavy rainfall, high groundwater levels or if you can see for yourself that there are blockages.
To get more tailored advice, consult with the pump manufacturer or ask a professional for guidance.
How to clean a sump pump
The following are general tips for cleaning a sump pump, but consult with a manufacturer or plumbing expert if you are unsure.
- Disconnect the pump from the power supply by unplugging it. This prevents any electrical accidents or shocks.
- Carefully remove the pump from the pit, using a screwdriver if needed. You may want to have a covering or a bucket on standby to catch any dripping water as you do this.
- Rinse out the pump with a hose or something similar, always consulting with the manufacturer’s instructions as you do this. Unstick any grime in the pump with a scraper. Check to see if there is any rust or corrosion forming.
- Inspect the check valve for wear or damage, as this may need replacing if anything is spotted.
- Test the float switch and ensure it is working correctly.
- Reconnect everything and clean up the area.
- Test that the pump is working by pouring water into the pit and observing the removal.
The above steps provide an overview only. If you are not confident on any of the stages, always consult with a professional rather than attempting the cleaning task yourself.
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