A sump pump is used to prevent flooding and water damage by pumping out excess water. Since its function is to protect basements in homes or commercial buildings, it’s crucial to maintain them properly.

This article will explain how to clean your sump pump to ensure it remains in perfect working condition. Here’s how the experts do it.

How to clean a sump pump: A step-by-step guide

1. Disconnect the sump pump from the power supply

Turn off the pump and unplug it from the power source. This will prevent electric shocks and health hazards.

2. Remove the pump from the pipe

Use a screwdriver to disconnect the pump from the pipe that connects it to the rest of the system. Use a bucket or plastic sheet to catch the water if any drains out as you do this. Then, move the pump to an outside space to get ready to clean it.

If you don’t feel confident handling the pump and the next few steps on your own, Sumps and Pumps has a team of experts here to help service your pump. Speak to our friendly team today.

3. Rinse the pump

Spray the pump with a garden hose outdoors to remove any residue. Then, if there’s any grime stuck to the pump, use a plastic scraping tool to take it off and spray it again.

4. Drain the check valve

Make sure that there is no water left in the check valve. If there is, you might have to call for professional assistance to ensure your pump is cleaned properly. The pipe might be clogged if no water escapes.

5. Remove any debris from the pit and clean this area

Remove any leaves, twigs, gravel, or other debris from the sump pit. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the smallest of the debris and standing water that may be left within.

Spray with disinfectant and give it a good rinse with water to clean the pit as well as you can.

6. Reconnect the pump

Position the clean pump into the recently cleaned pit and reconnect the pipe. Check that all the attachments are secure and dry, then turn the power back on. 

How often should you clean your sump pump?

Regular sump pump maintenance checks are always a good thing, but you should be cleaning your sump pump at least once or twice a year. It’s best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and follow this as every pump is different.

By regularly cleaning your sump pump, you’re ensuring that it’s working to its maximum potential. Eradicating dirt and repairing any parts that need it allows the pump to work efficiently and lowers the risk of clogged drains.

If you experience heavy rain or snowfall, it’s worth taking a look at how it’s working – just to check that it’s removing water as it should be.

What next?

If you run into issues whilst cleaning your sump pump, or you decide it’s time for a new model, get in touch with our friendly team at Sumps and Pumps. We specialise in the supply of sump pumps and can assist in giving helpful advice surrounding the cleaning of your pumps – we can even do it for you.