How to Clean a Sump Pump

The maintenance or cleaning of the sump pump is critical to its longevity and optimum performance. Therefore, don't wait for disaster to strike before maintaining or taking care of the sump pump in your property.

If you do not have the time or capacity to clean the sump pump occasionally, then call professionals from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Youngstown to help in maintaining the unit and also in cleaning the flotsam and jetsam so that the way of the float or impellor will not be impeded in the event of a torrential flood.

However, because of emergencies, we suggest you have the DIY knowledge and here's how to effectively do that.

Handy tools and materials needed for this operation:

• Garden hose
• A bucket/container
• Plastic scraper or putty knife
• Plastic sheet
• Wet/dry shop vac

The first step - Turn off the power source

For safety, the pump is not supposed to be plugged during the cleaning or maintenance process. Unplug the pump from the power source or put off the circuit breaker panel

Clean the sump pump

Time for the main event but you need to disconnect the pump from the discharge pipe. Then get the plastic sheet and wrap up the pump to keep your floor safe from spilling sludge.

Take out the pump and drop it near a water source. Fix the garden hose to any external faucet and rinse off all the debris, dirt and sludge that must have accumulated on the pump.

It is expected that there will be caked sludge or dirt on the pump, so you need to use the plastic scraper to remove it.

Clean the valve and other components of the pump

This is the time to drain the valve. But, before doing so, you need to place a bucket under or drain it at a location that will get the water controlled. After that, remove, clean, and replace the valve.

Clean the sump pit

Wash out any debris from the sump pit. Wipe the screen to clean out debris. Remember that debris or sludge should be removed from the sump pit should be removed because it could cause a jam in the future