A quality sump pump is a great asset to residential homes as it keeps your property dry and clean. Still, you need to maintain your sump pump to keep it in good working order. One necessary step is to clean it regularly. An annual professional sump pump cleaning is recommended, which involves removing and washing the pump, removing dirt from the pit, checking the valve, and other steps.
You can also clean your sump pump on your own. With the right tools and the right steps, it’s a straightforward process. Grab a tarp or plastic sheet to protect your floor, a small scraper, garden hose, bucket, and vacuum, and you’re ready to get started. Let’s discuss.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Sump Pump
- Turn off the power to the sump pump. Then, remove the sump pump’s plug or flip the circuit breaker to cut off the power. This is the first and most important step, as it is hazardous to work on a sump pump when connected to electricity. You run the risk of ruining the pump entirely, and you can get injured in the process.
- Next, you’ll need to wrap the pump up if you bring it to a different location to clean. Cover the sump pump in plastic tarp or sheet from the bottom to avoid a mess. Place the pump in an area where you will have easy access to all sides for cleaning and enough space to work.
- Next, spray the pump down with your water hose to remove loose dirt and start the process. Remove any stuck-on material with the scraping tool. You can use a mild soap or recommended cleanser to spray the pump and loosen any built-up residue. Be careful when scraping not to damage the pump in any way.
- Drain the pump and give it a good rinse. Using your garden hose, re-rinse the pump to remove any leftover residue. Continue the process until the water comes off clean from your pump.
- Open the check valve and let the water drain out. Drain the check valve while holding your bucket nearby. The bucket will catch any leakage caused by the check valve.
- Go back to your sump pit to remove any remaining water in the sump pit with a wet/dry vacuum. This is a simple step. Remove the sump pit’s excess water using your shop vac and wipe down where you can.
- Once all the cleaning is complete, bring the pump back to the pit and reconnect it. Put everything back in the sump pit the way it was before you started cleaning. Reconnect the sump pump. Turn on the power to the sump pump to make sure it’s working. You should also turn the breaker back to the ‘on’ position if it was previously in the ‘off’ position during step two.
Keep track of when you last cleaned your sump pump to ensure you do so every year or when you notice an issue with the pump. Write this down somewhere that you can see. If your pump is in constant use, you’ll want to service it more often. You can talk to your local plumber to recommend when to service your pump and even sign up for a routine maintenance plan at an affordable price.
Hire a Professional and Licensed Plumbing Company for Your Residential Needs
It’s crucial to hire a professional if you need work done on your residential plumbing system. Contact your local Riverside plumber to schedule an appointment for fast and affordable service.
