Before diving into the methods and techniques for cleaning a sump pump, let us get to know what a sump is. A sump is simply a barrier between your house and the forces of nature. It is usually beneath the basement of the house and collects groundwater, and then the sump pump diverts the water away from your home. If you do not have a sump pump, then your house can easily flood through the foundation. If your foundation is flooded, it is very costly to repair, and until then it can cause a lot of damage to your house. So, you must have a sump pump in your house.
Besides having a sump pump, you will need to maintain it if you want it to work properly. You can clean the sump pump on your own, or you can hire a KL Plumber to clean it. It is not very difficult to clean. You will need some tools and some knowledge of plumbing basics to clean your sump pump. Here is a step-by-step process through which you can easily clean your sump pump.
Table of Contents
Steps To Clean A Sump Pump
Turn Off Water Supply
Before starting to clean the sump pump, make sure to turn off the water supply. There is no need to turn off all the water supply lines in your house, but only those lines whose fixture drains into the sump directly. If there is no facility to turn off the water, then make sure that no one is using it while you are working. Otherwise, your house will be flooded with water.
Disconnect Power To The Pump
It is a very important step because it is among the safety measures. Working without disconnecting the power can put your life at risk. Turn off the power of the breaker that is supplying power to the sump pump so that you can work easily without any worries. Remember to also unplug any other electrical devices that are connected to the same power source. Once the power is disconnected, you can safely proceed with any maintenance or repairs that are needed. Sump pumps are essential for preventing basement flooding and water damage, making them a crucial part of home safety measures. The advantages of sump pumps include keeping your basement dry and preventing mold and mildew growth.
Disconnect the Discharge Pipe
You need to disconnect the discharge pipe to take out the pump. You need to loosen it carefully. Use the required tools for the disconnection.
Remove The Pump Carefully
This is a tricky step. A pump contains water and dirt inside it. You cannot clear all the dirt and water of the pump when it is in the sump, so you need to take it out. You can use a plastic sheet to cover the pump. Once it is covered properly, remove the pump and bring it outside the pit. Covering it with plastic will not make a mess.
Clean the Pump
The pump remains in the water, so debris and rust accumulate on it. You must clean the pump thoroughly. Drain the water and clean it with sponge or cloth. Take out all the rust, mold, or anything that is accumulated on the pump. After cleaning, you can use bleach vinegar to clean the pump thoroughly.
Drain The Check Valve
If you want to clean your sump and pump properly, then you will need to drain the check valve in the pit. You can use a bucket and place it under the check valve. Water will directly drain into the bucket, so you can easily dump it. Do not remove the bucket until the water is completely drained into the bucket.
Use Shop Vac
Now, it is time to use a vacuum. If you can see any water beneath the sump pit, use a vacuum to remove the leftover water. It helps in keeping the sump clean after you reconnect the power and does not allow it to be a mess all over again.
Scrap The Sludge And Debris
When all the water is removed, you may find wet sand and sludge that the vacuum does not clean. Use a shovel to scrape the sludge and debris. Leaving it will cause a very bad odor. The sludge is formed due to the soap and detergent residue. Make sure to clean it as its odor can make you nauseous.
Reconnect Your Pump
Once you dry up all the standing water in the sump pit, place the pump back again and connect it to the check valve and discharge pipe. Plug it in the wall socket and turn on the power.
Conclusion
We have discussed the cleaning of a sump pump. It consists of simple steps, and it can prevent your home from flooding. A sump pump is crucial in your house. Without it, the groundwater can build up and cause flooding. You can follow these simple steps to clean your sump pump. First, turn off the water supply and disconnect the power to the sump pump because safety is compulsory. Remove the pump from the pit and clean it properly. Then drain the check valve and use the shop vac to remove any standing or leftover water in the pit. In case of any sludge or debris, use a shovel to scrape it out. Finally, place the pump back and connect the discharge pipe, check valve and power. Your sump pump and pit are clean, and you are now good to go.