Are You Supposed to Clean Your Sump Pump?
Keeping your basement dry depends on a well-maintained sump pump. To keep it working smoothly, it’s a good idea to clean your sump pump once a year. It’s especially important to get your house ready for the fall and winter. Here’s a simple guide to help you get the job done:
What You’ll Need:
A tarp or plastic sheet
A tool to scrape off debris
A large bucket
A garden hose
A wet/dry vacuum (shop vac)
How to Clean Your Sump Pump:
Check the Weather: Make sure it’s not raining, and no appliances are draining into the sump pump area while you work.
Disconnect the Power: Unplug the sump pump or turn off the circuit breaker. Safety first—never clean the pump while it’s connected to power.
Wrap the Pump: Place the sump pump on the tarp or plastic sheet to keep the area clean. This will make cleanup easier.
Clean the Pump: Spray the pump with a garden hose to remove loose dirt. Then, use your scraping tool to get rid of any stuck-on debris.
Rinse the Pump: Give it another good rinse with the hose to wash away any remaining dirt.
Drain the Check Valve: Hold a bucket under the check valve to catch any water as you drain it.
Vacuum the Pit: Use the wet/dry vacuum to suck up any standing water or leftover debris from the sump pit.
Reconnect the Pump: Put the sump pump back in place, reconnect the power, and turn everything back on.
Bonus Tip:
Write down the date you cleaned the sump pump, so you’ll remember to do it again next year (or more often if your pump works hard due to heavy rain).
Need Help?
If you run into any problems or think it’s time to replace your sump pump, our team is here to help keep your basement dry and safe all year round! Contact Tim Beil Plumbing here or call us today at 610.261.2074
