How to Clean a Sump Pump

A sump pump is a crucial element of the plumbing system, responsible for pumping away excess moisture at the lowest points of a building. It is not perfect though, and it certainly can use a hand sometimes. Get in the habit of periodically testing your sump pump and cleaning it of debris, junk, and muck. In this article, we will go over some tips to clean your sump pump. Don’t worry if you don’t know what a sump pump even is. We will start with the basics. If you are worried about a broken sump pump and want to hire a trained plumber, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh. We are proud to offer sump pump repair, replacement, and installation services in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.

What Is a Sump Pump and How Does It Work?

A sump pump is a small device that is installed within a sump pit at the lowest point(s) in your building, usually the basement, but it can also be a garage or other area. Floodwater and other excess moisture that gets inside your building is guided to the sump pit. When the amount of water in the sump pit passes a certain threshold, the sump pump(s) will activate. The water will be pumped away from your property. It really is as simple as that! Of course, the engineering behind the simplicity is even more magnificent.

How To Care for Your Sump Pump

A properly installed sump pump protects your building’s foundation and structure from natural events like flooding, snowstorms (and the consequent melting), plumbing disasters, and other water damage. Considering the sensitivity of the sump pump as well as its great value, we recommend you leave the installation to professionals. A small mistake can make a huge difference.

There is still a lot you can do though! Proper care and routine maintenance go a long way. Periodically test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into it. It should activate and pump away the water. We also recommend cleaning out the area and clearing plumbing of any clogs. This is all crucial for the longevity, effectiveness, and efficiency of your sump pump. So, where do you begin with cleaning your sump pump? We’re glad you asked!

How To Clean Your Sump Pump

Cleaning the sump pump is not rocket science! We can break it down into just a few steps:

First, unplug the sump pump from its power source or remove its batteries.
Wrap the pump in plastic tarp or sheeting.
Spray the pump with a hose and use a brush or scraping tool to remove stubborn gunk.
Flush the drain valve and use a wet/dry vacuum to eliminate standing water in the sump pit.
Reconnect the sump pump and place it back in the sump pit.

While you are cleaning the sump pump, we recommend you clean around the area as well. Make sure the outlet pipes and drainage is clear. If you want to have an experienced plumber inspect your sump pump, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh. We offer sump pump repair and maintenance.

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