If your basement has flooding issues, you probably have a sump pump to get rid of water that could cause damage to your home. These pumps need to be cleaned regularly to stay functional.

Here’s how to perform this chore, and when you should get someone with expertise on site.

How to Clean a Sump Pump Pit: Regular Maintenance

Regularly cleaning out the sump pit keeps the pump running more efficiently and lowers the risk of clogged drains or machinery.

Here’s the best way to clean your sump pump when it’s time:

  1. Make sure the pump works. Fill a bucket with a few gallons of water and dump it in the sump pit to make sure the pump will turn on and drain. If the pump doesn’t work, call a plumber for repairs.

  2. Unplug the pump. Once the pump is finished clearing the test water, turn it off and unplug it to prevent electric shocks as you work.

  3. Remove the pump. Using a screwdriver, disconnect the pipe leading to the pump, just beneath the check valve. Use a bucket or other container to catch any water that drains out. Lift the pump out of the pit and set it on a tarp or plastic sheet. You can use the tarp to prevent drippage as you move the pump outside to be cleaned.

If you’re not confident removing the pump on your own or you don’t want to risk damaging your machinery, leave the sump pump maintenance to the pros. We can handle the rest of the list from here!

  1. Spray off the pump. Using a garden hose outdoors, spray any residue off the pump. With a plastic scraping tool, remove any stuck-on grime before rinsing the pump again with the hose.

  2. Remove solid debris from the pit. Sweep up and remove any leaves, twigs, gravel, or other debris that’s gotten into the pit.

  3. Drain the check valve. If water didn’t escape from the pipe when you disconnected your pump, call a professional to drain your check valve pipe. An expert can clear a clogged pipe and remove any leftover standing water.

  4. Inspect and clean the pit. Check that the walls and floor of the pit are undamaged and free of dirt and debris. Spray the pit with disinfectant to keep things clean and rinse with water if necessary.

  5. Reinstall the sump pump. Place your clean pump back into your clean pit and reconnect the pipe. Check that all cords and plugs are dry before reconnecting your pump to power and turning it back on.

How Often Should You Clean Your Sump Pump?

The recommended cleaning interval may vary based on your pump’s manufacturer. Most pumps need to be cleaned at least once a year, but some require cleaning every six months or even more often. Check with your manufacturer and follow their recommendations.

You should also check your pump after heavy snow or rainfall to make sure it’s removing water as it should. Uncovered sump pump pits accumulate dirt and debris faster and often need cleaning more often than they would if covered.

Can I Pour Vinegar in My Sump Pump?

You shouldn’t pour vinegar directly into the sump pump, but you can use a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar to scrub tough grime off your pump while you clean it. Scrub the vinegar mixture over stubborn gunk with a cleaning brush before rinsing the pump a final time.

If your sump pump pit is especially dirty, let one gallon of vinegar and two gallons of warm water sit in the pit for at least 20 minutes before reconnecting your pump. Rinse the pump with five gallons of clean water.

Can I Pour Bleach in My Sump Pump?

Yes, you can use bleach as an odor-fighter in your sump pump. Mix one cup of bleach with every gallon of water and pour the solution into your sump pit after cleaning. Pour in enough liquid that the pump activates and drains the water.

We don’t recommend using bleach if you have a septic system, since it can harm the septic biome.

When to Call in Expert Plumbers

There are a few reasons to call in a plumber to handle your sump pump. Schedule time with a professional if:

  • Your sump pump is clogged. Clogs can build up into real problems if left untreated, including water backing up into your basement or crawl space.

  • Water isn’t draining. Any number of things could be wrong with your pump, causing it not to drain. We’ll fix anything from broken float switches to burned-out motors.

  • The pump runs continuously. Your pump should only run when there’s water to drain. Running without stopping and without water in the pit can cause the pump to overheat and burn itself out.

  • You just don’t want to clean it! There’s no shame in not being able to clean your sump pump pit, or simply not wanting to do it yourself. That’s why professionals offer sump pump cleaning, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

How to Tell If My Sump Pump Is Clogged

A sump pump clogged with sediment can’t do its job right. If you notice that your pump doesn’t run when there’s water in the pit, it may be clogged. Call for repairs if you ever notice your pump not working.

If your clogged sump pump has caused a backup into your home, call restoration experts for water damage remediation.

Leave the Chore of Sump Pump Cleaning to the Expert Plumbers

Wash your hands of sump pump cleaning. Call the professional plumbers from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Indianapolis for help with sump pump maintenance and cleaning, repairs, or to install a new sump pump for you. And yes, for seasonal sump pump cleaning, call us at (317) 316-3261 or book online to get this dirty, tiring chore off your hands.