The sump pump is an important part of your home’s plumbing system. It uses a water-powered motor to remove excess water from the basement and keep everything running smoothly. The problem with sump pump plumbing is that they need to be cleaned periodically in order to maintain their functionality.
If you don’t do this, it can lead to problems such as overflowing basements and other issues related to mold growth. In this guide, we will talk about how often you should clean your pump, where the best places are for doing so, and whether or not you should hire a professional or if it is something that you can take care of on your own.
Precautions for Sump Pump Cleaning Safety
Before you begin cleaning your sump pump, you should take a few safety precautions. First and foremost, ensure that the pump’s power is turned off before proceeding. This can be accomplished by flipping the breaker or unplugging it from the outlet. Second, when working with water, always wear protective equipment. Gloves, a safety mask, and goggles are included. Finally, ensure that the area around the pump is well-lit and free of obstructions.
Instruments for Cleaning Sump Pumps
There are several instruments that you will need to clean your sump pump properly:
- Make sure that the area around it is well-lit so that you can see what you are doing clearly.
- Have an empty bucket or container on hand for dumping out any gunk and debris. You may also want to wear gloves and safety goggles to prevent any bacterial infections.
- You will need a screwdriver to get at some of the hard-to-reach components of your pump.
Sump Pump Cleaning Process
Now that we’ve gone over the basic safety precautions and cleaning tools required for this job, let’s go over how it’s done. The first step is to turn off the pump’s power. This can be accomplished by flipping the breaker or unplugging it from the outlet. Once the power is turned off, you can begin cleaning.
The best place to begin is by draining any excess water that has accumulated in the basin. You can accomplish this by removing the drain plug with a screwdriver and dumping it into your bucket. If you don’t have a lot of water, you can do it with just your hands or feet.
After we remove the excess water from the basin, we will proceed to a more thorough cleaning of all components to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The pump, the check valve, and the discharge pipe are all part of this. You can remove the cover with a screwdriver and then clean it with a brush or sponge for the pump. Make sure to clean out any debris that has accumulated inside of it.
Between the pump and the discharge pipe is where the check valve is located. It is in charge of preventing water from flowing back into the pump. To clean the valve, you must remove it from the discharge pipe. This can be accomplished with a pair of pliers or a wrench. Once removed, use a brush or sponge to remove any gunk that has accumulated.
The discharge pipe is in charge of transporting water from the basin to wherever it needs to go. Once again, you’ll need a pair of pliers or wrenches to clean this component. Use these tools to clean up any debris that has accumulated around the pipe’s connection to the pump.
When you’ve finished cleaning all of the pump’s components, it’s time to reassemble everything. The first step is to reconnect your check valve between your discharge pipe and the sump pump. Tighten the connection with pliers or a wrench after that. You can also clean this area with a wire brush.
Finally, reattach the pump’s cover and tighten it down with a screwdriver or wrench. After that, make sure your sump pump’s power supply is turned back on and test it! If everything appears to be in order, you can proceed to clean up any excess water around the basin.
Consult a professional plumbing service if you have any questions or concerns about the cleaning process. They will assist you in navigating the process and answering any questions you may have. Remember to always use caution when working with water.
How Often To Clean Sump Pump
The frequency with which you should clean your sump pump will depend on a few factors such as:
- The type of pump that you have
- The amount of sediment that has built up in the sump basin
- How often the pump is used
If you have a submersible pump, you should clean it every six months. If you have a pedestal or portable pump, you should clean it every year. It’s also a good idea to check the discharge line and clear it of any debris every month.
Sump Pump Cleaning Procedures
There are two primary procedures that you can use to clean your sump pump:
- The manual method
- The electric cleaner method
Regardless of whether or not you choose the former or latter, both methods follow the same general process by breaking down into three steps:
- Disconnect the pump from its power source
- Remove any debris from the pump and basin
- Reattach the pump and test it for proper function
If you only have a small amount of sediment to remove, the manual method is a good option. A bucket, some water, and a garden hose are all you need. Begin by disconnecting the pump and placing it in a bucket of water. Spray down both components with the garden hose and remove any visible debris.
Cleaning with an electric cleaner is much faster than cleaning by hand. However, additional equipment is required, such as an extension cord for power and wire clamps or screw-type wire connectors for reconnecting your wires. Begin by unplugging the pump and detaching the wires from it. Next, plug in your extension cord and connect it to the pump. Finally, reconnect the wires and test their functionality.
Test Sump Pump After Cleaning
Once you have finished cleaning your sump pump, it’s important to test it for proper function. This can be done by pouring a bucket of water into the basin and checking if the pump kicks on. If everything is in working order, then congratulations – you’re finished. If not, then you may need to do some further troubleshooting.
Sump Pump Plumbing in Duncanville, TX
Cleaning your sump pump is an important task that should not be ignored. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your pump will run smoothly for years to come.
If you’re not comfortable cleaning your sump pump yourself, our plumbing services team at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating are here to help. We can take care of everything for you so that you can relax and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your sump pump plumbing is in good hands. Contact us today at 972-291-0740 to get started.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.