Feb17
How To Clean a Sump Pump
Reading Time: 3 minutesEverything You Need to Know About Sump Pump Cleaning and Maintenance
In rainy climates like Kelowna, sump pumps are so important for preventing floods and keeping your home safe and dry. But it’s crucial that you keep up with regular sump pump maintenance to ensure it is working as efficiently as possible. Part of this regular maintenance includes cleaning the sump pump.
For homeowners who have never owned a home with a sump pump, having to clean and maintain one can be a bit daunting. Fortunately, at My Plumber Kelowna, we are here to help.
In this article, we will provide an overview of what it means to clean a sump pump, how frequently it should be done, and what the process entails. Keep reading to learn more.
What is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a pump that lives in a pit, otherwise known as a basin, in your basement. When water levels get high due to rain or snow melt, water will fill the basin. When this happens, it is the sump pump’s job to pump out the water and drain it away from your home’s foundation. This helps to prevent flooding in your basement.
Does a Sump Pump Need to be Cleaned?
Yes! Sump pumps live in a damp environment, making them a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and bacteria, which also leads to foul smells. In order to keep these contaminants at bay, all sump pumps should be cleaned regularly.
Cleaning a sump pump also helps keep everything in proper working order so that it doesn’t require costly maintenance and repairs.
How Frequently Should a Sump Pump be Cleaned?
Your sump pump and basin should both be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year.
Steps For Cleaning a Sump Pump
For anyone who has never cleaned their sump pump before, this process can be a bit intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we have outlined the steps you should take when cleaning out your sump pump.
Make Sure You Have the Right Gear
Before you get to work on cleaning your sump pump, you’ll need to be properly equipped with the right tools and gear. Here are some of the things you will need:
- A large bucket
- A hose
- A tarp or plastic sheet
- A tool that can be used to scrape grime and debris
- A shop vacuum to clean up any excess water and dirt
Once you are all set up with these items you can get to work.
Turn Off the Power Supply
The first and most important step in the cleaning process is to unplug the sump pump or turn off the power supply. It is critical that you do not skip this step, as cleaning the sump pump can be incredibly dangerous if it is still connected to a power source.
Start Cleaning the Pump
Disconnect your sump pump and start the cleaning process by hosing it down with your hose to loosen any grime and residue. Then, use your scraping tool to further remove more stubborn grime. Once all of the residue has been removed, rinse the pump off with your hose.
Drain the Check Valve
After you’ve finished cleaning the pump, drain the check valve into a bucket to avoid having water spill out all over your basement.
Drain the Basin
Drain all of the water out of your sump pump basin using a shop vacuum that is designed to collect water. Once you are finished, use the shop vacuum to clean up any excess water that may have spilled during the cleaning process.
Reconnect the Sump Pump
Once everything has been cleaned up, reconnect your sump pump and make sure everything looks the same as before. Once the pump is back in place, turn the power back on and make sure the pump is working properly.
Contact a Plumber If There Are Any Issues
If you notice any issues with your sump pump during the cleaning process, give our team of Kelowna-based plumbers a call.
At My Plumber Kelowna, we have a team of licensed, trained, and highly experienced plumbers who can help repair, replace, or install any new sump pump in your home.
Call us today at 250-601-0000 or fill out a form on our website and we will be in touch ASAP.