A sump pump is a important piece of equipment that helps prevent flooding in your home or business. It’s also an essential part of any basement waterproofing system. But, if you don’t take care of it properly, it can cause serious problems for both the environment and your property.
Sump pumps are designed to remove water from basements and crawlspaces by creating a vacuum effect. They work by sucking up water through a pipe and then pushing it out into a storm drain or sewer line. The problem with most sump systems is that they get clogged over time. This causes the pump to stop working and flood your basement or crawlspace. If this happens, you need to clean the sump pump so that it works again.
To keep your sump pump working efficiently and effectively, you need to know how often to clean it. The frequency that you clean your sump pump depends on several factors including:
- Whether you have a new or old sump pump
- How much water is in the sump pit
- How large the sump pit is
- How often you get rainstorms
If you are unsure about how frequently to clean your sump pump, here are some guidelines for cleaning your sump pump:
- Every 3-4 months if you live in an area where there is no rainfall more than once every three years
- Once per year if you live in an arid region (more than one inch of rain per month)
- Twice per year if you live near a lake or river
- Once per year if you have a small sump pit
If you want to know more details on sump pump usage read our article on how often should a sump pump run?
To clean your sump pump properly, follow these steps:
Remove all debris from around the sump pump. This includes leaves, twigs, grass clippings, etc. If you don’t remove this debris, it can cause problems with the operation of your sump pump.
Check the power source. Make sure that the power cord is not damaged or frayed. Also make sure that the outlet is free of any obstructions.
Turn off the power supply to your sump pump. You should turn off the power supply before you begin cleaning your sump pump so that you do not accidentally damage anything while you are cleaning it.
Drain the sump pit. Before you start cleaning your sump pump, drain out as much water as possible from the sump pit. This will help prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the components of your sump pump during cleaning.
Use a garden hose to wash down the outside of the sump pump. If you use a garden hose, be careful when washing the sump pump because you may get splashed by the water.
Wash the sump pump with soap and warm water. Using soap and warm water will help loosen dirt and grime that has built up over time. Wash off the exterior of the sump pump and surrounding areas. Make sure to rinse the entire pump thoroughly after washing.
Rinse the sump pump thoroughly using a garden hose. Be careful not to spray too much water into the sump pit. Doing this could cause flooding and damage to your home.
Dry the sump pump completely. While most sump pumps come with a dryer attachment, you can also use a towel to dry the sump pump.
Reattach the power supply to your newly cleaned sump pump. After cleaning your sump pump and reattaching the power supply, check the power supply again to ensure that it is plugged into the correct socket.
Test the sump pump to determine whether it is working correctly. There are many ways to test your sump pump. One way to test your sump system is to fill your sump pit with water. Then, watch for bubbles coming up through the floor drain. If you see bubbles, then your sump pump is working correctly.
Keep your sump pump well maintained. By keeping your sump pump well-maintained, you will avoid having to replace it prematurely.
Final Word:
Sump pumps are important parts of your home. They keep your basement safe from flooding. However, they need to be kept clean and running smoothly to work effectively. Follow the above instructions to keep your sump pump working at its best.
Ignoring cleaning your pump is like putting a car engine under the hood without changing the oil. The same thing happens to your sump pump if you neglect it.
Maintaining a clean sump pump is an excellent method to prolong its life. It will save you money in the long run.
If you want to know the lifespan of the sump pump, read our article how long does a sump pump typically last.
