June 14/2021

How to Clean Your Sump Pump

The sump pump is an essential part of your plumbing system. It collects water and safely diverts it from your home. Without this mechanism, groundwater could flood the foundation of your home and cause irreversible damage. Flooding in your home is dangerous and costly. It could cause the growth of molds and mildew in the walls of your home, slowly deteriorating your property and potentially causing respiratory issues. By cleaning it regularly, you could keep your sump pump working properly. We’ll share a few tips and tricks to making sure your sump pump is well maintained and clean. If you’d like to invest in a sump pump cleaning by our team, get in touch with us by phone or online at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. 

Disconnect Your Sump Pump from the Power Source
This is a pretty quick and easy step. Simply unplug your sump pump from a basement outlet or wherever its power source is located. You could also switch off the circuit supply power to the pump directly from the breaker. This will ensure your safety. If you’re unsure about where the power source is, give us a call at Mr. Rooter Plumber and we’ll be glad to assist you.

Make Sure Your Water Is Turned Off
As an extra precautionary step, turn off the water supply in your home. You’ll want to make sure that water will not pump through the system while you are trying to clean it. This also means to avoid trying to clean the pump on rainy days. If you can’t turn off the water, make sure no one is using fixtures while you’re working on the pump. 

Cover the Sump Pump with Plastic to Prevent Spills
The pump may be covered in mud and dirt. It will help if you are dressed to get into a bit of a mess. First, you’ll have to remove the pump from the pit carefully. It may have sludge and dirt caked all over it. In order to clean it thoroughly, you may need to carry it safely outside. Wrapping the pump in a plastic sheet can help to prevent the mess from getting everywhere.

Can I Pour Vinegar into My Sump Pump?
If you’re looking for a natural cleaning product to use, vinegar can be a great alternative. You’ll need to make a mixture of vinegar and water. To clean the dirt and debris from your pump, pour the mixture into your pump and let it sit in. There are definitely precautions to take if you are trying this method for the first time. Make sure to give us a call at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for further details and assistance to clean your sump pump. 

Connect The Pump Again
Your newly cleaned pump should be sparkling clean and good to go. Connect the pump back to all of the parts. Plug back into the power source. If you would like to get your sump pump checked, schedule an appointment with our experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing today!