Do you notice a problem with your sump pump? The last time you cleaned it, when was that? Your sump pump will be ready whenever you need it by being properly maintained through routine cleaning. The majority of sump pump models only need to be cleaned once each year, but consult your manual for more specific instructions. You could always hire a professional to clean it for you if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, but in either case, you should become familiar with the procedure.
The only thing between your home and the elements is a sump pump. Groundwater is collected by the sump pump located beneath your basement, crawl space, or lowest level and safely directed away from your property. That groundwater might easily accumulate and flood through your foundation if you don't have a sump pump.
Your sump pump is a crucial component of home safety since flooding is costly, dangerous, and destructive. An important aspect of maintaining home safety is making sure it functions properly.
Step By Step Guide to Sump Pump Cleaning
Understanding Your Sump Pump System [For New Users]
Here are the components that, if you're unfamiliar with sump pumps and how they operate, you should be aware of:
- The sump pit, often referred to as the sump hole basin, is the area of the basement that has been excavated out to collect water.
- The sump pump - this is the device itself that sits inside the sump pit. Usually, it is connected to a network of weeping tiles that divert water into this area, ready to be evacuated by the sump pump. It's attached to the drain pipe.
- The power source, which provides the sump pump with electricity.
- The impeller and motor operate in tandem to produce centrifugal force, which forces water up and out of the discharge pipe.
- The float switch; when this component of the sump pump floats to the top (due to water that has accumulated in the sump pit), the sump pump is turned on.
- The discharge pipe, which is the conduit the sump pump uses to remove water. This pipe ought to be at least ten feet away from the home. You can clean it with any cleaning solution available in the market or you can also find plumbing services.
Step By Step Guide to Sump Pump Cleaning
Before beginning, check to see if it isn't raining or if any appliances are in the way of the sump pump basin. While you are working on the sump pump cleaning, it is crucial that no water enters the area.
If your sump pump stopped working, it may be due to accumulated dirt. Here’s what you need to do:
1- Cut off the power source to the sump pump
Remove the sump pump's plug or shut off the power source's circuit breaker. Avoid skipping this step! It is exceedingly risky to try to maintain or clean a sump pump while it is attached to a power source.
2- Wrap the pump
Wrap the bottom of the pump with the plastic tarp or sheeting to avoid additional cleanup. Place the pump in a location where you can easily clean both sides of it.
3- Pump cleanup
The enjoyable part is now. Spray the pump with the garden hose to kick off the cleaning procedure. Use the scraping tool to get rid of any stuck-on material after the pump has been sprayed and any loose residue has been eliminated.
4- Clean out the pump
Using the yard hose once again, rinse any last bits of residue from the pump.
5- Open the check valve
While draining the check valve, have your bucket close at hand. The bucket will catch any water that leaks from the check valve.
6- Use the wet/dry vacuum
This step needs no explanation. To drain the sump pit of extra water, use your shop vacuum. The shop vac will probably also be required to clear up any water or residue that might have ruined the cleaning area.
7- Reconnect the pump
Make sure everything is placed in the sump pit the same way it was before you started the cleaning operation before reconnecting the sump pump. Reconnect the sump pump to the power supply, and if you turned the breaker off in step two, make sure you turn it back on. As an added precaution, record the date you cleaned the sump pump and keep it handy for future use.
This maintenance task should be included in your annual home maintenance list, or more frequently if your home has a sump pump that works hard all year round because of bad weather.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1- How does a sump pump work?
Water is gathered in pits below the building. The sump pump automatically activates and removes the water from the pit and away from the house's foundation if the water level reaches a predetermined level. The quantity of moisture in your home determines how frequently your sump pump runs.
2- Should there be water in my sump pump pit?
A sump pump pit should typically have some water in it at all times. Rain, snowmelt, or seepage from the ground can all contribute to the formation of this water. Consequently, the float switch on your sump pump should be activated when the water level reaches a specified level. The pump will activate and begin operating as a result.
3- How often do you replace a pump sump?
A sump pump needs to be replaced every 7 to 10 years, even if it was professionally installed. Your sump pump gathers extra water from drains and distributes it away from the house. It is often situated in a basin on the basement floor.
4- What kind of maintenance does a sump pump need?
In addition to cleaning, you need regular sump pump maintenance to keep the sump pump in peak condition. To get the most of your appliance's efficiency, use the advice below.
- Maintain a Regular Cycle
Numerous factors, like the sump pump's size, the size of the house, and the environment, affect how frequently you should clean your sump pump.
- Verify the drain pipes
Your sump pump's drain pipes are an essential part of the system. It is recommended to routinely inspect these pipes during cleaning to make sure there is no obstruction.
- Examine the alarm
In cases where the water level is too high, sump pump sirens sound. Your initial line of defense against structural damage is them.