Once you have converted your basement to your dream rec room, media center, or man cave, your top priority is keeping the space dry. An efficiently-working sump pump is crucial to keeping groundwater out. If you feel like your sump pump isn’t working quite right, it might just need to be cleaned. Many pumps should be cleaned once per year, but check your owner’s manual for more information. If you want to clean your sump pump yourself, here are some tips from the plumbing experts at Indy Renovation.
Safety First
Before beginning your task, always take safety precautions. Be sure to unplug your sump pump, discontinue any use of home appliances that use water, and wear protective gloves. You should also prep your cleaning area and have all of the necessary tools readily available for easy access.
Next Steps
- Disconnect the pump from the discharge pipe.
- Wrap your pump in plastic to prevent drips, and carry it outside. Using your garden hose, rinse off any dirt or sludge from the surface of the pump. A plastic scraper or putty knife may be necessary to clean out the sump pump and remove caked-on debris. Leave in a safe place to dry.
- Use a shop vac to remove any standing water from your sump pit.
- Disassemble your check valve, if possible, and allow any water to drain out of the check valve, then remove it. Rinse the valve thoroughly with water, then dry and reassemble it.
- Once thoroughly dry, reattach your pump to the discharge pipe.
- Plug the sump pump back in, and you’re done!
Check for Damage
While you are carefully cleaning each piece, be sure to check for damaged or cracked components. If your pump is still not working correctly, or if you do not feel comfortable completing this process on your own, contact a professional plumber at Indy Renovation at (317) 375-4464. We have 50-plus years of experience working with sump pumps, well pumps, water heaters, water conditioners, and pipe repairs in the Indianapolis area, so give us a call for all of your plumbing needs.
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