How to Maintain Your Sump Pump

Having a sump pump can be a lifesaver in the event of water backup or flooding, but like any of the systems in your home, it needs to be properly maintained. That way, when you do need it, you won’t have to worry about it failing and leaving you with a serious mess on your hands. The good news is that most modern sump pumps aren’t that hard to maintain.

Step One: Unplug the Pump

The very first thing that you’ll want to do before doing any maintenance or cleaning is to unplug the sump pump from the power supply. This will ensure that you don’t get shocked while you are cleaning. Electricity and water aren’t friends, remember?

Clean Out Debris

Once the pump is unplugged, you’ll want to remove the lid on the basin (if there is one) and make sure there is no debris inside. Use a flashlight if you need to see in a darker area. Once you get any debris out of the way, you’ll have better access to the pump.

Disconnect the Pump

Next, you’ll want to remove the pump by disconnecting it from the discharge pipe. If it’s stuck, use a little WD-40 or similar lubricant, but be careful not to damage the pipe. Then, take the pump out of the basin and put it in a bag. That way, you can carry it outside without tracking a mess through the house.

Clean the Inlet Screen

Find the filter screen that keeps debris out of your pump. It’s usually found on the base of the unit. Use a scrub brush to clean any buildup and rinse the pump with water. Once the pump is clean, you can move on to inspecting it.

Inspect the Pump

Look for signs of damage or wear that may need address. Check for buildup and other issues, and then inspect your outside discharge pipe (if you have one) to ensure it is draining correctly.

Now, you can take the pump back in the house, put it in the basin, and add about five gallons of water. Turn the pump on and let it run to make sure that it’s working properly.

Call the Pros for Help

If you run into any issues along the way, or if you want a professional second opinion, consider calling Elk Grove Sewer & Plumbing. We can come to inspect your sump pump and ensure that your system is functioning as it should.