How to Clean Your Sump Pump
Let our experts advise you and learn how to easily clean a sump pump. You’ll also learn why regular cleaning and maintenance is essential to keep your sump pump in top condition.
Is your sump pump working properly? If not, when was the last time you had it cleaned?
Sump pumps are essential to prevent basement flooding by removing water from the basement. They help reduce basement dampness, water damage, rust and mold growth.
An average basement sump pump will also help remove stagnant water outside of the foundation walls, keeping your home’s foundation clean and stable.

Regular maintenance and cleaning keeps it in good operating condition and always ready for use when needed. Most sump pumps should be washed once a year, but refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Now if you have a sump pit in your home, you must be wondering how and when to clean a sump pump and sump pit. So let’s get started!
BEFORE YOU START THE CLEANING PROCESS
Take all necessary safety precautions before you start cleaning your sump pump. Make sure no one is using appliances that drain into your sump, such as a dishwasher. In addition, care must be taken to ensure that water from the basement does not seep into the ditch.
Wear protective gloves to protect your arms from debris in the sump pump.
HOW TO CLEAN A SUMP PUMP
INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED
You’ll need the following cleansing supplies to clean your sump tank:
- Wet/dry vacuum
- A large plastic sheet
- Scraping tool
- A large bucket
- Garden hose
STEPS TO CLEAN A SUMP PUMP
STEP 1: TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY AND ALL OTHER ACCESSORIES
First, disconnect power to your sump pump and other accessories (such as backup battery or alarm) from the power source. This is important to avoid potential electrical accidents such as electrocution and burns.
STEP 2: REMOVE THE SUMP PUMP FROM THE DISCHARGE PIPE
Loosen any bolts or screws connecting your sump pump to the outlet pipe and carefully separate them. If you feel resistance, there may be mold between the pump outlet and the tube.
To remove mold, scrub this area with disinfectant or bleach. If you are having trouble separating the delivery line and pump, a lubricant such as WD-40 can help free the stuck parts.
STEP 3: TAKE THE SUMP PUMP OUT OF THE PIT
Remove your sump pump from the pit to ensure proper cleaning. If you want to fully clean the pumps and basin, cover them with a plastic tarp and take them outside so you can access all elements of your pump.
STEP 4: CLEAN THE SUMP PUMP THOROUGHLY
Once outside, you can start cleaning. One of the easiest and most effective ways to clean a sump pump is to scrape away any buildup or mold with a hot towel, scrubbing brush, plastic scraper, or knife.
While doing this, check your sump pump for corrosion or rust, especially on the pump housing and power supply. If it has built up so badly that you cannot remove it yourself, you can blow it out with a garden hose. If you allow your metal pump to rust, its lifespan will be significantly reduced.
STEP 5: DISINFECT THE PUMP AND BASIN
After removing all mold and dirt, sanitize the sump pump and pump sump. Wipe down the outside of the sump pump with a disinfectant, including any crevices and spaces where mold could grow. Clean other components including the float switch and check valve. Finally, sterilize and clean the sump pump tank.
STEP 6: VACUUM THE SUMP PUMP PIT
Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove all debris and standing water from the sump pit. When you’re done vacuuming, be sure to unload the vacuum cleaner. You don’t want it sitting in dirty, mold-infested water overnight.
STEP 7: RECONNECT AND TEST YOUR SUMP PUMP
Reattach your pump after cleaning the sump pump and sump pit. First reconnect the drain hose, then add the brackets before connecting to the power source and attaching to the various accessories. If everything is fine, fill the sump pump basin with water and test the pump.
STEP 8: CHECKING THE SUMP PUMP SYSTEM REGULARLY
If you live in an area with a lot of groundwater or are prone to flooding, you should do a proper cleaning and check your sump pump installation once a month. Also check it after every heavy rain or storm. If your sump pump is broken or broken, you should have it evaluated by a qualified plumber and make any necessary repairs to the plumbing. This is especially important as sump pump repairs require special tools and skills.
CLEAN YOUR SUMP PUMP: WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL A PROFESSIONAL?
Sump pumps protect your property from severe flooding by collecting and properly draining wastewater from the structure. Without a sump pump, groundwater can easily accumulate and seep out through your foundation.
In addition, floods are dangerous, costly and devastating. Therefore, a well-functioning sump pump is essential to protecting your property. If your pump broke or you need a homemade sump pump, call Heartland Plumbing today.
We are committed to providing quality plumbing services to Melbourne residents. Our plumbers can solve any plumbing problem, whether it’s pumping out your septic tank, cleaning out sump pumps, or replacing a leaking faucet.
That’s all in our guide to cleaning a sump pump and sump manhole! We hope you enjoyed it and we look forward to seeing you next time!
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