Removing any dirt, gravel, or sand that may have entered the water and accumulated over time is crucial when cleaning your sump pit. This buildup can seriously shorten the lifespan of your pump by causing it to get stuck or even burn out. Moreover, these materials can block the check valve, hindering its ability to open correctly. When the check valve gets jammed, it prevents water from being expelled, which can ultimately lead to pump failure.
Regular maintenance & cleaning of your sump pit directly affects how long and efficiently your pump will last. Any accumulated debris could clog the pump or the check valve – two culprits behind pump failure. On the other hand, regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of a sump pump despite its durability and longevity.
Sump Pit Maintenance Steps
- If you have a battery backup unit, unplug the primary sump pump and trigger the battery backup unit to test that it works. Re-plug in the primary sump pump again.
- Run the main sump pump to make sure it works, too. Let it run until as much water as possible is out of the pit.
- Unplug the sump pump so you don’t get electrocuted.
- Have a small garbage can and a small plastic cup to use as a scoop. I use a silicone scoop my wife tossed in the trash can. It works exceptionally well. It can reach the corners, and the angle is just perfect. Try it for yourself!
- With a screwdriver, disconnect the pipe below the check valve so you can lift the sump pump out of the pit.
- Hold the garbage can under the check valve and press up with your finger or a screwdriver to let the water out into the garbage can. There may be a lot. It’s installed upside down, jammed up, or broken if you can’t open it.
- Disconnect the top of the check valve and wash it under running water. There may be some dirt in it, or maybe not.
- Reconnect the check valve so you don’t lose it.
- Lie down on your stomach on the floor, roll up a sleeve, and scoop dirt from the bottom of the sump into the nearby garbage can. Clean all the dirt out of the sump pit. There may be quite a lot of it. If you get down more than 3 feet, it’s probably a good idea to stop since that means there’s no bottom to your sump pit. You can also use a screwdriver to feel through the muck to find the bottom. At this point, you have two options. Resurface and level the dirt “bottom” with gravel, or it’s an excellent time to install a sump basin.
- Dump the dirt, sand, and gravel you get out of the sump basin.
- Put the pump(s) back into the clean sump pit, reconnect the pipes, and make sure the float has a motion range to lift so the pump can turn on.
- Plug it back and test it by lifting the float or filling the sump pit with water from a hose.
Sump Basin Replacements
Ensuring your sump pump’s longevity and optimal performance is more than a matter of convenience; it’s a part of home maintenance. Although cleaning your sump pit may seem daunting, it’s a small price to pay to prevent the potential premium costs and disruptions resulting from sump pump failure. By cleaning, you effectively prevent issues like clogging and wear caused by dirt and debris, which are the primary culprits behind pump malfunctions. It’s important to remember that consistent maintenance protects your sump pump and provides peace of mind, knowing that your home is safe from water-related damage.
