Friday, August 4th, 2023

Ask Allied Reddi Rooter: How do I clean my sump pump?

Your home’s sump pump plays an important role in keeping your basement dry. And here in Cincinnati, where hills abound, it’s especially important that your sump pump stays working the way it should. Otherwise, rainwater is apt to pool in the basement. That, in turn, can compromise many areas of your home. 

When your sump pump works properly, it removes water from the basement by moving it through the sump pit before pushing it out from the property through pipes. Should the sump pump become too dirty or clogged, however, it’s apt not to work effectively and leave water to pool on the floor.  

This is why it’s important to clean your sump pump annually. But you don’t need to hire a professional to do it. Just follow these easy steps to do it yourself. Pro tip: Choose a sunny, dry day for this task. You’ll need to keep the sump pump working on rainy days! 

What you’ll need: 

  • Large bucket
  • Garden hose 
  • Rag or large sponge 
  • A sheet of plastic or a tarp 
  • A wet vac (if available)

Steps to cleaning a sump pump

Step #1: Choose an area outdoors near the hose, where you can clean the sump pump. This is a messy job so it’s best to do it outside. 

Step #2: Unplug the sump pump. This is a very important step. Attempting to clean the pump while it is still connected to the power source can be dangerous. 

Step #3. Use a tarp or large sheet of plastic to wrap the bottom of the sump pump. 

Step #4: Spray all sides of the sump pump. Loosen any residue with the hose. Then, use the sponge or a rag to wipe off any remaining residue. Afterwards, dry the pump with a towel. 

Step #5: Drain the check valve, catching any water in the bucket. 

Step #6: Dry the sump pump with a towel. You can also use a shop vac to remove any remaining water from the sump pit. 

Step #7: Remove the tarp or plastic sheet. Then, reconnect the sump pump and turn the power back on. 

It should take less than an hour to clean your sump pump, but once you’re finished, you can sit back and relax, knowing that you just helped your basement stay dry after those heavy Cincinnati downpours. 

Need more plumbing advice? You’ll find more helpful tips on our blog or call or contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service. We’re here to help you with your sump pump needs, and more.