Is it time to clean your sump pump? Too many homeowners take this valuable device for granted, but without it, your basement would look more like a swamp than a home. Lucky for you, maintaining your sump pump isn’t as tricky as it sounds. This guide will help you tackle the task with ease.
Always Remember—Safety First
Water and electricity are mortal enemies. Before you drain your sump pump, disconnect it from the power supply. And for further protection, go ahead and turn off the circuit breaker, too. Forbid your family members from using any appliance that many drain into the sump pump until your finish cleaning it out.
Don’t forget to protect your eyes and skin—you never know what’s lurking in the pipes. Protective goggles only cost a few bucks and will keep you out of the ophthalmologist’s office. Sump pump water is a biohazard, so invest in a sturdy pair of work gloves to keep contaminated water away from your skin.
Put a Little Elbow Grease into It
Sump pumps attract all sorts of dirt and sludge. Disconnect the pump from the discharge pipe and carry it outside. Rinse away any grime using a garden hose. If you see any caked-on grossness, grab a putty knife and start scraping. Remove all visible signs of dirt and let the pump dry.
Beware of the Dark, Scary Sump Pit
The sump pit probably looks like a dark, germ-infested cesspool. A putrid aroma may even emit from the stagnant, sitting water. Before you reattach the pump, you should take a few minutes to drain the pit—a handy shop vac should do the trick.
Summon All the King’s Horses and Men
Now that your sump pump is clean and dry, you need to put the puzzle pieces back together again. As long as you remember where each component goes, this step should be much easier than the Humpty Dumpty fiasco. Reattach the pump to the pit, turn on the circuit breaker, and plug in the unit. Voila! You have a clean and sanitary sump pump—at least for now. You should remember to clean out the system at least once a quarter or more often if the washing machine drains into the sump pump.
Leave the Dirty Work to the Professionals
Maintaining your sump pump will increase its lifespan and prevent costly home flooding. However, not everyone wants to get elbow deep in dirty sump water, and you may not have enough free time to do the job right. Instead of putting off this task any longer, let a plumber do it for you.
Sump pump service is just another day on the job for Armor Plumbing. As a skilled, full-service plumbing company, we’ve seen it all. Not only will we clean and drain your pump, but we’ll also look for possible signs of damage. We go the extra mile to serve the plumbing needs of our customers. Connect with us online now to schedule service with Armor Plumbing to clean your sump pump and protect your home from flooding.