Cleaning your Sump Pump

If your home happens to have a sump pump, then you know that they can tend to get stinky from time to time. Here are some ways to clean it and get that funky smell out of your basement! 

Determining where the smell is coming from is the first step. A garbage-like smell coming from your sump pit means that there is probably a build up in your pipes that needs to be cleaned. If it smells more like rotten eggs, then it is usually because your pit has dried out and sulfur dioxide smells are coming up from the sewer.

To clean your sump pump, first turn the water off for fixtures that lead into your sump pump, like your washing machine. Disconnect your power to the sump pump, usually by just unplugging it or turning that circuit breaker off. Carefully remove your sump pump using a garbage bag or plastic sheeting, so as not to drip any sludge or water on your floor as you carry it outside for cleaning. Use your garden hose to rinse off the first layer of sludge, then use a scraping tool to clean off any caked on grime. Then rinse it again with the garden hose. 

You can then drain the check valve in the sump pit. Place a bucket underneath the valve, and  open it and let any existing water drain into a bucket. If there is any water left in the sump pit, vacuum it up with a shop vac. 

To clean your sump pit, mix one cup of bleach into a gallon of water and pour it down into the sump pit. Make sure the drains and pipes within the pit are covered with water. Add a little more if necessary to bring water back up to the proper level.

Be careful if you try using vinegar to clean your sump pump, as if not done properly, it can damage your sump pump.

After you are all finished cleaning, reconnect your pump to the discharge pipe and check the valve. Turn the water back on and plug in your pump or turn your breaker back on, and you’re good to go.
As for frequency of cleaning your sump pump, typically you should think about cleaning it once a year for removal of the sump pump to clean both the pump and the pit. If your sump pump doesn’t dispose of washing machine water, the pump screen or inlet opening should be cleaned every three to four months.

​If you find you might need more service after cleaning the system, call us for additional help!

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