Your sump pump performs an indispensable job in protecting your home from flood damage by collecting groundwater and channeling safely from your home. Unattended groundwater can accumulate and do damage to your foundation.

Why Clean Your Sump Pump?
Not many homeowners even realize that sump pumps need regular cleaning but because the devices process so much water they require routine cleaning. Cleaning a sump pump regularly not only prevents the risk of flooding but also mold. Mold can sprout up quickly in damp areas that trap moisture.

The recommended timetable to clean your sump pump is once every three to four months. The average sump pump should last 3 to 5 years.

How To Clean Your Sump Pump?
Sanitizing the device can be performed in eight easy do-it-yourself steps:

  1. Turn off and disconnect the pump from the power supply. Then, undo any screws or fasteners attaching the pump to the discharge pipe. Now you can remove the Sump Pump from the pit and place it on a plastic sheet.
  2. Inspect the pump for corrosion, especially on the pump body or power supply.
  3. If you transport the sump pump outdoors, you have two effective options for cleaning your sump pump: a high-pressure hose or mixing a vinegar solution.
  4. Mix a cleaning solution using 1 gallon of vinegar and 2 gallons of hot water. Vinegar is not only an effective cleaning solution for floors, tiles, and bathtubs but also a fantastic sump pump cleaner. Pour 2 ½ gallons of the vinegar solution into the sump pump. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes to loosen the debris.
  5. Rinse the pump with hot water. The heat of the water will help break up any stubborn, remaining grime.
  6. Pour the remaining ½ gallon of vinegar solution into the opening of the drainage pipe.
  7. Let the vinegar soak for fifteen minutes. Then pour the remaining hot water into the drainage pipe to rinse away the solution.
  8. Drain the check valve into a bucket and use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water from the pit and clean up.
  9. Reconnect the discharge pipe, plug in the alarm and battery, and turn on your sump pump once more.

If you have discovered that your Sump Pump is showing signs of aging, rust, or mold, call your plumber to make the necessary repairs.

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