How to Perform Maintenance on a Sump Pump

How to Perform Maintenance on a Sump Pump

Locate sump pump pit in your basement floor. Usually this is in a corner and along an exterior wall. To help find it, look for a white plastic pipe extending out of a possibly covered pit (black lid) up and then through the floor joist line (box sill) of your house’s framing.

After locating the pit and then the pump, unplug the pump from the nearby outlet. Next, unscrew the flat screws located on the Check Valve installed in the white plastic pipe extending upward.

After loosening all screws, you should be able to twist the check valve loose and then remove it from the white plastic pipe. Do so now.

Now with your unit unplugged and separated from the pipe, lift the sump pump out of the pit in the floor. Be prepared for some water to drain out and it may be discolored so don’t let it land on a finished floor. Remove unit to the laundry tub sink or transport it outside near a hose.

Rinse the unit off with water using the scrub brush if necessary to remove the sticky discolored residue on the unit. This discoloration came from the minerals in the water or dirt particles draining into the pipe located around the perimeter of your house.

Turn the unit upside down and remove the screws holding the impeller guard. Remove all debris from this area and the hole leading our of the impeller area. Re-assemble the guard with screws.

Double check the float mechanism making sure it is free and clear of all build up. You may be able to hear it click if you manually push on the float.

Clean out sump pump pit the best you can removing any trash or build up. Place sump pump back in the pit, rotate unit to align with drain pipe.

Re-assemble the check valve over the ends of both pipes. Tighten screws.

Plug sump pump back into the outlet. Double check that that outlet has power. I like to tape my plug to the outlet so I know it doesn’t accidentally come unplugged.

Either wait for the pit to fill up part way with water or pour some in. Make certain the sump pump turns on AND turns off. Double check the float mechanism is not obstructed and moves (if applicable) freely.

You have just relieved undo “pressure” from your sump pump which will translate into a longer working life. Worth it? Of course it was.