How to Clean out a Sump Pit

Sump pits can become nasty and gooey. If you have never cleaned a sump pit, you do not know what you have been missing. Cleaning your sump pit is the activity for which you have always longed. The process is actually pretty simple. You’ll just need to remove the sump pump from the pit, vacuum out the standing water, and remove any debris.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Disconnecting the Pump

  1. Image titled Clean out a Sump Pit Step 1
    1
    Ensure that all systems that drain to the pit are out of use and locked. For example, if your companion starts to wash clothes while the pump is off, you will have a flood.[1]
  2. Image titled Clean out a Sump Pit Step 2
    2
    Get adequate lighting for the project. Basements and utility rooms are usually too dark to see the bottom of the pit.
    • Use a flashlight or headlamp to help you see what you’re doing as you work.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Clean out a Sump Pit Step 3
    3
    Disconnect the power to the sump pump. Unplug the sump pump and turn off the breaker that powers the pump just to be safe.
  4. Image titled Clean out a Sump Pit Step 4
    4
    Disconnect the pump motor from the discharge pipe and lift it out of the pit.
  5. Image titled Clean out a Sump Pit Step 5
    5
    Place the pump in a bucket or wrap it in heavy plastic. That way you can carry it outdoors without dripping sludge on your carpet or flooring.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Cleaning the Pump and Pit

  1. Image titled Clean out a Sump Pit Step 6
    1
    Scrape and wash sludge and crud off the exterior of pump. Rinse off the pump with a hose outside. Scrape off any stubborn, caked-on grime with a putty knife or plastic scraper.[3]
    • When you’re finished cleaning the pump, let it air dry outside.
  2. Image titled Clean out a Sump Pit Step 7
    2
    Use a wet-vac/shop-vac to remove all the remaining water from the pit. [4]
  3. Image titled Clean out a Sump Pit Step 8
    3
    Remove any bricks you find at the bottom of the pit. Set them aside for now.[5]
  4. Image titled Clean out a Sump Pit Step 9
    4
    Scrape and scoop out debris and sludge. This sludge is detergent and soap residue if you have a washer or shower draining to the sump. The odor could make you feel nauseous.[6]
    • Wear a mask while you work if the smell is bad.
  5. Image titled Clean out a Sump Pit Step 10
    5
    Replace the bricks, reconnect the pump, and reconnect the power to the pump. Restore any drainage systems to the sump pump.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How often should you clean your sump pump pit?
    David Balkan
    David Balkan
    Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main
    David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award.
    David Balkan
    David Balkan
    Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main
    Expert Answer
    Try to clean out your sump pump pit around once or twice a year, if you can. Over time, grit or dirt can get into the sump, which can foul the pump.
  • Question
    What do you use to clean a sump pit?
    David Balkan
    David Balkan
    Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main
    David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award.
    David Balkan
    David Balkan
    Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main
    Expert Answer
    It's very simple! All you really need is a set of gardening gloves and a couple of regular household wrenches.
  • Question
    Can I put bleach in a sump pump to clean it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I would use CLR. Bleach has chlorine, which can initiate or accelerate corrosion of some components.
Advertisement

Warnings

  • When re-positioning the sump pump in the pit, be sure that the float is freely moving. If it becomes stuck, your pump will either stay on and burn up or stay off and flood your house.

    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Wet vac
  • Bucket
  • Scraper
  • Tools to disconnect drainage pipe
  • Rubber gloves
  • Face mask

You Might Also Like

Easy & Effective Ways to Clean Dirty Coins at Home
Clean Your Computer System
How to
Clean Your Computer System
How to
Clean Windows
Clean a Fish Tank
How to
Clean a Fish Tank
Construct a Small Septic System
How to
Construct a Small Septic System
Install a Septic System
How to
Install a Septic System
Install a Sump Pump
How to
Install a Sump Pump
Unclog a Main Sewer Line Without a Snake
How to
Unclog a Main Sewer Line Without a Snake
Find a Sewer Line
How to
Find a Sewer Line
Clean a Septic Tank
How to
Clean a Septic Tank
Unclog Your Septic Tank
How to
Unclog Your Septic Tank
Install a Sump Pump Check Valve
How to
Install a Sump Pump Check Valve
What to Put in Septic Tank to Break Down SolidsWhat to Do (and Not Do) to Break Down Solids in a Septic Tank
Use a Submersible Pump
How to
Use a Submersible Pump
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.dribot.com/blog/our-blog-1/post/how-to-clean-your-sump-pit-4
  2. ↑ David Balkan. Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main. Expert Interview. 29 April 2021.
  3. ↑ https://www.mrrooter.com/about/blog/2019/april/how-to-clean-a-sump-pump/
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gpWQQXYoqY
  5. ↑ https://www.dribot.com/blog/our-blog-1/post/how-to-clean-your-sump-pit-4
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gpWQQXYoqY

About This Article

David Balkan
Co-authored by:
David Balkan
Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main
This article was co-authored by David Balkan and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award. This article has been viewed 236,012 times.
10 votes - 90%
Co-authors: 15
Updated: July 14, 2022
Views: 236,012
Categories: Waste Removal Systems
Advertisement