What Is a Sump Pump and How Do I Unclog It?

A sump pump is a device that is used to remove water that has accumulated in a sump pit. A sump pit is usually located in the basement of a home. The water is typically pumped out of the pit and away from the home, to prevent flooding. So, let’s have a look at how to unclog sump pump.

If you’ve ever had a sump pump go out on you, then you know just how important it is to have one. A sump pump is responsible for removing water from your basement or crawlspace, so when it goes out, that water can quickly become a major problem. In this guide, we will teach you how to unclog a sump pump. We’ll cover everything from what to do if the clog is in the pipe to how to clear the pump itself. So whether you’re dealing with a minor clog or a full-blown disaster, we’ve got you covered!

If your sump pump becomes clogged, it will need to be cleaned out in order to continue functioning properly. In this article, we will show you how to unclog a sump pump, so that you can keep your home dry and free of flooding.

You already know how vital a sump pump is to your house, and you’re reading this now. There are times when we encounter difficulties that prevent our pumps from functioning as expected. This may be catastrophic for a completely healthy home.

The first step is to identify the source of the clog. The most common cause of clogs is debris that has gotten into the pump. This can include leaves, twigs, dirt, and other small objects. If you see any of these things in the pit, you will need to remove them before proceeding.

What factors influence a sump pump’s clogging?

The most common reasons for a sump pump clogging include an open sump pump lid, silt accumulation, blocked strainer, corrosion or scaling, and frozen discharge.

• The sump pump’s lid is open.

A pump lid for an open sump pump is a magnet for everything from toys to plastics and other items that you’ve kept for storage. Toys, plastics, and other objects you’ve stored will most likely end up in the pit, which is established at the basement’s lowest level.

An airtight sump pump lid should be installed in an attempt to prevent objects, pets, and children from falling. It also prevents moisture and gases from escaping. Furthermore, if you have a submersible pump, the noise levels will substantially improve.

• There’s a lot of silt in the water.

Groundwater from outside your home seeks to enter your property through tiny fissures in its walls. Silt, which it carries throughout this process, is little dirt particles that progressively settle at the bottom. When there’s enough of it, it will clog up the system.

Once a year, clean out the sump pit’s bottom for silt and other debris that may get into the pump. If there’s too much mud, consider adding an inch or two of gravel to improve drainage. If there’s anything you can do about it, look for the source of the silt.

• Strainer clogged

Some sump pumps include strainers at the water intake near the pump’s lower end. This part is used to remove larger particles that may become caught in the pump’s impeller. If the strainer hasn’t been cleaned for a long time, dirt, rust, pebbles, and other debris might build upon it.

Once or twice a year, clear out the strainer to ensure that your pump’s effectiveness isn’t impeded even if it is still completely covered with debris.

• Corrosion or scaling are other common causes of the problem.

After a few years, the inside of a metallic discharge pipe will corrode or form scales as a result of all the water that has passed through it. This may be hard to treat and might require the application of special chemicals to achieve the desired effect. More severe situations may require complete pipe replacement to prevent future issues.

• A frozen discharge

During the winter, the discharge pipe is susceptible to freezing. A downward sloping pipe outside is an excellent method to prevent this. This guarantees that all of the water goes down the drain completely.

If you live in a cold climate, the pipes may be buried below the frost line to preserve them from freezing. It not only decreases the probability of frozen pipes, but it also maintains the appearance of your house.

How to Unclog Sump Pumps

• Remove the pipes that are clogged with trash.

Examine the discharge pipes for anything that is blocking the outlet. It might be ice from the winter or a stuck animal. A plumber’s snake can also be used to remove any obstructions within the pipes. Remove all items and attempt filling the sump pit with water by allowing a hose to fill it. If the water level drops, you

• Clean out the sump pit and intake strainer.

Open the basin’s lid. Examine the sides and bottom of the pit for excessive silt buildup or any objects blocking the pump intake strainer. Remove as much silica as feasible, as well as any obstructions in the strainer’s immediate vicinity. Check for an improvement in performance.

• Remove any debris from the pump’s inlet and impeller.

Disconnect the pump’s connections and remove it from the pit. Check for any debris in the suction eye and remove it. Examine the impeller within the suction eye for any obstructions and remove them. Reinstall the pump and its connections, then test it.

• Look for any additional problems.

If your pump isn’t removing water, it’s not necessarily a clogged one. Do you have a weeping hole drilled in the discharge to free trapped air? Is your check valve properly positioned? You could try our troubleshooting guide for additional causes if your pump isn’t working.

• Call the plumber

It’s time to call in the pros when all else fails. It may cost you, but it’ll certainly be less expensive than water damage repairs.

How to Avoid Further Problems

• Back up your sump pump if you haven’t already.

When you back up your sump pump, it ensures that you’ll still be protected even if something goes wrong. It maintains a dry basement while you work to resolve the issue.

• Sewage pump

Sump pumps are only intended to remove clear water. If you can’t prevent solids from entering your pit, a sewage pump may be useful to avoid any problems. It can handle up to 2″ in diameter of solids without issue.