DIY guideSump pump

Clear the silt and debris out of the sump pit

Unplug the sump pump, scoop the silt and stones out of the pit, brush its inlet screen, check the float moves, and test it.

7 steps

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Unplug the sump pump, and the backup if there is one, before your hands go near the pit.
Dry hands. Hold the plug, not the cord.
Take the lid off the pit and set it aside.
Scoop the silt, stones and anything that fell in into a bucket, keeping clear of the float.
Wear rubber gloves: the water can carry germs.
If the pump has a screen round its base, brush it clean with an old toothbrush.
Lift the float gently: it should rise and fall freely, touching nothing.
Lid back on, plug the pump in, and pour a bucket of water in: it should start, empty the pit and stop.
It won't start, hums, or runs and won't stop: ask Handyman for a plumber.

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