The sump pit collects grit, gravel, and sludge over time, and a dirty pit shortens the pump's life. An occasional cleaning keeps the float free and the pump ready for the next storm.
The safety
Unplug the pump and make sure it cannot run while your hands are in the pit, and use gloves and a light.
The removal
Lift the pump out and set it aside, then scoop or vacuum the sediment and debris from the bottom of the pit.
The check
Clean the intake screen and check the float moves freely, then set the pump back on a clean, level base.
The test
Fill the pit with water to confirm the pump starts and stops at the right levels. hard water is common across the region, and older neighborhoods still have galvanized supply lines In Roanoke, do this before the wet season.
The test
After cleaning, pour water in to confirm the float starts and stops the pump at the right levels. A clean pit with a stuck float is still a flood.
The call
If the pump or the float is failing, call 888-217-3585 and Roanoke Plumbing Helpers will match you with a Roanoke pro.
Plumbing in Roanoke: what to know
In Roanoke, hard water is common across the region, and older neighborhoods still have galvanized supply lines. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Roanoke city County — from Vinton, Salem and Rocky Mount to ZIP codes like 24016, 24011, 24022 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Roanoke?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Roanoke Plumbing Helpers will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Roanoke.