How To Unclog a Sump Pump: DIY or Call a Pro?

Remove the Sump Pump

Photo: Ozgur Coskun / Adobe Stock

Start by unplugging your sump pump’s electrical connection and detaching the pump’s discharge lines. Once it’s unplugged and detached, lift the pump from the sump basin. To clean the sump pump, use a rag to wipe it down. If it’s really dirty, take it outside and hose it off with water. It’s a good idea to place the sump pump into a large bucket or inside a trash bag to collect any water drips and prevent a mess on the floor.

Clear Any Clogs From the Discharge Lines

Use a flashlight to look inside the entry and exit of the drain discharge lines. In many instances, the reason why a sump pump is not working or draining is because of large pebbles and other debris getting lodged in the lines. This prevents water from entering and exiting the discharge lines from the sump pit. As part of your regular sump pump maintenance, it’s a good idea to check the entry and exit of your discharge lines to ensure they’re clear.

Remove Sediment From Inside the Discharge Lines

When your sump pump brings in water from outside, it can also bring in dirt, sand, and other sediment, which builds up over time. Sometimes, the sediment will build up near the front of the discharge lines, which you can easily scoop out by hand or scrape out with a screwdriver. 

But you might discover the blockage is further in the lines, making it not-so-easy to reach. In this case, you can use a wet/dry shop vac or a drain snake to help clear the clog.

Test the Lines

Once the discharge lines are free of any clogs and blockage, test them to make sure they drain easily. Fill a large bucket with water—about five gallons—and empty it into the sump pit. If water comes out of the drains, it means the clog is cleared. If the water is still pooling in the pit or it drains slowly, you might have a partial blockage.

Reconnect the Sump Pump

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Once your drains are cleared, reattach the sump pump to the discharge lines and power source. Place the sump pump in the sump basin, making sure it’s centered and level. Plug the sump pump back in to turn it on.

Again, fill the sump pit with about five gallons of water to test that the pump works and is attached properly to the discharge lines. Once the pit is filled with water, it should activate the pump’s system to drain the water. If the sump pump is not working, you may have reinstalled it incorrectly or the discharge lines could still be blocked.