If you have a sump pump in your Central Ohio home, chances are it’s quietly working behind the scenes to protect your basement from flooding. But like any part of your plumbing system, your sump pump maintenance routine needs consistent attention to keep it your pump running smoothly. One of the most overlooked (but critical) tasks is cleaning the sump pump pit itself.
More critically, the buildup of debris can lead to complete system failure, leaving your home vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy rain or rapid snowmelt. This is precisely when you rely on your sump pump the most to protect your basement from water damage, making regular maintenance and cleaning of the pit an essential task for homeowners.
The sump pit is where all the water collects before the pump activates and moves it out of your home. Over time, dirt, sand, debris, and even mold can accumulate in the pit. If that debris makes its way into the pump mechanism, it can block the impeller, overwork the motor, or jam the float switch. That’s a recipe for a plumbing emergency and potential water damage.
We recently helped a homeowner in Gahanna who called us after their sump pump failed during a storm. The culprit? A clogged pit full of mud and gravel. Their pump couldn’t activate, and they ended up with 2 inches of water across the basement floor. Cleaning the pit could have prevented the mess—and the expensive repairs.
Routine cleaning should be done at least once a year, ideally in spring or fall. But if you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to act sooner:
Cleaning your sump pit doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require care and the right tools. If you're up for the task, here's what to expect:
If this sounds like more than you want to handle—or you’re not sure your pump is working as it should—it’s a good idea to call a professional.
Professional plumbers not only clean the sump pit, they also check the entire system for wear, electrical problems, and signs of failure. At Crawford Mechanical Services, we often find issues during routine sump pump system checks that homeowners didn’t realize were developing—like a failing motor or a backup battery that no longer holds a charge.
A quick inspection from an expert can give you confidence your system is ready for the next storm, and it’s especially helpful if your sump pump is more than five years old.
At Crawford Mechanical Services, we proudly serve homeowners throughout Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, and surrounding areas with sump pump cleaning, repair, and replacement services. Schedule your sump pump system check today and make sure your basement stays dry all year long.