How often should you clean your sump pit and check valve?

Skipping it eventually leads to water damage or an expensive repair.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

Silt, gravel, and debris settle in the sump pit and can jam the float or clog the intake. The check valve on the discharge line keeps pumped water from draining back; a failed one makes the pump short-cycle.

1. Unplug the pump and lift it out of the pit.
2. Scoop out silt, gravel, and debris from the bottom of the pit.
3. Rinse the pump intake screen and confirm the float moves freely.
4. Check the check valve on the discharge line; if you hear water rushing back after the pump stops, it's failing and needs replacing.

Alternatives & optional extras

• A pit with a lid and a sealed gasket collects far less debris and controls radon and humidity.
• Pair this with the operation test so you clean and confirm it works in one trip to the basement.

Time: 30 minutes · Typical cost: Free to clean; $10–$20 for a check valve

If you skip it

A silted pit jams the float and clogs the intake, and a failed check valve makes the pump cycle constantly and wear out.

Other sump pump maintenance

• Test sump pump operation — every 3 months

Related systems to keep on schedule

• Water softener — start with: check and refill water softener salt, once a month
• Water filtration system — start with: replace water filtration cartridges, every 6 months
• Septic system — start with: pump septic tank, every 3 years
• Well water system — start with: test well water quality, once a year