Removing iron ochre from your sump pump pit typically involves physically cleaning the pit walls and bottom to eliminate the slimy, rust-colored buildup.
Iron ochre is a gelatinous, sludgy substance formed by iron bacteria reacting with iron and oxygen in groundwater. It can clog drainage systems and sump pumps, leading to system failure. Regularly cleaning your sump pit is essential to prevent blockages and ensure your pump functions correctly.
Understanding Iron Ochre Buildup
Iron ochre appears as an unpleasant, rust-colored sludge or goo. It can:
- Clog the sump pump intake screen.
- Coat the pit walls and floor.
- Accumulate around the base of the pump.
- Emit a musty or sulfur-like odor.
Ignoring this buildup can damage your sump pump and potentially lead to basement flooding.
Methods for Removing Iron Ochre
Several methods can be used to tackle iron ochre in a sump pit, often requiring manual effort and specialized tools.
Method 1: Using a Pressure Washer Sewer Jetter
One effective way to remove stubborn iron ochre is by using a pressure washer sewer jetter. As highlighted in the reference:
A pressure washer sewer jetter is a powerful tool that can be used to remove iron ochre from your sump pump pit. The jetter uses high-pressure water to blast away the sludge and other debris from the walls and bottom of the pit.
This tool connects to a pressure washer and uses a specialized nozzle to direct high-pressure water streams, making it ideal for dislodging the thick, sticky ochre from surfaces.
Steps for using a Jetter:
- Safety First: Ensure the sump pump is unplugged and power to the circuit is off. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye protection, and potentially a respirator if dealing with significant buildup or odors.
- Remove Pump: It's often easiest to remove the sump pump from the pit before cleaning.
- Set Up Jetter: Connect the sewer jetter hose to your pressure washer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the pressure washer is set to an appropriate pressure level for the pit material (avoid excessive pressure on older or fragile pits).
- Blast Away Ochre: Carefully lower the jetter nozzle into the pit. Work from top to bottom, directing the high-pressure water streams to blast the ochre off the walls, floor, and any pipes or inlets within the pit.
- Remove Debris: The high-pressure water will dislodge the ochre, which will settle at the bottom of the pit. Use a shovel, bucket, or wet/dry vacuum to remove the dislodged sludge.
- Rinse: Rinse the pit thoroughly with clean water.
- Reinstall Pump: Once the pit is clean and cleared of debris, reinstall the sump pump and restore power.
Method 2: Manual Cleaning
For lighter buildup or if a jetter isn't available, manual cleaning is an option.
Steps for Manual Cleaning:
- Safety: Unplug the pump and shut off power. Wear PPE (gloves, eye protection).
- Remove Pump: Take the pump out of the pit.
- Scoop/Scrape: Use a small shovel, scoop, or scraping tool to manually remove as much of the ochre as possible from the walls and bottom.
- Scrub: Use a stiff brush (a toilet brush or scrub brush dedicated to this task works well) and water to scrub the remaining ochre off the surfaces. A mild, non-toxic detergent can sometimes help break down the sludge, but rinse thoroughly afterward. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Remove Sludge: Scoop or vacuum the removed sludge and wastewater.
- Rinse: Rinse the pit clean.
- Reinstall Pump: Put the pump back and restore power.
Method 3: Chemical Treatments (Use with Extreme Caution)
Some specialized chemical treatments exist for iron ochre, but they should be used as a last resort and only if specifically designed for sump pumps and drainage systems.
- Caution: Harsh chemicals can damage the sump pump components, pit liner, surrounding soil, and groundwater. Always follow product instructions precisely and ensure proper ventilation. Test in a small area first. Manual and mechanical methods are generally preferred due to environmental concerns and potential damage risks.
Prevention Tips
While complete prevention is difficult if iron bacteria are present in your groundwater, you can take steps to minimize buildup:
- Regular Cleaning: Schedule periodic inspections and cleaning of your sump pit, even before significant buildup occurs.
- Consider a Filter: In some cases, installing a filter in your drain tile system before it reaches the sump pit can help capture iron particles, though this requires professional assessment and might not be suitable for all systems.
- Maintain Drainage: Ensure your exterior drainage (gutters, downspouts) is directing water away from your foundation to reduce the load on your drain tile and sump pump system.
Cleaning iron ochre is a necessary maintenance task for many homes with high iron content in their groundwater. Using tools like a pressure washer sewer jetter or performing thorough manual cleaning can effectively remove the buildup and protect your sump pump system.
