Best way to clean out sump?

[Enad]

Hi all,

I'm finally feeling motivated to revamp my sump and give it a deep clean - my only issue is I can't figure out the most effective way to drain and clean it. Getting a strong siphon going is difficult given how low it is - I was thinking of trying to get one of those low tubs, which may give me a decent enough angle to get a decent siphon.

I still worry the siphon wouldn't be strong enough to suck up all the gunk and detritus that has built up on the sump floor over the years. I can't really find any good products for sucking out water and debris and I'm not sure a shop vac is really meant to handle saltwater - correct?

In any case, I'm just looking to see if anyone has some clever ideas before I dive into this project.

Thanks!

 

[exnisstech]

Shop VAC works. The water doesn't really come in contact with anything it can damage.

EDIT: I would definitely use a pump of some type for the majority of water and just use shop VAC for the sludge

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

small $20 sicce micro pump empties mine when needed

 

[Enad]

Shop VAC works. The water doesn't really come in contact with anything it can damage.

EDIT: I would definitely use a pump of some type for the majority of water and just use shop VAC for the sludge

Gotcha - yeah easy enough to drain the water with a pump. What would you say is an acceptable amount of water to use with the shop vac to get all the detritus - 2-3"?

small $20 sicce micro pump empties mine when needed

Needs to suck up detritus not just drain - draining is the easy part.

 

[exnisstech]

I would remove as much water as possible with the pump then suck enough sludge so the shop vac isn't too heavy to move then empty and repeat.

 

[spsick]

These rule for such a job!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bucket-...th-5-Gal-Homer-Bucket-BH0100-BH0100/202017218

 

[Enad]

These rule for such a job!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bucket-...th-5-Gal-Homer-Bucket-BH0100-BH0100/202017218

Oh interesting! So you just slap it on top of a HD bucket and you're golden? Sounds like the tool I was looking for - thank you!

 

[spsick]

Oh interesting! So you just slap it on top of a HD bucket and you're golden? Sounds like the tool I was looking for - thank you!

Yup fits on most normal 5g buckets and takes a fair amount of disrespect!