How to Clean and Maintain Sump Pump - Remove Iron Ochre (Bacteria)

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hey everyone - thanks for watching this video! I'm the one filming the video and learning from Bryan (@bry3574) from TC Hafford as I was filming. Should you have questions that you're not able to find the answers for in this video or in the comments, Bryan and the folks from TC Hafford are a great source for help. :) www.tchaffordbasementsystems.com

[@Holly-days]

Fantastic! Have lived with sump pumps in our basements for years never knowing this! Thank you so much.

[@coniccinoc]

Just gave this product a go. Easy procedure and worked beautifully. Musty smell is gone. It was helpful and kind of you to post this video, much appreciated.

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Thanks for the update! I'm happy it worked well for you! :-)

[@stanleykyree9552]

i know I am kinda randomly asking but does anyone know of a good website to stream newly released series online ?

[@caseyreid3287]

@Stanley Kyree Try FlixZone. Just search on google for it :)

[@johnathanrudy7049]

@Casey Reid Yup, have been watching on FlixZone for months myself =)

[@stanleykyree9552]

@Casey Reid thanks, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there =) Appreciate it !

[@debfreeman120]

Lisa you did a great job asking questions and sharing this video. Bryan was great explaining how to clean the Sump Pump. I looked at several videos and this one was straight to the point and simple to follow instructions. Thanks to you and Iron Man! LOL :)

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Oh that's so great to hear Deb!! I'm glad the video was helpful! Finally all my question asking paid off! LOL My kids give me crap all the time about how I ask too many questions to folks I don't even know like I'm interviewing them. LOLOL Hey, maybe I missed my calling in life. :-) Thanks for your comment too!

[@cathyray1961]

Thank you so much. I knew nothing about sump pumps and no one I know has one. I've been living in my house 22 years and never cleaned it. It was starting to smell, yuck! I'm glad I found this video!

[@robinlynch2839]

Thank you for posting!!!!! my sump pump had to be replaced because it was so clogged with the rust. This will be a great maintenance product to use.

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Thanks Robin for your comment! We have been using this product since we had the pump installed (same time frame as this video was posted) and our system has stayed looking pretty new. It works well!

[@bluemiller7587]

thank you for posting this. we moved to the suburbs 2.5 years ago and have never done anything with our sump pump. we will be doing this for sure.

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're welcome!

[@MrPresidentGeek]

We live in Michigan...marsh country by and large. Our sump gets this stuff. For years we were fighting it and our plumber about five years ago recommended Iron Out. Works great! Thing is, I have to clean ours about three times a week or a section of the pipe will get clogged enough that it'll slow the process of removing water from the pit. I used to clean it once, then twice, a week. Neither was enough. Our pit gets a steady flow of this ochre all the time. Outside of the Iron Out, I take a three gallon pale, put a little OxiClean in it, then fill it nearly to the top with hot water. After initial treatment with the Iron Out, I'll dump the hot water solution in the pit, plug the pump in and let it run just enough to get the hot water and Iron Out in the pipes. I unplug it, let it sit a couple of minutes to treat the pipes, then plug it back in and let it drain. After that, I run water through the pit where it flushes the pit out four more times just to get as much of that ochre out as possible.

[@bry3574]

Hey this is Bryan with T C Hafford Basement Systems. It sounds like you're doing a really good job in maintaining you sump pump. Keep up the good work!

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

What Bryan said!!

[@vivianpage2019]

Thanks for posting! So helpful especially for new home owners like myself.

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're quite welcome Vivian! We had shot the video for my son who also is a new homeowner - I'm glad we did! Congratulations and thanks for your comment!

[@bry3574]

Hey Vivian I'm glad you saw that video I just noticed that I'm glad it was helpful to you

[@ronjobin560]

Brian from TC Hafford in Wells Maine is the expert in this Iron Ochre removal in your sump pump. He has found a winning formula keeping your pump clean with Iron Out Powder Rust Stain Remover. This stuff really works. Call these guys if you are in Southern Maine and you want the best basement solution and maintenance.

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

I agree! I need to post TC's contact information in the video's description!

[@gailrussell7595]

Just the video I have been looking for.

[@eddymumford4086]

I was wondering if I could stick my pump in a bucket with sand and run the sand though the bottom of pump for 15 minutes to get 30 years of iron out

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hi! I'm the one filming the video and learning as I was filming. I'm sorry, I don't know the answers to your question but the guy in the video will. He's from this company: www.tchaffordbasementsystems.com

[@Speedytrip]

Just keep in mind that Iron Out is not biodegradable, so depending on where your drain water ends up going, you might want to reconsider. After a little research "Clenit" seems to have a biodegradable product for this, but I'll have to dig a bit more.

[@joleencox5900]

If you ave hard water using Iron out on white clothes is AMAZING!! I use it in my toilet tank as well and it is just a miracle in a bottle! One of the best products ever for homes with hard well water

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Thank you for sharing this, Joleen!

[@bry3574]

Also, if you have rust stains on concrete. That work awesome!

[@lesanderson3926]

We had the water guard drain tile system with the super sump installed in our basement in 2016, after Iron Ochre had completely plugged our original drain tile system, we had standing water on our floor and Iron Ochre all over the place. The new system works great. Our installer also told us to use iron out to treat the system. We have two access caps in each corner, and we flood the sump and drain tile, and then pour the iron out into each corner. Turn the sump pump back on and flush the drain tile with a garden hose, then clean the sump. We do that 3 or 4 times a year.

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Wow, Les, this is great info! I'll pass it on to Giovanni. Thanks for sharing!!

[@babewhowalks]

U can use an electric power washer to, and stick it in your corner drains, use hot water..hot water kills iron ochre

[@bobbyg7552]

Who installed the water guard drain tile system for you?

[@lesanderson3926]

@@bobbyg7552 ABS Foundations in Hilton NY

[@sommasculpture]

What about the pipes leading to the sump pits? This will only help the drainage pipe

[@revestego3019]

thats because basement systems sucks and they have no idea what theyre doing.

[@xpert1111]

Will not do anything for pipes. Even the drain pipe will not be cleaned properly. He is only cleaning the pit. The pipes need to be cleaned periodically. The only way to do this is by using a Clog Hog with a pressure washer back and forth till clean water comes out.

[@kaltrex9465]

What causes yellow tint discharge? What else can I put in the pit if I don’t have iron out or something degradable ?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hi! I'm the one filming the video and learning as I was filming. I'm sorry, I don't know the answers to your question but the guy in the video will. He's from this company: www.tchaffordbasementsystems.com

[@jeffwhite5723]

Thank You Thank You Thank you..... Man this was very easy to do and very effective. I been battling this for awhile. Worked excellent.

[@leroyrobbert3766]

OUT.....is "outstanding" It really shocks me to think that this easy solution to a fairly serious water problem is unknown to so many plumbers. It was by accident that I stumbled on this presentation. It has saved our basement from disaster. When I spoke to my plumber before discovering OUT..... I was told you'll never get rid if that....get used Michigan Iron Ochre. That plumbers is stealing homeowners money by hiding the truth. I may try using hotwater in the future. But for now...I am ready to be a Salesman! Mr. OUT standing- lee Lee Robbert

[@MD062010]

thank you so much! you solved the mystery of my stinky sump pump! The iron stuff worked amazingly! Also added some oxyclean- that apparently kills the bacteria too! much appreciated!

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

That's awesome! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@MD062010]

@@IamLisaMariaCantalupo today, I went down into the basement family room- and it no long smells like a basement! again, thank you! =) Has adding the iron remover everything helped prevent it from coming back?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

@@MD062010 I'm not the expert in this topic (Bryan in the video is) but I can tell you that my son does this treatment periodically to keep it clean. Bryan came back to the house at the beginning of this year to fix something else and he marveled at how clean our sump pump tank/basin was. Lol Bryan may mention in the video how often to clean it - I'll have to watch it again myself - I don't remember. I can ask my son too what he does. I hope I answered your question!

[@nova31337]

@@IamLisaMariaCantalupo He mentioned in the video doing it once a month. He used a lot because it needed a deep cleaning. Once it's deep cleaned you only have to use a little each month to keep it looking good. 👍🏻

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

@@nova31337 thank you!

[@SaRa-rc6sc]

My sump pump is clogged so after they come fix it i will use this to keep it cleaner . Man thanks its smelly water so hope this will help . TY for Posting this .✌️💛👏

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're welcome! Good luck getting rid of stinky water!

[@heatherlawrence1896]

Great job! One thing i do want to say..... It is dangerous to inhale the powder from iron out. On the label is says not to inhale.

[@daniloalbi8673]

Thanks Lisa .. appreciate your answer

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're welcome, danilo! Be well!

[@nellydude255]

The holes in the crock are for what again? I'm not sure I clearly understood. Thanks!

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hi Jake! Around the 3:00 minute mark, Bryan answered my question about the holes, "they allow water to come into the liner so it can get pumped out". I'm the one asking the questions in the video (not the expert). My assumption is the water he's referring to is the water that comes from the French Drain system that runs along the interior perimeter of the basement under the floor. Great question - thanks for asking it!

[@nellydude255]

@@IamLisaMariaCantalupo Ahh Thank you! I do not have the Drain Tile in my basement so I don't believe the Crock has holes. After watching this video I purchased the Iron Out and reluctantly cleaned my Sump Pump. Looks much better now and will hopefully mitigate the damp odor smell.

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

@@nellydude255 awesome! We made the video for my son who wasn't able to be at home when Bryan had come to service the sump pump. This was some years back and my son has been using this stuff to clean the basin regularly and faithfully. He must have the cleanest basin around 😂

[@coniccinoc]

Seems like an excellent tip. I am going to give it a try. Thank you for the advice : )

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Thanks for the comment! It works very well! It's become part of our sump pump maintenance routine. :)

[@maidendragonfly]

Thank you so much! Ive been wondering how to clean out my toilet's tank.

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're very welcome!! ♥

[@bobbyg7552]

If iron ochre will clog the outgoing pipes, is it clogging the drain tile around the house??

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hi @bobbyg7552! That's a great question. My son had to have TC Hafford clean out the French drains in the basement at his house because the iron ochre did clog them up. I believe it's something he does routinely but I'm not certain. I hope that helps!

[@bobbyg7552]

Thank you

[@cmangiapane5846]

Great information and tutorial - thank you so much!!! 😊

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're very welcome!! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@starladixon9656]

Wowww

[@Mike-zy8in]

Thank you very much.. utube; are you a good person by living waters my friends

[@franklindsay1534]

this was a big help. thank you

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're welcome!

[@darrell214]

Great video. Just had a sump pump installed under our home in Feb, but now it looks to be filled with iron ochre. Is there a more permanent solution other than using "Iron Out" (or equivalent) every month? Asking because our crawl space is only 3' high.

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

@darrell214 thanks for the question. I'm not certain as to how to best answer other than to tell you that my son has been cleaning his sump pump basin out with this stuff and faithfully. His pump is running continuously too. He even used it to clean out a clog in the French Drain recently and calls the folks at TC Hafford for routine cleaning of them as well. www.tchaffordbasementsystems.com They may be able to advise you best. Thanks again and good luck!

[@urasssmine]

Very helpful tip . Thanks

[@bullrunfan514]

Been using Iron Out for many years. Works great but my pipes ( 1-1/2” pvc ) are do blocked, you can maybe stick your pinky in. Will the powder clear this if I add some on a monthly basis ? Thanks.

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hi! I'm sorry but I do not know the answer to your question. Bryan and the folks at T.C. Hafford probably do: www.tchaffordbasementsystems.com

[@suzp8627]

I just had my sump pump replaced now I have a Metally stinky smell not quite like p00p but I don’t know why- I never smelled it before the sump pump change- my pump is covered will it help if I flushed and pour in the sink that’s directly to it❓

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

@suzp8627 I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to your question but I bet if you contacted Bryan and folks at TCHafford (the person in the video doing the cleaning), they would be able to advise. www.tchaffordbasementsystems.com

[@stevek8260]

Hi. Thanks for the video ! My basin like yours is always filled with this Iron ochre crap. I’ve had my discharge pipe and drain piping get gunked with it twice in two years. Had to have a professional come out and clean it both times. Will routinely doing this also help prevent the build up in the piping?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hi Steve! Thanks for dropping a comment and question. I believe it does help keep the pipes clean. I shot the video at my son's house and as far as I know, he hasn't had any issues with the pipes.

[@stevek8260]

Hi again Lisa. Great , hopefully it helps ! And i’ve been checking around online but I can’t seem to find a useful answer. I imagine this would be ok to use with a Zoeller sump pump?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

​@@stevek8260 Hi Steve! Regarding the sump pump, I don't remember what brand pump my son had/has. Plus, I'm the one asking all the questions in the video (Bryan is the one answering them and the expert). We made the video for my son who wasn't able to be present so I wouldn't have to remember everything. LOL I'll ask my son about his pump though.

[@bry3574]

When you clean your pump and pipes out iron out once a month and you shouldn't have a problem

[@brendajohnston3236]

how do you get the top off to get access?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

@brendajohnston3236 this was taken at my son's house years ago...I'm sorry but I don't remember. I know my sump pump basin cover pretty much just lifts up and off.

[@todd_2692]

great but what about the french drain leading into the crock?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hi Todd, thanks for commenting with a question. I'm the one asking all the questions in the video (not the expert) so I'm not able to answer. However, I do know my son hired Bryan's company to take care of and clean out the French drains in their basement. The company's web address is in the video description. You could reach out to them with your question.

[@joiblake2804]

best video ever!!!!

[@daniloalbi8673]

Hi Lisa , good video ... I need to replace my sump pump and the well is messed up with weeds.. can I ask how much you pay to call the guy who did this great job ?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hello Danilo! I'm sorry but I don't know what the cost was to replace the pump. I suspect that information might be available on their website or perhaps give the company a call. We had a few different companies come out to estimate the job. Their prices were competitive and everyone working for them, were quite friendly.

[@vivihumusic]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're welcome! 💜

[@MrRandal255]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@Returntothesoil]

Is that safe to use if we have a septic?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

hello @erinjohnson8140! Great question! I'm pretty certain it is but I suggest you confirm that by checking out the website for the product: summitbrands.com/iron-out-rust-stain-removers/powder/ Please let us know what you learn! Thanks!

[@foreverfree56]

I have an auxiliary sump pump pit with no drainpipe. The water comes from the main pit and the backup system kicks in when the water rises and the alarm goes off. Why is there sludge in my backup pit? some gravel and sludge? There is none of this in the main pit. Any ideas?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hey Thomas, thanks for commenting with a question. Unfortunately I don't know the answer but Bryan may. Sometimes he checks the comments but you could email or call the company he works for. Their web address is in this video's description.

[@MikeDuffyPersonalTraining]

Great video! Thank you!

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@NRB_75]

Hey hows it going? What kind of routine clean would you do for an injector pit?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hello! Great question and one I wish I had the answer to. Maybe the folks at TC Hafford may know the answer? Sorry I can't be of more help. www.tchaffordbasementsystems.com

[@mayra.veronica]

Do we need the pressure release device or can we just clean it without that?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hi Mayra, that's a great question - thanks for asking! Unfortunately, it's a question that I don't have an answer to at this time (I'm not the expert here). Bryan may. I'll try to find out from him.

[@eddymumford4086]

it has a loud humming not enough to piss anymore off but it is kinda annoying 😕😁😁😁

[@dellalyn9918]

Thanks for asking if you can leave the pump in while you clean it...Not wanting to take it apart...lol

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're welcome! Funny but this video was not planned nor was it scripted. I shot it so that I could show my son when he got home...it was too much information for me to tell him (it was his home). I'm shocked at how helpful this video has been and to so many. :)

[@davidkierzkowski]

Okay, so the big PVC dumping into my sump is 25% full of iron slime. How do I clean that out?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Good question Radio Dave! I haven't an answer for you unfortunately. I'll ask Giovanni for you though to see what he does!

[@babewhowalks]

Mix a gallon of the rust remover and dump it-the entire gallon in each floor drain in your basement, you may only have one floor drain, they are normally in a corner, then one near your furnace hot water heater area, those lead to your sump pump

[@samanthahanson736]

Does this work if the pump is clogged

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hi Samantha! So the pump is clogged with Iron Ochre already and you want to know if the Iron Out will help to dissolve that clog. I don't have an answer for that at the moment BUT there are a lot of tips and wisdom left by others in the comments. Maybe someone has already provided the answer. I'm sorry I can't be of more help.

[@bry3574]

It depends on how clogged it is. Tou may have to take the pump apart and scrape it. On a new pump, if you treat it with iron out, no scraping needed.

[@Dacosta1991]

What sump pump is that ?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Thanks for asking. I don't know the answer but I believe that pump has since been replaced and unfortunately, I don't know with what. If that's something you would like to know, I'll ask my son. :)

[@bry3574]

That is called a super sump with a zoeller pump

[@ruschm]

Thank you for posting this! Our sump pumps drain into the street and the front of our house looks orange / clay color all down the street. If I use this in the pit, do you think it will eventually clear up this issue? Worried neighbors are going to complain. Thanks!

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're quite welcome! I'm glad we made the video! I'm not the expert here so I'm not 100% certain if using this stuff in the sump pump basin would clear up your stain problem that's happening outside your house....but I think it would, just like it's been cleaning out the pipe where the water exits from our house. I say give it a go (after you read the directions on the bottle just in case there's a warning or something). And chime back in here later and let us know if it cleaned up the street. :) Thanks for commenting!

[@josephstuckey1277]

Did this help with the discoloration ?

[@bry3574]

@@IamLisaMariaCantalupo if you have any questions please call me at TC Hafford

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

@@bry3574 thanks! The link to TC'S website is in this video's description. Would you like the telephone number in the description too?

[@tazmaniataibi]

Very helpful video. I didn't even know about the holes on the inside wow

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Thanks for your comment! Glad it was helpful!

[@ryanwakebradtelle8682]

I tripped into my sump pump face first, it was a pain to get my glasses out but that's not what I'm worried about. I just had my wisdom teeth out and they're almost completely healed but I imagine if there was any bacteria in there that would have and all access pass directly to my bloodstream. I used my antibacterial prescription mouthwash, but it was over 20 minutes later. Have you heard anything about getting sick from water in your sump pump?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Sorry but I just noticed your comment. It's been a month since you posted it... How are you feeling?

[@rickymccaw9058]

😂😂

[@dansprouse2393]

Did u post the r rated video after this?

[@XO0oo]

My sump pump smells like shit what do I do

[@bry3574]

Use oxy clean white revive

[@davepecoraro4767]

Why hasn't the pump started pumping

[@davepecoraro4767]

Not plugged in..

[@kaig8547]

thank you

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

You're welcome, KAI G! ♥

[@AllProVideo]

How can I reach Giovanni?

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Sal Atteo we make a video? Lol

[@Elior1030]

I need that sh** for my pump. Thank you bro

[@sheilastewart3953]

Is the smell toxic or rotten 🤔 Also can you use bleach

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hi Sheila! Great questions - thanks for asking! Unfortunately, I don't know the answers. Maybe someone else can chime in and help to answer?

[@amsveganhaircare6137]

Should you pour this down your drain to remove IRON from the pipes???

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

Hi Amber, Thanks for watching and commenting! I'm the person who shot the video of Bryan so I really cannot answer but here's the product link where you may find out your answer: summitbrands.com/iron-out-rust-stain-removers/powder/

[@amsveganhaircare6137]

I am Lisa Maria Cantalupo great thanks!

[@IamLisaMariaCantalupo]

@@amsveganhaircare6137 you're welcome! Let me know please what you find out!

[@mrzif0013]

No gloves no mask - amazing- My next job/ thanks.

[@sherrymiller8167]

Yeah but he didn’t use hot water why

[@bry3574]

I reason I didn't use hot water is that I wanted people to see the cleaning process. Hot water makes it easier to clean