How to Break Up Laundry Soap Enzymes in a Sump Pump

Open and clean the sump pump and connected plumping. Using the screwdriver, remove the covering plate underneath the sump pump. On most devices this is the location of the screen where the pump pushes through water. Running laundry backup through the unit over a short period of time can lead to detergent buildup on the screen and filter. Using a disposable rag wipe clean the screen, filter and any other components.

Run cleaning solution through sump pump. A cleaning solution such as Bio-Clean is designed for this purpose. Bio-Clean is a cleaning solution that is a blend of enzymes and bacteria. The solution is designed to be nonpoisonous, devoid of heat and fumes and does not require heating. It is safe to living organisms but designed to eat away at chemical buildup in plumbing and drains. The cleaning solution typically takes one to two days to dissolve buildup.

Flush with white vinegar. White vinegar is highly acidic and has cleaning properties for removing buildup of waste, clumps and general refuse collecting in plumbing. Flushing the sump pump with hot water and two cups of white vinegar will help dissolve buildup. For regular cleaning with white vinegar, prepare a solution of one gallon of vinegar and two gallons of water. Flush the sump pump with this liquid mix every six months.

Regularly run the sump pump. Sump pump maintenance is important to keep the piping, filter and screen from gathering buildup such as soap enzymes. One of the aspects of maintenance is to regularly run a flow of water through the pump. Set the sump pump in a sink basin or area where water can be filled high enough to trigger the pump's water evacuation and allow it to run. Performing this maintenance at least twice every six months will keep it clean and void of buildup.