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-   -   The bottom well of my sump pump is black and Slimy Scum How to rid? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=533799)

  • Dec 11, 2010, 02:12 PM
    lizlvgolf20
    The bottom well of my sump pump is black and Slimy Scum How to rid?
    The bottom well of my sump pump is black and Slimy Scum… how do I get rid of.
    The hose from the air conditioner, drains into my Sump pump . It was a clear hose … now it is black . I believe the black fungus is growing up the pipe. . The black slime feels greasy … Like oil … but does not float on the water. . My main pump and my backup pump are both Black because of it . (they were a celery Green) What can I do ? My prior house always had a clean looking sump pump. I had cleaned it with bleach water. Doesn't go Away!
  • Dec 11, 2010, 07:33 PM
    ma0641
    Not uncommon in either the sump or drain pipe. Water sits there and algae will grow, wastes will accumulate because the sump never completely empties. You can heat up a big pot of boiling water, put some dishwasher powder in the sump, pour the water in and scrub the sump with a long handle brush and agitate the water. Let it sit for a couple of hours and pour water in to activate the pump. Usually will help. The drain line is easier to replace. Get a piece at HD and a barbed connector, push together and put on 2 hose clamps.
  • Dec 11, 2010, 08:35 PM
    lizlvgolf20
    Comment on ma0641's post
    Thanks! I'll give the hot water and Dish soap a try... The hose runs up through 20-25 feet of dropped ceiling. To the Furnace. And through some finished walls.
  • Dec 12, 2010, 07:36 AM
    speedball1

    Good call Ma064,
    I was going to suggest boiling water plus bleach to cut the slime.
    Liz, let us know if that worked. Good luck, Tom

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