We our first new home built. In the basement is a sump pit. Last week I was smelling a musty smell and it came from the area of the sump pit. I open the pit and there seems to be alot of dirt in it and I think it has been there since we built the house in 2006. We know nothing about sump pits. Are the sump pits supposed to be cleaned out? I think the contractor installed it and left the dirt in it. Our home was built on a hillside and we don't even have the need for the pit. I think there were rubber totes stacked on the pit and in moving some of them around, it allowed the musty smell to excape. Please advise if the dirt and stuff is normal in the pit and should we clean it out?

Thanks....... I feel foolish for not knowing the answers.

most new construction requires the builder to install this interior water management system which includes a pump pit. If there is no sign of any water entering this pit then there is no reason to worry about the dirt. Usually if a pump is required they install a plastic crock within the pit and surround it with gravel etc. In your case it sounds like no crock was installed. No big thing. You can purchase a piece of treated plywood that will cover the hole. Seal the opening with this board and use adhesive caulk to hold it down. This will help stop the odors and also help prevent radon from entering into the basement. If in the future you ever need this because water is entering the home, then the plywood can be scraped off and the pit can be readied to accept a pump if needed.
I would also suggest that you go to a hardware store, or a big box store such as Home Depot and purchase a home radon test kit. It is wise to check every few years for this deadly gas.
Just follow the instructions on the paperwork that comes with the kit.