Basement floor drains don t get a lot of attention until the sewer backs up or the basement smells like an outhouse.
Maintenance basement floor drain.
Indoor floor drains capture overflow from sinks toilets tubs water heaters washing machines etc.
Before we move on to learning how to unclog a basement floor drain let s take a look at some of the things that can ruin your sewer system s smooth operation a lot of things can contribute to your basement floor drain getting clogged.
Outdoor floor drains quickly move water away from surfaces during and after heavy rainstorms.
Reasons for a basement floor drain backing up.
Over time as your floor drain drains water flowing into your home from various sources dirt and debris will begin to build and result in a basement drain clogged with an obstruction.
A basement drain is one of those things you don t really think about until it isn t working.
The purpose of the drain is to prevent water from flooding this area of the home.
Floor drains are often installed in the lowest lying area of a basement environment.
The concrete floor around the drain gently slopes towards.
Just like other drains these can collect scum and debris and require regular cleaning and maintenance.
Whether indoors or outdoors floor drains are designed to efficiently and safely direct water to a sewer or municipal storm drain so that the floor stays dry and rooms don t flood.
Floor drains are most often installed during original construction often in the utility area to drain away excess water in the basement.
Many basement floor drains tie directly to the home s sewer system but in some communities local building codes require floor drains to run to a sump pit where a pump lifts the water to the exterior surface of the house.
As with any plumbing a floor drain will need some regular maintenance to avoid clogs.
If the basement leaks the water should be sent out through the drain before it is ever able to puddle up on the floor however these drains are not the best waterproofing system to have installed in a home and they often.
When you suddenly have an inch of dirty water in your basement floor isn t the best time to notice that the drain needs to be cleaned out.
Basement clogged drain tips many basements have floor drains that will remove wastewater from washing machines air conditioners water heaters and other things like vehicles covered in snow.