How To Fix A Basement Floor Drain
Take the bucket to use it for removing standing water in the basement.
How to fix a basement floor drain. The floor drain must be fully capable of removing water from the surrounding floor space which is usually a basement or garage floor. Push the rod into the drain and pour a small amount of water down behind it. Before plugging it in clear out any standing water in the basement with a bucket and dry the floor with a mop. Locating the area of blockage can be tricky but necessary to successfully unclog the drain.
Continue rodding the drain trying to push slightly further each time. Then use a hose to run water down the drain as you retrieve the cable. You can install a backwater valve also called a backflow valve or check valve in the drainpipe. For floor drains that tie into the sewer backflow is always a concern.
Because of the extensive damage broken drain pipes under basement garage and other slab floors can cause it s vital to detect and quickly act on these types of leaks. In some cases if the concrete floor or tiles are covering it you may need to chisel the floor to get to the screws. Step 3 rod or snake the basement floor drain. When sewage backs up a float in the valve rises and seals the drain.
But if you ve tried this quick fix there must be serious underlying issues. Employ these tips in conjunction with any type of basement drain to reduce help keep your basement dry. Try to push as far as you can until the rod won t go any further. With enough courage place your hand gloves and face mask on to fix the plumbing issues.
The water will help to wash out anything which is causing the blockage. Ask everyone in the house not to use run any water till you unclog the drain. If a clog occurs in the home s main drain line and sewage has nowhere to go it can seep up through the floor drain. The best way to keep water out of your basement is to reduce the amount that seeps in.
Drains can range from 2 to 12 inches in diameter but most have a 4 inch diameter. Ask a building department plumbing inspector about the requirements for replacing a floor drain in your location. Unscrew the drain cover using a screwdriver. Because more often than not clogged drains can be cleared with baking powder and vinegar solution.
Step by step guide to unclog your basement floor drain step 1. The water will flush the debris down the drain and rinse gunk off the cable as you. If you have the time and energy after boring through the clog clean the sides of the pipe by attaching a finishing tool to the cable and running the full length of the cable down the drain. Position the machine within two feet of the drain opening to prevent excess cable from whipping back and forth when the auger runs at full speed.