How many are Basement Drain Cleaning Options? Have you observed a recurring water backup around your floor drain? Most likely, it’s partially blocked. Regretfully, things won’t get better.
It must be disposed of. However, if you like doing plumbing projects on your own, here’s how to clear basement floor drains with a basic garden hose!
Now let’s get going at plumbingrepairtips.com.
How Do Floor Drains Work?
A floor drain is a drain pipe that is attached to a sewage line and is positioned on the floor of a home or business building. Its purpose is to let extra water on the floor drain out of the structure, preventing flooding.
For instance, a water heater is nearly invariably placed adjacent to a floor drain due to its large capacity. Therefore, in the event that the tank explodes, the water will drain away, reducing the likelihood of flooding or water damage to the house.
Basement Drain Cleaning Options
Wastewater and groundwater floor drains are the two varieties available.
Wastewater floor drains must be caught and vented since they are connected to the sewer line. This is to keep toxic sewer gases out of the house. Wastewater floor drains are typically seen within houses. One type of wastewater floor drain is a basement floor drain.
When there isn’t a sewage line, groundwater floor drains are used. But because so much trash can get inside of them, they may need additional upkeep. One kind of groundwater floor drain is the French drain.
Methods for Cleaning Basement Floor Drains
When it comes to unclogging floor drains, such as those found in basements, a garden hose can frequently perform the same function as an auger. This is how you do it:
- Remove the basement floor drain cap or strainer (grate).
- Connect the hose to a faucet in the area. A “threaded adapter” may occasionally be required to attach a garden hose to a sink or bathroom faucet.
- After inserting the hose into the drain, cover it with rags.
- Ask someone to assist you in turning on and off the water. Repeat this process to release short bursts of water into the drain until the obstruction is removed.
If it doesn’t work, then
Try these out: if the pressure of the water surge you’re producing is insufficient to remove the obstruction. The issue can be that there isn’t enough water pressure against the clog because of the rags’ inadequate sealing of the opening. Thus, you must purchase a better “seal.”
Ask for a drain cleaning water bladder, a cheap rubber gadget, at a plumbing supply store. It features a hose hookup and looks like a hose nozzle. The device expands against the drainpipe when the water is switched on, directing all of the water’s force into the drain.
How to Clear the Clogged Basement Drain
- Using a screwdriver, remove the drain cover covering. You might need to chip the floor to get to the screws in some cases if the tiles or concrete floor are covering it.
- Examine the drain and the area inside the opening to determine whether there is an obvious blockage. This opening links to the water-filled P-trap. It is what prevents the sewer from releasing gases into the basement.
- Scoop the dirt out of the trap using the wet vacuum. To accomplish this, center the suction hose in the hole. Water enters the P-trap from the drain through this opening. Squeeze out as much debris as you can.
- There is a clean-out plug located on the side of the drain hole. A separate clean-out cap or plug that is 6 to 12 inches away is present in certain residences. Remove this, but if it is stuck, pry it out using your pipe chisel, wrench, or hammer.
- Pull out the drain snake or plumber’s auger, then place it into the clean-out pipe by pressing the tip in. Pull it out gently if you think you have found a clog. However, if you sense a hard object blocking the way during the procedure, it’s most likely the curved portion of the pipe, so keep inserting the auger cable inside. The auger should become attached to the clogs.
- Until there are no more blockages, keep inserting your plumber’s auger and remove the clogs.
- After applying Teflon tape to the threads, replace the clean-out plug.
- Lastly, pour the water from the bucket into the drain. If you’ve been successful in clearing it, the water ought to flow out without any issues.
Final Thoughts
I had no idea a garden hose could be so useful and adaptable. With a little assistance from a buddy and some rags, you can unclog basement floor drains and prevent water damage to your house from a flooded basement, all while saving money.
Remember that you can attempt to use a power or hand auger if the hose stops working. If it doesn’t work to remove the obstruction, you can contact a reliable plumber by calling them.