5 Easy Ways to Unclog a Basement Floor Drain
How often have you tried to unblock a basement floor drain only to give up because you didn’t know where to start? Are you afraid that trying to fix something with plumbing might cause even bigger problems? Perhaps you don’t want to call a plumber because you think they’re expensive or time-consuming. Or maybe you don’t trust them to solve your problem. If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should read this article. In today’s post, I’ll show you five ways to fix a clogged basement floor drain without calling a professional.
The pipes that run through our homes are essential parts of our infrastructure. They provide us with clean water, sewer, gas, and electricity. Even though they are necessary, the pipes in our basements are especially important. They can serve as emergency escape routes during floods and earthquakes, as well as providing drainage for your home.
Why is the basement floor drain clogging up?
Basement drains tend to get clogged for various reasons. Below are a few of the reasons why basement drains might become clogged.
1) Mud buildup – Over time, mud tends to build up around the base of the basin, resulting in blockage.
2) Hair – Hair (or other materials) that enters the drain during washing can result in clogs.
3) Dirt – Dirt from within the house, such as grass clippings, leaves, dirt and dust from cleaning products can accumulate in the drain and restrict flow.
4) Food – During heavy rainfalls, animals can eat seeds and plant material that fall into the drain. This material could eventually enter the sewer system, clog the pipes, and cause problems throughout the drainage system.
5) Buildup – Water from roof gutters running down from above can collect in the bottom of the drain, causing blockages.
6) Clogs – A clog occurs when something solid gets lodged in the
How does a basement floor drain work?
Basement drains are used in order to evacuate any liquid that accumulates in the area around the foundation. It helps in preventing moisture from accumulating under the house. A basement floor drain is installed using a pipe that runs down the center of the basement. This pipe is connected to a drainage system that has a sump pump. The sump pump removes any water that collects in the basement. This prevents any damage caused by water accumulation. The main purpose of a basement drain is to remove any water that accumulates in the basement.
How to unclog a basement floor drain?
There are several methods you can try to unclog a clogged drain. Here are the five easy steps:
1. Plunge the drain: You can use a plunger to dislodge the clog if it’s small enough. However, if the clog is large, you may need an auger to clear it out. An auger is a tool that has a long shaft with a sharpened end. You can attach the end of the shaft to a garden hose and turn the handle to create suction. As the auger turns, it will pull debris out of the drain.
2. Use baking soda and vinegar: Mix equal amounts of baking soda and white vinegar together. Pour the mixture directly into the drain. Let it sit overnight before flushing it away. Repeat this process until the clog clears.
3. Clean it with a drain cleaning bladder: If you don’t have access to a plunger or an auger, then you can use a drain cleaning blower. These tools work on the same principle as an auger. Instead of pulling debris out of the drain, however, these tools suck the debris out of the drain and blow it outside. Blowers come in different sizes, so make sure to choose one that fits properly.
4. Snake the drain: If none of the previous methods work, then you’ll probably need to call a professional plumber. Snaking the drain involves inserting a flexible tube through the drain. Once inside, the plumber uses a vacuum cleaner-like device to suck out the clog.
5. Call a plumber: If all else fails, you should consider calling a plumber instead of trying to fix the problem yourself. There are many reasons why your drain might be clogging up. A plumber can inspect the entire plumbing system and determine what needs to be done to correct it.
Should you try to fix a floor drain clog yourself?
If you’re handy, then you might be able to do some simple repairs on your own. However, there are times when you should call a pro. For example, if you’re not familiar with how to operate a plunger or an air powered snake, then you shouldn’t attempt to clear a clog without help. Similarly, if you’re unsure about whether you can safely snake a drain, then you should leave the job to a trained professional.
Why do your drains keep clogging?
Drain clogs happen for a number of reasons. Some people blame their drains for clogging because they put too much grease down them. Others blame their drains for clogs because they don’t clean them often enough. Still others blame their drains for clogging because they don’t flush them well. Whatever the reason, here are some tips to prevent your drains from getting clogged again.
Avoid putting grease down your drains: Grease can get stuck in your pipes and cause blockages. To avoid this, only pour grease down the sink after washing dishes. Don’t pour grease down the toilet or shower drain. This could damage your pipes.
Keep your drains clean: It’s important to regularly clean your sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, and other fixtures using a brush attachment. Doing so helps remove any food particles and hair that can build up over time.
Flush your drains well: Make sure to run water in your faucets and let your drains empty completely before turning off the water. Also, make sure to turn off the water at the main valve rather than just the fixture itself. Leaving the main valve open will allow water to leak out slowly. This is especially true if you live in an area where heavy rains occur.
Conclusion
Clogged drains are annoying. They’re also dangerous. If you notice that your drains are clogged, then it’s best to call a professional plumber to unblock them. Otherwise, you risk having a serious health issue like a blocked bowel or kidney infection.