How To Clean A Basement Floor Drain?

Can You Clean A Basement Floor Drain?

Last Updated on September 11, 2023 by admin

Cleaning a basement floor drain is important for preventing water damage and maintaining the integrity of your home. Floor drains can be difficult to clean due to their location in a hard-to-reach area, but it is possible with simple tools and supplies. With some patience and effort, you’ll easily keep your drains clean and in tip-top shape.

What Is The Floor Drain?

What Is The Floor Drain
The Floor Drain

The floor drain is a plumbing fixture usually located in the basement of a home. It is designed to capture liquid spills and other debris on floors and help with draining water away from the house’s foundation to prevent flooding. The floor drain typically connects to the main sewer line, meaning it needs to be regularly cleaned to ensure it is functioning properly.

What Is The Purpose Of Basement Floor Drain?

The purpose of a basement floor drain is twofold. Its first function is to prevent flooding in the basement by collecting and draining away any excess water that enters the room. The second role of a basement floor drain is to funnel any gases out of the area, which helps ensure a safe environment for all occupants of the space. To keep your basement floor drain functioning correctly, it is essential to clean it regularly.

Cleaning a basement floor drain involves removing debris or objects that may have entered the drain and preventing clogs from forming through regular maintenance.

Things Needed To Clean

  • Rubber gloves
  • Screwdriver
  • Plastic bag
  • Pot for boiling water
  • 5-gallon bucket
  • An old toothbrush
  • baking soda
  • vinegar

    Things Needed To Cleaning
    Things Needed To Cleaning

How To Clean A Basement Floor Drain?

Take off the floor drain cover
Drain cover

Take off the floor drain cover: Before beginning any cleaning process, make sure to remove the floor drain cover. This will give you access to the floor drain and make cleaning more accessible.

Use a screwdriver to remove quickly
Remove cover with screwdriver

Use a screwdriver to remove quickly: If there is a screw on the floor drain cover, you should use a screwdriver to remove it. This will take less time and ensure the cover can be put back in place properly.

Put on rubber gloves
Rubber gloves

Put on rubber gloves: It is always essential to wear rubber gloves when cleaning a basement floor drain. This will help protect your hands and eyes from the harsh chemicals you may be used for cleaning.

Remove large pieces of debris: Using a wet/dry vacuum, remove any large pieces of debris from the floor drain. This will help prevent clogging and ensure that the cleaning is more effective.

Pour boiling water into the drain: Boiling water should be poured into the floor drain to help loosen any debris and dissolve soap scum or grease buildup. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before continuing with cleaning.

Sprinkle baking soda into the drain
Baking soda

Sprinkle baking soda into the drain: Sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda. This will help break down any grime or buildup present and make it easier to remove.

Pour some vinegar into the drain
vinegar

Pour some vinegar into the drain: Once the baking soda has worked its magic, pour some white vinegar into the drain. This will help to dissolve further any dirt or grime that is present.

Flush baking soda and vinegar into the drain: When the baking soda and vinegar have had a chance to sit, flush them down the drain with cold water. This will help further break down any dirt or grime present.

Repeat the whole process a few times: Repeat pouring baking soda and vinegar into the drain to ensure that all dirt and grime are removed.

Types of Floor Drains

Wastewater
Wastewater

Wastewater: This is the most common type of floor drain in homes. It collects water from washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, showers, and other plumbing fixtures. The wastewater is then disposed to a sewer system or septic tank.

Groundwater
Groundwater

Groundwater: This floor drain is designed to collect groundwater from underground sources. The water is then collected and pumped away from the house to a safe disposal area, usually a city sewer system or a septic tank.

Reasons for a Basement Floor Drain Backing Up

Flushable wipes: They may seem a better option than traditional toilet paper, but they can cause clogs in your basement floor drain. This is because flushable wipes are designed to break down more slowly than regular toilet paper, so they do not get flushed away quickly enough, causing them to clog up the pipes.

Tree roots: Another common culprit for a clogged basement floor drain is tree roots. If a tree’s root system grows close enough to the pipes, it can grow into them and cause clogs.

Foreign debris: Debris from outside, such as leaves, sticks, and dirt, can also enter your basement floor drain and clog it up. This is especially common during heavy rain or snow storms when the water can carry debris into the pipes.

Fat, oil, and grease: Grease, fat, and oil can get into your basement floor drain from cooking and cleaning. These are all very viscous substances that will not only clog the pipes but may also contribute to a bad smell coming from the drain.

Hair: Hair is another common cause of a clogged basement floor drain. This is especially true if you have pets or children who shed a lot of hair, and it accidentally gets washed down the drain.

Other objects: Sometimes, foreign objects like toys, jewelry, coins, and even rocks can get washed down the drain and cause a clog. Be sure to check for these items before trying to unclog your basement floor drain.

Tips To Prevent A Basement Floor Drain From Backing Up

Use less soap: Excessive soap in the washing machine can cause a buildup of soap scum and hair, clogging the drain. Use only the amount of laundry detergent specified on the product label.

Clean out the lint: Lint from clothing can accumulate in the floor drain, causing it to back up over time. Make sure you clean out the lint from the filter in the washing machine after each load.

Avoid pouring grease down the drain: Grease and oil can congeal and cause clogs. Dispose of liquid fats and oils properly by placing them in a sealed container before disposing of them in the trash.

Cool all greasy substances: Grease and oil should be cooled before pouring them into the drain. Hot liquids may dissolve the fat more quickly, but they can cause clogs in the pipes as they cool again down the line.

Put these substances in the trash: Certain substances should not be poured down the floor drain. These include paints, solvents, chemicals, and other oils. Make sure these items are disposed of properly in the trash.

Clean the drain periodically: Periodic cleaning with a natural enzyme cleaner can help keep your floor drain clear and prevent buildup from soap scum, hair, and other debris.

Keep the drain covered: Keeping a grate or screen over the floor drain can help reduce clogs by trapping larger particles before they make it down the pipe.

Keep a disposable container under the sink: Keeping a disposable container or bucket under the sink in your basement can help catch any spills, preventing them from ending up in the floor drain.

FAQs

How can I clean a smelly basement floor drain?

There are a few different ways to clean a smelly basement floor drain.  Ensure that the trap beneath your sink or shower is full of water; this will help block any odors from escaping through the pipes. You can then pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar.

How to clean a basement floor with no drain?

If you have a basement with no drain, the best way to clean it is by using a mixture of warm water and detergent.

Conclusion

A clean basement floor drain is an important maintenance step in keeping your home safe, healthy, and worry-free. Cleaning a basement floor drain requires patience and careful planning but can be done with suitable materials and equipment. It’s important to remember not to use any chemicals or other aggressive methods that could lead to more damage. With the right tools and supplies, you can quickly and easily clean your basement floor drain and keep it running smoothly for years to come. With regular maintenance, you’ll be able to avoid costly repairs down the line as well.

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