
You may have been surprised, recently, when going into your basement and discovering standing water in the floor drain. Floor drains should contain some water, so don’t be worried.
Basements are more susceptible than any other areas of your home to absorb water because they are below grade, and standing water is typical for the main drain in the basement. The water’s function is to stop sewer gasses from rising through the trap and entering the residential area from the sewer line. The basement floor drain gathers any extra water and safely transfers it to a sewer or storm drain to prevent flooding. Through a pipe, water exits the drain and flows downward.
Your basement drain also provides an outlet for any excess water, including condensation from your HVAC system, heavy rain, or a leaking water heater.
A floor drain is crucial for keeping your home dry. It’s one of your first lines of defense in the event of a flood or malfunctioning equipment.
The drain acts as an exit for stormwater that can come into your basement during severe downpours by properly diverting any water from the house into the sewer or local storm drain system. After entering the drain, water passes through a trap that acts as a vapor barrier to keep sewage odors out of the house, before going down a drainpipe that leads to a public sewer.
If your city sewer system backs up, certain floor drains contain valves that stop water from pouring back into the basement. However, drains should only be partially submerged in water. An overflowing drain may send a lot of water backward.
How Do Basement Drains Work?
A basement drain is set into a concrete floor that is typically hardscaped with fast-drying, waterproof, or water-resistant materials. You’ll find it located in your basement’s lowest point, the center of the floor, and slopes downward so any water entering the basement is directed down the drain.
A circular drain unit with a trap and a cleanout is embedded in the concrete below the grill. In addition, floor drains include cleanouts just below the grate that avoid the trap and let you and your trusted plumber access the line in case of a clog. A catch basin, a drainpipe, and a plumbing trap will be located underneath. A cap that covers a cleanout is typically removed for servicing.
Common Basement Drain Issues and How to Solve Them
Just like any other drain in your house, basement floor drains are susceptible to clogging. Debris and residue can build up and cause blockages. A clogged basement drain is an issue many homeowners deal with, and when this happens, it needs to be resolved immediately.
A leaking water heater, damaged pipes, and mainline clog are a few common reasons for water in the basement.
There are various methods to solve a clogged drain in your basement including:
- pouring water into the drain
- clearing clogs using a plumbing snake tool or plunger
If you don’t have a plunger handy, there is an easy at-home cure for unclogging minor obstructions. Consider putting baking soda down the drain, followed by a good dose of white vinegar. Pour one cup of vinegar and a half cup of baking soda into the drain. Wait for 10 minutes while the drain is sealed. Please note this solution will likely not work for dislodging stronger obstructions.
Drain cleaners can help clear hair, leaves, and other organic material-related clogs, and utilizing a drain cleaner with activated enzymes will chew through the clog and sewage waste. However, commercial drain cleaners are not recommended for regular or heavy use because they may melt pipes and degrade the glue holding PVC piping together.
A basement floor drain must be installed and maintained to preserve the overall condition of your home. You should familiarize yourself with how a drain functions to know the best strategies to avoid future issues.
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