Table of Contents
Your basement floor drain is located at the lowest point of your basement, and its job is to direct any water safely away from the house and to the sewer system or municipal storm drain system.
Where does a basement floor drain drain to?
The drain can connect to one of three things, either to the sewer system or to a sump pit. Drains connected to the sewer system are suitable for draining a washing machine, water softener or a basement laundry sink.
Does basement floor drain have a trap?
The floor drain is considered a sanitary fixture. That means it functions just like a toilet or sink or shower. It has a trap inside of it just as those items do, and it holds water to seal away any foul odors trying to get into your basement.
Is a basement floor drain necessary?
Basement Floor Drains Are Essential. However, it is vital to properly install drains in the basement to prevent flooding, remove backflow, water from broken appliances, and reduce exposure to sewer gas. Even when a basement has a finished floor, a drain is necessary in case of an emergency and for a home’s maintenance.
Is basement floor drain connected to sump pump?
What most people don’t know is that their home basement floor drains are usually directly tied to the sewer system of the whole house. In some houses, they even run directly into a sump pit from which the water is lifted to the exterior surface with a pump.
Why is my drain in the basement backing up?
The cause of water backing up in your basement drain could be due to the backing up of a washtub basin or a washing machine, tree roots in the drain line, pipe deterioration, or the flushing of improper objects.
Where do my drains go?
All of the inner drains within your home are going to lead to the main drain that connects to the sewer system off of your property. If you easily find the drain cover, this is the main drain that connects all of the wastewater from your home to the public drainage system.
How do I clear my basement floor drain?
Start by pouring a pot of boiling hot water down the drain, followed by ½ cup baking soda. Let that sit a few minutes, then pour a mixture of one cup of vinegar and one cup of very hot water on top of the baking soda. Let it sit for five to ten minutes, then flush it one last time with another pot of boiling water.
What is the hole in the basement floor for?
Weep holes are drilled in the concrete blocks at the lowest level. Once the block has been drilled, water exits at the holes and flows directly into the drainage system. Weep holes have the added benefit of helping alleviate pressure on your foundation walls.
Why is my basement drain not draining?
If you are experiencing a drain backup in your basement, your wash tub basin, or laundry tub, may be the culprit. A quick fix may be to clean the strainer on the drain inlet, which you can easily do yourself. When the trap under the basin is clogged, you can try a plunger to clear the sediment and debris.
Can I use a basement floor drain for a shower?
A basement drain is often a “French” or “princess” drain, designed for intermittent use. They aren’t designed for a constant, moderate flow of water, and will back up. If the drain is traditional and tied to existing sewer, yes it can be used as a shower drain.
Where does a sump pump drain to?
Unless you or your builder have made an error when connecting the sump pump, most homes will discharge water from the sump pit through a pipe in the wall of your foundation into either the yard or the storm drain.
Can you plunge a basement floor drain?
If you discover your basement floor drain is clogged, it’s important to clear the blockage immediately to reduce the risks of flooding. Here’s what to do: Try a Plunger: A minor clog should clear after a few strong pumps with a plunger.
How do I stop my basement drain from backing up?
How to Prevent a Sewage Backup in the Basement Don’t pour grease down the drain. Dispose of paper products properly. Install a new plastic pipe or cut tree roots. Install a backwater prevention valve. Sewage pump maintenance.
How do I know if my basement drain is clogged?
The most telltale sign of a main line sewer drain clog is water backing up out of the basement floor. Gurgling and bubbling toilets are often a strong sign of a clog as well.Listen to your home: Gurgling noises in your drains or toilet. Sewer odor. Water back up or flooding. Sewage back up.
Do drains run under houses?
A lateral drain might run under your property if you share a sewer with your neighbour. A sewer collects water and waste from the drains of a number of buildings. Most sewers are publicly owned and are maintained by your water company. However, there are still some privately owned sewers.
How do you find hidden drains?
Use a metal detector – If your manhole is buried, it is normally quite shallow (just inches below the surface), so you could buy or loan a metal detector to locate your manhole. This is an effective way of checking your garden or tarmac for signs of entry.
Can I see the drainage plans for my house?
How do I find drainage plans for my house? The Council may hold your drainage plans. Ask for drainage plans from the previous owner. Ask your neighbours for drainage plans. You have no obligation to submit your drainage plan to authorities.
Can I put Drano in floor drain?
Can you put Drano in a basement floor drain? Yes, Drano is safe to put down most drains. If one bottle does not clear the sewage backup you will need to use a plumber’s snake.
