A basement floor drain can be an essential addition to the plumbing system of a home, helping water flow away from foundation and keep basement dry. Unfortunately, drains clog over time; to effectively clear them you may require professional help; otherwise it might be best to consult your local waterproofing contractor on what steps should be taken.
Floor drains are perforated pipes installed beneath your home’s floor in a trench either inside or outside its foundation walls, to divert excess water away from its foundation walls and to another network of pipes in which it eventually flows to either its nearest drainage point, such as a sump pump, surface drainage point or even down an inclined drain if possible to further displace it from your house.
The primary issue with basement drain systems is that they can become clogged with sediment, slowing or blocking their discharge line. Additional issues include tree roots and misalignment of pipes that prevent proper flow of water; regular maintenance will help keep these problems under control and ensure your basement drains are free of debris and functioning smoothly.
Maintaining clean basement drains is simple, and can be achieved in three steps. First, pour boiling water down your drain. Second, mix baking soda and vinegar to kill bacteria and eliminate sewer gas odors. Thirdly, flush the drain with more boiling water to flush away the baking soda and vinegar mixtures – repeat these steps regularly in order to avoid build-up of debris and keep your drain odor-free!
Hydro-jetting machines provide another powerful high-pressure water cleaning method to unclog basement floor drains. However, before beginning using one it is crucial that you read all instructions and equipment thoroughly so you are safe. Before feeding in the nozzle into your drain tile ensure it fits snugly while turning off your hydro-jetting machine before slowly feeding in while maintaining tension on your hose nozzle.
Snaking a basement drain with an auger or snake is another cost-effective method of clearing away sediment, although this approach should only be considered when dealing with basements that have had professional waterproofing installed such as BasementGutter(tm). Doing it yourself could damage pipes and invalidate warranties.
If your basement drains appear clogged, it’s wise to contact a professional as soon as possible. They will assess the problem, pinpoint its source and offer fast, effective solutions that could save more serious issues like severe water damage or structural problems for your home from occurring. Leaving unattended drains unattended could cause irreparable water damage and create structural challenges within your home that require extensive repair efforts to resolve.