Your basement floor drain is your first line of defense against groundwater flooding, diverting it away from your home before it can enter, helping prevent costly foundation damage and insurance claims. However, when it becomes clogged up you could find yourself in serious difficulty.
Clogs of basement drain tiles usually occur due to accumulations of dirt, hair and other waste material that have been put down the drain. Other causes may include soil settlement that reduces drainage system efficiency as well as damage caused by pipes leading back into the house or an inoperable sump pump that cannot accept water.
Even though basement drain tile is durable, it still faces similar issues as any plumbing pipe. Over time, its internal lining can deteriorate, creating smooth and slippery interior surfaces which inhibit water from passing freely through. Over time this surface can also accumulate grease and other solids which clog its path permanently, ultimately leading to its stoppage and further issues for plumbing pipes in general.
In some instances, the lining can even be completely removed and replaced, improving the condition of the pipe and eliminating the clog. If a severe blockage cannot be resolved through repair methods alone, however, then replacement of all or most of the drain tile may be necessary.
If your basement drain tile has become blocked, it’s essential that you take swift action to rectify the situation quickly before it worsens. Other signs that indicate this could be an issue include soggy soil around the foundation that becomes soft and damp with pooling water or cracks in your exterior home’s walls that indicate hydrostatic pressure pushing against it.
An effective solution to a basement drain tile clog is seeking professional help as soon as possible. A trained expert can examine your underground drainage line using high-definition cameras and identify its cause; sometimes even using a high-powered water jet to blast through and restore normal functionality to your drains.
Care should also be taken when planting near basement drain tiles – particularly water-loving trees like willows which may spread their roots into pipes and damage their lining or surface of your drain line. To prevent future issues, avoid planting these or similar water-loving plants within three feet of your basement drain line.