When your basement floor drain is blocked by sewage, the consequences can be dangerous to both you and the health of those living within its vicinity. A clog could allow pathogens and bacteria to spread into your home and cause anything from skin irritation to organ damage. Should this ever occur to you, take immediate steps to address it so as to limit further harm.
First, shut off water to your house. This can be achieved either by switching off the main source at the meter, or closing individual fixtures such as toilets and faucets – either will stop any further flow into your clogged drain and reduce sewage entering your home.
Once the water level in your basement has settled, you can safely open up the floor drain cover to inspect any clogs or obstructions in the drain system. If they’re minor enough, simple tools like a drain snake may suffice, while for more serious obstructions a professional plumber might be necessary.
A basement floor drain should be situated at the center of a basement floor and slope toward it to direct rainwater or sewage into it. Most floor drains feature a grate to keep large debris out, though occasionally these grate or P-trap clogs become clogged with hair, soap scum, grease or other materials clogging them up – keeping the grate clear by regularly clearing it out or using a plumbing snake can help avoid such situations.
Sewage is highly toxic, potentially leading to numerous diseases. Therefore, any sewage backup should be considered a health hazard and handled with great caution; glove, goggles and face mask should be worn when handling this polluted water. In order to safeguard yourself from electrical shock by turning off power at your circuit breaker box.
Clogged basement floor drains often result from damaged pipes that allow wastewater to backflow directly into the basement instead of through its proper channels. Replacing galvanized steel pipes with new, resilient plastic ones will prevent this type of blockage in future.
If your basement drain clog is the result of broken or cracked sewer pipe, professional assistance from a plumber is required to replace the damaged section. Contacting one as soon as you detect an issue will ensure it can be addressed swiftly and effectively; also having them test drain lines and sewers regularly will reduce maintenance costs in the future. For any inquiries related to home plumbing in Atlanta or Greenville SC or to schedule service please reach out Avalon Home Inspections near Atlanta GA and Greenville SC respectively – we look forward to speaking with you soon! If you require help or would like any services please reach out Avalon Home Inspections near Atlanta GA/Greenville SC as soon as possible for assistance or servicing requirements or just for questions! We look forward hearing from our clients!