Basement floor drains typically back up when there is an issue with the sewer line, as wastewater that needs an escape route finds the lowest point – often in the basement. Understanding why a back-up occurs will allow for faster resolutions and preventative measures to be put in place to address and stop further issues with basement drainage systems.
Clogs of Basement Floor Drains
Water backups into the basement floor drain can be caused by many things, including washing machine or bathtub overflow, tree roots that have entered sewer line, pipe corrosion, belly in the drain line and flushing of improper items down drain pipe. While many causes can be corrected with DIY solutions (such as baking soda or dish soap), others may need professional diagnostic and repair service to properly identify and resolve them.
Though it might seem advisable, cleaning your own drain line with the aid of a snake may seem like a safe bet, oftentimes this approach should be left up to professionals equipped with appropriate tools for this job. When dealing with basement drain back ups it’s often better left up to professionals equipped with specialist knowledge for this work than trying it yourself.
Finding the source of a basement drain backup can be challenging. If the issue involves sewage backing up into your drainage system, professional assistance should be sought immediately to prevent health concerns and property damage.
Most basement floor drains connect directly to the main sewer line, and most often when backups occur they’re due to an obstruction in this line. A plumber’s snake may help alleviate this issue in many instances.
One of the primary reasons a basement drain backs up is due to an overly-filled house trap, which is easily remedied by opening both street side plugs. This allows any sewer waste clogging the basement drains to escape through both house traps and pipe systems, eliminating back up.
Other causes for a basement floor drain backup could include:
Basement drains often back up due to an issue in the main sewer line, necessitating professional help from a drain service. Installing new, durable plastic pipes could also solve this issue and prevent future drain backups – so talk to your drain professional about finding a solution tailored specifically to your home!