An improperly draining basement may be caused by several different issues. While simple DIY solutions may solve minor issues, more serious ones require professional intervention. A drain professional may use high definition sewer camera inspections to identify the root of your issue and propose cost-effective long-term solutions that meet their criteria.
When water or sewage floods into your home, the most crucial action to take are taking proper safety precautions. Standing water may contain pathogens which pose health threats to you and your family; additionally, electrocution risks pose an additional danger. Be sure to shut off power to the basement via its circuit breaker box as well as turn off its gas line before proceeding further with any cleanup efforts.
Switch off all appliances that may be using water so as to alleviate further disruptions to the plumbing. For help on how to do this, reach out to your utility company in advance for guidance.
Once you have taken these precautions, it’s time to assess the situation. If sewage is backing up into your floor drain or other lowest sanitary fixture, this could be indicative of a main line clog; all waste from toilets, sinks and showers flow directly into one main line that connects with your house sewer system; should this line become blocked, all waste will begin backing up into one low-lying fixture; typically this would be basement floor drain or toilet sewage backups.
As a first step, inspect your basement drain and P-trap. Remove any grate covers, pry off any backflow preventers if applicable and use either a wet-dry vac or short plumbing snake to clear out trap and drains as quickly as possible – often clearing any obstructions so water flows freely again.
Next, inspect all drains in your home. Kitchen and bathroom drains should be free from hair, soap scum, grease build-up and wads of toilet paper which are among the most likely causes of slow drains and clogs. Also ensure that clean-out caps on sewer lines are secure with no debris accumulation obstructing them.
Heavy rains, ground thawing, or snow melt periods may cause higher-than-usual ground water levels that can seep into your basement through cracks and other unintended pathways. This issue is especially troublesome in older homes with outdated plumbing materials or damaged plumbing materials.
“Water seeks its own level,” is an axiom which holds true in drain backup situations – specifically basement drains. If you find that your basement drain is starting to back up slowly, call in professional plumbers, sewer or drain services immediately; their high definition cameras can identify where exactly your backup lies and provide advice for remedying it.