Why Your Basement Drain Backs Up and How to Fix It


Have you experienced a backed-up basement drain before? It can be extremely distressing. Your basement is likely the most essential drain in your home and should always function efficiently; in addition, this area often becomes affected by sewage backup in homes. Don’t panic if this issue arises in your household – this article provides all the guidance you need to identify and solve the issue quickly!

One of the major causes of basement floor drain backup is due to clogging in your main underground sewer line, often caused by overflow from toilets, showers and sinks or tree roots entering into it.

No matter the cause, water always finds the lowest point and this is often your basement when experiencing drain backups. A blockage in your drain line causes it to rise until it finds the lowest point possible which often ends up being the basement.

Clogs in basement drains often lead to unpleasant odors, as the compressed air pressure in your drain lines forces waste through and back into them – which may also result in your basement filling with sewage backup.

Assuming you can locate and remove the source of clogging, this issue should be straightforward to solve. A power auger may be useful here; just remember they can be quite heavy to move. Alternatively, try unplugging your basement drain and using a plumbing snake instead to clear away debris build-up.

Seeing that your basement floor drain is still backing up may signal it is time for professional help. A drain pro can remove any sewage build-up and clean the area in order to protect you, your belongings and family members from potential health risks. They can also repair any damages to existing pipes as well as install durable plastic ones in order to avoid future clogs.

If your problem cannot be solved alone, don’t hesitate to contact Balkan for help. Our experts will come directly to your home, assess the situation and recommend an action plan. Contact us now to set up a service appointment – our site visits are free seven days a week as well as after hours availability – or request a quote online; we look forward to speaking with you! We hope to hear from you!