When your basement floor drain backs up, it can quickly become an unruly mess. Smells and standing water are unpleasant while potentially dangerous pathogens and bacteria breed there. This article will help you understand why it happens as well as some strategies you can employ to fix it.
Typically, when a basement drain backs up it is due to issues in its main sewer line. As basements are typically the lowest point in homes and therefore offer an ideal space for sewerage to escape, basements often become the source of backups.
Root intrusion by tree roots into sewer lines; pipe corrosion; or flushing inappropriate objects can all contribute to sewer backups.
An obstruction or clog in a basement drain often accounts for its backup, and can often be resolved with simple solutions like using a plunger or pouring baking soda and hot water down it. If this method doesn’t work, a professional can use their snake to clear it away.
If the issue is more serious, a plumber may need to use a power auger – an electric motor which propels a metal snake through a drain line – in order to clear an extended section of drain line. While more expensive than other methods for clearing drain clogs, this technique has proven most successful at clearing severe blockages.
A major cause of basement drain backups is usually due to a clog in the main sewer line, caused by debris like hair, soap scum or grease build-up in individual drains. As soon as any signs of sewer line backup arise it’s essential that you contact a professional immediately – they’ll use a camera system to identify where exactly it lies within your system and identify its source.
An issue with your basement drain can be an inconvenience, but there are ways you can prevent future backups by keeping an eye out for warning signs and following these tips to maintain clean and safe drainage in the space.
When your basement drain backs up, it can be extremely dangerous for you to handle alone. This is particularly true if the backed-up sewage contains bacteria or pathogens; gloves, goggles and face masks should be worn when dealing with this situation to reduce chances of infection and reduce chances of exposure to pathogens. Furthermore, before proceeding further it’s recommended that power be shut off at the circuit breaker box to safeguard yourself.
As with any DIY solution, having a backup plan in case the DIY solutions fail is also wise. A professional can offer additional solutions and identify the source of your issue more effectively than can you. Tampering with drain lines without proper knowledge may prove hazardous, so leave that task up to the experts.