Basement Floor Drain Cleaning: A Simple Guide

Many basements have a floor drain to remove water that seeps in or is spilled. This large drain in your basement is known as a “foundation drain.” It is installed at the lowest point in your basement and is critical in preventing flooding and water damage. Because water in the home is harmful, this drain is an essential component of your home’s plumbing system. It prevents water damage by collecting runoff and condensation from nearby appliances and saves the day if your basement floods.

Should A Basement Floor Drain Be Filled With Water?

If you ever looked inside that drain, you probably noticed standing water. This may appear concerning because it gives the impression that the drain is clogged, however, that is not the case. Floor drains are supposed to have a small amount of water sitting in them. They’re made to keep sewer gasses and pests from creeping up through the pipes.

Having said that, if you notice more than 2 to 3 inches of water below the drain, this could indicate a clog. Excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, which may cause puddles of water to form in areas of the basement where they did not previously exist. You might also notice some foul sewer gasses floating around the basement.

What’s The Best Way To Clean A Basement Floor Drain?

If your drain looks or smells clogged, it’s time for a thorough cleaning. Backups typically occur when the debris is carried down the drain by the water flowing into it. Flushing out a clogged floor drain is the best way to clean it. This is how you do it:

Step 1: Gather your supplies and remove the floor drain cover with a screwdriver or prybar.

Step 2: Wearing rubber gloves, remove any visible large debris from the drain by hand. Place the waste in a trash can to avoid being drawn back down the drain.

Step 3: Slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. This will loosen any clogged debris in the drain and flush it out of the pipes.

Step 4: Begin sprinkling some baking soda into the drain, but not all of it. Coat the drain’s sides with it using a toothbrush.

Step 5: Pour some vinegar down the drain and wait about 15 minutes. Vinegar and baking soda effectively eliminate lingering odors and the bacteria that cause them.

Step 6: Pour more boiling water down the drain to flush the baking soda and vinegar.

Step 7: Repeat the process several times until there is no debris in the drain or lingering odors.

Get Professional Drain Cleaning Services!

If your basement floor drain is still clogged or smells terrible after using the above methods, request a free quote or call a local Burnaby plumber for assistance. At Miller Plumbing & Drainage Ltd., we offer drain cleaning in Burnaby, Vancouver, and New Westminster. Our drainage specialists use specific tools to clear your drains and ensure all debris has been removed before we leave your home. Cleaning your basement’s floor drain every few months will protect the room from flooding and keep it smelling fresh.