Basement drain clogs can be very common. Basement floor drains are the most common location for a blockage because the majority of your plumbing runs through basement. If the clog is not removed, it can lead to basement flooding or sewage backup. This article will show you how to clear a blocked floor drain. We also discuss ways to prevent basement drain backups or clogs. Prevent basement drain backup in Miami.

Six Steps To Clean Up A Floor Drain and Prevent Backup

A blocked basement drain pipe could flood your basement, or lead to sewage backup. These six steps will help you clean out your basement drain and repair any damage. Prevent basement drain backup in Miami.

To Prevent Basement Flooding, Turn Off Your Water

Avoid running water if your basement drain is blocked. Flooding will get worse if you pour more water down a blocked drain pipe. Depending on the cause of basement flooding, you might need to shut off water to some fixtures or your entire house. Running water down the drain or pouring anything down it will cause more damage. Combining electricity and water can be dangerous. Avoid entering a basement drain that has a backup of water. Avoid the area if the water is a danger to the outlets. If you are unable to safely turn off the power, but cannot access the water, contact the electric utility company.

Clear Water From A Clogged Basement Floor Drain

Next, clear out flood water from basement drain clogs. You can soak the water with towels, sheets or a mop if it is less than a few inches. For larger backups, a pump or wet-dry shop vacuum is better. Don’t pour the water down your drain in either case. To prevent basement flooding, you can pour the water outside.

Dry The Area To Limit The Damage

After the water has dried, fans or dehumidifiers can be used to dry the area. While regular household items can be dried quickly, drying them can take several days to complete. There are two options for faster drying. You can either hire a restoration company, or rent high-velocity fans or structural drying dehumidifiers.

For Mold And Odor Prevention, Disinfect And Deodorize

Once the area has dried, disinfect it with bleach to kill mold and bacteria in grey water. To kill bacteria and mold, add one cup bleach to a gallon water. After a basement drain is reconnected, mold can grow within 48 hours. Mold might grow faster if the water contains sewage. Baking soda can be used to eliminate odors. Spread it throughout the room, and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming up.

Basement Drain Cleanouts And Traps To Clear Clogs

To clean out basement drains that are open, you can use a wet-dry vac. After draining, check for any clogs and inspect the trap. Be aware that the drain pipe may contain sewage. To protect your face, nose, eyes, and mouth, wear long sleeves, rubber gloves and face shield.

Clean Out The Basement Drain

Next, open the basement drain cleaning out. These flat covers are usually four inches in diameter and have a square notch. You can open the cleanup cover with special tools, or you can use a heavy chisel along with a hammer. As you open the drain cleanup cover, be prepared for water and sewage to leak. Use a shop vacuum to clean out the drain.

Clean The Basement Drain Trap

Next, clean out the drain trap. To prevent gases from entering the sewers, floor drains are fitted with traps that have a U- or P-shaped shape. These bends are the most common place to clog. Although a shop vacuum can be used to clear a basement floor drain trap that is clogged, it may not reach all the corners. Your gloved hand will usually be faster and more efficient.

Snake Or Auger The Basement Floor Drain

To clear your drain pipe, you can use either a drain snake or an auger to do it. While snakes and augers are not the same, both unwind flexible metal cables that break up clogs. There are a variety of augers and snakes, but the best option for drain pipes is to use a powered option. They can be rented from equipment rental companies or purchased at most hardware and tool supply shops.

Flood Damaged Materials Rebuilt

Before you begin to rebuild a basement that has been flooded, make sure your drains are clean. Pour a quarter of a gallon of water down the floor drain. If the water drains quickly, flush the toilet. Let the faucet run for a while. You can then start rebuilding if the drain does not continue to flow. It will all depend on how much damage has been done. A basement that isn’t finished can usually be repaired quickly. But finished basements may require more work. Most repairs involve replacing or repairing furniture and appliances, as well as laying new flooring and drywall.

Why Is My Basement Floor Drain Always Backing Up in Miami?

If your basement floor drain is backed up, it’s usually due to clogs. Your sewer line can be clogged by hair, grease, coffee grounds and other solid objects. Your sewer lines may also be clogged by tree roots. Blockages most often form in your drain pipes. They can also occur in the sewer line connecting your home to the local sewers. No matter where the clog is located, it will eventually block your drain pipe and cause backups into your home. Problems are becoming more frequent with clogged city sewers. When the sewers back up, water can eventually back up into your house. Drain pipes and sewer lines cracking is a less common problem. The waste water will then flow into your yard.

How To Prevent Basement Floor Drain Blockages in Miami

It is important to monitor what you flush down your drain pipes in order to avoid future basement drain clogs. Prevent basement drain backup Miami.

Make sure to clean your drains regularly

Regularly clean your drains with a vinegar-baking soda rinse. Half a cup baking soda and half a cup vinegar should be poured into the drain. Let it bubble for about half an hour before you rinse it with several quarts boiling water.Hair is the most common cause of clogged drains. Install a hair catcher to stop a clogged bathroom drain. If they become too dirty, clean and replace hair catchers. It keeps shampoo cap, soap bars, and razor blades from getting into your bathtub drains.

Never throw away good food

Even if your garbage disposal is working, coffee grounds, grease and starchy foods could block your kitchen sink drain. You can keep oil and grease in a jar and spread it in your garden.

Do not connect a sump pump to the sewers

Avoid connecting your sump pump with sanitary sewers if you have one. This can cause backups during heavy rainstorms. To ensure your sump pump works as it should, you must perform regular sump pumps maintenance.

Make sure you clean your gutters and downspouts

To prevent water from pooling around the foundation, make sure to clean your gutters and downspouts often. Instead of connecting them directly to your sump pump, or to municipal sanitary sewer lines for water distribution, you can use downspout extension to channel water at least six feet from your foundation.

Take a look at the slope of your yard

You should also check for water pooling around the foundation during heavy rains. Add more dirt to make it slope away from your home. Small plants should be kept at least 6 inches away from the foundation. Bushes and shrubs should be 2 feet away, and trees no closer to 3 feet. Their roots could hold water too close by your foundation walls.

Install a backflow valve

Installing a backwater valve or backflow valve is a good idea if your basement floods due to a sewer backup. This valve prevents water and sewage flowing backward into your house and saves you money over the long-term.

Restore or replace your sewer line

You may have to have your main sewer line replaced or repaired in rare instances. While the materials can deteriorate over time it is more common to have a blockage. Roots can also cause a sewer line to crack and allow for growth inside.

Get In Touch With 911 Restoration of Miami

Call your local city sewer department immediately if you suspect that your basement drain is clogged. Most cities will respond within a few hours, which can prevent future problems and help you save time and money. Are you experiencing a flood in your basement due to a blocked drain? 911 Restoration of Miami’s IICRC-certified professionals will quickly remove water from the basement and fix the problem. Call (305)-280-0755 for a free visual inspection and immediate water damages cleanup. Prevent basement drain backup in Miami today!