Why is there water in my basement floor drain?
Common causes of water in the basement include a leaking HVAC system or water heater, or a leak in the foundation caused by heavy rain. Just like any drain in your home, basement floor drains are prone to clogging, even more so because dirt, pet hair, and other debris may easily be taken down the floor drain when water is present.
What is a drain hole in the basement floor?
The drain hole in your basement floor acts as an outlet for unwanted water and debris in your home. It’s made up of a drain cover grate, a catch bowl, a drain pipe, and a plumbing trap. It might connect with the sewer system, a sump pit, or a sewer pit with an ejector pump. Table of Contents [ hide]
Do I need a floor drain for my basement?
First, floor drains are helpful in the event of a flood. Whether that flood is caused by water seeping into the house from outside or an appliance in the basement, any standing water will need somewhere to go. Since it is not advisable to leave a basement damp, having a water outlet is essential.
What causes sewer backflow in basements?
This normally happens when the sewer system is overwhelmed, because of high rainfall, or a snowstorm. This water thus raises the level of water in the sewer system, and if your basement sewer drain is lower than that level, it will result in backflow.
Do all basements have a floor drain?
It is rare for a home not to have a floor drain in the basement, even if the floor has a finished carpet or hardwood surface. Floor drains are essential to the upkeep of a home, providing an outlet for unwanted wastewater, leaks from appliances and preventing flooding.
Is basement floor drain connected to sanitary sewer?
Many basement floor drains tie directly to the home's sewer system, but in some communities, local building codes require floor drains to run to a sump pit, where a pump lifts the water to the exterior surface of the house.
Can you cover a basement floor drain?
There are two main options for covering a basement floor drain: cement or a lid or cap. While a permanent option may be the way to go when finishing a basement, a temporary cap or lid is ideal in other situations.
What causes a basement floor drain to back up?
Basement Floor Drain Backing up: Water The cause of water backing up in your basement drain could be due to the backing up of a washtub basin or a washing machine, tree roots in the drain line, pipe deterioration, or the flushing of improper objects.
How do I know if my basement drain is clogged?
The most telltale sign of a main line sewer drain clog is water backing up out of the basement floor. Gurgling and bubbling toilets are often a strong sign of a clog as well....Listen to your home:Gurgling noises in your drains or toilet.Sewer odor.Water back up or flooding.Sewage back up.
How do I clear my basement floor drain?
To further clean your drain, pour a bucket of boiling water down and wait 15 minutes. Then add a 16oz box of baking soda down the drain and make it fizzle by adding 3 cups of vinegar. Wait another 10 minutes and add 6 cups of boiling water slowly. Wash away what's left of the vinegar and baking soda.
What is a French drain in a basement?
A French drain (also called a weeping tile, drain tile, perimeter drain or sub-surface drain) is a common basement waterproofing solution. It's a trench containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from the foundation.
Do you need a floor drain if you have a sump pump?
Most homes built today are required by local code to have floor drains that lead to a collection pit where a sump pump carries the water to the surface.
Why is there always water in my sump pit?
It's perfectly normal for a sump pump pit to always have some water in it. This water can be the result of rain, snowmelt, or seepage from the ground. That being said, when the water rises to a certain level, this should trigger your sump pump's float switch. This will cause the pump to turn on and start working.
How do you fix a backed up floor drain?
Remove as much debris as you can by hand. Use a plunger to loosen deep-down clogs. Pour baking soda and white vinegar down the drain; after 10 minutes, flush the drain with boiling water. If the drain is still clogged, use a plumber's snake to snag and remove stubborn clogs.
What are signs of sewage backup?
Early signs of sewer backupGurgling sounds coming from a drain.Unusual odors coming from the sinks, showers, or drains.One or more drains moving slower than usual.Water backup into the shower or tub.
How do you stop sewer backup in basement?
How to prevent a sewer backupFlush only toilet paper.Keep sewer lines clear of tree roots.Do not plant trees or bushes near sewer lines or laterals.Hire a professional to install an exterior cleanout.Avoid putting fat, grease and oil down the drain.Line or replace old pipes.Install a sewer backup valve.More items...•
Where do floor drains drain to?
Most floor drains today direct water toward a collection pit where it is then pumped out to the surface of the property via a sump pump. This is different than lots of older homes where the floor drainage system connected directly to the main sewer system.
What drains into basement drain?
The drain can connect to one of three things, either to the sewer system or to a sump pit. Drains connected to the sewer system are suitable for draining a washing machine, water softener or a basement laundry sink.
What are the three pipes in my basement floor?
If your home was built after 1920 it likely has a network of pipes under the basement floor called foundation drains that are supposed to pick up groundwater before it can seep into your basement.
Do basement floor drains have P traps?
You see, floor drains have one of those U-shaped P-trap pipes just like your bathroom sink drain. That U-shaped pipe is designed to hold water, which stands in the pipe and prevents sewer gases from coming up through the drain.
What does it mean when a basement drain smells like sewer gas?
A basement drain that smells like sewer gas usually means that the basement drain trap is dry. Water is supposed to always remain at the bottom of the trap—the same as with all other drain traps in your home. When the trap is dry, sewer gases flow from the outside to the inside of your home. 1
Why does my basement smell like sewer gas?
A basement drain that smells like sewer gas usually means that the basement drain trap is dry. Water is supposed to always remain at the bottom of the trap—the same as with all other drain traps in your home. When the trap is dry, sewer gases flow from the outside to the inside of your home. The most common cause of a blocked basement drain is ...
How to clear a drain with baking soda and vinegar?
Baking soda and vinegar: Shake a half box of baking soda into the drain, followed by two cups of white vinegar. Let the mixture foam up. Follow with boiling water to clear out the drain.
How does a basement drain work?
How a Basement Drain Works. The basement drain is located at the lowest point of the basement floor. Water leakage moves by gravity to the drain. The drain always has a protective grill that can be removed. Below the grill, embedded in the concrete, is a circular drain unit that contains a P-trap and a cleanout.
How does water move out of a house?
Water moves out of the drain and downslope through a pipe. Finally, the water exits the home either through the sewer or into the sump pump collection pit, where it is pumped upward and out of the house.
Why install a basement floor drain?
Installing a basement floor drain or maintaining an existing drain is vital to accomplishing these projects and to keeping your entire house in good shape.
What is a full basement?
With concrete walls and earth on all sides, a full basement is a basin. In the event of flooding, the water will rise and can potentially fill the entire basement until it reaches an escape route such as a basement window or ground-level.
What Is A Basement Drain Hole For?
The main purpose of a basement drain hole is to eliminate unwanted water from your home. Basement drain holes function as an outlet for leaking water and wastewater. In some cases, basement drain holes can connect to the sewer system of your house.
What happens if a basement drain hole is in the sewer line?
If your basement drain hole connects with your sewer system, it can drain various appliances in your home. For example, it can take care of excess water associated with washing machines, water softeners, and basement laundry sinks.
Why is my basement drain backing up?
The three most common causes of backup are clogged drain lines, sewer line clogs, and sewer line damage.
What is a drain hole in a basement floor?
The drain hole in your basement floor acts as an outlet for unwanted water and debris in your home. It’s made up of a drain cover grate, a catch bowl, a drain pipe, and a plumbing trap. It might connect with the sewer system, a sump pit, or a sewer pit with an ejector pump.
How does a sump pump work?
The sump pump sits inside the sump pit. When water enters the sump pit, an activator turns on the sump pump. Then, the sump pump moves the water out of your home using pipes. The pipes move the water so that it runs away from your house’s foundation and doesn’t lead to water damage.
What is a plumbing trap?
A plumbing trap is another part of the basement drain hole. It is a curved piece of piping that can be found underneath the drain. Plumbing traps are sometimes called p-traps because of their shape.
What can drain from basement?
Basement drain holes most often connect with your house’s sewer system. When this is the case, it can drain multiple appliances in your home. These include basement laundry sinks, washing machines, and water softeners.
How high does a pedestal sump pump sit?
A pedestal sump pump attaches to a pole and sits an average of four to eight inches above the collection pit. A float—much like the one in a toilet tank—rises with the level of the water and then, when it reaches a certain height, activates the sump pump to push the water to the surface.
How does a sump pump work?
When the water in the collection pit reaches a certain level (usually a few inches), the sump pump kicks on and pumps the water through a pipe or hose to the surface of your yard, where it drains away naturally. Submersible sump pumps are the more powerful of the two options, and their price reflects that.
How deep should a sump pump be?
A submersible sump pump is placed in a collection pit located below floor level. Most pits are approximately two feet wide and one-and-a-half feet deep , although pits up to three feet deep can be installed if groundwater is a problem in your area. A small pit will fill up more quickly, causing the pump to cycle on more frequently, but a deeper pit is more difficult to clean out and maintain. When the water in the collection pit reaches a certain level (usually a few inches), the sump pump kicks on and pumps the water through a pipe or hose to the surface of your yard, where it drains away naturally.
How much does it cost to break out concrete?
Concrete must be broken out, which requires drilling through the floor and using a jackhammer. Plan to spend $7,000 to $15,000, or more, depending on the size of your basement and the thickness of the existing concrete.
What is the purpose of floor drains?
3. Floor Drains. Floor drains are most often installed during original construction, often in the utility area, to drain away excess water in the basement. The concrete floor around the drain gently slopes towards it, encouraging water to collect there and drain out.
How deep should a trench be for a basement drain?
A trench approximately 1-foot-wide and 1-foot deep is necessary to contain the drainage pipe and the gravel. While some drains are covered with a grate, which can be removed for future maintenance, others are left uncovered if the basement is used only for storage.
What is an interior French drain?
2. Interior French Drains. Interior French drains are often installed when existing homes start to have basement water problems. But, if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, it doesn’t hurt to install one when you build your home, too. Similar to exterior drain tile, an interior French drain features a perforated pipe ...
Why do drains smell bad?
However, if the trap beneath the drain is dry, or if the plug for the cleanout is missing, you might smell something unpleasant. You can solve this issue by replacing a missing cleanout plug, or by pouring a pitcher of water down the drain every couple weeks.
What is the third connection in a basement drain?
The third connection is if your basement floor is lower than where the main sewer line leaves your home. Here, your drain will connect to a sewer pit with an ejector pump. This is not the same as a sump pit, so draining a washing machine or sink is suitable in this situation. For your home’s basement floor drain, ...
What is the purpose of a basement drain?
At the lowest point on your basement floor, the floor drain acts as the outlet for any unwanted water, whether it’s from a heavy rain, condensation from your HVAC unit, or a leaking water heater. The drain can connect to one of three things, either to the sewer system or to a sump pit.
What happens when a drain is connected to a sewer?
When the floor drain is connected to the sewer, backflow is a concern. A clog in the main drain can force sewage to seep up through the floor drain, but that can be stopped with a backflow valve. When water or sewage backs up, a float in the valve will rise with it and seal the drain.
Why is a basement floor drain important?
Without it, there would be no place for water to exit, leaving your lowest level in disarray. Knowing how your basement floor drain works, and why it is important, is essential for when an emergency strikes.
Where is the drain hole on a floor?
There may be an additional cleanout for your floor drain, which will be a second outlet when you remove the grate. The large drain hole is at the bottom, and a smaller one with a plug is on the side. Newer drains come from PVC piping, particularly the catch bowl and drainpipe.
Can you drain a washing machine with a sump pit?
Drains connected to the sewer system are suitable for draining a washing machine, water softener or a basement laundry sink. If you connect the drain to a sump pit, it may be against your local ordinance to drain any water with detergents, salt or chemicals.
How is it Fixed Then?
There are various (and complicated) ways that the plumber can fix basement sewer line backing up. But, for the most part, there are a couple of established elements of the process.
What is the best way to locate a blockage in a sewer line?
Some will opt for an HD sewer camera, which is used to search and precisely locate the blockage or a defect that causes the trouble. Then proceed with an electric plumbing snake (sometimes with blades at the end if there are roots growing into the line).
Why is my basement drain backing up?
This happens because of the waste produced in your home, or waste from the public sewer system.
What is a water tight sewer trap?
Water-tight house sewer traps are used to trap any wastewater and unpleasant fumes from going back into your basement. These traps have fitting seals which increase the chances of your basement staying dry. Sewer valves are a specially designed device that allows wastewater to flow only out of your house.
What happens if your basement drain is lower than the level of the sewer?
This water thus raises the level of water in the sewer system, and if your basement sewer drain is lower than that level, it will result in backflow.
What is a sewer valve?
Sewer valves are a specially designed device that allows wastewater to flow only out of your house. There are small floaters on both sides of the valve. Provided wastewater wanted to return to your house, the floater on that side causes the flap (valve cap) to lift and close. When that water is gone, owing to gravity, the flap will open up again.
Why is my basement water contaminated?
This normally happens when the sewer system is overwhelmed, because of high rainfall, or a snowstorm. This water thus raises the level of water in the sewer system, and if your basement sewer drain is lower than that level, ...
What Causes a Basement Floor Drain Clog?
Common causes of water in the basement include a leaking HVAC system or water heater, or a leak in the foundation caused by heavy rain.
Why does my basement drain clog?
A basement drain may also clog because of a mainline clog, broken or damaged pipes, or water flow problems.
Why does my basement floor get water?
This keeps your basement floor dry and prevents flooding, which may damage personal belongings. Common causes of water in the basement include a leaking HVAC system or water heater, or a leak in the foundation caused by heavy rain. Just like any drain in your home, basement floor drains are prone to clogging, even more so because dirt, pet hair, ...
What to use to unclog a floor drain?
If the plunger doesn’t do the trick for your floor drains, pour a box of baking soda and a small amount of white vinegar down the drain to see if it unclogs the drain. For serious clogs, a mechanical drain cleaning machine is needed.
Can a B&W drain be cleared?
If you want the job done right, B&W recommend s contacting a local plumbing company to clear your basement floor drain. We know that clogged basement floor drains can create serious issues, so it’s important that the clogged drain is cleared quickly. Contacting a professional is the only way to be sure the job is done right and the drain clog is completely cleared. If you’re handy, you can consider trying the following tips to clear a minor drain clog and prevent future ones from occurring.
Can you use chemicals to clean a clogged basement drain?
Never use harsh chemicals to treat clogged basement drains, as they will usually only make the problem worse. Standing water in the lowest level of your home can cause a number of issues, including: Damage to floors and walls.
Where Does Your Basement Floor Drain Go?
Before doing anything with your basement floor drain, it is always a good idea to understand what the floor drain is connected to. There are many different drainage systems in use and determining which one your basement has will affect your decisions about how and if you should cover your basement floor drain.
What is the best drain cover for a basement?
In most cases, the best type of floor drain cover that you can buy is a polypropylene basement floor drain cover. Drain covers made from plastic materials do not suffer from the same problems as their iron counterparts. Rust, for instance, is a major issue with iron drain covers and polypropylene helps you avoid that issue.
Why is my basement drain clogged?
One of the reasons that backflow and clogging are such common problems in basement floor drains is that the type of water being drained is generally full of debris.
What is a backwater valve?
Also known as a backwater valve, the device can effectively stop any backflow from entering into your home through the basement floor drain. The valve is activated when backflow curves and seals off the floor drain from within the pipes.
How to stop backflow in basement drain?
Also known as a backwater valve, the device can effectively stop any backflow from entering into your home through the basement floor drain. The valve activates when backflow curves and seals off the floor drain from within the pipes.
Why are floor drains important?
Floor drains serve two primary purposes, both of which are important. First, floor drains are good in the event of a flood. Whether that flood is caused by water seeping into the house from outside or an appliance such as a washing machine, water will always need somewhere to go. Since it is not advisable to leave a basement damp, ...
Why cover basement drains?
People often become interested in covering basement floor drains due to planned construction projects, such as finishing a floor. However, there are other reasons to consider covering a basement floor drain as well. Experiencing a bad smell coming from the sewer system is at the top of the list for many.
