How To Stop a Basement Drain Backing Up?

Basement floor drain clogs are extremely common. Learn how to remove a floor drain clog, clean up after a basement drain backup, and prevent clogs in basement drains in the future.
Does your basement drain back up when washing clothes? Do your floor drains overflow when it rains? If you have an open floor drain that backs up or overflows regularly, you could have a clogged basement drain. Unfortunately, this is an extremely common issue, especially in homes that are more than twenty years old. Since most of your plumbing runs through the basement, the basement floor drain is the prime location for a clog. Unless you remove the clog, it could lead to a sewage backup or basement flood. We explain how to clean up a floor drain backup. Plus, we look at ways to prevent basement drain backups and clogs.
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Why Does My Basement Floor Drain Keep Backing Up?

Clogs are usually to blame if your basement floor drain keeps backing up. Hair, soap, grease, coffee grounds, and other solid items can clog your sewer line. Tree roots may also invade your sewer lines.

Most blockages form in the drain pipes inside your home. However, they can also form in the sewer line that connects your home to the city sewers.

Regardless of where the clog is, it will eventually block the entire drain pipe and it will back up into your home. Backed-up city sewers are increasingly causing problems.

Once the sewers backup, the water will eventually back up into your home. Although less common, drain pipes and sewer lines can crack. Your wastewater then pours into your yard.

How To Prevent a Clogged Basement Drain

Watching what your flush down your drain pipes is the best way to prevent future basement drain clogs. Never put cooking grease, coffee ground, paper towel, diapers, or sanitary products down the drain.

Regularly check the cleanout access for clogs and backups. And have your sewer line cleared and snaked once every ten or so years.

Here are some other important tips to prevent a clogged basement drain:

Clean Your Drains Regularly

Clean your drains regularly with white vinegar and baking soda. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, then add half a cup of vinegar. Allow this to bubble and dissolve for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse with 6 to 8 quarts of boiling water.

Use a Hair Catcher

Hair is one of the biggest causes of drain clogs, so install a hair catcher to prevent a clogged shower drain. Clean hair catchers regularly and replace them if they get too grimy. It also keeps shampoo caps, bars of soap, and razor blades out of your bathtub drains.

Never Poor Food Down the Drain

Even if you have a garbage disposal, coffee grounds, grease, and starchy or fibrous foods can clog your kitchen sink drain. Keep a jar in the fridge for oil and grease, spread coffee grounds in your garden or flower beds, and throw food scraps in the trash or compost bin.

Do Not Connect a Sump Pump to the Sewers

If you have one, avoid connecting your sump pump to sanitary sewers because it can actually cause a backup during heavy rainstorms. Also, perform regular sump pump maintenance to ensure it works when you need it.

Clean Your Downspouts and Gutters

Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent excess water from pooling around your foundation. Instead of connecting them to your sump pump or municipal sanitary sewer lines, use downspout extensions to channel water at least 6 feet away from your foundation.

Check the Slope of Your Yard

Also, check if water is pooling around your foundation when it rains. If it is, add more dirt until it slopes away from your home. Keep small plants at least 6 inches from your foundation, with bushes and shrubs 2 feet away and trees no closer than 3 feet. Otherwise, their roots will hold water too close to your foundation walls.

Install a Backflow Valve

If a sewer backup caused basement flooding, you should install a backflow or backwater valve. The valve stops water and sewage from flowing backward into your home and can save you money in the long run.

Repair or Replace Your Sewer Line

In rare cases, you may need to have your main sewer line repaired or replaced. The materials will deteriorate over time, although a blockage is more likely. Roots can also crack your sewer line and even grow inside.

Call Your City

If you think a problem with your city sewer system caused your basement drain backup, call them immediately to report the issue. Most cities will take action within a few days, which can help prevent future problems and save you time and money.

Get Fast Flood Cleanup
Do you have a flooded basement after a drain clog? Let our certified experts remove the water and repair the damage fast. Call 1-888-443-3110 to for a free quote and immediate water damage cleanup.

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