Floor Drain Backing Up? Clear It Quickly & Easily

Having your floor drain suddenly start backing up can be a messy and frustrating problem. Not only can it lead to potential water damage, but a clogged floor drain also stops your plumbing system from working properly. Fortunately, with some simple troubleshooting and DIY unclogging methods, you can often clear the blockage yourself without calling a plumber.

With just a few household products and tools, you can have your floor drain working properly again in no time.

What Causes Floor Drains to Back Up?

When you have water pooling around a floor drain and starting to overflow, this usually indicates there is some type of partial or complete clog in the drain line. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Buildup of Debris, Grease, Hair, and Gunk

Over time, debris like hair, grease, soap scum, and food particles can gradually accumulate in drain pipes. As these materials collect, they stick to the sides of the pipe, narrowing the opening and eventually blocking water flow. Kitchen sinks and tubs often contribute to this organic buildup.

Intruding Tree Roots

If you have large trees near your home, invading roots can make their way into drain lines, slowly choking them off. Older drain pipes that leak or have cracks allow roots an entry point. The roots thrive in the warm, moist environment inside drains.

Clogs Farther Down the Drain Line

Sometimes the floor drain itself is clear, but there is a partial or total clog farther down the main building drain line. When this happens, water backs up out of the lowest opening - the floor drain. Clogs in the main sewer line can have the same effect.

Preventing Backups

While drain clogs are often unavoidable over time, you can take steps to help prevent backups and keep things flowing smoothly for as long as possible:

Perform Regular Maintenance

• Clean the drain cover/strainer regularly to remove any debris before it washes down
• Inspect the drain pipe opening for obstructions like hair/grease buildup
• Flush with hot water to clear soap residue and fats from the pipe walls

Doing this monthly maintenance can help significantly extend the time between clogs.

Proper Disposal Habits

Avoid pouring grease, oil and other thick substances down any of your sinks or drains. Allow them to cool and solidify before disposing of them in the trash. Using strainers in sink drains can also help catch solids.

Tree Root Prevention

If tree roots are a concern, regular drain cleaning can help remove any small roots starting to enter. For major root intrusions, one option is to have root barriers installed around exterior drain lines. Repairing any pipe cracks or leaks can also help block roots.

Manage Water Pressure

Excessive water pressure running through your drain system can contribute to backups and clogs over time. Consider installing a pressure regulator valve if needed to keep the water pressure under control.

Clearing a Clogged Floor Drain

If you find yourself with a backed up floor drain, here are some effective DIY methods to try:

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1 cup white vinegar and pour down the drain. Cover tightly. The chemical reaction can help break up some clogs as it bubbles and fizzes.

Plunger

Use a heavy duty plunger over the drain to plunge and dislodge clogs. You may need to fill the drain with water first to create a seal for the plunger.

Drain Snake/Auger

For deeper clogs, insert a drain snake or auger down the pipe. Turning the handle lets you break up and hook debris and pull it out. Hand crank and powered options are available.

Enzyme Drain Cleaner

Enzyme cleaners are a less harsh chemical option that can help break down organic matter like grease, hair, and food over time. Simply pour down the drain as directed.

When to Call a Professional

If you've tried the DIY methods with no success, it's probably time to call in a professional plumber. They have the high-powered equipment to clear severe clogs and access main sewer lines if that is the culprit. A pro can also inspect your drains and recommend solutions to prevent future backups.

Restoring After a Backup

If you've had flooding from a floor drain, take these steps to get things cleaned up and prevent secondary damage:

• Extract excess water with towels and a wet/dry vacuum
• Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to dry out the area ASAP
• Sanitize floors and walls to prevent mold growth
• Make any needed repairs where water damaged surfaces

Prompt water extraction and drying can help minimize damages after a drain backup.

While a backed up floor drain can seem like a plumbing emergency, in many cases you can clear out the clog yourself quickly and easily. Regular drain maintenance is the best way to prevent problems. But even if you do experience a clogged floor drain, household methods like a plunger, drain snake or baking soda and vinegar can often get your drains flowing freely again.

Being proactive with drain care, watching what goes down your sinks, and using DIY unclogging methods can help keep you from a costly plumber visit. But if you do have persistent or severe clogging issues, don't hesitate to call in a professional drain technician to get your floor drain working properly again.