Most homes have floor drains. These are typically found in the basement and shower but can be found in some other areas of the home as well. In order to avoid clogs, floods, and other potential problems with these drains, it’s essential that homeowners properly maintain these drains. So, here are some tips for keeping your floor drains working properly.
Check Your Floor Drains Regularly
Regular maintenance is necessary to avoid problems with these drains, and the best way to make sure your drains are in good shape is to check them periodically. It is a good idea to check the drains once every six months. Although, for drains that are used a lot, you may want to inspect them more frequently.
Check the drains to see if there is any build-up in them. Then, clean the drain making sure that any build-up is removed. Also, look for any signs of damage. If you do find damage, you should contact a plumber to schedule repairs.
Clean the Area Around the Drain
It’s certainly important to clean your floor drains regularly. But, if the area surrounding the drain is dirty, the dirt will soon find its way into your drain. This could cause it to drain more slowly and even become clogged. So, be sure to clean around your drains as well.
Make Sure the Trap Seal Is Full
Floor drains help prevent flooding by directing the water from your floors into the drain and then to the sewer. Your floor drains also contain a trap seal that keeps sewer gases and odors from entering your home through your floor drains. However, in order for a trap seal to work, it needs to be filled with water. This is what forms the barrier between the sewer and your house. So, when you check your floor drain, make sure the trap seal is full of water. If it is not full, be sure to pour a gallon of water down your drain.
Promptly Clear Any Clogs
Even with regular maintenance, one of your floor drains could become clogged. If this happens, you will want to quickly remove the clog. Although this may end up requiring a plumber, there are a few things you could try first.
- Try Baking Soda and Vinegar: One solution you can try that uses natural ingredients is baking soda and vinegar. First, pour some baking soda down the drain. Then pour some vinegar down the drain. After this, pour boiling water down the drain to try to make sure the baking soda and vinegar reach the clog. After waiting a while, check to see if it worked.
- Use a Plunger: Another option you can try for clearing the clog is a plunger. Once you use the plunger, pour some water down the drain to see if it cleared the clog.
- Try a Plumber’s Snake: A plumber’s snake is used for more difficult clogs. A snake is a tool made to reach into the drain to clear a clog. Be sure to follow the directions that come with the plumber’s snake to avoid damaging your drain.
If these methods don’t work, you will likely need to call a plumber.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your floor drains is important; it will help you to avoid problems, such as flooding and sewage odors. Just make sure you check your floor drain regularly and promptly deal with any problems. If there are any problems you are not sure you can deal with, you should contact a plumber for help.
Contact Us
To find out more about maintaining your floor drains or for help with a clogged floor drain, contact J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers can solve the underlying cause of the clog and help prevent reoccurrence without harm to your plumbing system. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.