Floor Drains Need Attention: Here’s How to Give it to Them

When it comes to plumbing maintenance, keeping an eye on your floor drains is one task you can’t neglect. Floor drains are often located in basements, garages or beneath hot water heaters, and they provide quick drainage and prevent sewer gases from entering your home. Here’s how to maintain these critical plumbing features.

1. Pour water down them regularly

Floor drains actually work to keep sewer gases from seeping into your home. They contain a fill trap mechanism that holds a layer of water beneath the gases and the drain cover, and when this water goes dry, there’s no way to hold the sewer gases back. If you’re noticing a sewer smell coming from your drains, pour a gallon of water in the drain about once every month, and the problem should resolve itself.

2. Recognize signs of a clog

Like other drains around the house, floor drains can be clogged by a wide range of items, from hair to dust, lint to pet dander and much more. As a homeowner, you need to remain vigilant and remove clogs as soon as you notice them. Check your floor drain regularly to see how fast it empties. If it’s draining slowly, it often indicates a clog. Try using a plunger to break up the debris but call a plumber right away if the clog persists.

3. Clean drains bi-annually

At least twice every year, give your floor drains some special attention and perform a deep cleaning. Look for any trapped debris and use the plunging technique to remove any potential clogs. To get your drains completely clean, flush it with a baking soda and vinegar solution—the combination breaks up excess debris that may be clinging to your drains and pipes. 

4. Avoid improper drain use

One of the easiest ways to maintain your floor drains—and any other drain you have throughout your house—is to use it the right way. To avoid clogs and other problems with your plumbing system, keep foreign objects and insoluble items out of them. It’s also wise to keep clog-forming materials out of the drain, including fats, oils and greases (FOG) and debris that can easily build up, like coffee grounds.

Floor drains need attention too!

Floor drains are essential for directing the flow of water away from your home. And if they’re not maintained, it could lead to some costly and messy problems. While there are plenty of tips and tricks for maintaining your floor drains at home, the best way to give them the attention they need is to reach out to your trusted plumber. 

Whether you’re already seeing the signs of a floor drain problem or just want to prevent one from arising, contact PipeMasters at info@pipemasters.ca or call (289) 404-9063. We’ll make sure your floor drains get the attention they deserve! PipeMasters is part of Oakridge Plumbing Ontario Ltd. and serves the East GTA, Durham Region, North to Lindsay & Peterborough, out to Cobourg and all points in between. All Rights Reserved.