As a homeowner, you should know that your toilets and sinks are not the only drains in your home. You also must remember your floor drains, which can be found in the garage, basement, or laundry room. They are located there for practical reasons, primarily to help get rid of water in the event of flooding or unexpected problems with your plumbing. At Septic Specialists in Bloomington, IL, we can identify and reach the clogs that originate in these floor drains, but we also want you to know how to maintain them properly. So follow these steps to clean your basement floor drain with routine flushing.
Unscrew or Remove Grate
First, you should examine your floor drain because they’re all different. Some floor drains are attached to the floor with screws, so you may need a screwdriver to remove them. Once that is done, you can remove the grate. Then you can have a look at what may be causing the problem. Whenever you’re in doubt or want a professional opinion, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sewer & Septic Specialist. We’ll provide expert advice and exceptional drain cleaning services.
Clean Out Debris
You may need rubber gloves and a bag or bucket for this next step. You’ll need to get your hands inside the drain to clear out any gunk or general debris you can reach. Wear gloves for protection, and use the bag or bucket to dispose of the debris you remove. You should be able to get to any large obstructions, hopefully drastically improving the quality and function of your drain. When you don’t want to get your hands dirty, contact our plumbing experts.
Pour In Boiling Water, Vinegar, Baking Soda
The next step is for a thorough cleaning. You’ll need to boil water and have vinegar and baking soda on hand. First, pour the boiling water down your drain and allow that to sit for about 15 minutes. Next, sprinkle the baking soda and coat all sides of the pipe. Then pour the vinegar down the drain to eradicate the sewer gas odors and accumulated bacteria. Allow that to sit for an additional 10 minutes. Flush with more boiling water and repeat the process as needed until the drain is both clean and odor-free.
Repeat Semi-Regularly or As Needed
When you’ve finished the steps, put the grated top back and screw it back to the floor if necessary. You may also want to give the grate a quick scrub to ensure it looks clean. You can repeat these steps as needed or more regularly to ensure your basement floor drain is functioning at its best. In addition, you’ll want to clear the drain of debris to prevent problems like unpleasant odors and water damage. If, after this process, you’re still not satisfied that your drain is clean enough, call our experts at Sewer & Septic Specialist at 217.855.5622, and we’ll assist you.
