Unidentified pipe and smelly water trickling under slab into basement floor drain

How do you tell if your drain has a trap?

Pour some water down the drain –> disconnect the drain –> take a flashlight and look into the drain where it enters the floor –> if the drain pipe has water in it then it likely has a trap.

Why is water sitting in my basement drain?

An often ignored yet constant cause for standing water in basement floor drains is natural soil saturation. Natural soil saturation is the moisture that seeps into the soil and builds up over time. After a while, it can start to expand into your house, wreaking havoc on most basement floors.

Is there a trap in a floor drain?

The drain trap is an important part of the floor drain. The traps used in floor drains are like those used under kitchen and bathroom fixtures. The drain pipe dips down in a U that is always filled with water, whether flowing or still. The water-filled trap prevents noxious sewer gases from backing up into the home.

What is the drain hole in my basement floor?

Your basement floor drain is located at the lowest point of your basement, and its job is to direct any water safely away from the house and to the sewer system or municipal storm drain system. This keeps your basement floor dry and prevents flooding, which may damage personal belongings.

Do basement floor drains have traps?

The floor drain is considered a sanitary fixture. That means it functions just like a toilet or sink or shower. It has a trap inside of it just as those items do, and it holds water to seal away any foul odors trying to get into your basement.

Should my basement floor drain has water in it?

Yes, floor drains should have water in them. They contain drain traps that keep them clean. Therefore, it is necessary to have a fixed volume of water in your drain. Ideally, many suggest maintaining the water level at least 2-3 inches below the drain.

Is basement floor drain connected to septic system?

What most people don’t know is that their home basement floor drains are usually directly tied to the sewer system of the whole house. In some houses, they even run directly into a sump pit from which the water is lifted to the exterior surface with a pump.

Why is water coming out of my floor drain?

When water backs up out of a floor drain, it usually means there is a clog in the drain line, not the floor drain itself. When there is a clog in the main building drain and water is run down a drain from an upper fixture, water will back up in the drain line until it finds somewhere else to come out.

How do I clear my basement floor drain?

Try a Plunger: A minor clog should clear after a few strong pumps with a plunger. Place the plunger cup so it completely covers the drain opening, and then go for it! Baking Soda & Vinegar: Plunger didn’t do the trick? Try pouring baking soda down the drain, then chase it with a healthy amount of white vinegar.

How much does it cost to snake a basement drain?

While the average professional drain cleaning cost lands at $200, most people pay between $140 and $340. If you have a simple clog that only requires a drain snake, you could get away with paying as little as $5 for a snake at the hardware store if you already have all of the other materials in your home.

How do I know if my basement drain is clogged?

The most telltale sign of a main line sewer drain clog is water backing up out of the basement floor. Gurgling and bubbling toilets are often a strong sign of a clog as well.
Listen to your home:

1. Gurgling noises in your drains or toilet.
2. Sewer odor.
3. Water back up or flooding.
4. Sewage back up.

Are floor drains connected to sewer?

At the lowest point on your basement floor, the floor drain acts as the outlet for any unwanted water, whether it’s from a heavy rain, condensation from your HVAC unit, or a leaking water heater. The drain can connect to one of three things, either to the sewer system or to a sump pit.

Why is my basement drain not draining?

If you are experiencing a drain backup in your basement, your wash tub basin, or laundry tub, may be the culprit. A quick fix may be to clean the strainer on the drain inlet, which you can easily do yourself. When the trap under the basin is clogged, you can try a plunger to clear the sediment and debris.

How much does it cost to unclog a basement drain?

Roto-Rooter costs $225 to $500 on average to snake pipes and clean drains.
Roto-Rooter Cost.

Can you put Drano down a basement drain?

Can you put Drano in a basement floor drain? Yes, Drano is safe to put down most drains. If one bottle does not clear the sewage backup you will need to use a plumber’s snake.