Basement flooding is understandably one of the most dreaded disasters that homeowners across the Greater Toronto Area can face. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, the damage it can cause is typically devastating.
As the weather gets colder and colder, many of us start to notice that our homes seem to be accumulating standing water. If you live in a house with a basement and this has been happening since the beginning of winter, it might not be too surprising. Basement floor drains are an important part of home plumbing systems because they are responsible for draining away any water that manages to get into your home.
Common Causes & Signs of Basement Floor Drain Clogs
There are several signs that your basement floor drain might be clogged. Water may pool around the drain or seep through cracks in the foundation. The drain might emit an unpleasant odor, or you may hear gurgling noises when the water is turned on.
Tree Roots
A clogged basement floor drain is often caused by tree roots. When trees are growing, their roots can extend far underground. If there is a crack or break in your sewer line, the roots can enter the pipe and cause a blockage. In some cases, the roots can even grow into the floor drain itself and cause a clog.
Sometimes, you may be able to clear the blockage yourself with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. However, if the roots are too big or too entrenched, you’ll need to call a professional to have them removed.
Heavy rain
After a storm, it’s not uncommon to find water in your basement floor drain. This is usually caused by one of two things: either heavy rain has overwhelmed the drains outside your home and the water has backed up into your basement, or your sump pump has failed and allowed water to enter your basement. In either case, you’ll need to take action to clear the water and prevent further flooding.
Broken Pipes
After a storm, water can enter your basement through the floor drain if there is a break in the pipes. The water will then stand in the basement until it is cleared out. To prevent this from happening, make sure that your pipes are in good condition and that there are no breaks or leaks.
No Backwater valve
If you have a basement floor drain that becomes clogged after a storm, it’s likely because you don’t have a backwater valve installed. This valve prevents water from flowing back into your home through the sewer line. Without it, water can enter your home through the floor drain and cause flooding. If you live in an area where storms are common, it’s a good idea to have a backwater valve installed to protect your home from flood damage.
DIY Tips to Unclog a Floor Drain
There are some easy DIY tips you can follow to unclog the drain. First, try using a plunger to see if that does the trick. If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a plumbing snake or a Wire hanger to remove any debris that might be clogging the drain. Feed the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Then, turn the handle in a clockwise direction to loosen the clog. You may need to repeat this process a few times before the clog is completely removed. Finally, pour some hot water down the drain to help loosen any remaining debris.
Call Plumber To Your Door in Toronto for Professional Drain Clearing Services
Cleaning and repairing drains can be a messy and frustrating job, but luckily we’re here to help! We’ll come to your home at any day or time for an affordable price. Give us a call today to find out more information about our drain cleaning services in Toronto.