Drain backups aren’t just a minor inconvenience. If you’re not careful, you can easily end up with a severely damaged basement.
Why is your basement floor drain backing up, and is there anything you can do to fix it? Read on as we explore some of the common reasons drain backups occur and how getting professional drain cleaning and unclogging in Antioch is your best solution.
How Basement Floor Drains Work
If you have a basement, you know how important it is to keep it dry. A basement floor drain helps you do just that.
The basement drain is part of your home’s main sewer line and is the lowest point in the plumbing system. Its main role is to channel the water that builds up during flooding or leaks out of your basement. With over 150 years of combined experience, Parthenon understands how critical proper drainage is to protecting your home’s foundation and structure.
Basement Floor Drain Backups
If the smallest plumbing issue can cause plenty of havoc in your Antioch home, imagine how damaging a basement floor drain backup can be. While the issue is fixable, the first step will always be to determine why it has happened in the first place.
Here are a few reasons why your basement floor drain is backing up.
Sewer Line Blockage
Why is your basement floor drain backing up? Chances are, your home’s main sewer line is clogged with debris or waste matter.
Keep in mind that your basement drain’s pipes are connected to the sewer line. If the line has no obstructions, the drain will have no issue channeling water away from your basement. However, if this is not the case, backups will occur. Professional sewer repair services can diagnose and clear blockages quickly.
Drain Pipe Clog
Sometimes, the clog can appear in the drain pipe itself. It’s quite common for dirt, hair, soap residue, and other types of debris to get stuck inside the pipe, preventing the free flow of water.
Tree Root Intrusion
Do you have trees growing close to your Antioch home? It’s highly likely for their roots to invade your sewer or water line as they grow, creating severe blockages and, in turn, backups in your basement’s floor drain.
Sump Pump Failure
Some homes contain sump pumps in the basement floor that work to pump water away from a home’s foundation. If the pump fails, it will be unable to remove the water from the sump pit, leaving it to rise.
When this happens, the water will eventually find its way into the basement’s lowest point, which is normally the floor drain.
Heavy Rainfall
Sometimes, the headache you’re experiencing could be the result of extreme weather, like heavy rainfall. The heavy rain can cause ground-level flooding and an overflow in your home’s sewage system.
Usually, the backwater valve does a great job of preventing water from flowing back into your home. However, when there’s an overflow in the system, it can overwhelm the valve. As a result, water could seep into your basement, causing the floor drain to back up.
How Antioch, TN, Homeowners Can Fix a Backed-Up Basement Floor Drain
When you’ve got a basement floor drain backing up, prompt action will go a long way in limiting damage. Here are some of the quick steps you can take.
Avoid Using Water
The moment you notice a problem with the basement floor drain, switch off all the appliances that may be using water. You should also avoid using the faucets or flushing the toilet. After all, the last thing you want to do is add to the overflow in the pipes.
Shut Off the Main Water Supply
Next, shut off your home’s main water supply. Doing so helps reduce pressure in the pipes and is also a crucial step before diagnosing the issue.
Call a Certified Professional
Once you’ve taken steps to limit the damage, you should reach out to a trusted plumbing professional. While you can try to determine the cause of the issue, without adequate experience, it’ll be a shot in the dark.
However, contacting a professional will allow you to get the quick and effective solutions you need and deserve. For persistent or severe backups, consider professional sewer cleaning services to ensure your entire system is clear and flowing properly.
Your Trusted Source of Professional Antioch, TN, Plumbing Services
Why is the basement floor drain backing up? Is there a way to fix it? Trust Parthenon Plumbing, Heating, and AC Repair to help.
We understand the damage that a backed-up floor drain can cause. It is, in fact, one of the most serious plumbing emergencies Antioch homeowners face. Fortunately, we can implement solutions that’ll help limit its recurrence and protect your home’s foundation.
As your trusted Antioch plumber, we’re available to diagnose and fix your drain backup issues quickly and professionally. Don’t wait for a small problem to become a major disaster.
Contact Parthenon Plumbing today at 615-298-2995 to schedule your drain inspection and get your basement flowing freely again. Our expert technicians are ready to help.
