What May Cause a Basement Drain Backup?

Finding out the reasons why your basement drain is backing up takes a lot of estimation done by a professional technician; since the root of the cause is usually located in the deep and dark region of your drain line.

If you decide to do cleaning and minor repairs by yourself you can improve minor issues only. Yet, the more serious problems will need a proper inspection and then repair.

Here we will mention some of the most common causes of drain backups in the basement. Some of them will involve just an easy fix; and others will require more expertise and specialized tools also for the correct diagnose and repair.

So, what may cause a basement drain backup?

Plumbing fixtures that are lying low

In the first place you will probably notice a backup in any toilet, bathtub or shower that you have in your basement. But, these low lying plumbing fixtures are not always the cause for the backup. So don’t try to fix the backup by yourself unless you are certain that there is a clog in one of these fixtures. The root of the issue is possibly deep down in the drain system.

Wash Tub Basin

When you experience a basement drain backup, check the laundry tub or your wash tub basin. They can be the cause of the blockage. A fast fix can be cleaning the filter on the drain inlet; this you can without any difficulty do it yourself.

Once the trap under the basin is clogged; try to clear the debris and sediment with a plunger. If not, the trap has to be removed and cleaned or a snake will be required.

But when the blockage is not simply accessible; you have to call a professional plumber and let him use his tools and knowledge to clear the clogs that are deep down in the system. In that way you won’t have to worry about any additional damage to your plumbing system.

Washing Machine

The washing machine backup involves a lot of water; but usually this easy to fix. In this case you should power off the washing machine and look at the strainer on the drain hose. If there’s any blockage clean it before reattaching.

When this will not repair the issue, then there can be a blockage in the trap; or deep down the drain. And just like in the case with the wash tub basin when the trap cleaning does not work; call a professional.

Main House Trap

The main trap in the house is the main drain line fixture that prevents the sewer gases from seeping in your home.

The system involves a plug that is on the end of the house line and also one that is located on the side of the street. We don’t recommend removing these plugs as it may cause the sewer wastewater to enter into your house. In addition, the plugs are tremendously difficult for putting them back in.

As an alternative, you may open (and don’t remove) the plug on the side of the street first and then the plug on the house end to let the backup drain away from your home.

On the other hand, this procedure is very risky and it should be left to a skilled plumber.

Floor Drain

The floor drain is located in the floor of a structure and it is a plumbing fixture that is primarily designed for removing any standing water that is near. However, excessive rain and clogs can cause the drain to backup. When a clog happens, the blockage may be located in the drain; the house trap or in the main sewer.

If the clog can’t be simply removed, you should contact a sewer technician to examine the cause and the location of the blockage.

Always call a Professional

Inappropriate examination of the drain blockages will cause additional problems and also a potential damage for your drain line.

Always let professionals to do the work; they usually have a high-tech camera snake to do a visual inspection of the drains in your basement. Moreover they will also clear out the clogs and carry out any required repairs.

Here at Draintony we use camera system in order to provide accurate and comprehensive information to our clients regarding the backups and drain blockages.

Contact us today and we will precisely and rapidly diagnose the issue inside your drainage system.