Drain In Basement Backing Up

It's a homeowner's nightmare: you flush the toilet or turn on the washing machine, and the water starts backing up in your basement drain. It's a frustrating and potentially costly problem, but it's one that can be fixed. Here's what you need to know about basement drain backups and how to fix them.

Causes of a Basement Drain Backup

There are several different things that can cause a basement drain to back up. The most common causes include:

Clogs: A clog is the most common cause of a basement drain backup. Clogs can be caused by hair, soap, grease, and other debris that builds up in the drain over time.
Root infiltration: Tree roots can grow into and clog sewer lines, causing backups.
Frozen pipes: If the pipes that drain your basement are frozen, the water will not be able to flow through them, which can lead to a backup.
Damaged pipes: Damaged pipes can also cause backups. If the pipes are cracked or broken, water can leak out and cause the drain to back up.

How to Fix a Basement Drain Backup

The first step in fixing a basement drain backup is to identify the cause of the problem. Once you know what's causing the backup, you can start to fix it.

If the backup is caused by a clog, you can try to clear it yourself using a drain snake or chemical drain cleaner. However, if the clog is severe, you may need to call a plumber to have it professionally removed.

If the backup is caused by root infiltration, you will need to have the roots removed by a plumber. The plumber will use a special tool to cut the roots out of the sewer line.

If the backup is caused by frozen pipes, you can try to thaw them out using a heat gun or hair dryer. However, if the pipes are badly frozen, you may need to call a plumber to have them professionally thawed.

If the backup is caused by damaged pipes, you will need to have them repaired or replaced by a plumber.

Preventing Basement Drain Backups

There are several things you can do to prevent basement drain backups:

Keep your drains clean: Regularly remove hair, soap, grease, and other debris from your drains.
Have your sewer line inspected and cleaned regularly: This will help to prevent clogs and root infiltration.
Insulate your pipes: This will help to prevent them from freezing.
Be careful not to put too much strain on your drains: Avoid flushing large objects down the toilet or putting too much grease down the kitchen sink.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent basement drain backups and keep your home's plumbing system running smoothly.