Why Is My Basement Drain Backing Up

Why Is My Basement Drain Backing Up?

If you're dealing with a basement drain backup, you know how frustrating and potentially damaging it can be. The good news is that most basement drain backups are caused by a few common problems, and many of them you can fix yourself with a little time and effort.

Here are a few of the most common causes of basement drain backups:

Clogged Drain Pipe

The most common cause of a basement drain backup is a clog in the drain pipe. Clogs can be caused by anything from hair and soap scum to grease and tree roots. If you have a clog, you'll need to remove it before the drain can flow properly again.

Broken Drain Pipe

Another common cause of basement drain backups is a broken drain pipe. Broken pipes can be caused by freezing, corrosion, or damage from tree roots. If you have a broken drain pipe, you'll need to repair or replace it before the drain can flow properly again.

Overwhelmed Drain System

If your basement drain is connected to a sump pump, the sump pump may not be able to keep up with the amount of water coming into the basement. This can cause the drain to back up. If you have an overwhelmed drain system, you may need to install a larger sump pump or add a second sump pump to help keep the water flowing.

Improperly Installed Drain

If your basement drain was not installed properly, it may not be able to drain water away from your basement effectively. This can cause the drain to back up. If you think your drain was not installed properly, you should contact a plumber to have it inspected.

Frozen Drain Pipe

If your basement drain pipe is located in an unheated area, it may freeze during the winter. This can cause the drain to back up. To prevent your drain pipe from freezing, make sure it is properly insulated.

If you're having problems with a basement drain backup, the first step is to identify the cause of the problem. Once you know what's causing the backup, you can take steps to fix it.