Essential Floor Drain Maintenance

Floor drains are commonly seen in public restrooms, but they're also found in commercial kitchens, garages, patios, driveways, basements, warehouses, and even some residential bathrooms and laundry rooms. These unassuming drains help prevent flooding by capturing overflow from sinks, toilets, tubs, rain, and more, directing the water safely to a sewer or storm drain.

Tackling Foul Odors

If you have floor drains in your home or business and notice foul odors, it's likely because the traps have dried out. Similar to your bathroom sink, floor drains have a U-shaped P-trap pipe designed to hold water, creating a barrier that blocks sewer gases from entering the room. Those gases can escape when the trap dries out, leading to unpleasant smells. To fix this, pour a bucket of water into the drain—ideally a gallon or more. This seals off the sewer gases and lets you check if the drain is functioning correctly. If the water doesn't flow through, your drain might be clogged.

Preventing Clogs and Maintaining Your Floor Drains

Floor drains can become clogged more quickly than others since they're located on the floor where dirt and debris accumulate. People often sweep debris into the drain, worsening the problem. Avoid doing this to keep your drains clear.

If sewer gas is an issue and your floor drains don't get much use, refilling the traps with water about once a month is a good idea. Additionally, you should thoroughly test the drain at least twice a year. If it's slow or clogged, try using a crank snake to remove the blockage. However, a hand auger might only reach part of the blockage since floor drains are often connected to long pipes. In such cases, it's best to call a professional drain cleaning service like Pam's Plumbing to ensure the job is done right.