When was the last time you thought about your home’s floor drainage? If you are like most people who live in Boca Raton and beyond, you rarely think about floor drainage. After all, what is out of sight tends to be out of mind. The average homeowner rarely looks down at the floor drain within the garage, basement, bathroom, laundry room, driveway or patio. However, if the floor drain is not functioning properly, you will have myriad problems at your Boca Raton property. These drains serve the essential purpose of draining water in an efficient manner so it does not inundate living spaces. Here is a quick look at some helpful floor drainage tips provided by our Boca Raton plumbing team.
1) Address Clogs Sooner Rather Than Later
Debris of varying types will inevitably accumulate along your floor. From dust bunnies to random gunk brought in from outdoors, pet hair and beyond, all sorts of debris will eventually clog the floor drain. If the floor drain is draining slowly, there is a good chance it is clogged. Ideally, you will identify the clog immediately after it forms and takes timely action. In some cases, a couple of powerful pumps with a plunger will clear out minor clogging. If this does not work, a combination of vinegar and baking soda just might help clear the clog. If there is a drain auger, feed its cable in the drain until it can go no further. Turn the cable once you meet resistance and attempt to pull out the blockage that is impeding the drain. Do not hesitate to reach out to our Boca Raton plumbers for assistance. We will clear the drain clog on your behalf to ensure your floor drain functions without flaw.
2) Clean the Floor Drains With Regularity
Our Boca Raton plumbing team is often asked how frequently floor drains should be cleaned. In general, it is best to clean floor drains at least once every three months. Take a close look at these drains for debris every few months and perform a thorough clearing if any impediments are present. A liquid drain cleaner will help clean the floor drains. However, if the drains have not been cleaned in half a year, a year or longer, it is better to lean on our Boca Raton plumbing crew to perform the cleaning on your behalf. Let us perform a comprehensive yearly clean to prevent the formation of clogs and you will rest easy knowing your floor drains function exactly as they should.
3) Mind the Traps
Traps are built into floor drains to stop sewer gases and odors from moving through the drain into your Boca Raton home. Fill the traps with regularity so they function exactly as designed. Dump a gallon of water into the floor drain. The water fills the trap, generating a barrier between the sewer system and your living space.
4) Unclog Your Floor Drain With a Plunger or Drain Snake
The application of vacuum pressure will help pull the gunk out of your clogged floor drain. Put the plunger in the hole. If necessary, add petroleum jelly to the plunger sides to bolster its grip. Plunge the clog with all your might at least a few times. Make sure you have a couple of cleaning cloths and gloves on-hand just in case this unclogging attempt proves messy. If the clogged gunk appears after you apply the plunger, remove and dispose of it. Run some hot water through the drain and replace the cap over the drain top.
You can also use a drain snake to clear the clog. Also known as a plumber’s snake, a drain snake is a lengthy steel wire with a hook on the end that pulls out the clogged gunk within the drain. Put the snake directly into the drain until it stops at the clog. Rotate the snake so the hook digs right into the clog. Pull the snake upward at this point. Rotate the snake, pull it out and inspect it. Repeat this process over and over until the clog clears. It will help to have a few paper towels at your side so you can wipe the waste off the snake. Furthermore, the application of hot water after running the snake will help clear any remaining gunk out of the drain. However, there is a chance the clog will prove stubborn to the point that the snake does not remove the gunk. If this is the case, lean on our Boca Raton plumbers for professional drain-cleaning assistance.
We’re Here to Help
When it comes to Boca Raton plumbing, no one does it better than our team. If you have any plumbing problems, questions or concerns, reach out to us at (561) 782-2779.
