The Best Ways to Clear a Clogged Floor Drain
On the floor of your home's utility areas such as the laundry room, basement, and garage, lives a hardworking, underappreciated piece of plumbing known as a floor drain. Although it tends to be neglected and often doesn't get the regular cleaning it needs for optimal performance, your floor drain
Posted — UpdatedFor this multi-step process, you'll need:
Phillips screwdriver.
Rubber gloves.
Disposable waterproof container to collect gunk.
Old toothbrush.
A 1-lb box of baking soda.
A 32-oz bottle of vinegar.
Boiling water.
2. Reach into the drain to scoop out gunk with your hands. Dispose of it in the container you have at the ready.
3. Scrub with the toothbrush to get rid of stuck-on dirt or sediment.
4. Pour a quart of boiling water into the drain opening and let it soak for 10 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the drain with the entire contents of the box of baking powder, trying to distribute it evenly.
6. Follow up with a 32-ounce bottle of white vinegar. Combined with the baking powder, it will fizz up and create a powerful cleaning action.
7. Once again, let everthing sit for 10 minutes. Then slowly flush with an additional quart of boiling water.
8. Replace the drain cover.
If this is not successful, try clearing the drain gently with a manual plumber's snake. Rotate the snake as you insert it. When you feel resistance, you'll know you've reached the source of the blockage. Try to hook the snake onto the clog and keep pushing in order to break it up. Slowly rotate the snake as you withdraw it. Wipe it down with old rags and repeat if necessary. Flush the drain with a stream of water. Once the drain is clear, replace the cover.
But why wait for a plumbing emergency? Savvy homeowners have their drains professionally cleaned every three to five years as a part of their preventive maintenance schedule.