How to Clean a Floor Drain

A basement floor drain.

Finding standing water on your basement or garage floor is a good indication that the floor drain is in need of cleaning. Floor drain clogs are a nuisance and leave the immediate area smelling less than inviting. A drain auger, more commonly called a snake, down the drainpipe will help clean out the most stubborn clogs. Any homeowner willing to roll up their sleeves and take on this project can save a lot of money.

Things You'll Need

• Waterproof gloves
• Safety glasses
• Standard head screwdriver
• Electric drain auger (rented)
• Adjustable wrench
• Bucket
• Scrub brush
• Mild dishwashing liquid

Instructions

Cleaning the Drain

1. Remove the strainer that covers the drain using a long-handled standard head screwdriver. Wear a pair of waterproof gloves.

2. Locate the clean-out plug down in the drain basin. Remove the plug by twisting it in a counterclockwise motion with an adjustable wrench.

3. Plug in the electric auger and place it in close proximity to the drain. Set the foot operation pedal in an area convenient to use.

4. Feed a few feet of the auger cable down the drainpipe and set the auger for clockwise rotation. Step on the foot pedal and begin rotating the cable.

5. Continue feeding the cable into the pipe until there is noticeable resistance or the motor begins to lag. Stop the motor and set the auger for counterclockwise rotation.

6. Back the cable out a couple of feet. Stop the motor and switch it back over to clockwise rotation. Continue feeding the cable down the drain. Repeat the process until the clog is gone.

7. Pull the auger cable completely free of the opening and pour several buckets of hot water down the drain. If it still drains slow, run approximately 2 feet of the auger cable directly down the open trap and rotate in a clockwise direction.

8. Reverse the direction and pull the cable out of the drain. Run a couple more buckets of hot water down the drain.

9. Wrap the threads of the clean-out plug with Teflon tape, which is available at home improvement outlets. Replace it and tighten in a clockwise motion with the adjustable wrench.

10. Wash off the strainer by adding a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid to the surface and scrubbing with a stiff bristled brush under a faucet. Rinse it well and place it over the drain.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a professional at the equipment rental company instruct you on the use of the auger if you have not used one before. Wear gloves and safety glasses to avoid contamination with sewage sludge. Hometips.com offers an excellent layout of how home plumbing works, which can help in determining the location of clogs.

• Always replace the clean-out plug. The clean-out plug keeps toxic sewage gases from entering your home or garage.

References

• Auger cleaning of drain.

Resources

• How Plumbing Works