How to Clean Clogged Basement Drain Lines

Most homes are equipped with a basement drain line located near the water heater or in the laundry room. Often, the plumbing in a house includes a schematic in which the laundry line and the line to the kitchen sink drains near the floor drain, which makes clogs and flooding a likely issue. If your basement drain line is clogged, you may want to save a little money and try to fix it yourself before you hire a plumber.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubber gloves
• Safety glasses
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Drain machine

1. Flush the toilet. If sludge comes out your floor drain then it is likely the main sewer line. This is a simple way to discover if it is really the main sewer line or if it is just a clog in the kitchen sink line.

2. Stop using water, and ask everyone living in the household to do the same until you fix the clog.

3. Wear safety glasses, old clothes, rubber boots and rubber gloves. If there is standing water around the drain cover, clean up as much of it as possible.

4. Remove the drain cap. Depending on the type of drain cap, you may need a screwdriver or a wrench to remove the bolts or screws holding it in.

5. Get out your drain machine. There are several models available, and you may be able to find one at a tool rental store.

6. Pull out the machine's cable and hold the machine about 6 inches from the drain opening. Insert the cable into the drain and put the drain machine into reverse position and then turn the trigger switch on.

7. Move the machine toward the drain a few inches and then away from the drain a few inches when you feel the motor slow up. If your machine stops completely, turn the machine off and reverse the direction of the motor.

8. Remove the drain machine and feed the cable back into the drum when you think you have removed the clog. Flush your toilet to make sure the drain is clear. Use the drain machine again if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a drain cleaner on your basement floor drain every three months to help prevent clogs. If a particular object has clogged the drain, make sure the members of your household know what can and cannot be put down the drain. For best operating practices, read the owner's manual that came with your model of drain machine.
• Read all safety instructions on your drain machine before you begin.

References

• Plumbing Tips
• Operating a Drain Machine