How to Unclog Floor Drains

You can unclog a floor drain without the aid of a plumber.

Floor drains, especially those located in basements, serve a vital role. Though they're often forgotten or disregarded, a working drain will save the day if the basement becomes flooded. Floor drains are also helpful if it becomes necessary to drain a hot water heater or a backed-up washing machine. Therefore, it is necessary to unclog a floor drain as soon as possible in order to prevent further predicaments down the road. Once equipped with the necessary tools, you can clear a floor drain in short order.

Things You'll Need

• Electric power auger with a minimum 50 foot cable
• Screwdriver (optional)
• Adjustable wrench
• Bucket
• Teflon tape

Instructions

1. Remove the screen or grate from the top of the floor drain, if necessary. In most cases, the grate will simply lift off of the drain. Some grates, however, will be fastened to the top of the drain with a screw. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw.

2. Remove the clean-out plug located within the drain basin. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the plug counterclockwise. By removing the plug, you bypass the drain's trap, which makes it easier to reach the clogs further down the line. If the plug is rusted in place or your floor drain doesn't have a plug, you may still insert the power auger cable directly down the drain. This approach, however, will require more effort to guide the cable through the trap.

3. Plug the power auger into an electrical outlet and position it near the floor drain. Set the auger for clockwise rotation and guide roughly 5 feet of cable into the clean-out opening or drain. Press the foot pedal to begin the rotation of the cable. Continue feeding the cable through the drain pipe. When the cable encounters the clog, the auger's motor will begin to struggle. At this point, reverse the rotation of the auger and withdraw approximately 3 feet of cable.

4. Switch the auger rotation back to clockwise and once again guide the cable forward into the clog. Push the cable a bit further than last time. If the motor bogs down, reverse rotation and pull back. Continue this process until the clog has been completely removed.

5. Remove the auger cable from the drain after the clog has been removed. Pour five to seven buckets of hot water down the opening of the floor drain. If the water does not adequately drain, continue clearing the line with the auger. Also, if you bypassed the trap through the clean-out plug, insert 2 to 3 feet of cable into the trap to clean it out as well.

6. Apply Teflon tape to the threads of the clean-out plug before replacing it in the drain basin. The tape will guard against corrosion and make the plug easier to remove in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• You can rent power augers at most hardware stores, home building supply centers and/or rental stores.

References

• This Old House: Clear Any Clogged Drain
• HomeTips.com: How to Unclog a Floor Drain