If you’ve ever had a floor drain get clogged, you know how annoying and aggravating it can be. Whether you own a home or run a business, a clogged floor drain can make it impossible to go about your daily tasks or run your business. If you don’t address the problem promptly, it could lead to unpleasant odours, unsanitary conditions, or even water damage. At All Needs Plumbing, we know how to unblock floor drains quickly and safely, so you don’t have to deal with these problems and can get back to what’s essential.
Why Floor Drains Get Blocked
Floor drains are designed to carry away excess water from floors in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and commercial spaces. However, over time, they can become clogged due to various reasons. The most common causes include:
Hair and Soap Scum
In residential bathrooms and commercial washrooms, hair and soap residues accumulate and stick to the inside of pipes, gradually narrowing the flow path until a blockage forms.
Grease and Food Waste
In commercial kitchens, grease, oils, and food scraps often enter floor drains. These substances solidify and create stubborn clogs that restrict drainage.
Foreign Objects
Small items, such as jewellery, paper towels, or packaging materials, can accidentally fall into floor drains and cause blockages.
Tree Roots and Pipe Damage
Roots from nearby trees can sometimes infiltrate underground pipes, causing cracks and blockages. Damaged or collapsed pipes also disrupt normal drainage.
Poor Plumbing Venting and Heavy Rain
Improper venting can cause slow drainage and backups. Additionally, heavy rainfall can overwhelm municipal sewer systems, causing water to back up through floor drains.
Understanding why your floor drain is blocked helps us select the most effective and safest method to clear it.
Why You Should Call Professionals to Unblock Floor Drains
With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, I’ve seen countless cases where well-meaning DIY attempts have only made matters worse. Chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix, but they often fail to eliminate deep clogs and can cause damage to pipes over time. Similarly, using the wrong tools or applying too much force can damage your plumbing, which can be costly to repair.
At All Needs Plumbing, we bring professional expertise and specialised equipment to the job. We utilise advanced drain snakes, hydrojetting machines, and CCTV cameras to thoroughly and safely diagnose and clear blockages. Our approach is designed to work well for both homes and businesses, making it flexible.
Our Proven Process to Unblock Floor Drains
When you call us, we don’t just rush in with a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we follow a careful, step-by-step process designed to clear your floor drains efficiently and prevent future problems:
Take off the drain cover and clear out any foreign stuff you can see
We begin by carefully removing the drain cover to avoid damage. Often, the clog is close to the surface — hair, dirt, or rubbish that can be scooped out by hand or with simple tools. Clearing this visible debris is essential before moving deeper into the pipes.
Use professional drain snakes or augers to reach deep clogs
For blockages further down, we use a professional drain snake or auger. This flexible tool is fed down the drain and rotated to break up or pull out stubborn clogs, such as hairballs, grease, or trapped objects. Unlike harsh chemicals, this method is safe for your pipes and highly effective.
Apply eco-friendly cleaning agents if needed to dissolve organic matter
We prefer using enzymatic or eco-friendly drain cleaners that work by breaking down organic waste gradually and safely. These products don’t harm your pipes or the environment and help maintain clear drains over time.
Employ high-pressure jetting for stubborn blockages
Hydro jetting blasts grease, sludge, and other things stuck to pipe walls with a high-pressure water stream. When grease builds up in commercial kitchens or older plumbing systems, this method proves particularly useful. It also keeps the pipes clean, which keeps them from getting clogged again.
Conduct CCTV inspections to find hidden problems like root intrusion
Sometimes, blockages are caused by hidden issues such as tree roots invading the pipes or damaged sections of plumbing. We don’t have to dig up your pipes to use our CCTV cameras to look inside them. This allows us to determine the exact reason for the blockage and its location, enabling us to provide the best possible answer.
Test the drain to confirm it’s fully cleared
After clearing the blockage, we run water through the drain to confirm it flows freely and there are no remaining obstructions. This final step ensures your floor drain is working correctly before we finish the job.
Pro-Tip: Pour hot water down your floor drains regularly to help remove grease and soap scum before they build up. This simple habit can prevent many common blockages and keep your drains flowing smoothly.
What to Do When Your Floor Drain Backs Up
If your floor drain backs up, it’s essential to act quickly. Do not use water in the damaged area to prevent further flooding and damage. Avoid trying to fix the problem yourself with chemical cleaners or makeshift tools, as these can worsen the blockage or damage your pipes.
Instead, call a professional plumber like us at All Needs Plumbing as soon as you notice slow drainage, foul odours, or water pooling around the drain. Taking action early can save you money and prevent the need for expensive repairs later on.
Pro-Tip: Use drain strainers or screens in commercial kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms to prevent hair, food scraps, and other debris from clogging the drain. This small action can help you avoid paying a significant amount for plumbing emergencies and clogs.
FAQs About How to Unblock Floor Drains
What to do when your floor drain backs up?
Immediately stop using water and call a professional plumber. Repairing work yourself could lead to more damage or health risks.
Why is my floor drain backing up?
Some common reasons include grease buildup, foreign objects, tree roots entering the sewer line, or issues with the main sewer line.
Is it normal for water to sit in a floor drain?
Yes, a small amount of water sitting in the drain’s trap is normal and necessary to block sewer gases from entering your home or workplace. However, persistent standing water or slow drainage usually indicates a blockage.
Should you pour water in a floor drain?
Yes, regularly pouring water into your floor drains keeps the trap filled and prevents sewer gases from escaping into your space.
What happens if you put too much baking soda in a drain?
Too much baking soda can make a thick paste when mixed with vinegar or water. If this paste isn’t flushed away properly, it can exacerbate blockages. Always use baking soda in recommended amounts and follow with plenty of water.
What if I Need Help to Unblock Floor Drains?
We can help you if your floor drain is clogged and you want it fixed right the first time. Our team doesn’t charge a fee to come to your home or business to unblock floor drains. We offer same-day service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because we know that problems don’t wait for work hours.
Additionally, seniors receive a 15% discount, and new hot water systems are $150 off. As a result, our services are affordable for everyone. Don’t let a clogged drain cause problems in your home or business. Contact us immediately to ensure your plumbing is done correctly.
You can trust All Needs Plumbing to clear out your floor drains quickly, safely, and correctly. We know how to keep your drains working well and have the right tools for the job. Call us right now!
