Floor Drain Problems: Common Issues and How to Fix

Floor drains might not be the first thing you think about regarding your plumbing, but they are crucial in keeping your home or business dry and safe. As the owner of All Needs Plumbing, I’ve seen firsthand how neglected floor drains can cause big headaches for homeowners and commercial establishments alike. 

If you have floor drain problems, you want them sorted quickly and adequately, not patched up with DIY fixes. Let me walk you through the common issues we encounter and how we permanently fix them.

Common Causes of Floor Drain Clogs and Blockages

Floor drain clogs are among the most frequent problems we see. Understanding what causes these blockages can help you avoid them and know when to call the pros.

Hair

Hair is a major culprit, especially in bathroom and laundry drains. People shed hundreds of strands daily that can slip down the drain. Over time, hair combines with soap scum and grease to form stubborn clumps that block water flow. This is why you often find slow drainage or backups in showers or laundry areas. Regularly removing hair from drain covers can help, but professional clearing is usually needed once it’s inside the pipes.

Soap Scum

Solid bar soaps and residue from liquid soaps don’t just wash away. They build up inside pipes, mixing with dirt and hair to create a sticky, hard-to-remove blockage. Soap scum narrows the pipe diameter, slowing drainage and increasing the risk of complete clogs.

Grease and Oils

Grease is a notorious clogger in kitchens or commercial food prep areas. When poured down drains, fats and oils cool and solidify, sticking to pipe walls and trapping other debris. This crystallisation narrows pipes and can cause complete blockages if not addressed. Avoid pouring grease down drains and schedule regular professional cleaning to prevent buildup.

Dirt, Dust, and Debris

Floor drains, especially in garages or commercial spaces, catch dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris. Over time, these materials settle and combine with water to form sludge that clogs drains. Outdoor drains are particularly vulnerable to this; regular cleaning is essential to keep them flowing.

Foreign Objects

Sometimes, small items like toys, washcloths, or packaging accidentally enter floor drains. These foreign objects can lodge deep in pipes, causing blockages that require professional removal.

How We Unclog Floor Drains Professionally

When you call us, we don’t just try quick fixes. We get to the root of the problem and clear your drains thoroughly using the right tools.

Drain Snaking

We use professional drain snakes or augers to break up and remove blockages physically. Unlike DIY snakes, our equipment can reach deep clogs and clear them without damaging pipes.

Hydro Jetting

We use high-pressure water jetting to remove stubborn grease, soap scum, and sludge. This blasts away buildup inside pipes, restoring full flow and preventing future clogs.

Inspection and Diagnosis

We inspect your drains with cameras to identify hidden problems, such as pipe damage, root intrusion, or recurring blockages. This helps us recommend the best long-term solution.

Safe Cleaning Agents

When appropriate, we use enzymatic or eco-friendly drain cleaners that break down organic matter without harming your plumbing system.

Why Water Might Back Up Through Your Floor Drain

Water coming up through your floor drain is a serious sign that something’s wrong. Here’s why it happens:

Main Sewer Line Blockage

If the main sewer line is clogged or damaged, wastewater has nowhere to go and can back up through floor drains. This often happens after heavy rain or if tree roots invade sewer pipes.

Improper Venting

Plumbing vents allow air to flow through the system, helping drains work properly. If vents are blocked or missing, drains can’t function correctly, causing water to back up.

Heavy Rain or Flooding

Municipal sewer systems can get overwhelmed during storms, pushing water back into your drains. Installing backflow prevention devices can help protect your property.

Why Standing Water in Floor Drains Is Normal - and When It’s Not

Normal Water Trap Function

A small amount of water should always sit in the floor drain’s trap. This water is a barrier, preventing sewer gases from entering your home or business.

When Standing Water Signals a Problem

If you notice water pooling on the floor or the trap overflowing, it usually means a blockage or that the drain is damaged. This needs professional attention to avoid water damage and odours.

Pro-Tip: Pour a bucket of water down your floor drains monthly, especially if they’re rarely used. This keeps the water seal in the trap fresh and blocks sewer gases from escaping.

Preventative Maintenance You Can’t Skip

Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your drains working smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

1. Schedule professional drain cleaning at least once a year to clear grease, sludge, and hidden debris.

2. Avoid pouring grease, oil, or large solids down your drains.

3. Sweep or vacuum floors before washing to remove dirt and debris from floor drains.

4. Inspect drains regularly for signs of damage, slow drainage, or odours.

Pro-Tip: Use drain covers or strainers to catch hair, grease, and debris before they enter the drain. Clean these covers regularly to prevent buildup and clogs.

What if I want to avail myself of services to solve my floor drain problems?

At All Needs Plumbing, we know how disruptive floor drain problems can be at home or in your commercial space. That’s why we offer a $0 callout fee and 24/7 same-day service to get your drains flowing again fast. We’re proud to support our community with a 15% seniors’ discount and $150 off hot water systems to help you save. 

With years of experience servicing homes and businesses across St. George, Inner West, and Sutherland Shire, we offer reliable, professional solutions that last. Don’t wait for a small problem to become a costly disaster—contact us today and let us take care of your floor drain issues with the skill and care you deserve.

Available 24/7 For Emergency

1300 110 230 Get a Free Quote