3 Steps to Remove a Clog From Your Garage Floor Drain
Does your garage have a floor drain? If so, most homeowners either forget about this area of their plumbing or fail to realize its importance. That’s why we’re here to offer a friendly reminder.
Garage floor drains attract any liquids or small debris that would otherwise settle on the garage floor. Without a fully functioning garage floor drain, you would be left with standing water and other issues that could potentially lead to pest infestation and damage to other areas of your property.
To properly maintain or unclog a garage floor drain, detach the grate, remove any debris, and flush the drain with hot water. These steps are especially important if you use the garage frequently for automotive repairs or if you notice the drain isn’t clearing liquids or debris as well as it should be.
How to unclog a garage floor drain
Cleaning the garage floor drain is relatively simple, whether you have a traditional floor drain or a trench-style drain.
- Remove the grate from the drain. This is typically easy to do and shouldn’t require too much elbow grease. Detach the grate and clean it using a damp cloth.
- Remove debris from the drain. Any noticeable leaves, hair, dirt, or debris should be removed from the drain as thoroughly as possible. You can use a shovel or trowel for this project, and you might want to consider wearing plastic gloves for this step – depending on the severity of the buildup. If it has been a while since you last cleaned the garage floor drain, be prepared that this step could take some time.
- Pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain. A pot of very hot, but not boiling, water will help move any remaining debris down the drain. If you pour a pot of hot water down the drain and it is still not draining fully, you might have a clog deeper in the floor drain. Repeat the process a few times to try to dislodge any existing clogs. If you still don’t have luck after three attempts, we recommend calling a professional plumber to take a look! DO NOT use a chemical drain cleaner on your garage floor drain. This could lead to much larger problems in your plumbing system.
How often should you clean a garage drain?
Most professionals recommend adding this task to your plumbing maintenance list every four months. If you’re overdue for floor drain cleaning, set aside a few hours to keep things flowing freely.
Drain cleaning service in the Schererville area
Whether inside your home or garage, a slow or clogged drain can be a huge hassle. In some cases, they can also signal a deeper or broader plumbing issue, such as a sewer line blockage. For reliable drain cleaning service, the team to trust is Reichelt Plumbing. Schedule an appointment today by calling (219) 322-4906.