The Five Benefits of a Basement Floor Drain and do You Need One

Here’s the truth. There was a time that the basement of a house was used mainly as a storage area for the family’s seasonal stuff. It became the headquarters for extra clothing and items that weren’t needed all the time. Frequently, basements were the place for protection from storms such as tornadoes since the foundation area offered the most safely. And it hasn’t always had the best reputation because the horror movie genre has made it the place to avoid because something dark and evil lives down there.

Have you seen the basements of today? Gone is the perception that the basement is just that extra room. Many houses have transformed the basement into a playroom or man cave or entertainment room or even a functional apartment. Because there are so many possibilities that come with the basement area, it’s essential to make sure that the lower level is free from damage that can too readily occur.  

And what is one of the most significant damages that a basement can have? Basement Repair Specialists know that the answer is: Water Damage. If you want to be specific, we can be talking about leaking, flooding, and drain blockage that can leave a foul odor permeating the air down there. There is an item that you may or may not have that can help with water in the basement.  Basement floor drains help move unwanted water away from the basement, keeping your area safe and dry.

How Does the Basement Floor Drain Work?  

Usually, the drain is placed at the lowest part of the basement floor to serve as a way for any water from a water heater, leak or rollout from heavy rain to exit the basement.

Where does a basement floor drain go? It connects to the sewage system so that it can readily flow away from your home without a problem. Some basements are lower than the sewer line it runs to, and in those cases, the best option is to connect the basement floor drain to a sewer pit with an ejection pump.

What Are Some Reasons Why You Need A Drain?  

There are several that you might want to pay attention to when it comes to your house.  

• Do you have items in your basement that need draining? Many of us have our washing machines or a laundry sink in the basement. If you have ‘tricked out’ your basement as the entertainment capital of your house, you might have installed a bathroom or sink there. You want to make sure that you have the proper drainage system so you don’t ruin anything.
• Do you want a sanitary basement? The floor drain is considered a sanitary fixture. That means it functions just like a toilet or sink or shower. It has a trap inside of it just as those items do, and it holds water to seal away any foul odors trying to get into your basement.
• Anything in the basement that can flood? A floor drain can save you from having a lot of water damage if something does happen to break and let water into your house. Sometimes flooding isn’t caught right away and having a drain there will prevent further damage. So, there is a purpose to them. We know that many people don’t even pay attention to the little circles with the grates over them. If you do have a basement floor drain, there are things to watch when it comes to maintenance.  
• Rare Use can be a problem. Because floor drains don’t get the usage that they need in order to keep working properly, the trap that holds water can dry up, allowing smells and odors into your home. An excellent suggestion is to run some water down it every so often to prevent the trap from drying out and allowing it to do its job.
• Backflow. If your city sanitary system somehow backs up, there is a possibility that the sewage can backflow into your drain, and even into your basement. An excellent way to make sure that it doesn’t happen is to check and see if you have a backwater valve that is installed on the sanitary central drainage system. It’s not a very common thing, but a professional can help you get one installed relatively quickly.
• It’s not a garbage disposal. Many people tend to see the drain and think that it is something that you can shove small pieces of junk into, and it will just float away. That is one of the worst things you can do when it comes to your drain. It will cause a blockage that will go unnoticed until you need that drain to work.

So, Do I Really Need A Floor Drain?

That’s a good question, and the truth is that the choice is really up to you. There are some obvious pros and cons to having one. It’s an excellent way to make sure you are protecting your basement in case of an emergency.  

On the flip side, you can’t leave it alone. While the basement floor drain is there for convenience and protection, you need to take care of it. It will require regular maintenance and care.  

Your basement should be important to you because it’s the foundation for your home. Without a solid foundation, the rest of the structure is at risk. Your home is vital to you because you care about your family. We want to make sure that your family is taken care of, and that means we care about your basement.

The Basement Repair Specialists are here for you, and we can answer any questions about your basement needs. We also offer free estimates so that you are well-informed about your basement before you make any decisions that you make you uncomfortable.

We are specialists with years of experience who have a desire to give our customers fair treatment and excellent work at a great price. Contact Basement Repair Specialists today for all of your needs and questions about basement drains or any concerns that you might have.

For more information about your basement repair needs, visit our Basement Repair Blog.