Floor drain

Floor drains are often installed in the lowest lying area of a basement environment. The purpose of the drain is to prevent water from flooding this area of the home. If the basement leaks, the water should be sent out through the drain before it is ever able to puddle up on the floor. However, these drains are not the best "waterproofing" system to have installed in a home, and they often times fall short when it comes to preventing serious moisture problems.

It is not uncommon to see these drains installed in older homes, along with damp-proofing materials on the outside of the foundation walls. In times past, builders believed that this was the best way to waterproof the basement of a home. However, as time went on, more and more homeowners started to notice that these drains were not doing a very efficient job at keeping water out. They can also become clogged with dirt, and it is also not uncommon for tree roots to grow through them and prevent the flow of water altogether. However, it is still important to have a floor drain since they can be helpful in situations where a pipe bursts and water is spilling out all over the floor. The moisture can be quickly pushed out of the home with a functioning drain system in the floor.

Importance of Preventing Water Build-Up Under a Home

It is important to be sure that you don't have moisture building up under your home since it can cause a variety of serious problems. This water could cause issues for the structural integrity of your home by damaging wooden support beams, floor joists, and other structures that are partially responsible for holding up the building's weight. Additionally, this moisture can lead to the development of mold under your home. When you have mold, you're going to have poor indoor air quality, and this can cause many different serious medical conditions.

Fixing a Clogged Floor Drain

It may be a good idea to first call a plumber to determine where and why the drain is clogged. They should be able to come to your home and use a special camera to see inside the drain. This may help them to pinpoint the clogged area and it will help you to better understand why water isn't being properly drained away. The plumber may be able to remove the clog on their own and fix the problem. They may be able to give you helpful tips, as well, for preventing the clog again in the future.

Additionally, it is a good idea to get a sump pump installed together with an interior drainage system. This will provide a home with the ultimate protection it needs against unwanted leaks and moisture problems in a home. The sump is installed above a pit in the floor. Interior drainage lines are connected to the pump. Once water inside of the pit or "basin" reaches a certain level, it will be pushed out and away from the home. There are many different models available for you to choose from, and your waterproofing contractor will be able to help you choose one that is the right capacity for your home. Battery back-up sump pumps are also available and they can kick into gear if the primary pump ever experiences a malfunction, or if the power goes out.